Sliding door issue...

[markuszoom5]

Got tired of not being able to close either of the sliding doors after opening them, when it's below freezing. Worst is after washing car or a thaw and refreeze. Going to dealer today and getting loaner. Still have the power care extended warranty that was never used so now is the time. I took videos of issue and washed my car yesterday. Will report back what happens...I usually never open them, but why have the hassle when driving family around. I lubed before and did lots of things and it did not help...spray lube, silicone lube, lithium lube, you name it...what does everyone think?

 

[Indelibility]

I think it's an issue we all deal with. Sucks.

 

[MR6]

sorry to hear this is an issue for some folks. after 5 years of ownership my 09 has never done it. and I don't anything at all to the seals. now watch it happen tomorrow.

 

[markuszoom5]

Do you wash you car when it's really cold?

sorry to hear this is an issue for some folks. after 5 years of ownership my 09 has never done it. and I don't anything at all to the seals. now watch it happen tomorrow.

This usually happens to me after a thaw/freeze situation or if I wash my car through an automatic car wash. The water gets into the lock mechanism and freezes. After opening the door, the ice breaks up inside and prevents the latch from engaging. It's really annoying and sometimes takes 5-10 min to close. Sometimes I let the car heat up because it will not close. Once I had to pour hot water on the door. I have dropped it off at dealer and am currently driving a 2013 Mazda 6 loaner which I hate because it feels like I fall into a hole every time I get in.

 

[MR6]

wow that sucks. of all things to deal with. I bet you've had ur kids crawl through the rear hatch on occasion. 5-10 minutes?! I think I would go postal.

and yeah I wash my van when it's really cold. I did it just last week. I've always have a habit of wiping down the door jambs and seals though. maybe that's why I've never had it freeze up in me?

 

[markuszoom5]

I don't have kids yet, bought the car because it was ridiculously cheap for what it is. Like the versatility, door issue is not really a big problem but it bothers me. I go through blower when I wash it and also dry it by hand and it will happens. I hate it. I am so good at predicting when it won't close it's ridiculous...

 

[torquelover]

Our MZ5 gets washed weekly now due to the amount of snow and salt we have had this winter, and then freezes over immediately after pulling out of the tunnel but the doors still open/close fine so I hope your issue is an easy fix for you. If this makes anyone feel better, I had a new 2014 VW product with 400 miles on it a few weeks ago that requires the window to roll down to open the door, and then roll up once closed. This system failed, preventing me from closing the door. So I was driving a brand new $30k VW that I had to hold the door closed in as I drove.

You could apply enough grease to the lock mech to not allow water to enter it and freeze if the dealer cannot help you.

 

[markuszoom5]

So Mazda dealer replicated the problem as well as I had 2 videos. They agreed to fix it under extended warranty and ordered all the parts. There will be lots of internal stuff replaced. The cost will be around $1000 if not more as they have to do both doors. I am only paying $50 deductible. Thank god for extended warranty that I bought. Currently driving loaner 2013 mazda 6 gas guzzler, oh the car is big and comfortable but it has a big appetite...parts will be in Wednesday and I was told to be patient...lol

 

[markuszoom5]

Regarding your VW, I had one brand new and traded it after 5 years. I hated that car, all kinds of electronic problems and eventually could not open gas tank. Sound familiar? It was the child of the devil, that car ...

 

[Indelibility]

So Mazda dealer replicated the problem as well as I had 2 videos. They agreed to fix it under extended warranty and ordered all the parts. There will be lots of internal stuff replaced. The cost will be around $1000 if not more as they have to do both doors. I am only paying $50 deductible. Thank god for extended warranty that I bought. Currently driving loaner 2013 mazda 6 gas guzzler, oh the car is big and comfortable but it has a big appetite...parts will be in Wednesday and I was told to be patient...lol

Gas guzzler?

 

[MR6]

Gas guzzler?

I was wondering the same thing. is the 2013 the previous gen instead the new skyactiv?

 

[markuszoom5]

Gas guzzler?

As in Engine 3.7L V-6 Power 272 @ 6,250 rpm
18 City / 27 HWY (I have yet to see 27 highway, more like 22 highway)....
That that answer your question LOL.
A V6 is a V6, it does not matter if it's a 3.1 or a 5.0 L, it guzzles gas, there is 2 more cylinders, that's just it.
The darn thing is beautifully powerful and quick but it's not worth my time with today's gas prices.
That is what baffles me a bout people with 4,500 lbs SUV's and macro mini-vans.
My MZ5 has just a little less room but it's versatile and it's has excellent gas mileage compared to a V6 Sienna or Odyssey.
I guess I am just not big on having to be able to accelerate from 0-60 in 6 secs. hahaha
Then you have a Mazda 6 V6, what is the point?

 

[markuszoom5]

I was wondering the same thing. is the 2013 the previous gen instead the new skyactiv?

It's previous gen alright. More like V6 Detroit style gen. It's like there are little gnomes with buckets of gas pouring it in...lol.
Can't wait to have my car back, until then I will wear sunglasses and pretend that I am a d-bag with a black 272 HP Mazda 6.
I might have to buy cologne from Macy's now.

 

[Indelibility]

It's previous gen alright. More like V6 Detroit style gen. It's like there are little gnomes with buckets of gas pouring it in...lol.
Can't wait to have my car back, until then I will wear sunglasses and pretend that I am a d-bag with a black 272 HP Mazda 6.
I might have to buy cologne from Macy's now.

Guess some people like a faster car?

 

[markuszoom5]

Still don't have my car back and driving around in Mazda 6. I am getting used to this monster engine. I might not want to give it back. Anybody else had sliding doors latch fixed and how long did it take them to do parts, repair, etc.

 

[MR6]

It's previous gen alright. More like V6 Detroit style gen. It's like there are little gnomes with buckets of gas pouring it in...lol.
Can't wait to have my car back, until then I will wear sunglasses and pretend that I am a d-bag with a black 272 HP Mazda 6.
I might have to buy cologne from Macy's now.

lol that explains it!

 

[markuszoom5]

Finally got my car back after almost 2 weeks. They replaced both latches and they were covered by my extended warranty (thank god). I don't know what they did to them but they latch now even when frozen. Then I got silicone lubricant from Lowe's and then I hit the rollers, and everything that svivels and moves. Holy mackerel, the doors feel like they are automatic, and no dragging noise when they move at all.

 

[twintrbo]

I just recently siliconed my sliders and the difference is just as dramatic as you said. I wonder if you hit all the rollers you needed to the first time around before the dealer got it. Each track has 3 rollers and the top 2 are nearly invisible unless you get on the floor, those are the ones that made the difference. Once it soaked in the next day it got even better! Love those doors again

 

[bubuski]

How do i lube the doors? Which silicone is good for cars?