Owners of some 2004-09 Mazda models may come into your store with a complaint of a clunking or banging noise and/or a jolt from the front after the vehicle sits for several hours.
According to Mazda, the symptoms usually occur on initial forward movement as the speed of the vehicle approaches 6 mph, and are due to the ABS/TCS/DSC systems performing a self-test to ensure proper operation prior to launch.
Though the sensations may be alarming, inform your customers that they're normal and that no repairs are required.
Vehicles that include the self-test are 2004-09 RX-8s, 2006-08 MX-5s, 2007-08 MAZDASPEED3s and 2007-09 Mazda3, CX-7 and CX-9 models.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].