Seized Fuel Caps on 2008.5 Mazda3

[mikehami]

Hopefully our moderator will sticky this one, since it's a serious issue that Mazda Canada knows about but is ignoring.

Today, in -35C temperature, my gas cap on my new 2008.5 Mazda3 seized while taking it off to refill at the gas station. We have a 2005 Mazda3 also and this never happened before. Fortunately, I had enough gas in the tank left to get to my Mazda service dealer. The CSR referred me immediately to the service manager, as they knew this wasn't the first time this happened. He said something about me crossthreading the cap on. I told him that this was a design fault on the 2008.5, and it had never happened on our 2005. He immediately had a new cap installed. I then asked him to show me the defective cap, so I could compare it to the cap on the older 2005. He then owned up, and showed me that the defective cap has a triangular ridge in the white plastic and that this is very easily crossthreaded such that the cap needs to be broken to remove it. The new cap he put on has a rectangular shape in the white plastic of the cap, not triangular. I went home and found the cap on the 2005 is exactly the same as the new one he put on. Quelle surprise!

My advice to any of you who own a 2008.5 Mazda3 is to go directly to your dealer and get them to proactively replace the gas cap with a new one with the rectangular ridge in the plastic. Do not wait for the cap to become crossthreaded. It will become crossthreaded due to poor design. In cold temperatures where you might have to rely on fuel for the car's engine for heat, this is a serious safety issue. Running low on gas and not being able to refill with a seized cap could be very dangerous. I am glad it happened to me and not to my younger daughter when she was using the car. I'm an old fogey who has had enough crappy vehicles over the years to know this isn't normal! Kudoes to the service manager who at least did the right thing and put a new cap on!

BTW, I phoned Mazda Canada to tell them to get on this and issue a safety bulletin. Their CSR logged the details but frankly I doubt that Mazda really cares about making this right. If they did, they would send a letter to all 2008.5 owners telling them to replace the cap now. The CSR wouldn't even assure me that someone would phone me back to tell me what they were planning about this. Don't hold your breath...go directly to your dealer and get this serious safety issue of a defective fuel filler cap taken care of now! Don't wait until it is -35C or you are almost out of fuel for the cap to seize! I am waiting for Moday to report this to the consumer protection people in Ottawa, since the CSR told me that they have to wait until they are ordered to to issue a recall. What kind of a company is Mazda if this is their response? You'd think in this economic environment they would bend over backward to do the right thing to keep customers by making things right! Anywat, be forewarned!

[x_o_k_x]

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=27517&page=2

here is someone else with the same problem

[mikehami]

Thanks. I did see that this is an issue for others before my post. My post above refers to why it is an issue = a design fault in the white plastic portion on the cap that is inherent on the 2008.5 caps and not on the earlier models. Go to your dealer, tell them that the new caps are defective and poorly designed with a triangular ridge that seizes in the threads compared to the older rectangular ridge in the earlier caps. Your service people will know what you are talking about. You'll be glad you did when someone else reports their cap has seized and they couldn't refuel!

[Propofol]

I'll try and get this addressed with my 16k service next month.

[Halogen]

Wonder why they would change the design ?

[TheMAN]

it's already a TSB in the US, so I imagine its the same in canada

[mazda lover]

it's already a TSB in the US, so I imagine its the same in canada

don't count on it, there is a lot of TSBs that do not apply to Canadian cars, but hopefully the TSB will reach us...

[VWisTROUBLE]

wow good thing i saw this i just thought it was doing it because of the cold...
definately gonna get at MOT for a replacement...
it was really starting to bug me last night...

[Ogata]

I haven't had issues with my gas cap not coming out and its almost a near now since I've had it.

[Swerny]

Mine has always been sticky when removing it. I have to tighten it again and then pull it off.

It's never been smooth.

I'll be in for service at MoT next week so I'll have them look at it then.

[STeeLy]

I got mine fixed at MoT under Warranty... so it should be ok...

[Jeff0]

any :pics comparison for the two gas cap. Thanks!

[Brammer]

Knowing about that issue, I checked the cap before I took delivery. Its okay so far at 3000 km.

[Ogata]

any :pics comparison for the two gas cap. Thanks!

I would like some pictures also to see the difference. Is it the orange plastic thats on the end where you stick your gas cap in?

[Krakor]

I had this happen the night it was -22 degrees celsius.
I had to turn and turn a few times until I finally got it off or I was going to be sleeping in my car until I was able to get it off! I was almost completely empty!

So far it happened only once but I did notice that it took a little more pressure than usual to get it off.

Hmmm...

[michaelm]

Today is the second time it happened to me. First time was at first fill up back in August 08... Today when I tried to gas up, the cap was seized. I have to go into the dealership before work to have it fixed AGAIN. I still have a 1/4 tank left... sighhhhhhhhhhhh

[Krakor]

My gas cap has white plastic on it. I don't see any orange stuff.

[Ogata]

My gas cap has white plastic on it. I don't see any orange stuff.

It may have turned orange after a few fill ups... I'll double check the next time I fill up.

[coyote]

My'06 had the gas cap stick so it wouldn't turn and when i closed the hatch it broke completely. Was covered under warranty.

[Krakor]

It may have turned orange after a few fill ups... I'll double check the next time I fill up.

Are you talking about the orange rubber under the cap on the white plastic?

I see that.

[Ogata]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v370/Ogata04/02152009288.jpg

Ok so I finally took a picture but here is the orange liner I was talking about

[Krakor]

Ok. I see it now. Mine looks the same.

Is there a replacement?
If so what is the difference?

Thanks.

[huyzel]

interesting...
so there isn't any improved design? if it breaks, they just replace it with the same part?
can someone who's had theirs replaced help clarify?

[bunchi]

is this only for 2008.5? what about 2008's? anybody have any picture of the 2 so we can compare?

[x_o_k_x]

24k and so far so good... I fill up at an empty line or little below that, hopefully it won't happen to me, cuz that would really suck and I probably wont even get to the dealer like that..How did it happen to you guys and not me, how do you normally close/twist your gas cap?
But yeah Can anyone take a picture of replacement part, so that we can see how it looks like and difference between too.

[iafrate]

This happened to me a couple of weeks ago. I broke the cap off trying to unscrew it - 09 M3 - I've only had it since Feb... Anyway, I took it to Ajax Mazda, and they replaced it no questions asked...

[iafrate]

interesting...
so there isn't any improved design? if it breaks, they just replace it with the same part?
can someone who's had theirs replaced help clarify?

The new one looks completely different - in my case anyway - its not threaded anymore... I'm not sure how to describe it, it's more like a lock with notches?

[ardeep]

Guess What happened yesterday.... yep you guessed it .. GAS CAP SEIZED... I head into the gas station on reserve and wanted to fill up tried to open the GAS CAP... SHEESH it wouldn't budge, tried tried.. and the bloody sheit Broke off... now all is left is a 2 piece gas cap...and ...

would it be covered in warranty.. car is indeed a 2009 mazda 3 gt.

[-cj-]

The new one looks completely different - in my case anyway - its not threaded anymore... I'm not sure how to describe it, it's more like a lock with notches?

Can you take a picture? Mine was replaced under the TSB, but it doesn't sound like it's the same one...

[Zaku_4]

this has happened on my mx5 recently too lol

common part, common problem?

[ardeep]

Well I went into Direct Mazda thats where I get my oil changes done... So they covered it under warranty and replaced it no charge :) i'm a happy guy now ....

[k-existence]

ah shit.

yes can someone do a before and after pic lol which one is bad and which one is good?

my 1 year is up on the 27th... should i get this fuel cap replaced before that... (otherwise after 1 year its gonna cost me?...no idea cuz i haven't gotten anything repaired under warranty yet).. and what do you ask for when you go in?!

@ardeep... how the service at Direct Mazda? I was planning to go their for my repairs since its closest to me.

[ardeep]

well direct mazda are ok/good in the way that they aren't always busy so you can do walk in's as well .. but you dont' get any TM3 discount or anything... even though the owner or mountain mazda owns direct mazda (came to know this on the first visit). Anyways... they charge the regular fees and get things done right away..
- 1st oil change was on a long weekend all mazda's were busy as hell i walked in and they did the oil change right away
- 2nd I booked on line the day of the oil change...at about 10 am and went in around 5:30 and left around 6:30ish.. i was the 3rd in line.. and the car before me had some major issues.
- yesterday - Gas cap 5 min all done..

[Karen Lee-McNair]

There were some bad batches that went out, but the new ones have no problem.
This should be under warranty - do not pay for this within 3 years and/or 80,000 km.

[Karen Lee-McNair]

ah shit.

yes can someone do a before and after pic lol which one is bad and which one is good?

my 1 year is up on the 27th... should i get this fuel cap replaced before that... (otherwise after 1 year its gonna cost me?...no idea cuz i haven't gotten anything repaired under warranty yet).. and what do you ask for when you go in?!

@ardeep... how the service at Direct Mazda? I was planning to go their for my repairs since its closest to me.

This is covered for the full 3 year comprehensive warranty.

It only went on a few cars, and usually on 2008's.

[k-existence]

Thanks Karen. Good to know.
Can I just come in and get it check out (and replaced if needed) or does it need to be seized before I can fix it?

[Karen Lee-McNair]

for sure! this doesn't take long, so just come in and see me, I have m3 gas caps in stk

[k-existence]

Sweet.
Thanks Karen! Are you always in? I'll be coming in on a saturday... maybe not this saturday or next saturday but the one after? haha

also do you have "touch up paint pen/bottle" I need one

[Karen Lee-McNair]

Sweet.
Thanks Karen! Are you always in? I'll be coming in on a saturday... maybe not this saturday or next saturday but the one after? haha

also do you have "touch up paint pen/bottle" I need one

SORRY, after 13 years on the front line, i finally get saturdays off!! woohoo!!
if you get me your colour code, i can see if i have a pen in stk.
bottles no longer exist, and i have none in stock.

[FLIPDADY]

Looking at both the old caps and the updated one's there is a slight difference in the design of the caps threads. I'll try and snap a pic.

[k-existence]

awe damn i only go to Scarborough on saturdays.. well not i might have to make an exception. grrr and whats with dealership closed early friday nights and sundays!

I have 16W... black mica but it looks like black pearly finish... is that the right code o.O i don't want a flat black

[FLIPDADY]

Old cap design.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/AJBOY_99/caps002.jpg

New updated design.
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y226/AJBOY_99/caps001.jpg

[TheMAN]

looks almost like what they did with the CX-7 gas caps lol

[k-existence]

Thanks for the photo!!

*phew i have the new one...
so im safe with the updated design rite...?

[TheMAN]

funny how the "new" cap looks like the perfecting working original one on my 05

[liquidzyklon]

Boo! My 2008 (not 2008.5) has the old cap design.

[Karen Lee-McNair]

hahaha! I'm open 4 late nights 'til 8pm, does that help?
I will PM you on the pen tomorrow.

P.S. There is No WAy I'm working on Sundays! Lol! But I must admit, I ha e spoken to them about opening Parts and Service half days on Sundays to see how it goes, sorry, but no one had my back. Wonder why? Lol!

awe damn i only go to Scarborough on saturdays.. well not i might have to make an exception. grrr and whats with dealership closed early friday nights and sundays!

I have 16W... black mica but it looks like black pearly finish... is that the right code o.O i don't want a flat black

[k-existence]

hahaha! I'm open 4 late nights 'til 8pm, does that help?
I will PM you on the pen tomorrow.

P.S. There is No WAy I'm working on Sundays! Lol! But I must admit, I ha e spoken to them about opening Parts and Service half days on Sundays to see how it goes, sorry, but no one had my back. Wonder why? Lol!

luckily I have the 'updated' design can. Does that mean I am safe?
I would really love to meet you as you seem very friendly and helpful but coming up to markham after working downtown and living in missisauga is not the best option for me *sigh* oh well I'll seeeee, but I might have to get the pen from a closer location.

[Karen Lee-McNair]

luckily I have the 'updated' design can. Does that mean I am safe?
I would really love to meet you as you seem very friendly and helpful but coming up to markham after working downtown and living in missisauga is not the best option for me *sigh* oh well I'll seeeee, but I might have to get the pen from a closer location.

Can you PM where u live in Markham? I shuttle a lot of Service clients fro
Markham and may be able to drop it off

[k-existence]

Can you PM where u live in Markham? I shuttle a lot of Service clients fro
Markham and may be able to drop it off

I don't live in Markham... thats why its hard to get to you... I live in Mississauga and work downtown :blush boo i want shuttle service

[Karen Lee-McNair]

Sorry, I read this wrong, would you like me to send it to one of our west end stores? I can get the TM3 disount extended to you.

We have Erin Mills and Ontario, and I can pre-arrange for you so that you don't come across any problems.

[k-existence]

Sorry, I read this wrong, would you like me to send it to one of our west end stores? I can get the TM3 disount extended to you.

We have Erin Mills and Ontario, and I can pre-arrange for you so that you don't come across any problems.

no worries... OMG you are so awesome. yes I would very much so love that. Ontario would be great =D

(random...but do you sell painted black mica door handles (I have GX so I got dull blk ones... jus curiousity... how much? ty)

[Karen Lee-McNair]

no worries... OMG you are so awesome. yes I would very much so love that. Ontario would be great =D

(random...but do you sell painted black mica door handles (I have GX so I got dull blk ones... jus curiousity... how much? ty)

I'm sure all of this can be arranged! I'm glad you're happy! I will talk to the Parts mgr at ontario tomorrow, now....how can I get u to come to Agincourt..hmmmmm ;)

[-cj-]

Well, ain't that a bitch. I took pics of my gas cap to show people on the thread and I was going to post it as "This is the new cap that Airport Mazda replaced on my 08.5"... Only to find out two things:

1) Joe had already beat me to it! and 2) Airport Mazda never replaced my gas cap! Not cool! I cannot even begin to imagine how pissed I would have been if I got stranded after proactively replacing my gas cap.... Airport Mazda doesn't usually drop the ball like that...wtf.

[TheMAN]

when did you get yours "replaced"? they may had either old stock or the updated one wasn't available at the time

[k-existence]

I'm sure all of this can be arranged! I'm glad you're happy! I will talk to the Parts mgr at ontario tomorrow, now....how can I get u to come to Agincourt..hmmmmm ;)

lol well if i am around the area on a weeknight ill drop by! otherwise maybe u should work on Saturdays again lol :chuckle

[-cj-]

when did you get yours "replaced"? they may had either old stock or the updated one wasn't available at the time

I had it replaced a few months ago... Like in Feb/March, maybe even April. I specifically told them there was a service bulletin and the they knew what I was talking about. I have a feeling they were just too busy, but I confirmed with them when I picked up the car "You replaced the gas cap, right?" and the guy nodded... Like I said, they don't usually drop the ball, so hopefully it's just a misunderstanding.

[Karen Lee-McNair]

lol well if i am around the area on a weeknight ill drop by! otherwise maybe u should work on Saturdays again lol :chuckle

:flaming

you's crazy!! hahaha!

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

I had it replaced a few months ago... Like in Feb/March, maybe even April. I specifically told them there was a service bulletin and the they knew what I was talking about. I have a feeling they were just too busy, but I confirmed with them when I picked up the car "You replaced the gas cap, right?" and the guy nodded... Like I said, they don't usually drop the ball, so hopefully it's just a misunderstanding.

They may have indeed replaced the gas cap. They may have replaced your old 'defective one' with a new 'defective one of the same type, rather than the new style.

I just checked my MS3 which is an 08.5 and it has the new style cap.

[TheMAN]

I had it replaced a few months ago... Like in Feb/March, maybe even April. I specifically told them there was a service bulletin and the they knew what I was talking about. I have a feeling they were just too busy, but I confirmed with them when I picked up the car "You replaced the gas cap, right?" and the guy nodded... Like I said, they don't usually drop the ball, so hopefully it's just a misunderstanding.
people at dealers can say whatever they want, but what shows on the invoice matters too... did you look at the invoice?

you can also try to PM the several people who work at dealers here with your VIN to run a warranty inquiry to see if the cap was really replaced or not and which part number it was (your invoice will show it too)

[She_Prime]

Just checked my 08.5 sedan and it has the old style. Probably going to ask Oakville Mazda to change it for me when I go in next month for my 24,000km service!

[aris]

I just checked mine and my 08 has the new design:)

[liquidzyklon]

I just got my gas cap replaced at Agincourt Mazda. Something about the new caps have a part number ending with an "F", I'm sure either Joe or Karen may post the full part number later.

There is a difference between the old style and the new style cap beside the look of that tilted rectangle. With the old style cap when untwisting to get it off, it's not as easy (i.e. very little gap to take off). But with the new style cap, once it's loose you can just pull it out and not clip onto anything. This might be why the old caps fail, due to "tight" fit.

[TheMAN]

Just checked my 08.5 sedan and it has the old style. Probably going to ask Oakville Mazda to change it for me when I go in next month for my 24,000km service!
they can't just replace it if there is nothing wrong with yours

the best thing to do is just keep a pair of channel lock pliers in your car in case it does break you can take it off while you need the gas!

[TheMAN]

I just got my gas cap replaced at Agincourt Mazda. Something about the new caps have a part number ending with an "F", I'm sure either Joe or Karen may post the full part number later.

There is a difference between the old style and the new style cap beside the look of that tilted rectangle. With the old style cap when untwisting to get it off, it's not as easy (i.e. very little gap to take off). But with the new style cap, once it's loose you can just pull it out and not clip onto anything. This might be why the old caps fail, due to "tight" fit.
it was the design of the threads that caused it to easily crossthread on the older "E" gas cap

like I said already, my 05 has the same style cap as the "new" one... it looks like they just backdated the design because the part number supersession history shows that my 05 "B" cap can be used in place of the "F" cap, whereas the original, "A", "C" thru "E" can't be used... will be real funny if a dealer out there still has a "B" cap in stock

[-cj-]

Can't find the invoice at the moment, but I seem to remember there being a mention on the white paper that said "... replaced gas cap" but I could be dreaming that up. I'll have to find the sheet...

[EastYork3]

Also happened to me a couple weeks ago, took her into a dealership and got a new gas cap... Scared the crap out of me!

[Tony Tone]

I have an '09 GS Sedan and the cap did seized on me once a few months back. I couldn't believe this was happening and wasn't sure if I could get it out. Eventually I got it out by pulling and twisting here and there.

I felt pretty frustrated since the car was still new and also embarrased. Ever since the one time I have had no problems so far. I will check to see if mine is the one with the triangle one. Mazda should follow Honda and Toyota's design which could never seize.

[TheMAN]

they did, until ford got their dirty hands all over this car!

[stelbee]

Hello all, just got a 2009 Mazda3 GT sport, and the fuel/gas cap seized on the 3rd time trying to fill gas. (luckily, there was enough gas to drive home and to the dealer).
I do remembered when turning the cap the first time to remove it that it didn't quite feel like the other ones that have threads.

A big thanks to this forum & thread - it eased my mind to know that this issue was more of a design flaw than the user.
The pics provided in this thread were great! I went into the dealer, although out of my area, equipped with info that helped to get the right service and part.

P.S. I did try calling another dealer - their service said this issue was not a known issue, and implied that the cap was probably put in a wrong way.

Thanks again to all that contributed to this thread!!

[ritzcracka]

This just happened to me today, of course with the car on empty. My "home" dealer is Performance Mazda in Ottawa but i'm in the Hamilton area for 2 weeks. I don't think I have the fuel to make it to Mountain Mazda so I will have to call Mazda roadside assistance to get towed there tomorrow. Why no official recall???

[Copierguy]

When I got my 2008.5 gas cap seized first fill up. I turned as hard as I could and top broke off, was then able to unscrew and fill up. Screwed threaded part back in and was ok until dealer replaced it. Just give it a good crank and break it off.

[ritzcracka]

When I got my 2008.5 gas cap seized first fill up. I turned as hard as I could and top broke off, was then able to unscrew and fill up. Screwed threaded part back in and was ok until dealer replaced it. Just give it a good crank and break it off.

Yeah i've tried doing that - even used plyers. Just can't get it to go. Hopefully Mountain Mazda is good to deal with...

[ritzcracka]

Yeah i've tried doing that - even used plyers. Just can't get it to go. Hopefully Mountain Mazda is good to deal with...

Called roadside assistance, and they sent CAA. The CAA guy just basically ripped the gas cap off with plyers (completely destroying it). I then filled the tank and took it to Mountain Mazda, who seemed to know of the issue. They said there wasn't an official TSB about it, but they replaced it under warranty with no charge. They were not aware of a "new type" of gas cap, so I think I just have a new one of the same type.

Also (you can't write these stories any better), while waiting for roadside assistance, my Ottawa dealer (Performance Mazda) called looking to schedule my maintenance appointment. :chuckle I told him the issue I was having and he said he'd never heard of an issue with 2008.6 gas caps.

[omalak]

REVIVAL of the thread!

So if reversing my car into a pilar wasn;t bad enough, my tank is running way on empty.. and i went to the gas station and yep.. my bloody gas cap is stuck!

Does anyone know how to pop it open? I dont want to head to the dealer just yet as the driver side rear of my car is damaged. I dont want the dealer writing anything onto my records/history..

ahhh!!!

[MRT_MS3]

Bumpin this thread instead of creating a new one.

This happened to me this morning and luckily had enough gas to drive to the closest dealership (erin mills mazda). After explaining to the service rep that this is a design flaw by Mazda, I explained that it should be replaced under warranty. Instead I was charged $84.95 for this to be fixed. :bang I was told that the extended warranty plan I purchased will not cover this as well. Useless 3000$ I ever payed in my life.

[TheMAN]

and you approved the $85 repair? :rolleyes
you should've just told them to leave it alone, and go buy a pair of pliers to rip the gas cap off and replace it yourself!

[krimsalt]

how exactly did it seize? Ive never heard of this happening in my entire life on any vehicle. Please tell me so we can upgrade the mechanic textbooks

[shu5892001]

My friends 2008.5 gas cap was seized yesterday too, she had it towed to the dealer.

[SonicBoy]

how exactly did it seize? Ive never heard of this happening in my entire life on any vehicle. Please tell me so we can upgrade the mechanic textbooks

This is a known problem with the 2008/2008.5 if you read further back in this thread.

[Mitchell3]

ugh. why does my year have all these problems. This happened to my mom the one day she drove my car this past friday LOL. such a pita.

[krimsalt]

This is a known problem with the 2008/2008.5 if you read further back in this thread.

ooh my bad not noticed previous pages >.>

[SonicBoy]

Not a problem.

I do say though for my 2012, a vast improvement over the 2009 I had. I barely turn the cap and it comes off and goes back on pretty easy.

[MRT_MS3]

Sorry for the late reply fellas but miraculously, I have a refund check waiting at EMM for this repair. The service rep assumed that it was not covered under warranty but mazda canada approved it a couple of days later. :headbang

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Bumpin this thread instead of creating a new one.

This happened to me this morning and luckily had enough gas to drive to the closest dealership (erin mills mazda). After explaining to the service rep that this is a design flaw by Mazda, I explained that it should be replaced under warranty. Instead I was charged $84.95 for this to be fixed. :bang I was told that the extended warranty plan I purchased will not cover this as well. Useless 3000$ I ever payed in my life.

It is a known TSB and with your extended warranty, they should have covered this TSB. Basically, you got screwed. Sorry to hear...

[Mitchell3]

It is a known TSB and with your extended warranty, they should have covered this TSB. Basically, you got screwed. Sorry to hear...

+1 they should have covered it. When I was in the other day, they checked to see if I was still under warranty. Of course it expired just in august though lol. I didnt pay $85 though.. Mine was $62ish

[Booter22]

It is a known TSB and with your extended warranty, they should have covered this TSB. Basically, you got screwed. Sorry to hear...

however, not all extended warrantys cover the same thing, from the 100,000 to 120,000, 140,000 and 160,000 all can cover different items. i would think off the bat ( depending on the plan ) it would be covered, it seems the advisor was not 100% sure, sent the ticket in and asked MRT_MS3 to pay in case it was not, then they spoke later and found it to be covered. seems like things worked out for the best :) but those old caps are a pain and the new updated ones are much nicer.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

however, not all extended warrantys cover the same thing, from the 100,000 to 120,000, 140,000 and 160,000 all can cover different items. i would think off the bat ( depending on the plan ) it would be covered, it seems the advisor was not 100% sure, sent the ticket in and asked MRT_MS3 to pay in case it was not, then they spoke later and found it to be covered. seems like things worked out for the best :) but those old caps are a pain and the new updated ones are much nicer.

John,

I hear ya, but this wasn't a warranty repair, it was a TSB. Granted, if it was a warranty repair, it depends on the coverage, but a TSB, which is typically a manufacturing defect like this, should be extended and covered under the extended warranty. Otherwise, I agree with you. Hope you're well.

[Booter22]

John,

I hear ya, but this wasn't a warranty repair, it was a TSB. Granted, if it was a warranty repair, it depends on the coverage, but a TSB, which is typically a manufacturing defect like this, should be extended and covered under the extended warranty. Otherwise, I agree with you. Hope you're well.

i am doing well, Budds mazda is in full swing! however for TSB's they are only covered under basic 3 year or 80,000KM warranty. so just because there is a TSB it does not mean it will be covered after the Basic warranty is expired. So yes technically a TSB is a warranty repair under the basic warranty. a recall is a known manufacturing defect, but a TSB is just a known issue that there is a repair for but not enough of an issue or defect to make it a recall like the power steering recall where it could be done at anytime however sometimes these are also limited to time or mileage.

hope that helps all! if theres anything else i can help with let me know.

[TheMAN]

however, not all extended warrantys cover the same thing, from the 100,000 to 120,000, 140,000 and 160,000 all can cover different items. i would think off the bat ( depending on the plan ) it would be covered, it seems the advisor was not 100% sure, sent the ticket in and asked MRT_MS3 to pay in case it was not, then they spoke later and found it to be covered. seems like things worked out for the best :) but those old caps are a pain and the new updated ones are much nicer.
it was still procedurally wrong for the advisor to make the customer pay first without checking if the part was covered under warranty (such as calling MAP to get claim preapproval)... the only thing I can think of is the guy was just out to make a quick buck. It's also likely that the advisor didn't care or went through the trouble of following up on the customer's repair order to see if the part was covered under MAP. It was probably someone else in the dealer who was nice enough to catch it... probably in the accounting department or maybe his service manager. In any case, the damage has been done even though he's getting a cheque from the dealer... why do you think lots of people say dealerships are stealerships?

Had the guy did his job, this wouldn't have resulted in customer's bad experience... if I was him, I'd write a bad review too... after all, those reviews are about his experience with the advisor and the dealership, not the quality of the repair

[Booter22]

it was still procedurally wrong for the advisor to make the customer pay first without checking if the part was covered under warranty (such as calling MAP to get claim preapproval)... the only thing I can think of is the guy was just out to make a quick buck. It's also likely that the advisor didn't care or went through the trouble of following up on the customer's repair order to see if the part was covered under MAP. It was probably someone else in the dealer who was nice enough to catch it... probably in the accounting department or maybe his service manager. In any case, the damage has been done even though he's getting a cheque from the dealer... why do you think lots of people say dealerships are stealerships?

Had the guy did his job, this wouldn't have resulted in customer's bad experience... if I was him, I'd write a bad review too... after all, those reviews are about his experience with the advisor and the dealership, not the quality of the repair

im not trying to stand up and defend the dealership in question here so please dont think that is what i am trying to say. i am trying to inform you of the process. you can not call MAP for approval. they get sent in via Tickets for review against the owners map plan, on the service side of things you can only see a plan number and a date and mileage expiry, so there is no information to be able to check if it would be covered unless you had all the mapp plans and there coverages and exclusions at hand which most people dont. which is why you send a ticket in.

the same thing happens at our dealership as well. we can not say 100% what is covered under mapp. as we inform every customer who has mapp if they choose to move forward with the repairs they need to authorize the cost first, if they are approved in the same day there is no charge, if it is not approved they will be asked to pay and refunded if the ticket is approved at a later date. then we send the ticket in for review. some customers request the ticket sent before they approve the work, which is fine if they are able to wait the time for the vehicle to be repaired or if they want to drive it as it is. so no the advisor followed the procedure and policy as set by most dealerships, and other companies.

i know why people call dealerships "stealerships" i used to own a ford and i have 3 dealerships i would never return to for such reason, but i have a few i would have gone back to for there quality of work and service. be it a dealer, canadian tire, midas, mr.lube.. there are good and bad stores for each so dont need to make this out as a "stealership" error. the advisor was doing the job as trained, and at the end of it, it seems everything worked out for everyone. it would have been nice if it worked out better. but it still worked out.

[MRT_MS3]

John,

I hear ya, but this wasn't a warranty repair, it was a TSB. Granted, if it was a warranty repair, it depends on the coverage, but a TSB, which is typically a manufacturing defect like this, should be extended and covered under the extended warranty. Otherwise, I agree with you. Hope you're well.

This was definitely my arguement with the dealerships GM. A flaw design part should be replaced with or expired warranty.

[highlineMotors]

I have an '09 GS Sedan and the cap did seized on me once a few months back. I couldn't believe this was happening and wasn't sure if I could get it out. Eventually I got it out by pulling and twisting here and there.

I felt pretty frustrated since the car was still new and also embarrased. Ever since the one time I have had no problems so far. I will check to see if mine is the one with the triangle one. Mazda should follow Honda and Toyota's design which could never seize.

It is a known problem. Sometime people crossthread the cap itself. This can cause it to seize. I find that using a big Channel Lock works best. haha