JustTheFacts
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- Dec 28, 2012
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- #61
Mazda's computers have always been known to show a series of error codes when the vehicle reaches a predetermined mileage. This was designed into the vehicle for one reason: so that the owner would have to take it to a dealership. I bought a new B2200 p/u back in 2000 and this was my sole dissatisfaction with it. However I learned how to disable these error codes on mine.
Most "local garages" don't have the proper equipment necessary to correctly diagnose these issues. As much as I hate it, I'm going to have to recommend that you take it to a Mazda dealership.
Again, untrue. If a service light comes on it is for a reason. Now that reason could be that the light or computer itself is faulty, but I can assure you no manufacture is designing vehicles to turn a light on for no reason. What incentive would there even be to do so? So that a person would take a newish vehicle into a dealership and the manufacture would have to pay for warranty work performed? That's counter productive. As for out of warranty vehicles, manufactures do not make any percentage off repairs done at dealerships. They just don't. So , again, no incentive.
Not to mention the regulatory standards that they must meet.
As for most your comment about most local shops don't have the right diagnostic tools, you are absolutely correct, most don't and you should avoid those shops like the plague. With the latest J2357 standard the government has mandated that all manufactures who sell vehicles in the US must provide access to ALL factory level diagnostics to consumer. Now that simply means they have to conform to ODBII standards as far as diagnostics and they must make their data available. Each shop is of course responsible for buying its own diagnostic equipment , and also each manufacture charges a subscription fee to access their data (except Hyundai who gives free access)
So yes, it's expensive, I just bought a new OTC Genisys Touch which is capable of factory level diagnostic work as well as flash programming on every vehicle on the market today ( providing of course that it is new enough to have such technology) The device cost me $5000 , but is a necessary investment if you want to provide professional service.
Also, as I said in an earlier post, IF I have to get into a manufacture's database I have to pay for that access. So don't come griping when I charge you for diagnostic time.
I'm not going to get into a pissing contest with you over this. That's not my style.
I do know though that I bought a 1990 Mazda B2200 (brand new from the dealership) and the "Check Engine" light turned on every 60,000 miles, just like clockwork. The first couple of times I took it to the dealership for service and paid them $250+ each visit.
Then I was told about a switch that's activated by the gears in the odometer. (Which makes it not only intentional, but actually designed into the original manufacture of the vehicle.) I was also told how to turn the switch back off. Using this knowledge, I figure I finally saved myself about $1000 before I finally sold it.
So, say what you will to deny my claim, but I know what I know, hence your words fall far short of my personal experience.
What are you talking about? I didn't claim that manufactures didn't program lights to come on at a certain mileage. I said they do not do so for NO reason. In the case of your truck the reason is to remind the driver to change the timing belt. Which is absolutely recommended at that mileage
Here's some Mazda B2200 owners discussing just that.
Check Engine Light at 140,000 on B2200 pickup - Mazda Forum - Mazda Enthusiast Forums
The reason for this reminder is simple. A broken timing belt on an overhead cam motor could , and indeed probably WILL, result in catastrophic motor damage. This was Mazda's attempt to prevent that. Check engine light comes on, driver says oh yeah into the dealer I go, dealer reads codes says nothing wrong, the light was just a reminder that you need to replace your timing belt.