9th Oct 2003, 11:51
Generally speaking, if you're travelling over ~100 km/hr when the belt breaks, there could be significant cylinder damage (had an Acura Legend whose belt went while travelling on the highway, about 120 km/hr, and the engine just seized). They have to be replaced before they break to avoid this risk... depending on the car, most are replaced around 100,000 kms.
24th Jan 2006, 12:37
Check engine light! The service rep. at the Mazda dealer tightened the gas cap a couple of clicks and the light went off 3 days later and has never been a problem again 3 months later. The Blower motor fan speed switch (mechanical) doesn't work. It's been about 6-8 weeks in the making. First the #4 (high) setting would work intermittently. Now the switch does not activate the blower motor. The simple solution would be to replace the switch, The switch was not in stock at the dealer and to order the switch I have to wait 7 - 10 days and pay shipping if I want to get the part sooner. The switch is $55.00 plus labor which is $65.00 to $80.00. Looks like this is a do it myself repair.
15th Oct 2001, 15:57
My 98 has had both front door locks replaced and the passenger side broke again, also at 1,075 my check engine light came on <1,075 AFTER the warranty!>.
We took it to the dealer who had it scoped <70 bucks> and said it was a misfire in cylinder #2 due to ignition problems. They suggested replacing the plugs, wires, cap, and rotor, and a timing belt <so I did>, over $400 later the light was still on and the car was running very poor. So back to the dealer to scope it <another $70> for them to say it's a problem with the valves.
Almost $1000 later, the light is finally off and back to normal <Real Slow>.