Automobile / Mazda / B2300

Question: 2002 Mazda Pickup B2300 mileage: 45,000. I've had my pickup in 4 times (to the Mazda Dealer where I bought it) in 2004 because the 2nd gear synchromesh goes out. The first 2 times it was under warranty (no charge). For the second repair they put in a new transmission. The third time they charged more than $2000 (includes $500 car rental) to repair it. They said, "It might be under warranty" when I took it in the 3rd time, but decided it was "driver habit" that caused the problem. It went out again, the 4th time, after only 371 miles. They tore it down and concluded it was "driver habit" again and said it will cost another $1500 (plus car rental) to fix it. The odometer readings each time I brought it in for repairs were: 30776, 33197, 41832, and 42203. First and third gears have been taking a lot of strain because I bypass grinding second gear frequently. If either one of those gears went out, blaming "driver habit" would make sense, but those gears are holding up well. It's in the shop right now. A local mechanic told me "everybody knows that the 2nd gear synchromesh in Mazda transmissions goes out because they use a plastic sleeve and it crumbles." He replaces the plastic part with a metal sleeve and this solves the problem. I still have my 1991 Mazda B2200 Pickup and the transmission has never been touched -- it has 173,756 miles on the odometer. I thought my transmission problems were over when I sold my '49 Ford Convertible and my two '50 Mercury's (one a Convertible and one a Hardtop) way back in the early 1950s. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer: We have not had experience with the problem you described. However, it appears you have found the answer to your own question...replace the plastic part with a metal part. Kudos' to your local mechanic if this works!

Question:  2001 Mazda Pickup B2300 mileage: 91,000. Sometimes my truck makes a single click and will not start when I turn the key. Most of the though it starts fine. Also, if the key isn't turned completely out of the start position and the clutch pedal is pressed in the starter will engage.

Answer: Here are some things to check: Load test the battery. Check that the battery cable connections are clean. Check for 12 volts to starter solenoid with the key in the start position. These things should be checked first then the ignition switch, starter and starter solenoid. One of these may be faulty.
 

Question:  2003 Mazda Pickup B2300 mileage: 60,000.  Do you check A/T fluid with engine running or off, hot or cold?  The manual says nothing about checking AT fluid.

Answer:  Normally the fluid is checked with the engine running in park at operating temperature.  However, your transmission may be “sealed” with no dipstick.



Automobile / Mazda / B2300