Automobile / Mazda / Millennia

Mazda Millennia Repair Questions and Answers

Question: 1998 Mazda Millennia mileage: 72,000. Yesterday, I got a check engine light. The local AutoZone diagnosed the P0173 code to be "fuel trim". They couldn't elaborate on what that might mean. I just bought the car and to my knowledge the injectors haven't been cleaned. I did have to replace an O2 sensor a month ago. I just read on the web that some cars require a mechanic to disconnect the battery when changing the O2 sensor to reset the long term fuel trim. I remember having to reset the radio after their work. Is it the injectors? What am I missing?

Answer: The code you mentioned is a general code for problems with the fuel injection system. It could mean that the fuel pressure regulator is faulty, or something is wrong with the fuel pump or the fuel injectors.

Question: 1997 Mazda Millennia. It has been running hot. I've had the radiator, thermostat, hoses, water pump and radiator caps changed and the car is still running hot. It doesn't keep water. I've reviewed your website and saw that people had all this stuff in their oil and I don't. I just recently had a compression check done and the mechanic says it is fine. Please help me to figure this out. I had a mechanic says that it could be a cracked head or block. What ever that means!

Answer: You may have an internal coolant leak. It may not leak the coolant into the oil. You will need to run the following tests to determine if your problem is head or head gaskets: Remove all of the spark plugs. Pressurize the radiator with approximately 15 pounds of pressure and wait for approximately ½ hour to 1 hour then crank the engine over and watch to see if coolant comes out of the spark plug holes. This will tell you if your problem is a head gasket or possibly a cracked head. Also, check for exhaust gases in the cooling system with the engine running.

Question:  1996 Mazda Millennia V-6 mileage: 75,000.  Had 60,000 mile service performed by independent shop specializing in Japanese cars.  Have had oil changed every 4 - 5,000 miles.  Valve cover gasket replaced 6 months ago.  Car seems to use about 2 quarts of oil between oil changes.  Had car check by Mazda dealer -- found no leaks -- no apparent reason for oil usage.  Have not noticed any blue smoke or smell from car.  Dealer offers no advice.  Have you any idea what is happening to the oil and should I be worried about engine damage?

Answer:    We have found similar problems with other cars approximately 60,000 or more miles.  Replacing the valve stem seals reduces the oil use.  They are made out of rubber and over time become hard and brittle and no longer seal.

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