Everyone with this rattle needs to call 800-222-5500, Mazda's customer assitance number. This is the only way Mazda is going to fix this problem. I called and they said it has something to do with the programing and the blended fuels required in certain areas. He also said Mazda is working on a reprogramming but did not have any timeframe.

Let's be squeaky wheels here! Everyone with the problem needs to call. They also took down my VIN# and said they would call when they have a solution.

 

I can't see how the programming and relation to blended fuels would be the problem. First it happens then the engine is cold, when it is the least likely to have detonation problems. Also, from my experience, this is not a pre-ignition or detonation sound. This sounds very much mechanical. This has every bit the sound and symptom of piston slap. Lastly, I ran a 2500 mile road trip between Florida, Alabama, Georgia and North Carolina over the Christmas holidays. The noise was there every morning when using fuels from 4 different states and probably 20 different gas stations. Some areas I was in had no emissions regulations so the likelihood of blended fules being there was minimal. I agree we need to bitch but if it was a simple programming issue, I think it would have been released by now. I think it's mechanical and the repair is being put off minimize cost. They are going to do anything until the pressure is on.

 

No one is telling you to call and bitch, Bitch. If it doesn't apply to you, stop reading the ******* thread.

 

I was wrong. But I'm still calling to bitch.

 

I have to admit that was pretty funny. Heheheh...

 

lol, yeah way to go blackmp5. Funny **** tellin him off like that. Dunno I think he asked for that though.

 

But I guess what's even cooler now though, is how theMAN can laugh about it. A good sense of humor is hard to find, and its really hard to convey over these forums, seriousness, or just flickin someone ****. But whatever, its seems all good fleetwood. WHOO WHOO Much clown Luv.


Oh yeah I love your new picture thingy by your your name Gro. Not many people use their self portrait for one of those, very original

 

Calling now since a reprogram did not fix the rattle, only the slow moving "buck"

 

lol...i though it was patrick swayze as well. I had another friend who looked just like that as well. So the rattle is not fixed?....its annoying the hell outa me...Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

 

I'll keep everyone posted on it... Today I actually did NOT hear the rattle, so I'm a little comfused. Though I spoke with my Mazda dealer today and was told it has to do with the VCTS plates (MP3 does not have these which is why they don't rattle he informed me). They've been aware of the problem for a year now and are really trying to nail it (just relaying what I've been told, not what we experience :P ) He asked that I call him after some time to make sure that the problem was or wasn't fixed.

 

what we really need to do is get two list together of Protege'5 owners only and compare the numbers of rattle v no-rattle. I want to do this so I can get an average number of cars of all whom responded to see if its an epidemic or random. Then we should be able to discern whether or not the problem is due to assembly or part malfunction.
IMHO this is vital in helping Mazda fix the problem. if its a problem that will cause wear and tear and they do take a while to fix it, what are they going to do for those who have excessive engine wear that is attributed to the problem? replace the part(s)? or the whole engine? we need info to help out!
I will start the thread in this "maintenance/problems section as under "Pro5's w/2500rpm rattle" and
"Pro5's w/out 2,500rpm rattle" of course this is an approximate to when it occurs on everyone's.when responding please answer the following things to save bandwidth.
(ts a priviledge usually, not a right. so lets save it!) :

Lastly, the forum titled, " Pro5 questionaire" has the following:

1. Do you have a "stock" intake installed when the noise occurs, or an aftermarket one? (Aftermarket includes a custom DIY intake.)

2. Does the "rattle" cease when the temperature gauge hits the half-way mark (warm-up in other words.)

3. Is the rattle constant? Meaning, does it occur everytime you drive, or just randomly?

4. Have you had taken your Pro5 to the Mazda dealer have'Mazda Certified Mechanic' look at it?

5. What was the result of number 4 (if applicable)?
we want all those with the rattle to reply. however, we dont want those of you who hear a "rattle" on first starting your car. this noise is usually associated with hydraulic lifters and is normal. (at least for every other japanese car ive owned with hydro lifters it is.) if you want to it get quieter, go buy a synthetic like Exxon/Esso's(same company) Superflow Synthetic oil. a quart or 976ml is only $3.20 compared to Mobil 1 at $4.00+ a qt. i just switched from mobil 1 to exxon/esso and i love it! i was surprised and the loud rattle on start-up is allot quiter now.

sorry for the length people, and please-everone post who has a Pro5!!!!!!!!!!!
chris j.

 

I already tried what you are talking about. Its named "Important all 2.0l read" its a poll of how many ppl have the rattle. Check it out. If you really want to try something like that again.

Dustin

 

This rattle you guys are talking about; do you mean the one that only happens while the car is cold and stops when its warm?? If so, I have it too, but it only does it for about 3 minutes and I can barely hear it... Just sounds like an exhaust shield to me...

 

mine does the same thin if you want to hear what they are talking about they have a thread called "sound clip engine rattle"..or something like that try a search on "sound clip"

 

Yeah go listen to the sound clip I created. Keep in mind that was with the window down and hood up so its really loud. We still don't have a true number of how many ppl and who have the problem.

Dustin