Mazda 3:  Brake Pedal Going to Floor Diagnosis

The single most important safety feature in your Mazda 3 is a good set of brakes.  If your brake pedal is going to the floor, it indicates that there is a serious problem in the braking system.  When the pedal goes to the floor, it’s usually caused by a bad master cylinder, leaking brakes, bad … Read more

Mazda 3 Shifting Hard: Causes + Diagnosis

One of the most common automatic transmission problems is shifting hard.  If your Mazda 3 has a hard shifting transmission, it can be uncomfortable to drive and a sign of serious problems. If your car’s transmission is shifting hard, it can cause a harsh ride and lead to potential damage over time. Numerous factors can … Read more

Mazda 3:  Warped Rotors → Symptoms & Causes

  Rotors are metal discs that are visible behind the 3’s wheel. They work together with the calipers and brake pads to slow down your Mazda 3. Due to braking friction, rotors have to withstand and dissipate a tremendous amount of heat. This causes the rotor surface to be uneven making the brake pedal feel … Read more

Mazda 3: Bad Motor Mount → Symptoms + Diagnosis

While your Mazda 3’s engine mounts can last the life of the entire vehicle, it is possible that they will go bad.  Vibration and a clunking sound are the two most noticeable symptoms when driving the vehicle.  There are plenty of visible signs as well. Engine mounts connect the engine to the frame of the … Read more

Mazda 3:  Bad ECM → Symptoms + Diagnosis

Your Mazda 3’s ECM (Engine Control Module) is its brain.  Just like a human’s brain, your 3 can’t function without it. It is sometimes referred to as the ECU or PCM.  It’s all the same thing. The ECM controls and directs your entire drivetrain (unless there is a serrate transmission controller). When an ECM starts … Read more

Mazda 3 P0354:  Coil Pack “D” Malfunctioning – Diagnosis

P0354 is a generic OBD2 code that indicates that ignition coil “D” has an issue with the primary or secondary wiring circuits.  If your Mazda 3 has thrown this code, it may be accompanied by P0304.  P0354 is a relatively straightforward diagnosis and is typically caused by a bad coil pack or wiring harness issue, … Read more

Mazda 3 P0353 Diagnosis

P0353 is a generic OBD2 code that indicates that ignition coil “C” has an issue with the primary or secondary wiring circuits.  It has the same meaning for the Mazda 3 as it would any other vehicle.  It is typically caused by a bad coil pack or wiring harness issue, although there can be caused … Read more