In December I was notified by mail that mazda was doing a voluntary emissions recall on '02 miatas. I had the work performed and the car has not run correctly since. The car runs rough on cold start and the check engine light has now come on 10 times. We have been back and forth to the dealer with no success. They admit that there are problems with the new computer, but they don't know how to fix it! They will not acknowledge any performance problems. They refuse to give us any written statements! Has anyone else experienced this recall? What has been your experience with it?

 

I have done dozens of these recalls #3505H with not a single problem. It is a simple engine computer replace. Maybe you just got a bad one. Am sure it happens. Haven't they just tried replacing with another computer??

 

Nice to hear from someone about this finally. When we took the car in 2 months ago they said they replaced the computer, but the problem still exists...we have learned others have had the same problems, even one at the dealer that worked on our car. I don't understand why the highly trained technicians at Mazda have been unable to fix this. At this point we have been told to just wait until they call...getting tired of waiting! Any suggestions?

 

So they have replaced the engine computer for a second time and still the problems?? Not all of the technicians are 'highly trained' as you describe. You said the CEL has been on ten times since the recall had been performed. Do you remember or were you told what the code number was that was stored? They are required to give you statements about what the code was and what was done in an attempt to correct the problem. If they refuse then consider taking to another dealership that will treat you correctly.

 

We do have print-outs from each time the car has been in, but I don't find a code number, it just states "tech found a code for intake cam solinoid." This was replaced the first time the car was in, but the code has been the same each time the light has come on. They did admit that the replacement didn't fix it and refunded our money. This is the second dealer we have been to, the first one told us it was "absurd" to think that there could be anything wrong with the computer! These are the closest dealers and they are both an hour away. Anyway, we are still waiting for them to figure out what to do....In my frustration I have filed a complaint with the bureau of automotive repair, hoping that might light a fire under their, umm, wheels...

 

If the problem began to occur after the computer was replaced then is in no way absurd that it may be the source of the problem. I will check in the morning for a "intake cam solenoid" code and what that may mean. I think your best course of action would be to contact Mazda customer service and explain the condition that you are describing to them. A call to bereau of automotive repair could take months if not years to resolve. I will get you the number for Mazda customer service if you do not already have it.

 

We have talked to customer service several times, were told to talk to the dealer, dealer says talk to customer service, round and round and round we go, where we stop nobody knows! Sorry to sound like a whiner, but I am Sooo frustrated at this point....I appreciate your comments, feels like there is someone out there who understands! Do you think this PCM could be reprogrammed to the way it was before the recall, (we think that could fix it) or Do you think an after market PCM might solve this problem?

An independent mechanic (not Mazda tech) found this code: DTC P0012 CMP- timing over retarded, which is the same code Mazda found each time.

 

Code is correct. Check your PM please.