TCS ON/OFF - MAZDA MILLENIA
#21
RE: TCS ON/OFF - MAZDA MILLENIA
Hi guys. I have EXACTLY the same problem TCS/P1540 code that I've been fighting with for months, but I have a suspicion about what is behind mine that I wanted to ask the experts about.
In the early stage of the problem I was able to fix my problem by tightening hoses and it actually went away for about 5 weeks. But now it's back with a vengeance and I can't do anything to make it stop. The only thing that helps is when I keep the car in a lower gear and therefore the RPMs are higher, but even then it will happen soon enough.
Anyway, I think I very likely have clogged cats from a problem that was caused by a tech forgetting to put a clamp on a hose, that leaked onto the coils, caused the coils to misfire horribly and therefore shoot lots of unburnt gas into the exhaust. My perhaps silly theory is that maybe the cats are clogged, are causing lots of backpressure in the engine and that this is causing havoc with the ABV. Is that even possible?
The solenoids seem ok by the way, but maybe I should check again. If I were to replace those just to be safe where would I get them and for about how much? And I also replaced a couple of tees and a few pieces of hardened hose.
I really don't want to waste hundreds or thousands of dollars. Please help if you can with any ideas.
In the early stage of the problem I was able to fix my problem by tightening hoses and it actually went away for about 5 weeks. But now it's back with a vengeance and I can't do anything to make it stop. The only thing that helps is when I keep the car in a lower gear and therefore the RPMs are higher, but even then it will happen soon enough.
Anyway, I think I very likely have clogged cats from a problem that was caused by a tech forgetting to put a clamp on a hose, that leaked onto the coils, caused the coils to misfire horribly and therefore shoot lots of unburnt gas into the exhaust. My perhaps silly theory is that maybe the cats are clogged, are causing lots of backpressure in the engine and that this is causing havoc with the ABV. Is that even possible?
The solenoids seem ok by the way, but maybe I should check again. If I were to replace those just to be safe where would I get them and for about how much? And I also replaced a couple of tees and a few pieces of hardened hose.
I really don't want to waste hundreds or thousands of dollars. Please help if you can with any ideas.
#22
RE: TCS ON/OFF - MAZDA MILLENIA
Bill with 99S,
For my specific problem - the technician told me that he could only get the parts from the Mazda Dealership.
He said that they were about $80each - HIS price. I think the regular consumer price is around maybe $100 or more (I have no idea).
In the history of my car, I think a few years back I had a cat problem. In this particular case, the car would idle very hard from time to time and then almost shut off. The CEL would stay on and not come off. The Mazda dealership actually had to replace all 4 O2 sensors AND the 2 cats to figure out what the problem was, instead of replace the cats first. They had to follow procedures to troubleshoot the problem.
My car has been running fine (knock on wood) since they figured out what the problem was, even though they didn't tell me.
I believe what 2000, babyhuey, and kennin refer to with it being a vacuum-related issue.
Good luck!
For my specific problem - the technician told me that he could only get the parts from the Mazda Dealership.
He said that they were about $80each - HIS price. I think the regular consumer price is around maybe $100 or more (I have no idea).
In the history of my car, I think a few years back I had a cat problem. In this particular case, the car would idle very hard from time to time and then almost shut off. The CEL would stay on and not come off. The Mazda dealership actually had to replace all 4 O2 sensors AND the 2 cats to figure out what the problem was, instead of replace the cats first. They had to follow procedures to troubleshoot the problem.
My car has been running fine (knock on wood) since they figured out what the problem was, even though they didn't tell me.
I believe what 2000, babyhuey, and kennin refer to with it being a vacuum-related issue.
Good luck!
#23
RE: TCS ON/OFF - MAZDA MILLENIA
Anyone got the actual part numbers I should order? I would gladly spend $100 to fix the problem.
Also, I wouldn't mind replacing all the hoses with FRESH ones, but I've heard that the diameter is very important as this is a finicky vacuum system. I used whatever they had at Autozone to patch some spots before (where I found a cracked piece and also had some very hardened connections).
Today I actually have some hoses where I cut out bad sections, used straight tees and patched with new hose (that doesn't seem to be exactly like the original. So now that I have the nice COLOR vacuum diagram I'd be willing to try to redo all the hoses with new. (Before the color it was too scary to even start trying that!!)
And as for the cat issue, doesmy theorynot make any sense? (That's aimed at babyhuey, 2000, keninn or anyone who knows.)
THANKS!
Also, I wouldn't mind replacing all the hoses with FRESH ones, but I've heard that the diameter is very important as this is a finicky vacuum system. I used whatever they had at Autozone to patch some spots before (where I found a cracked piece and also had some very hardened connections).
Today I actually have some hoses where I cut out bad sections, used straight tees and patched with new hose (that doesn't seem to be exactly like the original. So now that I have the nice COLOR vacuum diagram I'd be willing to try to redo all the hoses with new. (Before the color it was too scary to even start trying that!!)
And as for the cat issue, doesmy theorynot make any sense? (That's aimed at babyhuey, 2000, keninn or anyone who knows.)
THANKS!
#24
RE: TCS ON/OFF - MAZDA MILLENIA
from what i have read on tcs problems, the vast majority seem to stem from vacuum leaks. the 1540 is abv system malfunction, which could also be vacuum related. fix the 1540, and the tcs problem might go away. the vacuum system is a weak point on this, or any car with age. heat cycles destroy plastic, and eventually, even the silicon hoses.
i think if the cats were bad, you would be getting 0421/31 codes frequently.
using some extra vacuum hose, a power supply, and a good vacuum producer, even your lungs, you can test out the entire abv system yourself. my money would be on a leak, by far the most common problem.
i think if the cats were bad, you would be getting 0421/31 codes frequently.
using some extra vacuum hose, a power supply, and a good vacuum producer, even your lungs, you can test out the entire abv system yourself. my money would be on a leak, by far the most common problem.
#25
RE: TCS ON/OFF - MAZDA MILLENIA
I had this problems 2x on my 98 Millenia S. Both times it was a solenoid (both different). The 2nd time I bought the whole braket that comes with the 3 solenoids & 1 vent (about $150) & the problems went away. To find out which solenoid is bad, you can use a multimeter. I forgot what #s to look for but you can look it up in the other mazda forum www.mazdaworld.org.
#26
RE: TCS ON/OFF - MAZDA MILLENIA
Does anyone know if the PN for this set of solenoid valves is: KJ0318740C?
This is what the dealer is going to sell me, but I just want to be sure.
If that doesn't work the only other option I have is a 4 hour labor job for the dealer to take out the supercharger and check the last tees that I couldn't get to myself. ($360)
Thanks.
This is what the dealer is going to sell me, but I just want to be sure.
If that doesn't work the only other option I have is a 4 hour labor job for the dealer to take out the supercharger and check the last tees that I couldn't get to myself. ($360)
Thanks.
#27
RE: TCS ON/OFF - MAZDA MILLENIA
If you bought the ABV vent selenoid Assy. twice you must have the part#!!!! , Please post it so I can go through the same hell. I can not get a sticker in Mass w/o the ABV vent Assy fixed or replaced HELP!!!![X(]
#28
RE: TCS ON/OFF - MAZDA MILLENIA
there are 4 solenoids, 2 of which NEVER go bad. just get new vent and vacuum. vent=KJ03-18-741A, vac=KJ02-18-741A. iirc, they both list for about 70 bucks. if you look at the row, from the right side, they are the second and forth. they are both different, NOT interchangeable. #2 is vent, 4 is vacuum. if you ohm them, they MUST ohm at less than 30. if 0, or high number, they is dead or dying(intermittent)
#29
Re: Tcs on/off - mazda millenia
Hi guys the biggest problems with the solenoids is not failing the ohms test. they stick intermittly at high temps under the hood. Also the vacume tees that break are under the manifold. I just unbolt the manifold and lift up to gain acess. leaving the compressor in place. Hopes this helps
Last edited by carfixer2; 01-27-2009 at 07:06 PM.
#30
HI forum, I have a 1997 Mazda Millenia 2. 5 with the same tcs light coming on. My rpms fluctuate while this light is on. What's makes this problem a nightmare is that my car only starts on a cold start. Let's say I drive to the grocery store, buy what I need to buy then get back in my car... the car will not start. Check engine lights indicated bank1 sensor 1 and bank 2 sensor 1 oxygen sensor malfunction. Also the camshaft sensor was faulty. I changed the distributor, and still the tcs light comes on and the car will not start on a warm start up. Any ideas forum?