Good evening all,

To say the least, I am angry. I dont know much about cars FYI. What's happened so far:

On Friday, January 4th, 2019 as I was leaving work, my 2012 Mazda3 was unable to turn on when I set the ignition. I got the hood opened, checked the battery -- it was good. Used a boost, and the car still didnt start. I then had someone else check the fusebox -- it was fine. Nothing worked until I unhooked the negative cable of the battery, and rehooked it. Car started up. Cool.

The next day, on my way to the grocery store, the car happened to turn off at a red light while still in Drive. I switched it to park, and turned the car back on. This happened twice.

I took the car to Midas that same day (I only took it there because it was the closest mechanic shop in my area). They took the car in and checked what was going on-- "Error code U3003 Power Supply and U0428 Abnormal Message From BCM. Needs alternator. Suggest Sup belt" -- the technician did a charging system test and told me that I needed a new alternator. So I did it -- I got a new alternator. He also recommended that I get a new A/C belt and a new serpentine belt -- I did that as well. Cost me $845.10

The next day, I took the car to work. After I finished work, the check engine light showed up. I called Midas saying wtf is the problem now -- they told me to bring it in. They tried charging me for another test but I refused and they accepted. I wait there for about an hour and a half until they tell me that there is something going on with one of the wires connected to the PCM and that they need to contact Mazda for a part regarding this (please keep this in mind). The technician wrote " P0506 - Idle Air Control System RPM Lower than expected. P0118 ECT Sensor Circuit (High) P2009 - Variable Tumble Solenoid Valve Circuit Low Input " -- I take the car home and the check engine light was gone. However, as I was pulling into the driveway, the car again turned off.

I leave the car overnight there.

The next day, the call me and tell me that its ready. They charged me for a diagnostic test, temperature switch, and air temperature sensor (on top of the labour fees). Cost me $389.15. Take the car to the gym. Finish working out, and leave. Car turns off again at the red light and shows the charging system malfunction sign on the dash.

And now im here.

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I am going to head there and pretty much get a solution. If they dont offer one, I will call corporate head office. This is ridiculous.

What do you guys think is going on?

All the best

 

I would highly recommend taking it to a dealer and have them at least identify what could be the problem. You could get an estimate from them and either have them do it or take it to another guy. I have found places like Midas, do certain things well, but that is about it. And diagnosing odd electronic behavior is not one of them.

 

Midas is usually staffed by unqualified oil changers, not mechanics/technicians. Unfortunately its too late.

1st, does the car actually "turn off" or just stalls?

2nd go back to Midas and request all the parts they replaced.

3rd Take it to Mazda, they are the specialists, not Midas. Ask Mazda to diagnose whats going wrong, also get them to check/test the replaced parts, because I suspect Midas have taken you for a ride.