2012 Mazda MAZDA3 Technical Service Bulletins

446 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2012 Mazda MAZDA3. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10155436Mar 22, 2019Transmission and drivetrain. Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the right front driveshaft at the automatic transaxle when driving. This concern is likely to occur when driving at speeds between 37-50 mph (60-80 km/h) with the ATF at normal operating temperature. The noise is caused by stick/slip between the oil seal at the transaxle and the dust cover of the driveshaft. To correct this issue, the thickness of the dust cover has…
• 10154879Mar 20, 2019Engine cooling, Fuel system, Equipment. In support of the new MRT distribution, Mazda will ship to dealers a new Dual Purpose Diagnostic Leak Detector beginning March, 2019. Training videos will be posted to MGSS shortly and Workshop Manual procedures will be revised gradually.
• 10154529Mar 15, 2019Exterior lighting. Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom to be more noticeable, however, it does not affect the performance of the light. This condensation/fog is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a fairly large temperature difference between…
• 10153337Jan 29, 2019Equipment. Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010. Customers experiencing related concerns should have their vehicle and/or device inspected according to the following…
• 10153318Jan 23, 2019Steering. Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.
• 10153339Jan 14, 2019Electrical system. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with…
• 10153336Jan 14, 2019Equipment. Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010. Customers experiencing related concerns should have their vehicle and/or device inspected according to the following…
• 10153334Jan 14, 2019Equipment. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
• 10153307Jan 14, 2019Brakes. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program. NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claims…
• 10153306Jan 14, 2019Equipment. Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle- specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10153333Jan 10, 2019Equipment. Mazda infotainment systems require contacting the proper source for diagnostic support, parts authorization, and parts exchange. Some components require prior authorization before ordering as exchange. Refer to DAG Exchange Central (MXConnect>Parts and Accessories>Parts>Programs>Exchange Central) for component availability, source of technical support and prior authorization requirement.
• 10153329Jan 10, 2019Air bags. This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination concerns during vehicle service.
• 10153316Jan 10, 2019Wheels. Some automotive cleaning products contain strong acid or alkali. When these types of cleaners are used to clean the wheels on Mazda vehicles, the chemicals contents penetrate the clear coating of the wheel surface and damage the paint under the clear coating. The damaged area has the appearance of dark stains.
• 10153312Jan 10, 2019Engine cooling. Some vehicles may exhibit the check engine light on with DTC P0456 stored in the PCM memory. P0456: EVAP system leak detected (very small leak). The concern is most likely the result of the customer not getting the fuel cap completely closed after fueling the vehicle. This causes a small fuel vapor leak and turns DTC P0456 on.
• 10153227Jan 10, 2019Brakes. Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern.
• 10153311Jan 9, 2019Engine cooling. On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is…
• 10153332Jan 3, 2019Exterior lighting. Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom to be more noticeable, however, it does not affect the performance of the light. This condensation/fog is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a fairly large temperature difference between…
• 10153331Jan 3, 2019Equipment. This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid anypotential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference,which can be avoided with proper usage. Floor mat moves forward due to improper installation. Inappropriate floor mat (such as aftermarket, non-factory-equipped, or non-genuine) is used. Floor mat is stacked…
• 10153330Jan 3, 2019Equipment. When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit (or a MAZDA CONNECT tuner and amp unit (TAU)) with replacement tuner for any reason, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with active working SAT radio.
• 10153319Jan 3, 2019Brakes. Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle. This concern will most likely occur during the vehicles first forward movement after starting the engine. This is a normal operating noise of the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Do not attempt any repairs. If you encounter a customer complaint for this concern, explain that the noise comes from the ABS/TCS/DSC "Malfunction…
• 10153315Jan 2, 2019Suspension. Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
• 10153309Jan 2, 2019Electrical system. The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code. NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission Battery Identification (Mazda batteries have 2 rating…
• 10153308Jan 2, 2019Electrical system. This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10154139Dec 11, 2018Steering, Body and structure. If a vehicle has body vibration or steering wheel shimmy while driving and the root cause is determined to be tire balance, re-balance the tires using a Hunter GSP9700 or equivalent balance machine. If your dealer does not have a GSP9700 or equivalent balance machine, sublet the vehicle out for repair. To find the location of a GSP9700 near your dealer, visit Hunter?s web site at www.gsp9700.com and click on…
• 10153299Nov 20, 2018Engine cooling. If an oil pressure inspection is needed on a SKYACTIV-G engine, use the Special Service Tool (SST) set shown below and refer to the instructions on MGSS online: CX-3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] ), MX-3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] ), Mazda6: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] ), Mazda3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5] ), CX-5: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION…
• 10152370Nov 20, 2018Engine cooling. If an oil pressure inspection is needed on a SKYACTIV-G engine, use the Special Service Tool (SST) set shown below and refer to the instructions on MGSS online: CX-3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] ), MX-3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0] ), Mazda6: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.5] ), Mazda3: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION [SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5] ), CX-5: (OIL PRESSURE INSPECTION…
• 10148000Oct 16, 2018Electrical system. For improvement of electrical diagnosis, the SKYACTIV® Wiring Terminal Test Kits has been delivered all the dealers. The terminal test kit enables you: To check pin fit drag of all terminals used in SKYACTIV® vehicles and compare suspect terminal drag with a good know terminal. To measure the voltage/resistance avoiding any terminal damage.
• 10148072Oct 10, 2018Equipment, Vehicle speed control. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with…
• 10148070Oct 10, 2018Equipment. Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010. Customers experiencing related concerns should have their vehicle and/or device inspected according to the following…
• 10148068Oct 10, 2018Equipment, Body and structure. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
• 10148003Oct 10, 2018Brakes, Equipment. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program. NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claims…
• 10148002Oct 10, 2018Equipment. Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle- specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10145237Sep 14, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Below are a couple of examples of unusual electrical concerns caused by aftermarket devices.
• 10145242Sep 6, 2018Engine cooling. On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is…
• 10145248Sep 5, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the right front driveshaft at the transaxle when driving. This concern is likely to occur when driving at speeds between 37-50 mph (60-80 km/h) with the ATF at normal operating temperature. The noise is caused by stick/slip between the oil seal at the transaxle and the dust cover of the drive shaft. To correct this issue, the thickness of the dust cover has been…
• 10144333Aug 31, 2018Vehicle speed control. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with…
• 10144327Aug 17, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. Some vehicles may exhibit a squeak noise from the right front driveshaft at the transaxle when driving. This concern is likely to occur when driving at speeds between 37-50 mph (60-80 km/h) with the ATF at normal operating temperature. The noise is caused by stick/slip between the oil seal at the transaxle and the dust cover of the driveshaft. To correct this issue, the thickness of the dust cover has been increased.
• 10144334Aug 15, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. Service part Automatic Transaxles (ATX) manufactured on or after July, 2018 are shipped with a blank TCM that requires configuration.
• 10143973Jul 30, 2018Wheels. Some vehicles may have aluminum alloy type wheel(s) with one of the following paint damage conditions shown in the sample photos below. The damage extends to the front surface of the aluminum wheel partly or entirely.
• 10144010Jul 20, 2018Electrical system, Equipment. ELECTRICAL CONCERN AND/OR MULTIPLE DTC'S DUE TO AFTERMARKET DEVICE: If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery, engine no start, DTC(s) stored...), interview the customer before proceeding with normal Workshop Manual diagnosis. Aftermarket devices may be the cause of the electrical concern. Ask the customer if any aftermarket devices have been installed. Below are a couple of examples of…
• 10143965Jun 20, 2018Equipment. Some vehicles may exhibit a Connectivity Master Unit (CMU), a BLUETOOTH® hands-free unit or text messaging related concerns. To improve the handling of BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/or text messaging customer concerns, Mazda created a special service and parts exchange program as of February 2010.Customers experiencing related concerns should have their vehicle and/or device inspected according to the following…
• 10142527May 11, 2018Equipment. Mazda infotainment systems require contacting the proper source for diagnostic support, parts authorization, and parts exchange. Some components require prior authorization before ordering as exchange. Refer to DAG Exchange Central (MXConnect>Parts and Accessories>Parts>Programs>Exchange Central) for component availability, source of technical support and prior authorization requirement.
• 10142517May 11, 2018Engine cooling. Some vehicles may exhibit the check engine light on with DTC P0456 stored in the PCM memory. P0456: EVAP system leak detected (very small leak)The concern is most likely the result of the customer not getting the fuel cap completely closed after fuelingthe vehicle. This causes a small fuel vapor leak and turns DTC P0456 on.
• 10142515May 11, 2018Brakes. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorizedequipment program.NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claimsare…
• 10142525May 8, 2018Equipment. When replacing the SiriusXM satellite radio unit (or a MAZDA CONNECT tuner and amp unit (TAU)) with replacement tuner for any reason, a call must be made to inform SiriusXM of the existing Radio ID and the new/replacement SAT Radio ID as soon as possible to ensure the customer leaves the dealership with active (working SAT radio).
• 10142519May 8, 2018Steering. Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.
• 10136776Apr 27, 2018Brakes. Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern.
• 10136774Apr 27, 2018Wheels. Some automotive cleaning products contain strong acid or alkali. When these types of cleaners are used to clean the wheels on Mazda vehicles, the chemicals contents penetrate the clear coating of the wheel surface and damage the paint under the clear coating. The damaged area has the appearance of dark stains.
• 10136763Apr 20, 2018Electrical system. 2009-2013 Mazda6 Dashboard Upper Panel (Crash Pad) Sticky Surface Warranty Extension Program ? Special Service Program (SSP) A0 - Mazda has now opened Warranty Extension SSPA0 to subject vehicles in all states. On April 23, 2018 parts available notification letters will be sent to 160,686 affected owners. This is a warranty extension for the specified repair only. Inspection and replacement of non-failed parts will…
• 10136782Apr 16, 2018Equipment. A musty/mildew type odor may come from the vents when the air conditioning (A/C) system is operating. It is most noticeable when the A/C is first turned ON. This odor is the result of mold growth in the A/Cevaporator/cooling unit which is caused by condensation, dust, and pollen within the cooling unit. This condition is usually worse during high humidity conditions. "Mazda Air Cooling Coil Coating" is available to…

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