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.

• 10136780Apr 16, 2018Engine cooling. Some vehicles may experience the check engine light and automatic transaxle warning light ON with one or more of these DTCs stored in the TCM memory (P0842, P0847, P0872, P0877, P0780, P1738). P0842:00 - Oil pressure switch No. 1 (oil pressure switch B) stuck on P0847:00 - Oil pressure switch No. 2 (oil pressure switch A) stuck on P0872:00 - Oil pressure switch No. 3 (oil pressure switch A) stuck on P0877:00 - Oil…
• 10136787Apr 5, 2018Equipment. Some vehicles may exhibit BLUETOOTH® hands-free and/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 procedure.
• 10136784Apr 5, 2018Air bags. This information is provided to help address Passenger Airbag Deactivation (PAD) Indicator illumination concerns during vehicle service.
• 10136778Apr 2, 2018Transmission and drivetrain. The new SKYACTIV-DRIVE FW6A-EL AT uses "Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) Type: FZ". Only use"ATF-FZ" to fill or top off the fluid level. ATF-FZ is specially designed for use in the SKYACTIV-DRIVE series AT. It is a low viscosity formula with less friction for better fuel economy. NOTE: ATF-FZ is colored blue for easy identification.
• 10136777Apr 2, 2018Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment. Always be sure to use the correct automatic transmission fluid when replacing ATF. Using the wrong ATF may cause shift quality complaints or may even damage the transmission. NOTE: ATF M-V (TYPE M5) IS NOT THE SAME FLUID AS MERCON®V OR MERCON®LV ATF. ATF M-V (TYPE M5) HAS A GREATER VISCOSITY THAN MERCON®V AND MERCON®LV ATF IN LOW TEMPERATURES. ATF M-V (TYPE M5) HAS A GREATER ANTI-JUDDER SPECIFICATION THAN MERCON®V…
• 10136775Apr 2, 2018Engine cooling. 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…
• 10134945Mar 28, 2018Electrical system. Upgrade your PCs to IDS version 109.00 and 109.01 from the previous version. NOTE: You may see ?Selection not available? on IDS when a selecting ?Programming menu?, 108.07 included a timer extension for Programming menu application that had to be installed before the expiration date of 3/27/18. After the expiration, IDS can?t accept the extension. To correct this, uninstall IDS and re-install IDS 108.00 >IDS 108.07…
• 10134933Mar 28, 2018Equipment, Electrical system. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery), 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.
• 10134930Mar 26, 2018Suspension. 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.
• 10134929Mar 26, 2018Electrical 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.
• 10134928Mar 26, 2018Electrical 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.
• 10134703Mar 26, 2018Equipment. This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid any potential 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…
• 10134939Mar 23, 2018Equipment. Parts ordering process for SSPA0 2009-2013 Mazdas6 Sticky Dashboard - Crash pad warranty extension. Effective today, March 23rd orders for the Mazda6 crash pad, part number GSYL-60-350 can be placed using the DAG Restricted Parts Order screen on MXConnect. Orders will be VIN specific using the SSPA0 Restricted Parts Order screen. Please contact the Dealer Assistance Group if you need any assistance with an order…
• 10134702Mar 22, 2018Body 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).
• 10134701Mar 22, 2018Exterior 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…
• 10134699Mar 22, 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.
• 10134934Mar 20, 2018Fuel system. The SKYACTIV®-G 2.5T engine requires a unique oil filter (PY8W-14-302) which is NOT interchangeable with other SKYACTIV® oil filters. The unique oil filter can be identified with two white bands as shown below.
• 10136325Feb 22, 2018Fuel system, Engine cooling. Some vehicles may experience a rough idle with the check engine light on and DTC P0015 / P0524 stored in memory. P0015:00 - Exhaust CMP timing over-retarded P0524:00 - Engine oil pressure too low This is caused by a drop in engine oil pressure due to a piece of foreign object stuck on the oil pump pressure relief valve or oil control valve (OCV). The temporary entry of the foreign object triggers a check engine…
• 10134925Feb 16, 2018Air bags, Equipment. The Workshop Manual has two-different airbag procedures, one for Standard Deployment and one for Two-Step Deployment. Standard Deployment is for Mexico spec vehicles and Two-Step Deployment is for US and Canadian spec vehicles.
• 10129368Dec 5, 2017Equipment, Engine. Some vehicles may experience the Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0171 (Fuel Trim too Lean) and possibly DTCs P030X (Misfire). Vehicles having this concern should use the following Inspection/Repair procedure.
• 10129326Dec 1, 2017Body and structure. DASHBOARD UPPER PANEL WARPING. This TSB has been superseded to SSPA9.
• 10188488Nov 2, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. If you encounter any type of electrical concern (e.g, dead battery), 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.
• 10118754Sep 13, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. IDS SOFTWARE VERSION 107 AVAILABLE ON MGSS - PLEASE UPDATE YOUR PC'S. Upgrade your PCs to IDS version 107.00 and 107.01 from the previous version.
• 10118468Aug 9, 2017Body and structure, Electrical system, Exterior lighting. When dealing with customer complaints of excessive condensation and/or water within the headlamp unit, first determine if all the bulb sockets (including O-ring), seals and covers are present and correctly installed. In most cases you will find that the Bulb Seal No. 1 (A) or HID Bulb Seal No. 1 (B) and Bulb Seal No.
• 10118467Aug 7, 2017Equipment, Electrical 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 odometerand related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with…
• 10120381Jul 26, 2017Air bags. Mazda Motor Corporation is going to evaluate the following inflators to ensure the safety of the inflator with a desiccant. In order to do this, MNAO is collecting inflators for evaluation in certain zones. For 2003-2008 Mazda6 (including Mazdaspeed6) and 2004-2011 RX-8: Collect 30 Driver-side and 30 Pas-senger-side inflators (60 total) from vehicles that have completed Recall 8215F for Driver-side and Recall 9416E…
• 10120378Jul 24, 2017Equipment. Some vehicles may experience a rough idle with the check engine light on and DTC P0015 / P0524 stored in memory. P0015:00 - Exhaust CMP timing over-retarded. P0524:00 - Engine oil pressure too low. This is caused by a drop in engine oil pressure due to a piece of foreign object stuck on the oil pump pressure relief valve or oil control valve (OCV). The temporary entry of the foreign object triggers a check engine…
• 10111036Jul 12, 2017Electrical system. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is© 2017 Mazda North American Operations, U.S.A. allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service.
• 10111035Jul 12, 2017Transmission and drivetrain, Engine, Electrical system. Some 2012-2016 Mazda3s, 2013-2015 CX-5s and 2014-2015 Mazda6s may experience the Check Engine Light ON with DTC P0101 and/or P061B and/or driveability problem after reprogramming the PCM using IDS versions 105.02 to 105.04. If the PCM is reprogrammed with any software number included in the attached file and the throttle valve has too much carbon build up, the engine air amount calculation by the problem software…
• 10120372Jul 6, 2017Steering. Some vehicles may exhibit one of the following concerns: Sometimes the shifter may jump out of 3rd gear over a road bump when accelerating after deceleration at 25-40 mph (40-65 km/h), Hard to shift into 3rd, 4th, 5th, and/or 6th gear, Shift lever vibrates when driving in 3rd or 4th gear. This is caused by inappropriate transmission internal parts.
• 10111042Jul 6, 2017Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. Whenever you are reprogramming a PCM or any other module, always use the GR8 Battery Charger in the Power Supply mode to prevent the battery from discharging.
• 10111031Jul 6, 2017Lane departure. Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system frequently asked questions (FAQ)
• 10111045Jul 5, 2017Electrical system. Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for specific repair of instrument panel on certain 2010-2013 Mazda3 vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through July 19, 2013. The warranty coverage for instrument panel replacement due to warping or a gap is extended to 7 years (84 months) from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty (Normal Warranty) start date or April 30, 2018 whichever is later, with…
• 10111023Jun 20, 2017Body and structure. CAUTION: At no point during the repair for Recall 9916H (LIFTGATE STAY DAMPER SAFETY RECALL) should "Vise-Grips" or other similar tools be used to hold the lift gate stay dampers. Use only the tools specified in the recall. Vice Grips or other similar tools can easily damage the stay dampers. NOTE: Stay damper parts received with Vice Grip marks will not be covered under warranty.
• 10120354Jun 12, 2017Transmission and drivetrain. Some vehicles may exhibit one of the following concerns: Sometimes the shifter may jump out of 3rd gear over a road bump when accelerating after deceleration at 25-40 mph (40-65 km/h) Hard to shift into 3rd, 4th, 5th, and/or 6th gear Shift lever vibrates when driving in 3rd or 4th gear. This is caused by inappropriate transmission internal parts.
• 10116233Jun 1, 2017Engine cooling, Electrical system, Equipment. Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for specific repair of instrument panel on certain 2010-2013 Mazda3 vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through July 19, 2013. The warranty coverage for instrument panel replacement due to warping or a gap is extended to 7 years (84 months) from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty (Normal Warranty) start date or April 30, 2018 whichever is later, with…
• 10118129May 22, 2017Electrical system. Some customers may complain that the ambient temperature display is not accurate, or it takes too long for the display to show actual temperature. When you encounter a customer with this concern, first verify the condition when the customer noticed this symptom.
• 10116227May 18, 2017Engine, Electrical system. Mazda Motor Corporation is extending the warranty coverage for specific repair of instrument panel on certain 2010-2013 Mazda3 vehicles produced from May 6, 2010 through July 19, 2013. The warranty coverage for instrument panel replacement due to warping or a gap is extended to 7 years (84 months) from the original New Vehicle Limited Warranty (Normal Warranty) start date or April 30, 2018 whichever is later, with…
• 10186343May 1, 2017Electrical system, Equipment. Gap between Instrument Panel and Information Display Warranty Extension Program - Special Service Program (SSP) A9
• 10111011Mar 9, 2017Exterior lighting. Take caution when cleaning plastic headlight lenses. Damage can occur when using some cleaners that contain strong acid, alkaline cleanser or organic solvent. Damage caused by using these cleaners is not covered by Mazda's New Vehicle Limited Warranty term.
• 10185806Jan 13, 2017Exterior lighting. Excessive condensation or water within the headlamp assembly caustion.
• 10092574Aug 30, 2016Body and structure. Some customers may complain about the dashboard upper panel just above the information display (a) is warping, generating a gap (b). Replace dashboard.
• 10092584Aug 26, 2016Engine. There is a concern that some water pumps are being replaced that are not faulty, due to signs of a very small coolant leak from the bleed hole. This service bulletin is to inform you about the water pump sealing mecha-nism and the criteria if replacement is necessary or not.
• 10092487Aug 11, 2016Equipment. Raising a vehicle with a jack can be dangerous if not done properly. The vehicle can slip off the jack and seri-ously injure someone. In this service information, some important warnings and cautions have been taken from the owner’s manual. For mazda customers who have questions about safely lifting their vehicle to change a flat tire or to install snow chains, please provide a copy of the attached handout for them.
• 10091610Jul 22, 2016Body and structure. When removing parts from a vehicle, take caution of this symbol "r". Failing to replace the non-reusable part may cause a system failure.
• 10090763Jul 22, 2016Body and structure. When removing parts from a vehicle, take caution of this symbol "r". Failing to replace the non-reusable part may cause a system failure.
• 10085383Jul 8, 2016Electrical system. Ids update 101.00 and 101.02 is now available on ms3 under the "ids/infotainment" tab.
• 10105886Jun 26, 2016Equipment. When dealing with customer complaints of excessive condensation and/or water within the headlamp unit, first determine if all the bulb sockets are resent and correctly installed. In most cases you will find that the bulb seal no. 1 (a) or hid bulb seal no. 1 (b) and bulb seal no.
• 10092724Jun 24, 2016Engine. If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely.metallic debris from the old engine (with catastrophic internal mechanical failure) may rest inside the intake manifold.
• 10085289Jun 24, 2016Engine. If an engine assembly is replaced after a catastrophic internal mechanical failure, clean the intake manifold internally before installing a replacement engine assembly. If the intake manifold is not cleaned properly, the replacement engine may fail prematurely.metallic debris from the old engine (with catastrophic internal mechanical failure) may rest inside the intake manifold.

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