2018 Mazda MAZDA3 Technical Service Bulletins

462 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2018 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.

• 10183633Nov 10, 2020Engine cooling, Equipment. MULTI-MODEL - MAZDA MOBILE START CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM. As shared previously, due to planned industry-wide changes in mobile network infrastructure and wireless technology, the Mazda Mobile Start (MMS) accessory was no longer offered beginning with 20MYvehicles. These technology changes are scheduled to occur in late 2021 as our service provider transitions away from a 3G network which currently supports…
• 10183604Nov 10, 2020Engine cooling. Some customers may complain about high engine oil consumption. Before attempting any repairs, verify the complaint by using the guideline below to determine if an engine repair is necessary: Engine Oil Consumption Inspection Guideline 1. Record the vehicle mileage. 2. Engine at normal operating temperature, top off engine oil level to the full mark on the dipstick. 3. Ask the customer to return to the dealer after…
• 10183592Nov 3, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Some customers may complain of a whining noise from the automatic transaxle when driving at 10 mph and above. The noise:  Depends on the vehicle’s speed only (the more speed, the more noise)  Occurs with all types of driving (acceleration, deceleration, steady speed)  Does not depend on rpm, gear, or ATF temperature
• 10182123Oct 28, 2020Equipment, Engine cooling. Currently, the instructions on MGSS recommend the use of Loctite 962T or equivalent when installing a SKYACTIV cylinder head, but it is no longer available. The following 3 adhesives are alternatives available as an equivalent to Loctite 962T: Loctite 272, Loctite 518 Threebond TB-1386H
• 10182122Oct 15, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ): NOTE: The following vehicles are not equipped with Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, but it can be activated using MDARS. See Activation instructions on MGSS - Infotainment - MAZDA CONNECT Updates - Apple Carplay / Android Auto MDARS Activation Instructions
• 10182121Oct 12, 2020Equipment. ACCESSORY INSTRUCTIONS LOCATION: Accessory instructions can be found in the Accessory eCatalog. https://ecatalog.mazdausa.com
• 10182100Oct 2, 2020Brakes, Equipment, Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system, Steering. Some vehicles may exhibit that the SBS/SCBS warning light (amber) turns ON right after the engine is started with DTC U0420:68 [FSC] (Error signal received from electric power steering (EPS) control module) stored in memory. For Mazda6 and CX-5, the following error messages may appear in the instrument cluster.  Front camera sensor system malfunction  Forward Smart City Brake Support Malfunction …
• 10180668Sep 21, 2020Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Equipment, Back-over prevention (rear…. Some vehicles may exhibit a distorted image or no image from the rear mount camera when shifted into reverse. Due to friction, the coating of camera socket terminals may wear out, creating high electrical resistance. NOTE: The icons and the messages are displayed normally.
• 10180667Sep 15, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. All Mazda Connect vehicles in new car inventory must be updated to the software version listed below in this TSB as part of the New Car Ready Step 3 process. Make sure the new vehicle specialist receives a copy of this bulletin. Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 70.00.367 or later).
• 10180670Sep 4, 2020Brakes, Electrical system, Steering, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)…. Some vehicles may exhibit that the SBS/SCBS warning light (amber) turns ON right after the engine is started with DTC U0420:68 [FSC] stored in memory.  DTC U0420:68 [Forward sensing camera (FSC)]: Error signal received from electric power steering (EPS) control module. For Mazda6 and CX-5, the following error messages may appear in the instrument cluster.
• 10179315Aug 18, 2020Electrical system. When performing vehicle services such as control unit software update, control unit registration/activation, CMU log data retrieval, etc., always use the GR8 battery charger SST to maintain battery voltage.
• 10179313Aug 13, 2020Forward collision avoidance, Brakes, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)…. Some customers may complain about the following message displayed in the Multi-Information Display: In the following cases, the MRCC with Stop & Go function system is canceled when the vehicle is traveling at 19 mph (30 km/h) or less:  The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot detect target objects due to one of the following:  The windshield is dirty  The FSC lens is foggy  There is low…
• 10179228Aug 3, 2020Wheels, Tires. New CARB regulation regarding mandatory checking and documenting of tire pressure whenever a vehicle is in for service work. This applies to all service shops (including Mazda dealerships) in California effective September 1, 2010.
• 10177850Jul 28, 2020Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Electrical system. Some customer's may complain that the front power window(s) do not operate after the vehicle has been parked outside during freezing temperatures. This may be caused by water that infiltrates into the power window regulator and freezes in the drum groove for the cable. Then when the power window is operated, the cable slips out from the ice-filled groove and tangles, blocking further window operations.
• 10177847Jul 20, 2020Equipment. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Paint Warranty Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
• 10177853Jul 15, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. 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.
• 10177843Jul 9, 2020Engine, Equipment, Transmission and drivetrain. 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). This is caused by the oil pressure switch A and/or B at the control valve body temporarily or permanently getting stuck due to contamination entering the passage. To correct the problem, some mass production changes have been…
• 10177005Jun 11, 2020Equipment. Use the symptom troubleshooting tables below to diagnose MAZDA CONNECT concerns.
• 10177012Jun 10, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. When replacing manual or automatic transmission, make sure to remove the plug from the old transmission (as shown below) and then re-install it to the new transmission with a new washer. The new transmissions (including remanufactured A/T) have a shipping plug, as shown in the figures (M/T: black, rubber made; A/T: pink and black, with breather). This plug is for shipping use only and needs to be removed in order…
• 10176977Jun 3, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Some customers may experience the MAZDA CONNECT rebooting or the screen turning black during cold temperatures. The concern occurs when the interior of the vehicle is cold and disappears when the interior warms up. This is caused by some SD cards for the MAZDA CONNECT navigation system being manufactured with improper hardware, resulting in a data reading error during cold temperatures. To correct the concern, the…
• 10174583Apr 17, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. Some customers may experience the MAZDA CONNECT rebooting or the screen turning black during cold temperatures. The concern occurs when the interior of the vehicle is cold and disappears when the interior warms up. This is caused by some SD cards for the MAZDA CONNECT navigation system being manufactured with improper hardware, resulting in a data reading error during cold temperatures. To correct the concern, the…
• 10174650Apr 8, 2020Equipment. Some customers may complain about a rear view monitor display that is:  Blank (or may have backup camera warning message) Distorted Blurry Fuzzy  Split screen (see attached video) Grainy. The icons and text are normally displayed.
• 10173097Mar 12, 2020Transmission and drivetrain, Equipment, Brakes, Engine cooling. 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.
• 10173253Mar 11, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Some customers may complain about incorrect MAZDA CONNECT clock time. This may be caused by an incorrect clock GPS Sync setting.
• 10173250Mar 4, 2020Back-over prevention (rear camera), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)…. Some customers may complain about a rear view monitor display that is:  Blank (or may have backup camera warning message)  Distorted  Blurry  Fuzzy  Split screen (see attached video)  Grainy. The icons and text are normally displayed.
• 10173228Mar 4, 2020Equipment. The owner’s manual contains procedures and precautions for the maintenance and cleaning of plastic parts, like the brand emblem. However, it is still important to remind customers about these precautions. Customers should never use inadequate, harsh or aggressive cleaning products on plastic parts.
• 10173249Mar 3, 2020Forward collision avoidance, Equipment. Some vehicles may have one of the following DTCs stored in memory:  C1001:92 - Forward sensing camera (FSC) poor field of view  B14F0:92 - General temporary failure in forward sensing camera (FSC) DTC C1001:92 or B14F0:92 set as a past record for low visibility of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC). It does not mean there is an actual FSC defect.  In some cases the customer may have a concern with…
• 10171836Feb 28, 2020Equipment. DTC P0942:49 TROUBLESHOOTING: P0942:49 is missing from the Workshop Manual on MGSS. Follow the repair procedure below to repair the vehicle until the information is added to the Workshop Manual.
• 10171843Feb 26, 2020Wheels. 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.
• 10171792Feb 26, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. Service part Automatic Transaxles (ATX) manufactured on or after July, 2018 are shipped with a blank TCM that requires configuration. NOTE: The following Caution is included with every ATX that requires configuration.
• 10171780Feb 18, 2020Electrical system, Equipment. Some customers may complain about a MAZDA CONNECT system reboot or blank screen. Use the troubleshooting chart below to repair the vehicle.
• 10171787Feb 11, 2020Equipment. Use the symptom troubleshooting tables below to diagnose MAZDA CONNECT concerns. Audio System, Bluetooth®, Center Dislay, DTC, i-ACTIVESENSE, Maintenance Monitor, Navigation, Noise, Reboot / Frozen Screen / Slow Response, USB / Aux Voice Command, How to Check Navi SD Card VIN Lock.
• 10170941Jan 29, 2020Brakes. 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.
• 10170814Jan 23, 2020Steering. Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road. Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.
• 10170813Jan 23, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Some vehicles may experience the CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON with DTC P2610 and P2507 stored in memory after engine start and room fuse 15A (A) removed. P2610:00: Instrument cluster internal engine off timer performance problem  P2507:00: PCM battery voltage low input. As a past malfunction, the customer will not notice it (no warning light illuminated), but the DTC may be found during a vehicle service…
• 10170943Jan 15, 2020Equipment, Electrical system. Some customers may complain about a MAZDA CONNECT system reboot or blank screen. Use the troubleshooting chart below to repair the vehicle.
• 10170829Jan 15, 2020Engine cooling, Electrical system, Body and structure. LACK OF POWER UNDER HEAVY LOAD WITH NO WARNING LIGHTS OR DTCS: Some customers may complain of a lack of power under heavy load without any warning lights or DTCs. This concern may be due to a loose or detached hood weatherstrip, which can cause a blockage or restriction in the air intake system.
• 10170819Jan 13, 2020Body and structure, Equipment. Some vehicles may experience stains appearing on the hood, roof and/or trunk of the vehicle. This concern is most likely to be found in a cold weather areas just after the RAPGARD is removed at PDI. This may be caused by moisture which has been trapped and condensed between the paint and the RAPGARD. These types of stains can be removed with a heat gun or an infrared drier.
• 10170818Jan 13, 2020Seats. At PDI or when new vehicle is delivered, some customers may complain about wrinkles on the leather seat cushion and/or seat back surface. Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired by a qualified upholstery repair specialist using the following repair procedure.
• 10170817Jan 13, 2020Equipment. 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).
• 10170661Jan 9, 2020Equipment, 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 odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement.  Mazda vehicles are…
• 10170656Jan 9, 2020Suspension, Equipment. 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 below to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
• 10169505Dec 20, 2019Wheels. Some vehicles may exhibit corrosion of the wheel nuts. This is caused by torsional stress concentrating on the tip of the wheel nut because of the thin and long shape of the nut, which damages the coating and causes the corrosion. To correct this issue, the width across the flats of the wheel nuts have been changed from 17mm to 21mm.
• 10169504Dec 20, 2019Suspension. Some vehicles may exhibit a knocking noise from the rear of the vehicle when driving over a road bump. Upon inspection of the rear suspension, the bump stop (bound stopper) of the rear shock absorber is coming out of the mounting rubber.This is caused by the adhesive surface of the mounting rubber bracket having inadequate roughness opposite to the bound stopper and the bracket shape being inapporopriate to have…
• 10169542Dec 19, 2019Equipment, Electrical system. All Mazda Connect vehicles in new car inventory must be updated to the software version listed below in this TSB as part of the New Car Ready Step 3 process. Make sure the new vehicle specialist receives a copy of this bulletin. Some vehicles may experience the symptoms mentioned below, which can be fixed with the latest software update (Version 70.00.352 or later).
• 10169540Dec 19, 2019Equipment, Engine cooling. 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.
• 10169513Dec 18, 2019Other or unknown, Transmission and drivetrain. WARRANTY GUIDELINES FOR RETURNED TRANSMISSION CORES. Be advised that the Mazda Remanufactured Transmission Center (MRTC) has found that up to 30% of the returned transmission cores either included the wrong transmission oil cooler, or the oil cooler was missing altogether. IMPORTANT NOTE: ALWAYS REMEMBER TO INCLUDE THE ORIGINAL OIL COOLER WITH THE RETURNED TRANSMISSION CORE!
• 10169539Dec 17, 2019Equipment. 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/C evaporator/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…
• 10169543Dec 13, 2019Equipment, Other or unknown, Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). Accessory instructions can be found in the Accessory eCatalog. https://ecatalog.trademotion.com/. Audio/Electrical, Exterior, Interior: - Mazda Mobile Start (MMS) - Remote Engine Start - Wireless Charging Pad - Mirror - Navigation - Rear Parking Sensors - Rear Seat Entertainment - Smartphone Screen Mirroring - Bumper Trim/Guards - Door Mirror Caps - Fog Lights - Moonroof Wind Deflector - Roof Rack - Side Window…
• 10169537Dec 13, 2019Equipment, Engine cooling. 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 mechanism and the criteria if replacement is necessary or not.

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