Mazda Problems

The Brumby would have been a good choice 10 years ago, but finding one now that hasn’t been driven into the ground, beaten to death, or rusted away is nigh on impossible. Instead of buying a dodgy old your son a favour and buy him a decent car, one that doesn’t belong in a scrap yard, and will serve him well for some time into the future. I would go for a Hilux, Triton, or Bravo 2600.

Changing the battery in a current Mazda 3’s key fob is a simple job once you know the process. Start by locating the small button on the back of the key near the silver metal key ring lug, and depressing it. You can then tug the metal key ring lug out and pull the manual accessory key out of the key fob.

Take a flat-bladed screwdriver and twist it gently in the slots where the manual accessory key is located. This starts separating the two halves of the key fob, allowing you access to the battery, though you will need to run an old credit or gift card down each side of the key fob to fully separate the halves.

Once you have the case open you will see the thin, round Panasonic CR2025 battery which has a rubber weather-proofing cover. Once you’ve removed the old battery and switched the cover to your new battery, you can start reassembly by putting the new battery in the key shell, with the positive side facing up.

Snap the key fob halves back together, push the accessory key back in, and then test to make sure the keyless entry works on your car.

It is important to note that this guide is for the current fob-style key and the process will be different for earlier pop-out keys.

Based on your description it’s only worth what a scrap merchant might give you. If you really want to try and sell it ask $500 and you might get $200.

It won’t be a gearbox fault, and it won’t be air in the fuel. It’s happening on first starts, so look for something that’s amiss with it during the cold start phase. It’s probably not getting the required enrichment. Check the engine sensors.

I wouldn’t expect them to touch the transmission when replacing the turbocharger. You could have another mechanic check the work done.

Intermittent problems are hard to fix because the mechanic really has nothing to go when everything is working. It could be an electrical connection, or a sensor. The only thing you can do is to persist and take it to the dealer when it happens again.

You would like to think that sales personnel have the knowledge to advise you on issues like this and do so before you buy, but it seems they don’t. And yes you should have asked to be sure that your phone is compatible. Phone Mazda’s customer relations service (1800 034 411) and discuss the problem with them.

It appears to be a problem with the red. Contact Mazda on 1800 034 411.

Skipping oil changes is the worst possible thing to do, the oil will get thick and sludgy and the risk is that it will block the galleries in the engine, and in the worst case it could cause the engine to fail.