TSB: 01-007/06
2004-2006 MAZDA3 - NO START DUE TO FROZEN MAIN RELAY
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2004-2006 Mazda3 - Federal Spec vehicles with VINs lower than JM1 BK**** ** 461950 ( produced before December 1, 2005)

DESCRIPTION
In extremely cold weather below -22F (-30C), some vehicles may experience a no-start condition. The contact point of the main relay may have frozen after short distance driving in extremely cold weather. Due to the design, moisture can enter the inside of the relay, allowing the contact point to freeze. As a countermeasure for Mazda3 vehicles, a mass production change will occur with the following

For all US Spec. Mazda3 vehicles (FED/CALIF/CAN) a breathing hole has been added to the main relay, and the capacity of relay coil has been increased as of December 1, 2005 (JM1 BK**** ** 461950).

For Canadian spec. Mazda3 vehicles, PCM logic of the main relay electric current control will be changed. After the ignition is turned off, a small, regulated amount of electric current will continue to run through the relay for 10-20 minutes.

Customers having this concern should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.

REPAIR PROCEDURE
1. Verify customer concern.
2. Replace the main relay with a modified one.
3. Reboot the WDS PTU to clear memory before reprogramming.
4. Using WDS B40.13 or IDS/PDS 41.8 or later software, reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration (refer to "Calibration Information" table) by following the "Module Reprogramming" procedure.
NOTE:

Always update the PDS/IDS tool first, then follow instructions on screen to download the needed calibration file for PCM reprogramming.

It is not necessary to remove any fuses or relays during PCM reprogramming when the PDS/IDS screen prompts you to do so. You may accidentally stop power to one of the PCM terminals and cause the PCM to be blanked, or you may receive error messages during the WDS reprogramming procedure.

PDS/IDS shows the calibration part numbers after programming the PCM.

Please be aware that PCM calibration part numbers and file names listed in any Service Bulletin may change due to future releases of WDS software, and additional revisions made to those calibrations for service related concerns.

When reprogramming a PCM, PDS/IDS will always display the "latest" calibration P/N available for that vehicle. If any calibration has been revised/updated to contain new information for a new service concern/issue, it will also contain all previously released calibrations.

When performing this procedure, we recommend that a battery charger be installed on the vehicle battery and turned ON to a maximum charge of no more than 20 AMPS to keep the vehicle battery up to capacity. If you exceed 20 AMPS, it could damage the VCM.


5. After performing the PCM reprogramming procedure, verify the repair by starting the engine and making sure there are no MIL illumination or abnormal warning lights present.
NOTE:

If any DTCs should remain after performing DTC erase, diagnose the DTCs according to the appropriate Troubleshooting section of the Workshop Manual.

After PCM reprogramming, it is no longer necessary to road test the vehicle to "relearn" KAM (Keep Alive Memory).


6. Fill out an "Authorized Modifications" label (P/N 9999-95-AMDC-97) with the new PCM calibration information, your dealer code, and today's date.


1. Place the "Authorized Modifications" label on the "A" pillar below the tear tag in the driver door jamb.


CALIBRATION INFORMATION


Model / Year / Spec.
Engine
Transmission
New PCM Calibration Part Number
File Name

Mazda3

2004

FED
2.0L
MT
LFZE-18-881
SW-LFZEE0000

FED
2.0L
AT
LFZF-18-881
SW-LFZFE0000

FED
2.3L
MT
LJZ9-18-881
SW-LJZ9E0000

FED
2.3L
AT
LJZA-18-881
SW-LJZAE0000

2005

FED
2.0L
MT
LFZE-18-881
SW-LFZEE0000

FED
2.0L
AT
LFZF-18-881
SW-LFZFE0000

FED
2.3L
MT
LJZ9-18-881
SW-LJZ9E0000

FED
2.3L
AT
LJZA-18-881
SW-LJZAE0000

2006

FED
2.0L
MT
LF3H-18-881
SW-LF3HE0000

FED
2.0L
AT
LF3J-18-881
SW-LF3JE0000

FED
2.3L
MT
LF7V-18-881
SW-LF7VE0000

FED
2.3L
AT
L37W-18-881
SW-L37WE0000



NOTE: The PCM Calibration Part Numbers listed above are provided for PCM reprogramming purposes only. These are not necessarily the same Mazda part numbers used to order an actual PCM through the Mazda Parts System. It is not necessary to order a PCM as part of this repair procedure.

PART(S) INFORMATION


Part Number
Description
Qty.
Notes

LF67-18-811
Main Relay
1
a



(a) - A new part can be used in place of former part, but former part cannot be used in place of new part.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
NOTE:

This warranty information applies only to verified customer complaints on vehicles eligible for warranty repair. Refer to the Warranty Wizard for warranty term information.

 

let's be real though...if it's -30* just keep your butt inside all day.

Thanks for the heads-up as always!

 

I have an '06, it's been getting down to ~5F here. Recently I've been having trouble starting when cold, it's fine when warm. Do you think they'd fix this or just try to sell me a new battery?