ND battery under-spec'd?

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Sun Nov 19, 2017 1:35 pm

I wonder if there is a Mazda Service Bulletin or something of the like?

RBH58 · Postby **RBH58** » Sun Nov 19, 2017 1:39 pm

bruce wrote:I wonder if there is a Mazda Service Bulletin or something of the like?

If there is, I don't think Mazda Australia know about it yet. Mazda USA only seem to have started to concede a problem in the last week or so.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Sun Nov 19, 2017 1:52 pm

The cold weather (onset of Winter) in the States must be pushing the batteries over the edge resulting in more problems.

RBH58 · Postby **RBH58** » Thu Nov 23, 2017 11:38 am

Got a call from Mazda Australia today. Basically they were useless. If the dealer thinks there is no problem with a battery lasting 12-14 days and Mazda Japan haven’t notified them of a problem, then there isn’t a problem. End of discussion.

As much use as a chocolate teapot.

If you are having problem with battery life on your RF then at least contact Mazda Australia. But until they are overwhelmed with complaints don’t expect anything much from them.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Thu Nov 23, 2017 11:57 am

Ah well, story over. Time to buy a jump starter thingy.

RBH58 · Postby **RBH58** » Thu Nov 23, 2017 2:19 pm

bruce wrote:Ah well, story over. Time to buy a jump starter thingy.

Mazda North America are taking the matter seriously (unlike Mazda Australia who seemingly couldn’t give a toss) and people’s cars are currently being inspected and monitored. No feedback on results yet as it’s been a recent development, but I’ll post anything I read.

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Thu Nov 23, 2017 7:35 pm

It seems a serious problem and if its true Mazda should be acting eg recall. RBH could start with RACV for a start and see if it can be escalated. I will not be buying an ND as it gives inpression of being an undercooked car. Incidentally Mazda also overcharges on spares as well.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Thu Nov 23, 2017 7:55 pm

Keep dreaming about a Recall. It's hardly a life-threatening problem.
It could just be a dud battery, even though Mazda said it's OK.

RBH58 · Postby **RBH58** » Thu Nov 23, 2017 8:15 pm

This post today from miata.net

This is in line with what Mazda North America were suspecting. Mazda Australia will continue to wait for a bulletin from Mazda Japan bacause they are f#<king useless...

Originally Posted by Len View Post
Hi,

While measuring the battery drain Mazda informed RF-owners that the cruise control (not going to sleeping mode) causes the battery drain.

Until that moment I measured a capacity loss of 3,6% in 5 days.

Started up my car and checked if the cruise control was 'on'.
It was.

Drove two days, battery full and parked the car with cruise controle 'off'

After 5 days capacity loss was 0,6%.

Will continue measuring.

RBH58 · Postby **RBH58** » Thu Nov 23, 2017 8:19 pm

So the verdict (so far) seems to be, turn your cruise control “off” if you are going to be parking the car for a number of days!

project.r.racing · Postby **project.r.racing** » Fri Nov 24, 2017 7:47 am

Mr Morlock wrote:I will not be buying an ND as it gives inpression of being an undercooked car. Incidentally Mazda also overcharges on spares as well.

You were never gonna by one anyway. Long before this issue was ever given the light of day. You have had a negative opinion of NDs, especially the styling from day one.

RBH58 · Postby **RBH58** » Fri Nov 24, 2017 5:54 pm

Mazda Australia have contacted me and are raising a ticket for my problem. They seem to be taking it seriously now (thank you Facebook).

If any RF owners (or any ND owners) are experiencing short battery life (battery dead in 12-14 days of idleness) please email customersupport@mazda.com.au and let them know.

At least their National Support Manager doesn’t think a battery dying in two weeks is “reasonable” even if Mazda dealers do!

Mr Morlock · Postby **Mr Morlock** » Fri Nov 24, 2017 9:00 pm

PRR correct I was never gpong to buy one and this issue is not what a new buyer should exoerience.

RBH58 · Postby **RBH58** » Fri Nov 24, 2017 9:06 pm

Mr Morlock wrote:PRR correct I was never gpong to buy one and this issue is not what a new buyer should exoerience.

It’s still the best MX5 ever!

JBT · Postby **JBT** » Fri Nov 24, 2017 9:31 pm

RBH58 wrote:Got a call from Mazda Australia today. Basically they were useless. If the dealer thinks there is no problem with a battery lasting 12-14 days and Mazda Japan haven’t notified them of a problem, then there isn’t a problem. End of discussion.

And so it will go until Fair Trading, ACCC or whatever take up the issue. I feel sorry for you but, the national importers really won't give a stuff until they are forced to. The same happens with other makes....if that makes you feel better.