Topic

lazyade
By: lazyade
Posts: 3
Joined: 14/08/09

Mk 3 leak

Posted: Jan 31 2010 Tags:  drains, leak Views: 83

Hi folks

My 2006 Mk3 is leaking somewhat.  I purchased the car last summer from a main dealer but I've noticed over the winter months quite a bit of moisture on the windows and inside of roof lining on mild days.  I've also noticed a small trickle of water in the drivers side footwell (running down the panel just under the bonnet release).  I should say I'm in the UK so it's a right hand drive car.  I didn't notice any moisture in the summer months, but I only bough the car at the end of July so there wouldn't have been much rain, and if there had I guess it would have dried up quickly with the roof down. 

I took it back to my dealer end of Dec and he thinks it might be a drains problem but they're not sure if the warranty will cover it, I'm still waiting for them to come back to let me know.  What experiences have other people had with main dealers in getting this fixed under warranty?  (I did get the years Mazda warranty when I purchased the car but the policy wording seems to excluded weather channels).  Given I've seen an official Mazda pdf on how to replace the drains I would think I have quite a strong case against the dealer / Mazda (if only to go half on the repair).

Can you also confirm this is likely to be the drains, given that the boot seems pretty dry and the water is running in down the panel by the bonnet release, I though the drain problem was more behind the seat?  There have never been any puddles of water, but I pulled back the drivers seat today and the carpet looks like it might have been wet for some time.  The car isn't left under any trees and on e level drive.

I'm really pi**ed off actually, I was looking at buying an Elise when I bought the MX5 but was put off by the unreliability and weather problems.  I specifically told the Mazda sales rep this when I was buying the car.

So if you could share any thoughts on whether this is a drain problem or not, and if people have been successful in getting Mazda to replace the drains under Mazda warranty, I'd really appreciate it.

Cheers.

Replies

  1. /My-Page/?userId=4628

    RE: Mk 3 leak

    I had a similar leak which was in the passenger footwell dripped in the LHS above the feet. Fixed under warranty by a different dealer than the supplying one. Was a seal at the base of the windscreen.

    Generally I find the Mazda customer service/care and quality of my local dealer's workmanship poor. There is now a dealer based 50m away in Ayr (which is my next nearest ) who I hope will be better.

    Content is edited
    Posted: Jan 31 2010 By: Loskie   Posts: 299
  2. /My-Page/?userId=751

    RE: Mk 3 leak

    There is a known issue with water leaking from the drain tray beneath where the windscreen wipers sit. Have a look at this link for a fix;

    Posted: Jan 31 2010 By: Beerbelly   Posts: 110
  3. /My-Page/?userId=7600

    RE: Mk 3 leak

    There is also a Scottish owner with a Mk3 whose wipers broke 3 times, plus an potential issue with the ECU. When the metal scuttle area behind the dash beneath the windscreen was exposed during repairs, it was found to be corroding badly.The sooner anyone with leaks gets them investigated, and checks for corrosion, the better. The thought of a newish Mk3 rotting quietly under your nose is not what you would expect from Mazda.

    Content is edited
    Posted: Feb 02 2010 By:   Posts: 918
  4. /My-Page/?userId=4444

    RE: Mk 3 leak

    Well I wrote to Mazda Customer services and got back a less than satisfactory response.  They're saying that the car is out of it's 3 year warranty, and even though I got a main dealer warranty when I bought the car, fixing problems with drains is not covered (apparently I should have kept the drains clear - which is strange as it's never been under a tree or had leaves on it!).  So I'm really disappointed with Mazda, spending £12k on a car and then having to pay to stop it leaking after five months is not what I had in mind when I purchased it!

    I guess I'll have a go at clearing them myself.  I'll have a trawl through the forum but has anyone any experience of cleaning them, is it easy?

     

    Thanks

    Posted: Feb 12 2010 By: lazyade   Posts: 3
  5. /My-Page/?userId=751

    RE: Mk 3 leak

    If water is running down under the bonnet release catch area then this is not a problem with the main drains which are located behind the seats at shoulder height. Have you had a look at the thread I posted previously which describes a problem with a trim clip under the wiper arm area?

    Posted: Feb 12 2010 By: Beerbelly   Posts: 110