A couple of issues

[Dr Butcher]

Hey all, it's been a while.

A couple of issues with my '04 GS sedan.

First off, I have this really annoying rattle coming from the area of the tail pipe, it's high pitched almost like someone is dinging a triangle whenever I come to idle (who knows if it sounds like this all the time or not). Anyone have an idea what it might be or what the fix is? Anyone had a similar issue?

My second question, and forgive me for not searching. On consecutive days this past winter I picked up stone chips in my windshield, right now the cracks are reaching out to each other in a mock imitation of Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam'.

Anyone know what the best deal is on getting the windshield replaced? Is there an aftermarket windshield, or is going to the dealer my best option? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

[Fuman]

Q2) Windshield needs to be replaced for your safety.
If it is lower than your deductible, you can go through insurance, your rates shouldn't go up. 3 of my friends went through insurance, didn't affect rates. (1 prelude, 2 civics).

Q1) Sorry dude. No idea

[mazdathree]

Hey all, it's been a while.

A couple of issues with my '04 GS sedan.

First off, I have this really annoying rattle coming from the area of the tail pipe, it's high pitched almost like someone is dinging a triangle whenever I come to idle (who knows if it sounds like this all the time or not). Anyone have an idea what it might be or what the fix is? Anyone had a similar issue?

My second question, and forgive me for not searching. On consecutive days this past winter I picked up stone chips in my windshield, right now the cracks are reaching out to each other in a mock imitation of Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam'.

Anyone know what the best deal is on getting the windshield replaced? Is there an aftermarket windshield, or is going to the dealer my best option? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.


1) No idea about the first one as I have not had such a problem yet....maybe something loose and is banging against something....best bet is take it to a dealer have it checked out...

2) As for the windshield, I had had mine replaced before due to a stone chip on hwy 401....I called up the dealer in Peterborough as thats where I live. They told me dealers usually dont keep windshields and have to be done through a shop that deals with glassware for automobiles and home....they recommended me Speedy Glass....anyway I got it replaced through them and did it through my insurance (had to pay the deductible of $500)...I went for the Mazda OEM windshield with rain and light sensor so thats why it cost more....I think the total price came to $650 including labor and taxes...

Hope that helps

[mit-gee-mui]

Hey all, it's been a while.

A couple of issues with my '04 GS sedan.

First off, I have this really annoying rattle coming from the area of the tail pipe, it's high pitched almost like someone is dinging a triangle whenever I come to idle (who knows if it sounds like this all the time or not). Anyone have an idea what it might be or what the fix is? Anyone had a similar issue?
My first thought was the same as above i.e. maybe something is loose.


My second question, and forgive me for not searching. On consecutive days this past winter I picked up stone chips in my windshield, right now the cracks are reaching out to each other in a mock imitation of Michelangelo's 'Creation of Adam'.

Anyone know what the best deal is on getting the windshield replaced? Is there an aftermarket windshield, or is going to the dealer my best option? Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.

Unfortunately, your problem is very common. You will find "need to replace windshield" threads pop up many many times throughout every year.

Take a look at this thread.
http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21661&highlight=oem+windshield
There is such a thing as an aftermarket windshield. HOWEVER, you will find horror stories (example: rain sensor doesn't work as well or properly) when it comes to installing non-oem windshields. You could always risk it though, but most members would recommend against that.

You also have the option of installing a windshield without the rain-sensor, which is cheaper, but then you completely lose your autowiper function.



If you feel like reading more, here are a few more links

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=22716&highlight=oem+windshield
Check out the links in that thread too

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=18749&highlight=oem+windshield

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=11245&highlight=oem+windshield

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=14450&highlight=oem+windshield

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=13454&highlight=oem+windshield
Horror story

[whiteomega]

for the first problem, check the mounting hanger at near the end of the exhaust pipe; see if it's broken or disconnected. also when the car is idling watch the exhaust pipe and see if you can see it banging on something (try not to breath in the exhaust either...). you could also shut the car off and wait for the exhaust to cool, and try wiggling it a little bit and see if it's hitting anything. if all else fails, have a mechanic inspect it.

for the windshield, i had to get mine replaced this spring; i went with the OEM one. be advised that it does take a long time, so you might want to arrange a ride with someone (if you're going on the weekends). It'll run you about 480 + tax to get it done at MoT.

[ng3]

This was funny to read, as your first question reminded me of mi saga to get rid of the noise I used to have.

My suggestion is: Check the inside of the Tail Pipe Chrome Cover.

This cover is tacked from the bottom, BUT it has a gap all the way around. Somehow I had a stone thrown by the tire straight in there... I spend literally days trying to take it out in the weirdest ways... And now I can't remember what worked...

[mazdaagain]

The roads sucked this winter. I ended up with 4 chips in my windshield. Insurance company says they will fix 3 chips without deductible charge. Anyone know if that is annually or life of the car or windshield ?

[mazdathree]

The roads sucked this winter. I ended up with 4 chips in my windshield. Insurance company says they will fix 3 chips without deductible charge. Anyone know if that is annually or life of the car or windshield ?

wow...fix 3 chips without deductible charge? which insurance company is that?....mine told me i have to pay deductibles but my insurance will not go up unless I start claiming every now and then within the year.....

[mazdamama]

A few weeks ago I had my windshield replaced by Mazda of Brampton. I called at least 5 places in the west end trying to find someone who would install OEM glass but even the dealer who on the phone told me that I would be getting OEM glass, installed aftermarket glass. Actually the dealer subbed the job out and while it was cheap ($450 plus tax) and looks good and is the same brand of glass manufacturer as before, of course now my rain sensor only works about 20% of the time. How easy is it to fix a rain sensor or do they have to rip out the windshield again?

[ds2chan]

A few weeks ago I had my windshield replaced by Mazda of Brampton. I called at least 5 places in the west end trying to find someone who would install OEM glass but even the dealer who on the phone told me that I would be getting OEM glass, installed aftermarket glass. Actually the dealer subbed the job out and while it was cheap ($450 plus tax) and looks good and is the same brand of glass manufacturer as before, of course now my rain sensor only works about 20% of the time. How easy is it to fix a rain sensor or do they have to rip out the windshield again?


I have no idea but it shouldn't matter as you were told that you will be getting an OEM windshield so you should go back and complain. also, your sensor wipers don't work so that's a huge issue. why would a dealer not give you an OEM windshield?? it's their product..

[Dr Butcher]

Thanks for the pointers guys, I'm leaving it as it is for now and going with the 'ghetto fabulous' look.

I am going to take the car in for the lock fix sometime soon so I'll have them look into the annoying rattle as well, it sounds like the tip has come loose and is banging against itself or something.

[Xenon]

I'm extremely cautious with my windshield after my last experience (the horror story from Post #4). As soon as I get a bad chip, I bring it right to my windshield repair person. They are in the parking lot of Canadian Tire near 403 & Dundas. Professional and in and out in about 20 minutes.

Rates are $60 for a stone chip and add $35 more for every one thereafter on the same visit (i.e. 3 chips = $60 + 35 +35). Ya, seems expensive, but when you are looking at $600 to replace an enitre windshield... it's worth it.