2012 Mazda 3 Sky, doesn't accelerate well?

[sheepe]

I've been driving a hatch sky for 1 month now (3000km), and initially i thought it was the skyactiv'ness of the car that makes it not go (as in accelerate). What i mean is that i literally have to floor the pedal to make the car go in order to cut lanes etc. Now I'm comparing this to the 2008 GT 3 hatch which had very similar specs but bigger engine (2.3L). I'm also comparing this to another skyactiv 3 sedan, (brand new, 20km). This brand new sedan actually gave me the feel of acceleration similar to the 08 GT.

Have you guys noticed that the 3 doesn't really accelerate? Can this be a defect of my car?

[Hyperion]

Bring it up past 4500, it takes a while.

[Aitch]

I've noticed that in full auto mode, mine doesn't like to downshift unless I put the pedal right down.

[sheepe]

Bring it up past 4500, it takes a while.

Yeah I know at that rev the car actually goes, but thing is i have to floor the pedal to bring it to 4500 on my hatch vs the sedan, a light tap it goes to 3000.

[sheepe]

I've noticed that in full auto mode, mine doesn't like to downshift unless I put the pedal right down.

See, i thought that was with all skyactiv cars, but until today, when i drove the new sedan, a light tap makes it go ridiculously faster than my hatch...

[htc***]

See, i thought that was with all skyactiv cars, but until today, when i drove the new sedan, a light tap makes it go ridiculously faster than my hatch...


Switch to manual then downshift when you want to pass that what I do.

[sheepe]

Switch to manual then downshift when you want to pass that what I do.

Yea I've been doing that, but isn't it more convenient to have the nice acceleration in the full auto-mode? Im starting to wonder if its a defect in my car... or the sedan lol

[113GT]

thats why you get the 2.5 liter lol

[boyracer]

Can't have both, did you want quick acceleration or fuel economy? If you had the quick acceleration, this thread would be you complaining about the sub par fuel economy. It's a good car, just enjoy it.

[TheMAN]

you get the VVT recall done yet?

[sheepe]

thats why you get the 2.5 liter lol


Can't have both, did you want quick acceleration or fuel economy? If you had the quick acceleration, this thread would be you complaining about the sub par fuel economy. It's a good car, just enjoy it.

As I said, I'm not only comparing this to the GT i had. I am also comparing to another sky sedan which clearly gave me a better acceleration.

[sheepe]

you get the VVT recall done yet?

What's the VVT recall?

[sheepe]

What's the VVT recall?

Nvm. I see it.

http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?63187-2012-Variable-Valve-Timing-System-Emission-Recall-Campaign

Do i need a letter to do this?

[KL3]

I'm wondering if you need a letter for this too.
I too have a new skyactiv (under 5000 km, got it in July). Maybe it's only for the first skyactiv's and mid-year production models already had this fixed... ?

[Booter22]

if you send me the vin i can tell you if your vehicle should have the vvt done. but its limited to

Model: 2012 Mazda3
with 2.0L direct
injection engine

VIN range
JM1 BL**** C1 508456 – 556960

Production Date Range
From July 25, 2011 through
November 2, 2011

there could also be a program update but that should have been done when the vehicle was sold if it did apply, i do however believe the vvt was more for noise not for a lack of "power"

[TheMAN]

ECU reflash could still fix driveability problems.... that's what Mazda did when the cars first came out, I don't remember what it was though

[sheepe]

if you send me the vin i can tell you if your vehicle should have the vvt done. but its limited to

Model: 2012 Mazda3
with 2.0L direct
injection engine

VIN range
JM1 BL**** C1 508456 – 556960

Production Date Range
From July 25, 2011 through
November 2, 2011

there could also be a program update but that should have been done when the vehicle was sold if it did apply, i do however believe the vvt was more for noise not for a lack of "power"

Damn, guess I don't belong in there... C1 674_ _ _

Thought I'm wondering if this fix would help....

[sheepe]

Damn, guess I don't belong in there... C1 674_ _ _

Thought I'm wondering if this fix would help....

Though*

[eSS]

Can't have both, did you want quick acceleration or fuel economy? If you had the quick acceleration, this thread would be you complaining about the sub par fuel economy. It's a good car, just enjoy it.

Agree with you there. For what it is acceleration is great and as another member said here just down shift it in manual mode to get a much better response. I find after 2k Rpms it really wake up

[Booter22]

Damn, guess I don't belong in there... C1 674_ _ _

Thought I'm wondering if this fix would help....

if you send me your vin i can tell you if your pcm needs an update or not. if it doesnt then there is no update and nothing you can do. and a vvt wont help you for acceleration and its not something you can get fixed if there isnt a problem with it and your car doesnt need it done ( by the vin range split) . your car is made with fuel economy in mind. 2.0 and 2.5 non sky have a bit more pick up but lack the fuel economy. get a short ram intake that would open it up a bit. but as the car wears in it will open up a bit as well.

[sheepe]

if you send me your vin i can tell you if your pcm needs an update or not. if it doesnt then there is no update and nothing you can do. and a vvt wont help you for acceleration and its not something you can get fixed if there isnt a problem with it and your car doesnt need it done ( by the vin range split) . your car is made with fuel economy in mind. 2.0 and 2.5 non sky have a bit more pick up but lack the fuel economy. get a short ram intake that would open it up a bit. but as the car wears in it will open up a bit as well.

So I was at the dealer today, and there is no recall. Though the mechanic knew that such problem exists with these cars and advise me to try to "push the car" a bit so that the computer will learn my driving style. He said that only some cars will have this 'defect'.

I understand that the 2.0 sky is built for fuel economy. But alot of you are missing the fact that I am ALSO comparing with the SAME skyactiv sedan and the sedan accelerates significantly better than the hatch. The sedan actually gives me the same feeling as the old GT I had.

I guess the only thing i can do is make the computer 'relearn' my driving style. Is there a way where I can disconnect the battery or something for it to relearn? Is there a thread or something on how to do this?

Thanks

[sheepe]

Agree with you there. For what it is acceleration is great and as another member said here just down shift it in manual mode to get a much better response. I find after 2k Rpms it really wake up

Yes, but my problem is that lets say im cruising at 60km/h... I want to change lane and hence i need to accelerate. I literally need to FLOOR the pedal for the car to recognize that I want to accelerate. And when i floor it, it drops a gear but it STAYS at ~2RPM (which i think its 4th gear) which gives me a very slow accleration making my lane change very slow and unsafe.

[eSS]

Yes, but my problem is that lets say im cruising at 60km/h... I want to change lane and hence i need to accelerate. I literally need to FLOOR the pedal for the car to recognize that I want to accelerate. And when i floor it, it drops a gear but it STAYS at ~2RPM (which i think its 4th gear) which gives me a very slow accleration making my lane change very slow and unsafe.

If you have the auto try slipping it into manual mode and downshifting.

[sheepe]

If you have the auto try slipping it into manual mode and downshifting.

I know, someone mentioned that i should do that. But to me, that's inconvenient when the sedan doesn't need to do it at all....

Though does that help the computer learn my driving style?

[TheAnswer_03]

Well the Sedan is lighter than the hatchback.

[sheepe]

Well the Sedan is lighter than the hatchback.

11kg?... 24lbs? =\

[sheepe]

Ok, so does anyone know what I can do when the dealer mechanic acknowledges this problem but can't fix it under my warranty?

Here's the thing. Its been a while now that I've been testing the sedan and my hatch. There are both getting similar mileage, yet my hatch is lacking power significantly compared to the sedan. It has no improved and even when I try merging on the highway, I am having difficulties as the car isn't down shifting or revving when I want it to.

Let me know what are my options

[Booter22]

Ok, so does anyone know what I can do when the dealer mechanic acknowledges this problem but can't fix it under my warranty?

Here's the thing. Its been a while now that I've been testing the sedan and my hatch. There are both getting similar mileage, yet my hatch is lacking power significantly compared to the sedan. It has no improved and even when I try merging on the highway, I am having difficulties as the car isn't down shifting or revving when I want it to.

Let me know what are my options

hard to tell a dealer to fix what they cant find.. believe me, but trust me when i say my 2010 sedan 2.0L 5spd with very simlar mods less my speed3 exhaust kicks my gfs 2010 hatchs but all day. but if the car is operating with out fault no engine lights. strange noise. anything broken. not much they could do for a im sure small acceleration difference, maybe they could check for PCM and TCM updates if they havent already but other then that, they cant really fix whats not really broken and you may just have to drive the car and let it wear in. remember as the car will age and you add the kms to it and it wears in. it will drive differently as it ages. might just have to put some miles on it and come back to it. you have it noted and a repair order open. if they cant fix it. drive it and see what happens as it wears in. hard to fix a new car with nothing really wrong with it but a slowerish acceleration. cars are like people just because we are all built the same doesnt mean we are the same. give it some time and if you are worried about it later go back to it.

[TheMAN]

don't forget these are mass produced engines... not one of them are the same as the other.... some may have more power, most average, some less

[sheepe]

So i've been driving it for another month now. It currently has 5200km on it, (which i believe is 'worn in' by now)... Still having a sluggish acceleration compared to the sedan (which is currently at 3000km).

I understand what you guys are saying; let it wear in, each car is different etc... But it is hard to ignore the problem when I have the sedan to compare to. What kind of reasoning will make the dealer look into the problem more seriously? Would telling them that lane changing on the highway is currently a problem (this is true btw)? Sometimes its so bad that flooring the pedal doesn't even drop the gear so that I can cut lanes, the RPM would be 'stuck' at like sub 3k.

[mazdabetty]

i do however believe the vvt was more for noise not for a lack of "power"

Out of curiosity, does this noise occur during start up and go away once the car is in gear? My mom just picked up a 2012 skyactiv and it makes the craziest sound when you first start it... like a weird buzzing coming from the engine bay.


So i've been driving it for another month now. It currently has 5200km on it, (which i believe is 'worn in' by now)... Still having a sluggish acceleration compared to the sedan (which is currently at 3000km).

I understand what you guys are saying; let it wear in, each car is different etc... But it is hard to ignore the problem when I have the sedan to compare to. What kind of reasoning will make the dealer look into the problem more seriously? Would telling them that lane changing on the highway is currently a problem (this is true btw)? Sometimes its so bad that flooring the pedal doesn't even drop the gear so that I can cut lanes, the RPM would be 'stuck' at like sub 3k.

I don't think this is just an issue with the hatchback, after test driving my mom's 2012 sedan I was shocked at the lack of acceleration... even my 2005 lacks in power when taking off but trying to get anywhere in the 2012 was beyond ridiculous...

[sheepe]

I don't think this is just an issue with the hatchback, after test driving my mom's 2012 sedan I was shocked at the lack of acceleration... even my 2005 lacks in power when taking off but trying to get anywhere in the 2012 was beyond ridiculous...

I'm pretty sure its not. But like I said before, having both a sedan and a hatch to compare with clearly shows that my hatch is inferior to the sedan in terms of acceleration.

Like others said, this could be due to the fact that these two cars were made at different time etc etc. Which can be true because the "blue" display on the top dash has different tones between the sedan and hatch. That is, my hatch has a darker blue inside than the sedan lol.

But nonetheless, this I will be looking into this issue because both of these cars are getting similar mileage (via fuelly) but the sedan is more 'fun' to drive.

[mazdabetty]

Well keep us updated if you do happen to find a solution, I'm curious to see what the issue is!

[sheepe]

Well I did go to the dealer like last month (few post back). The tech basically acknowledged that this problem is common. He went to check if my mazda is eligible for a flash (which usually solves the problem). Came back and told me that my flash is the most updated one -_-"

[mazdabetty]

If you aren't getting the answers you need/deserve maybe consider escalating the issue to Mazda Canada. Maybe test drive another 2012 hatch so you have a direct comparison and a valid argument? "this could be due to the fact that these two cars were made at different time" is definitely not an acceptable answer.

I had issues last year with dealers not listening to me when I complained of a "common issue" among 2004-2005 models. I even called Mazda Canada and pretty much got "oh well" from them. But as soon as I took to their Facebook page, I got almost an immediate response and solution from them. I'm not suggesting you spam their Facebook page, but it's worth a try at least post your concerns and let yourself be heard publicly if all else fails.

If you are absolutely certain that there is something wrong with your car, and you've taken all the appropriate steps (you've test driven another hatchback model the exact same as yours, you've complained to the dealership several times, you've brought it to Mazda Canada's attention) and you're positive you were sold a lemon, give OMVIC (http://www.omvic.on.ca/) a try. They are very proactive when it comes to helping consumers and protecting their rights.

That's all I can suggest for now, hope that helps somewhat.

[Booter22]

Out of curiosity, does this noise occur during start up and go away once the car is in gear? My mom just picked up a 2012 skyactiv and it makes the craziest sound when you first start it... like a weird buzzing coming from the engine bay...

the buzzing is a combo of things. from the electric power steering pump. high compression motor and high pressure pump, they all seem to make a buzz noise from the electric throttle body even if you dont start it and just turn the key to the on position.

[Booter22]

I'm pretty sure its not. But like I said before, having both a sedan and a hatch to compare with clearly shows that my hatch is inferior to the sedan in terms of acceleration.

Like others said, this could be due to the fact that these two cars were made at different time etc etc. Which can be true because the "blue" display on the top dash has different tones between the sedan and hatch. That is, my hatch has a darker blue inside than the sedan lol.

But nonetheless, this I will be looking into this issue because both of these cars are getting similar mileage (via fuelly) but the sedan is more 'fun' to drive.

like ive said before i have a 2010 sedan gs and the gf has a 2010 gx hatch both 5spd, and car to car mine is the much more fun / better accelerating car hands down. only mod i have and she doesnt is the speed 3 exhaust other then that they are the same. but even before mods mine was still the "faster" of the two. nothing wrong with either and they both get software updates when they come out. very similar fuel econ.

sad to say but just might be the way it is. not all cars are the same and unless there is a probule that could be narrowed to fix. you may just have to live with it and monitor it as it progresses.

as mazdabetty said you could try mazda canada but they are not really going to let you show up at head office and drive another car. they may come to the dealer if the dealer things its something the rep needs to see. they may also open a ticket for you based on your description of the problem. however they man not because saying my 1 mazda 3 doesnt accelerate as well as my other mazda 3 but there is not problems with the car. no engine lights and the dealers looks at it to say the car is ok and safe to drive.. doesnt really leave much more to check as if there was a failure it would trip a light. but who knows maybe they will and ask for the dealers input..

couldnt hurt but just dont hold on for it to be a be all and end all result that this will get fixed as from a dealer stand point it is very very hard / impossible to fix what you can not find a failure for, yes you could try the omvic way. but they will ask you why how whats the reson you think you have a lemon. "it doesnt accelerate the same" yet both cars get the exact same fuel economy. no engine lights. nothing wrong with it.. omvic may also not be able to do nothing.. i mean from reading this. unless the car doesnt move and feels like its towing a boat anchor. really hard to get a feel of how much slower the accelerating is.

if the car has the latest pcm and tcm ( auto trans ) updates.. and the dealer "knows" theres a problem.. because i dont know of a problem at my dealer with acceleration in the sky actives so maybe they know what i dont.. speak with the service manager. compare cars. speak with mazda canada and maybe have the dealers rep involved if they feel they need to take it that far. but unless the car doesnt move at all. at this point.. i dont know what to say..

maybe post a video of one car vs the other merging on the hwy with full / similar acceleration to show how it runs and shifts and so on so we can see sort of what you are talking about


sorry for the double post.

[McGuyver_3]

Chiming in a little late and from what I have read I am just going to resay what the dealer told you. Give the car hell stretch the rpms as far as they will go on a regular basis and the car will start to respond better. I am not talking about 3000-4500 rpm i mean literally redline gear to gear. Put it in auto/mannual and hold gears in higher RPM ranges. For example if you are cruising down the street in auto at 60-70km/h at 2000rpm (using example ranges) put it in auto/mannual and let the rpms reach 4000 rpm and hold it there. Sure fuel mileage might suffer but you want better response and that is your best way of achieving it.

[Aitch]

Yeah it does appear that the new cars learn your driving style. Mine is more happy to accelerate quickly now (not just being broken in, but it downshifts more readily in auto mode than at first) plus it even seems to have figured out how to engine brake on long hills for me.

[sheepe]

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the thread.

So I've been driving the car for a while now, and to be really honest, the problem is still there for my car. I've been doing what other members have recommeneded (ie: leave the car on high revs etc) but I still find that the car lacks acceleration. For example, for me to merge on highway, I would literally have to floor the pedal for the car to drop a gear or two and go up to 3-4k rpm (where the car seems to have power).

Relative to the other mazda, this one has a distinct lack of power in terms of acceleration. I will be taking this back to the dealer once I have the time (probably end of the month).

Just a quick question though, does anyone know if they have new updates on the software etc? Perhaps it may fix the problem for me...

[TTHX]

Just wondering if you have any updates on your car? I recently just got a 2013 sky hatch and I also find it struggle to accelerate at times and for passing on the highway. I haven't really stretched the RPMs yet as everyone recommends not to for the break in period. I have just over 3k on mine right now. I find I really have to floor it at times as well to get it going.

[Aitch]

I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the thread.

So I've been driving the car for a while now, and to be really honest, the problem is still there for my car. I've been doing what other members have recommeneded (ie: leave the car on high revs etc) but I still find that the car lacks acceleration. For example, for me to merge on highway, I would literally have to floor the pedal for the car to drop a gear or two and go up to 3-4k rpm (where the car seems to have power).

Relative to the other mazda, this one has a distinct lack of power in terms of acceleration. I will be taking this back to the dealer once I have the time (probably end of the month).

Just a quick question though, does anyone know if they have new updates on the software etc? Perhaps it may fix the problem for me...

Driving my Sky, I can say that you can't expect much powerful acceleration when the engine is below 3000 RPM. So if you're in Auto mode, yes the transmission will need to kick down a couple of gears to get you moving. And yes that requires flooring the accelerator. And no the car doesn't feel all that fast to me anymore (well it never felt THAT fast).... (of course I'm always hauling around baby crap in the hatch which doesn't help).


Just wondering if you have any updates on your car? I recently just got a 2013 sky hatch and I also find it struggle to accelerate at times and for passing on the highway. I haven't really stretched the RPMs yet as everyone recommends not to for the break in period. I have just over 3k on mine right now. I find I really have to floor it at times as well to get it going.

"Everyone" doesn't necessarily mean people who know what they are talking about. Better to break your engine in over a variety of engine speeds, rather than always just keeping it below (say) 3000RPM. All the engine parts need to get to know each other. Just don't drone along the highway at 100km/h for 12 hours right after you get the car and you'll be fine.

A female friend of mine was deathly scared of hurting her brand new Lexus by taking it on the highway for the first 3 months she owned it. When I found out (at about the 3 months mark) I nearly made her take the highway home and start driving the car like a normal car.

[tmpz]

Just wondering if you have any updates on your car? I recently just got a 2013 sky hatch and I also find it struggle to accelerate at times and for passing on the highway. I haven't really stretched the RPMs yet as everyone recommends not to for the break in period. I have just over 3k on mine right now. I find I really have to floor it at times as well to get it going.

Try replacing engine air filter, clean the MAF and clean the throttle body.

[r4mi5awi]

Try replacing engine air filter, clean the MAF and clean the throttle body.

Is what you would say if his car has >50,000kms....

[stock3]

Why not just remove the negative battery terminal and reset the ECU and transmission adaptive logic?
From OP's description it sounds like transmission or transmission adaptive programming is an issue, not the engine.

[suparobg]

Don't know if the person with the acceleration problem knows or not but Mazda had a TSB for something to do with the ECU. PM me if you need me to copy and paste the TSB for you

[sheepe]

So its been a while but I would say my car accelerates better than before. How I achieved this was through Rev'ing the car at high rpms, as suggested by other members. Having said that, the car now has a higher than normal fuel economy even when I try to drive "eco friendly". I am averaging about 8.6L/100km and that's about 60% city driving. The car still feels inferior in terms of "fun" versus the sedan, but I guess there's really nothing I can do.

AS for the flashing ecu, I've been to the dealer a couple of times and they claim that my car is fine and theres no update for it whatsoever look

[r4mi5awi]

Don't know if the person with the acceleration problem knows or not but Mazda had a TSB for something to do with the ECU. PM me if you need me to copy and paste the TSB for you

hmm.. never cared to ask about the TSB. Purchased my car in late 2012, figured it was taken care. Will ask in the near future.

[TTHX]

Just a recent update I've found my car to be better now that I've been stretching the RPMs. Guess taking it easy during the break in period wasn't working out too well for my car.