A very unusual problem?

[Flag_nor_Fail]

I'm really hoping you guys can help me with this issue before I have to spend big money on getting it fixed. So I've had a 2005Mazda 3sport (sedan) for almost a year now and never had any problems except this one.... Recently my CD player (and ONLY the CD player function) has been acting up, getting very annoyed. Lately it has been randomly shutting off/on or "tripping" for some reason I don't know. It rarely did this on occasion every couple tracks it would stop playing. Reset (black screen, hello message) and continue playing. It would do this a few times every so often but starting today it won't play whatsoever. I first noticed if I turned the volume up past 13 it would start doing this repeatedly. About an hour later it won't work at all. Anytime I try to use the cd function it just shuts on/off barely making it to the hello message just flashing on and off. I have no idea what's causing this, the room fuse seems to be fine? If anyone could please help if appreciate it!!

A few things to note: when I first bought the car I didn't drive it for 1month(waited for insurance and what not..) the keyless entry fob/radio/cd player/led screen consol did not work whatsoever. I ran the car daily for about 5minutes and one day about a week later everything came on and worked fine. Very strange right?

also... This problem RARELY happened during the winter season so I'm not sure if heat is part of the issue, and last but not least. While I was able to play cd's. If I used the interior lights they would dim to the bass of the music. Not sure if this is normal?

[jaimie08mazda3]

I would say the deck is toast. Or at least the CD player part of it. I would replace it and put either another stock one or an aftermarket deck (id go that route just because 05 didn't have Auxillary) and hopefully your problem should be solved. Also look at your room fuse. I had that issue with my car. Once it blows you lose all functions of many things. Do your gauges over and then back down when you turn on the car as well?

[Flag_nor_Fail]

I would say the deck is toast. Or at least the CD player part of it. I would replace it and put either another stock one or an aftermarket deck (id go that route just because 05 didn't have Auxillary) and hopefully your problem should be solved. Also look at your room fuse. I had that issue with my car. Once it blows you lose all functions of many things. Do your gauges over and then back down when you turn on the car as well?

Thanks for the reply I guess it's hard to diagnose the problem lol it's funny you said that because yesterday morning the gauges did over and back (FIRST time I've ever seen it do that) and trip counter reset. But the room fuse isn't blown, I think maybe there's a loose connection somewhere in the panel because I slightly wiggled it and that was enough to reset the trip counter/blue cluster led shut off/ and consol display took a couple minutes to show up after starting the car. And on another note has anyone tried the GTA car kit(auxiliary/usb) for the 2005model? Looks pretty simple to install and its used through the tape/md function. But the video shows it on a different model that has the "media" button. They claim it worlds on 05 but I'd like to hear from someone who actually used it on their 05... Thanks again!

[jaimie08mazda3]

Yea I'm not sure at all. Because when mine went all of those shut right off (blew because the power wire from aftermarket harness to stock one came out and shorted everything) and I didn't understand what the hell happened. But I'm glad it was a simple fix. And I know a few guys who have done the aux mod and it worked. FD22 and silverstarmazda both had it and it worked. I think it goes to the tape setting on the older decks but not sure about that. But if your already having problems with it you may as well go aftermarket. Easy to install as well and it will eliminate at least one problem and possibly everything else.

[Flag_nor_Fail]

Yea I'm not sure at all. Because when mine went all of those shut right off (blew because the power wire from aftermarket harness to stock one came out and shorted everything) and I didn't understand what the hell happened. But I'm glad it was a simple fix. And I know a few guys who have done the aux mod and it worked. FD22 and silverstarmazda both had it and it worked. I think it goes to the tape setting on the older decks but not sure about that. But if your already having problems with it you may as well go aftermarket. Easy to install as well and it will eliminate at least one problem and possibly everything else.

Thanks again. One of the reasons I don't want an aftermarket deck is to maintain the clean/stock look of the car. I've seen aftermarket deck installed and the stock orange led screen stays there, obviously blank and it's just an eye sore... But there's other problems that need to be taken care of before I spend money on a deck anyways. I'm hoping the get this issue fixed, maybe replace the stock deck with one from a scrapyard and buy the gta car kit. But there's definitely something wrong with my fuse panel there's no question about it

[jaimie08mazda3]

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/03/817b3a4c73e6cffc4c4005b4277fc5ea.jpg
Honestly it's not that bad. The dash kit hides the fact the LCD screen is gone. I have forgotten all about it. It works really well.
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/03/edd0959725e35e6c76a1a9a2c664fb93.jpg
Same with a double din. But to Each's own I guess. I just would be hesitant about gettin another stock deck that's 10 years old from the wreckers. Could have the same issue or worse. But yea I would definitely check out that fuse panel. Did you ever replace the room fuse?

[Flag_nor_Fail]

Money is part of the factor at this post because I have to get other maintenance done first, for example I just had the front struts,shocks,suspension replaced... Anyways the room fuse seems to be fine, I switched it with the horn fuse, cleaned up the pins cause thy were dirty but the problem is still there, so far all I know is that heat is a factor and there's something wrong with the fuse/wiring harness. Something il probably have to take in to get looked at I think

[jaimie08mazda3]

Money is part of the factor at this post because I have to get other maintenance done first, for example I just had the front struts,shocks,suspension replaced... Anyways the room fuse seems to be fine, I switched it with the horn fuse, cleaned up the pins cause thy were dirty but the problem is still there, so far all I know is that heat is a factor and there's something wrong with the fuse/wiring harness. Something il probably have to take in to get looked at I think

Yea I re read that and didn't realize that was another factor until after I posted it. But it also gives you an idea of your options when figuring. Out the issue as well. I hear you those are costly things. I've got to do my rear shocks soon. And well I had a fuse that looked to be fine for my cigarette lighter a few years back but it wouldn't turn on. But I had another fuse so I figured I would see if it made a difference. Changed it and it hasn't screwed up on me since. Closer examination of the fuse showed a tiny blow right where the pins meet the fuse. Heat shouldn't be the factor. But the wiring behind the deck might be hack too seein as it is 10 years old and you've owned it for such a short time.

[Flag_nor_Fail]

I checked behind the deck and the everything seemed to be fine. Today I noticed something else... I was able to play CD's again (the problem is still here) but at lower volume it doesn't happen as often. But as soon as I turn the volume up loud and there's heavy bass it resets(to the hello message) as soon as I turn the volume back down during the hello message it continues playing... I noticed the lcd screen flickers to the bass of the music as well as the interior lights when turned on. Is this a sign of a weak battery? A bad altenator? Do you think the deck resets like this because it knows there's not enough power output to handle? I'm wondering about it...

[FD22]

And on another note has anyone tried the GTA car kit(auxiliary/usb) for the 2005model? Looks pretty simple to install and its used through the tape/md function. But the video shows it on a different model that has the "media" button. They claim it worlds on 05 but I'd like to hear from someone who actually used it on their 05... Thanks again!


And I know a few guys who have done the aux mod and it worked. FD22 and silverstarmazda both had it and it worked. I think it goes to the tape setting on the older decks but not sure about that. But if your already having problems with it you may as well go aftermarket. Easy to install as well and it will eliminate at least one problem and possibly everything else.

Yup, had (well technically still have) the kit in my '05 before going aftermarket, and it worked fine. Definitrly works :)

[Flag_nor_Fail]

I checked behind the deck and the everything seemed to be fine. Today I noticed something else... I was able to play CD's again (the problem is still here) but at lower volume it doesn't happen as often. But as soon as I turn the volume up loud and there's heavy bass it resets(to the hello message) as soon as I turn the volume back down during the hello message it continues playing... I noticed the lcd screen flickers to the bass of the music as well as the interior lights when turned on. Is this a sign of a weak battery? A bad altenator? Do you think the deck resets like this because it knows there's not enough power output to handle? I'm wondering about it...

***Bump this*** and thanks FD22 il definitely be buying the car kit sometime this month

[jaimie08mazda3]

I checked behind the deck and the everything seemed to be fine. Today I noticed something else... I was able to play CD's again (the problem is still here) but at lower volume it doesn't happen as often. But as soon as I turn the volume up loud and there's heavy bass it resets(to the hello message) as soon as I turn the volume back down during the hello message it continues playing... I noticed the lcd screen flickers to the bass of the music as well as the interior lights when turned on. Is this a sign of a weak battery? A bad altenator? Do you think the deck resets like this because it knows there's not enough power output to handle? I'm wondering about it...

I don't know if I believe that the stock system would do that. Could be possible though. Especially if it's only the deck and 4 stock speakers which don't put out a whole lot of power. But the battery could be the issue too. Has it ever been replaced before? I'm almost positive it has something to do with the internals in that deck but test your battery and see how low it gets when you turn it up. Eliminating one possibility at a time is the best way.

[Flag_nor_Fail]

So I took my car into Mazda to have a mechanic look at it quick. They said it's a very un-common problem they have never seen. His best guess is that it's corrosion under the room fuse panel and they want to run a new connection to the fuse off of a clean one. Cost is about 240$ does anyone agree this might be the problem? I'd like the check under the panel myself but can't seem to get it off... And too update, the problem is now worse. My screen just constantly flashes if I turn the radio/cd player on. Will not work. Sometimes the keyless entry will not work but seems to be holding up for the most part.

[jaimie08mazda3]

So I took my car into Mazda to have a mechanic look at it quick. They said it's a very un-common problem they have never seen. His best guess is that it's corrosion under the room fuse panel and they want to run a new connection to the fuse off of a clean one. Cost is about 240$ does anyone agree this might be the problem? I'd like the check under the panel myself but can't seem to get it off... And too update, the problem is now worse. My screen just constantly flashes if I turn the radio/cd player on. Will not work. Sometimes the keyless entry will not work but seems to be holding up for the most part.

You could go to the wreckers and pick up a whole new fuse box and replace it. Should be cheaper to do it. Kinda sucks it is corroded but what does that say about any other fuse in there? That would be my concern.

[Flag_nor_Fail]

You could go to the wreckers and pick up a whole new fuse box and replace it. Should be cheaper to do it. Kinda sucks it is corroded but what does that say about any other fuse in there? That would be my concern.

That's a good idea, but there's no way I could install that myself. Mazda said a new fuse panel would run me about 1500$ so I don't even want to know what they would charge just for the install if I provided one. I really hope they can fix this issue. I'm scheduled to bring it next next sat... Pisses me off my car works fine for a year than this randomly happens. I just want it to hold up for at least another year maybe 16months before I can finance something... Does anyone know how to open the fuse panel under the hood? I mean actually take it off carefully so I can see for myself what's going on with the wires underneath?

[jaimie08mazda3]

1500 for a new fuse panel. Jesus that's pricey. I don't know how hard it would be to take it out but I would consider at least taking a look. Unfortunately things happen with cars and you have to replace things as necessary. Although this is the first time I heard of this problem.

[Reddie1337]

Is this the panel in the car? If so, very easy to swap. Doing the one under the hood, not as easy to swap.

[Flag_nor_Fail]

Yea it's pricey. I think I may just wait to let Mazda do their thing next weekend and see what they find under the panel. And it's the fuse panel under the hood.. I was able to get a closer look underneath but don't wanna rip the entire thing off. Il leave it to the mechanic but there's definitely something goin on under there. I really hope they can fix this issue. The money I was going to spend on a subwoofer is now going towards this /: il keep posted on how it goes

[jaimie08mazda3]

Is this the panel in the car? If so, very easy to swap. Doing the one under the hood, not as easy to swap.

It'll be the one In the engine. Same exact place as mine. I thought the one under the hood would be easier then the one under the glove box. Good to know.

[Reddie1337]

Under the hood isn't easier. Harness goes across the front, and into the car. One in the car is just some plugs and you can remove it, way easier.

[Flag_nor_Fail]

So I've taken the car into Mazda earlier today. Paid 200$ to have a "fuseable link" done to the panel. I'm not sure what exactly it is but from I can remember he said something like cutting the bad or corroded spot of the wire and attaching the new link to the fuse... So I'm happy to say that everything seems to be working fine again (cluster led lights, Gage's, trip meter, keyless entry, radio/cd player, interior lights) I'm able to turn the volume up and not see dimming screen or lights. Using the power steering does my effect dimming of lights anymore either.

Now I do have one last question. The guy at Mazda had told me my alternator is weak and on its way out. Is this just one of their tactics to get 4 or 5 hundred bucks outta me? Because last time I checked my alternator was fine. In fact.. Before all the fuse problems started, the lights would always dim too using power windows, steering and bass of the music. That issue is now gone since they put the new link in. Just looking for people's opinion on this

[jaimie08mazda3]

The car is 10 years old. It could be possible. Has there been any struggling coming from the car while driving? And have you ever put a stereo in it?