[mattropolis]

I'm occasionally getting the check engine light the last month or two on my 2004 Mazda 6 V6. Light comes on, then goes off after a day or so of driving. Frequency seems to be increasing.
I ran the car in and it turns out all the codes are a throttle position sensor error - and it appears my throttle body is in the serial number range affected by TSB 01-016/06 and requires the replacement of the throttle body.

Car itself runs great - and I had the throttle body cleaned - but it doesn't appear to have helped the error code popping up.

Questions:
1. They want $550 + $100 for install at the dealer. Since this is a TSB - isn't it covered in any way? Does that price sound right?
2. I know when this fails that it often goes into 'limp home' mode. Anyone else got experience with how long I've got before it dies?

Thanks for such a great forum guys!

 

[flipper66]

when it fails you are done.

that said cordova sells and optimized TB for 425. install takes about 10 mins if you have hooks for hands. Less if you have actual hands.....

do it yourself and save $225.

 

[mattropolis]

Hmm, sounds like I should take care of it now then. When you say that when it 'fails you are done' do you mean the engine gets destroyed - or just won't run until it's replaced? Either way, no point in waiting.

So replacing the throttlebody is a pretty easy operation? I don't have a lift, but have done my own belts/hoses/water-pumps/starters/brakes/etc on my old Nissan Altima. There's no calibration/etc needed? I know it's right on top of the engine - so it's just unplug the old and plug in the new and go? Do Cordova's throttle bodies come with all the gaskets and whatnot that I need?

Thanks for the info!

 

[flipper66]

yep unplug+ 4 bolts(10mm)+ the clamp on the intake boot(10mm).

I can undo it in just seconds.

TB does not require a replacement gasket unless you want to replace it.

Cordova comes iwth everything you need. except I think they eliminate the coolant line going through the TB(don't quote me). This is also a good mod to do well you are in there.(check the DIY thread as to how to do it)

 

[flipper66]

btw, yes when it fails..... your car is dead, it doesn't kill your engine but it doesn't exactly run either.

 

[mattropolis]

Thanks for the tips. I ordered a new, unmodified body from Cordova and it'll hopefully arrive this week. MIL light pops up ever day or so, but car runs ok. Hopefully it lasts till end of the week when replacement arrives. I'll keep this posted.

 

[MBVaughan]

Any updates?

 

[mattropolis]

Wow - should have responded a while back.

The install took about 20 minutes total - very, very easy. The throttle body came from Cordova in the offical Mazda box. He was very responsive on email and got the part to me in great time.

After install, I jumped in, turned on the car. Cranked right over on the first turn - no check engine light. Accelleration hickups were gone. I've been using it now for 5 months and it's been perfect and no more engine light problems.

Thanks again everyone! What a great forum!