There are just some days I wish I didn't turn wrenches

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Got a call yesterday from a lady that was recommended to me for a used vehicle inspection. This is AFTER she already bought the car. It is a 2014 Mazda CX5 Touring, automatic with 110k miles on it.

I know it is a reach but, does anyone know of pattern problems with these cars?
 

TollKeeper

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Being its a 2014, is the last year Ford still had a stake in them.

Interior electronics.
Engine electronics.
Exhaust

If memory serves, the oil pan drain plug had weak threads, and was a known spot for oil drips.

The transmission could be an issue too, depending if it had the Ford Transmission (BAD), or the Mazda Transmission (OK). The CVT's from Ford during this era are known to be problematic. The Dual Clutch Automatics from Ford are also known to be bad.

Lastly, VVT's and Timing chain guides, which are always a problem now a days.
 
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Being its a 2014, is the last year Ford still had a stake in them.

Interior electronics.
Engine electronics.
Exhaust

If memory serves, the oil pan drain plug had weak threads, and was a known spot for oil drips.

The transmission could be an issue too, depending if it had the Ford Transmission (BAD), or the Mazda Transmission (OK). The CVT's from Ford during this era are known to be problematic. The Dual Clutch Automatics from Ford are also known to be bad.

Lastly, VVT's and Timing chain guides, which are always a problem now a days.
I did some research. Supposed to have Mazda transmission. I have also done some reading about interior electronics. Also read about a problem with exhaust pressure sensor. New news about oil drip at drain plug. Thanks for info.
 
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My landlord asked me to help his guy that does work for him on the buildings on his rental properties. Has a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 that threw a rod. Is a 4.7 V8. First used engine replacement attempt was a 4.7 out of a Dakota year 2003 and did start but a lot of the brackets and other install components did not fit and when it did run, the idle would always fluctuate and then the engine would die and then would not restart till next day. So, as it turns out that when I drove to help him, 15 miles away. that he has a small salvage yard. He had a 2004 Ram 1500 with a 4.7 engine that was in a wrecked rolled over truck. He ripped out the Dakota 4.7 and installed this engine. Then he put it all together enough, minus radiator and all components at front of engine. Now it cranks over and spits while cranking and using starting fluid it fires off for a second and flames out of the TB. It has spark but sounds out of time. He has tried numerous cam/crank sensors and even an IAC valve. My scanner would not hook up/mate up and said that no info to send. I looked under the hood of the 2004 and the ECM had 4 harness connectors and the 2002 ECM had 3 connectors. Saw a few harness connectors that were hanging. Further research found that the 2004 is a Flex Fuel truck, the 2002 is a gas. FF did not start for Dodge, till 2004. Has different part numbers for some components and I also found that the Crank sensor tone wheel is different. I told him he needs a different engine or to swap all computerization and harnesses. See pics.

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Tonyrodz

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My landlord asked me to help his guy that does work for him on the buildings on his rental properties. Has a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 that threw a rod. Is a 4.7 V8. First used engine replacement attempt was a 4.7 out of a Dakota year 2003 and did start but a lot of the brackets and other install components did not fit and when it did run, the idle would always fluctuate and then the engine would die and then would not restart till next day. So, as it turns out that when I drove to help him, 15 miles away. that he has a small salvage yard. He had a 2004 Ram 1500 with a 4.7 engine that was in a wrecked rolled over truck. He ripped out the Dakota 4.7 and installed this engine. Then he put it all together enough, minus radiator and all components at front of engine. Now it cranks over and spits while cranking and using starting fluid it fires off for a second and flames out of the TB. It has spark but sounds out of time. He has tried numerous cam/crank sensors and even an IAC valve. My scanner would not hook up/mate up and said that no info to send. I looked under the hood of the 2004 and the ECM had 4 harness connectors and the 2002 ECM had 3 connectors. Saw a few harness connectors that were hanging. Further research found that the 2004 is a Flex Fuel truck, the 2002 is a gas. FF did not start for Dodge, till 2004. Has different part numbers for some components and I also found that the Crank sensor tone wheel is different. I told him he needs a different engine or to swap all computerization and harnesses. See pics.

View attachment 442563View attachment 442564View attachment 442565View attachment 442566View attachment 442567
I don't know which I'd rather do--swap out motors again or swap out harnesses and connectors. Both seem to be a PITA.
 
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I don't know which I'd rather do--swap out motors again or swap out harnesses and connectors. Both seem to be a PITA.
Since he has it torn down that far, I would do the engine. It is not a truck he has to get going. The small salvage yard and 4 bay open front shop, is his hobby place. He has all the time in the world. Many people know that swapping out a complete harness with the same old harness is one thing but swapping out the old and in with a different set of harnesses, can lead to a whole can of worms.
 
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