Mazda MPV '04 Engine Troubles: Power Loss, Noise, and Metal Shavings in Oil

Hey, sounds like you're in a bit of a jam there. Not too long back, I was in a similar situation with my '02 Mazda Tribute, same Gasoline engine. I had that stubborn engine light, unpredictable power loss, and yeah, some odd sounds from beneath the bonnet too, much like your situation. Turns out, you're on the right track. My mechanic pinpointed the problem to a defective Crankshaft Position Sensor. It was messing with the position of the crankshaft and camshaft, causing all those symptoms. The entire deal is stressful, the car acting all wonky and all, but it's noticeably common, especially with high mileage engines. And about finding those metal shavings in the oil, it's serious but not unforeseeable with an engine clocking high miles like yours. It may be time for a good engine check-up and a thorough servicing, not just the sensor issue. Remember, a dodgy mechanic can ruin your day, but a good one saves the day. Good luck with the fix and drive safe!

Hey there, thanks for shedding light on this predicament. cars sure know how to test our patience, don't they? Anyway, it sounds like your situation mirrored mine pretty closely. This Crankshaft Position Sensor failure seems like a good bet. I'm a little more at ease knowing it's fairly common, as you've experienced it too. Jumping to the cost, do you happen to remember approximately how much you were charged for this fix? And just out of curiosity, did any other issues surprisingly pop up ever since this problem got sorted out? Thanks again for the advice and help. It sounds like I need to start hunting for a reliable mechanic!

Hey there, glad I could help. Totally agree, cars can really give you a headache sometimes! But, hey it's all part of the package deal. As for the cost, I remember shelling out around 250.00 € to get that pesky Crankshaft Position Sensor defect fixed. That included the cost of the part and the labor charge. Yeah, it was a bit of a dent in the wallet back then, but it was worth it considering how much smoother the ride's been since. About other issues popping up post the fix, fortunately no major ones, touch wood! Everything’s been running pretty good after the mechanic got right the position of the crankshaft to camshaft. I guess that’s the bright side of having a reliable mechanic in your corner. In your case, I'd say don't let it get you down. These car issues? Just another problem-solving adventure! Find the right mechanic and you'll navigate through this in no time. Take care and safe driving!

Wow, your words are such a relief and a guiding light. Sure, the estimated cost is a bit punchy, but you're right about the smoother ride being worth every cent. That's what really matters in the end! I'm thrilled to hear that replacing the Crankshaft Position Sensor did the trick for your vehicle and you've had no major issues since then. I'm feeling much more hopeful about my predicament now. It's simply another chapter in the car ownership adventure book! Your advice is valuable, and I'm definitely looking forward to beginning my search for a reliable mechanic. I'm sure I'll find a way through this. Thanks so much for your input and well-wishes. Safe journeys to you too!