Turns out the Mazda MPV, unlike most of the older cars that I’ve been familiar with, has an ignition coil for each cylinder — six coils in total. Long story short, failed ignition coils seem to be a common problem in Mazda MPVs from 2001 through 2006. My first failed coil happened about a year ago, and manifested itself through hesitation and jerking while driving once the engine had warmed up, along with a check engine light. When it happened the first time, I took it to the dealership and had the coil replaced for around $250 total (roughly half parts, half labor).
About two months ago, the car started jerking and hesitating again, and it gradually got to the point where it took a good amount of gas-pedal-coaxing to get it to hold 25 mph up a steepish hill. I decided that rather than taking it in to the dealership for another $250, I’d just order a new set of coils and replace all six at once myself. This ended up being a little more work than I had anticipated, but, all in all, was a great success and not too difficult, and certainly well worth the potentially huge savings I netted by avoiding a trip to the shop.
Firstly, the subject of acquiring the coils. The coils seem to run anywhere from $65 to $100 when ordered individually or purchased from an auto parts place. Here is what you are looking for:
- Motorcraft part DG513.
- Standard part UF406.
Now, rather than paying a lot for all six and buying them individually, order a set of six from Amazon using the link here. It should run $209.99 plus shipping, which is a great price for the set of six. These will fit a 2002 through 2005 MPV, and possibly a year or two under or over.
You’ll need a ratchet with a few metric sockets (8mm, 10mm and 12mm). You’ll also need a short extension, and if you want to replace the spark plugs while you’re in there (I highly recommend you do so), you’ll need a longer (8″ or so) extension and a 5/8″ spark plug socket.
I took pictures while I did mine, but ended up losing them later. For a detailed description of how to replace the coils, visit this great post on the MPVclub.com forums.
Replacing ignition coils in 2004 Mazda MPV:
GREAT information! My Bride and I purchased an MPV 2004 mazda, with 79K miles, in February. We started having problems with hesitation and jerking, starting in April.
So, I found this fantastic site which provided the link required to purchase six new ignition coils and six new plugs – $150. I then took the new parts to my honest mechanic who replaced all six, both sets, for $250. Total cost = $400.
We just took a vacation to Las Vegas, 625 miles round trip. The MPV ran GREAT!
post script: A knowledgeable Checker Auto Part specialist echoed the fact that original Mazda ignition coils were JUNK. The after market replacements have proven to be much more dependable.
So, take the advice on this site, replace all six coils and plugs! Your MPV minivan will run like new! Six cylinder powered engine, unleashed!
Thanks for all the fantastic advice!
Happy MPV owner in Phoenix AZ!
;-]]
In 2004, I puchased a new MPV for my wife. I must say, it has been a perfect fit for her, and a good van for the family. Now, with nearly 70k on it, we are addressing a second coil issue. After reading all the comments, I now know this is going to be a re-occurring problem. After these latest repairs, we will be selling the van. I must admit, I will miss it. Thank you all for the insight.
Hi I have a 2005 MPV and it was running fine. Now it just cranks but won’t start. I hear the fuel pump kicking in but just won’t start. It seems like it wants to when the gas pedal is pressed but once release it boggs n shuts off. Any suggestions?
I have the same problem with my 2004 MPV van. I just had to get another one replaced (this will be 4) & the dealer charged me $400!! I tried to get Mazda to pay for it, but they refused & obviously care little about their customers. It should have been a recall, but Mazda would rather screw their customers!
PS Is anyone’s van also rusting prematurely?
Is it possible we could get a class action lawsuit here? Ignition coil problems have ruined two family vacations and put my kids at risk being stranded on busy highways, etc. Would anyone else be interested in finding an attorney that would represent each and every one of us here against Mazda? I just returned from a one week family vacation, 5 days of which were spent without transportation because our van was in the shop. I am beyond over this!
Rich, it sounds like it could be a bad PCV hose. There was a recall for 2002-2003s but it affected mine as well and I had to replace it. Here’s the recall notice: http://mpvclub.com/recalls.php?id=17
Here’s a new PCV hose on ThePartsBin.com for $17.95+s/h. The hose is listed as a 2002-2003 but should work fine for your ’04.