Mazda MPV 4WD - no go

downunderxj · Post by **downunderxj** » Fri Dec 01, 2006 9:32 pm

I have a '95 Mazda MPV 4WD with a 2.5l turbo diesel and have had quite a bit of fun with this up Odlin's Road, and around the South Coast. However recently I found that the 4WD system isn't working anymore.
It is a part-time 4WD (normally rear wheel drive), 4WD is engaged by a small switch on the column mounted auto-gear shift. On successfully engaging 4WD a green light comes on the dashboard, however it sits there and flashes continuously.
I have had it looked at professionally and the response was they have no manual for that model, but from what they could see the vacuum operated solenoid(s) are not working. There are two, one for 4WD, and one to lock up the central diff.
Does anybody know of somebody in the Wellington area who knows there way around this sort of 4WD system who could give me an accurate assessment of how much it is going to cost to get it working, or knows how to override this and give me a work-around.
Thanks in anticipation
Ian

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Sat Dec 02, 2006 1:47 pm

Give Andrew Farmer a call on 027 444 6803, he is cheaper than a garage and comes to you....belongs to CCVC and has a heavily modified FJ40

downunderxj · Post by **downunderxj** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 12:18 pm

Thanks Jerry, Andrew called around this morning and we are all go again. He very quickly diagnosed the problem and has shown me the necessary work around.
Excellent service, and he is now going to have a look at my Jeep Cherokee as well.

Cheers
Ian

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 5:36 pm

So we can expect you on the next ORE trip then??? :lol:

downunderxj · Post by **downunderxj** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 7:27 pm

You never know your luck. I see the next ORE trip being planned is on the 27th Dec up Odlins Road. I have been in and out of there about 4 times, but not in the last 12 months. So I know the Mazda is capable of it.

If Andrew doesn't find anything too serious with the Jeep, it might be the Jeeps first off-road excursion under my ownership.

So I have a choice. I will keep an eye on the forums and may see you around

Cheers
Ian

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 7:41 pm

I keep meaning to ask....Have you got rated hooks and do you carry a first aid kit, fire extingisher? and a recovery strop and spade??

downunderxj · Post by **downunderxj** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 8:06 pm

On the Mazda I have one rated hook on the rear fitted by Fully Equipped, however due to the front bumper, and no chassis they were unable to fit one on the front. I have been winched out of the sand using the front tie downs once around the South Coast near Karori Rock lighthouse.
As far as strop, first aid kit, fire extinguisher I can arrange for all those.

The Jeep doesn't have any tow hooks yet, my goal was to get the motor running first. I bought the jeep off Trade-me knowing that it had motor issues. The goal has been to turn it into a runner first, and then look at getting it up to spec for trips.

So if I was coming on the Odlins Road trip in the Mazda I would be looking to going as far as the plateau, car park, tank traps and then getting a ride down to the hut with somebody else. I have only ever gone as far as the tank traps as I was usually by myself and wasn't prepared to risk it any further.

Thanks for the interest and the questions

Cheers
Ian

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Sat Dec 09, 2006 8:22 pm

Have a chat to Stinky (Marty) martin@wtbs.co.nz or 384 4141, you can get some basic recovery gear off him at a cheap price (ORE Member), he may be able to fit a rated hook at the front as well.....and sort out your jeep as well.....

http://www.stjohn.org.nz or http://www.nzsafety.co.nz have some decent first aid kits as well......extingishers are $30...I carry 2 of the supercheap ones...they seem ok and are metal (don't use plastic ones), also its a good idea to fit some velcro in place of the plastic straps and mount this within easy reach

Its a good idea to carry all this stuff...what I did when I started was slowly get it.......would be great to see you on the next shiny ORE trip....