Ok, so I'm getting a new engine. 2004 MT, 70K miles.
I took the car in to the dealer for a couple of issues (P2259 and P0661 CEL, and no cold air from AC), and thought I'd have them do the compression test while it was in. It failed the compression test, they worked through the steps with Mazda support to to troubleshoot, and verified that I"m getting a new engine.

Regarding the CELs and AC issues I had, they are saying they need to replace 2 solenoid valves and the AC condenser. THey want to charge me quite a bit in labor for both of these items. Since they are replacing my engine, which is covered (labor also) under Mazda warranty, are they double-dipping on labor for the solenoid and AC condenser replacement?

Thanks

 

There will be some labor overlap, but I would guess only an hour.

The a/c system remains in the car when they do the motor but the car is already on the rack, and the under pan is already off. The Solenoid valves should be easy, 10 minutes labor. I would guess 1 hour for the condensor. Plus an extra hour for evacuation and system recharging. 2-2.5 hours tops for the A/C work would be my estimate. If they try to charge you more then that, get a labor book time quote from an independant garage and also an actual quote for the whole job. I used to do service writing and techs love A/C work because we would charge 1 hour labor for the machine to do the evac and recharge. The tech could be doing 2 jobs at 1 time.

 

I got my SSV, clutch, coolant reservoir, and motor mounts replaced when I got my engine. They only charged me for parts and around an hour of labor.

 

So for the solenoid valves, you think it's just another 10 minutes or so work since they're in there anyway? I'd say they're wanting to charge me around 3 hours labor for that right now.

 

I have never been an a/c guy so I could be wrong, but the solenoid valves should be the high and low pressure valves and they are normaly pretty easy to replace. 3 hours just for the valves, not counting evac and recharge time seems criminal to me. If they are charging 3 hours for all the a/c work, I think that might be fair.

I highly recommend going to an independant garage to ask for a quote to replace the valves and condensor plus evac and recharge. You should be paying atleast 1 hour less time then the book time for everything with the motor in the car.

Also, not sure how they diagnose bad pressure valves if the a/c condensor is bad. If the system pressure is low they cant diagnose another problem until it is charged.

Keep in mind the hourly rate might be $100+, always get the hour brake down, not jus tthe dollar amount.

 

I took my 04 MT, only owener with 29k miles in for long crank times, and some loss of power in the lower gears. It got some TSBs, a new plug, and failed the compression test. A new engine for me.

Labor related to engine failure gets paid my mazda. don't let the dealer double-dip.