We recently had a fabulous trip touring around parts of SA, WA , the NT and outback QLD. While heading towards Coffin Bay in WA the scangauge in our Mazda 3.2L auto BT50, which was towing an 18ft caravan, registered high and escalating transmission temperatures which sent the vehicle into limp mode. The local mechanics in Coffin Bay, although helpful, were not able to fully investigate the problem and recommended we contact Eyre Car Centre (Port Lincoln Mazda). An extended, very helpful phone call with Eyre Car Centre, attempting to resolve the issue over the phone, resulted in us needing to limp the vehicle 300ks to their workshop.
The very helpful and competent mechanics at Eyre Car Centre inspected the vehicle and found that the transmission was buggered and had to be replaced. A new one needed to be sent from Adelaide. This in itself was a bit of a setback but the biggest issue we had was this all happened around Easter and during Covid restrictions. There was no accommodation/camp sites available and our permit to enter WA was fast approaching. Thankfully we were able to stay in one of the Council car parks for the length of time we were in Port Lincoln (thank goodness we have a self contained van).
Given our circumstances, all the staff at Eyre Car Centre provided exemplary customer service and went to extreme measures to help us and get us back on the road as soon as possible. We cannot praise and recommend them enough for all that they did for us. Their professionalism and high customer service standards should be what all Mazda dealerships aspire to.
This transmission problem was previously reported to our local Mazda dealership after a trip to outback NSW towing our caravan in November last year. Their conclusion was to replace the radiator fan. At no stage did they inspect any part of the vehicle.