What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

In stabiliity

I write of my Mazda 3 that shows a DSC fault warning light. I had the fault analysed by a Mazda garage and found it to be Code C1288 Pressure transducer Main Primary Input failure. The garage contacted Mazda on my behalf for a goodwill gesture but was refused as the service history was not a Mazda garage. This is to warn other potential purchasers of purchasing second hand cars from car supermarkets without Mazda service history. I purchased my car from Trade-Sales in Slough with 9,000 miles. At 3 years and one month and 19,000 miles the DSC failed. Trade-Sales supplied the service details carried out by Helphire, the original owner. As this is a known fault Mazda decline to offer any assistance with payment. The cost to replace the unit is £1,400, which I believe is exorbitant for a small unit. I have received information from many Mazda 3 owners via your website (My user name GREENFINGERS) and wonder if this was subject to a safety recall? I would appreciate your opinion on this.

Asked on 30 January 2010 by B.T., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John
This is reminiscent of the Teves ABS/ESP problem prevalent on VAG models, BMW 1 Series and 3 Series, Volvo S40/V50 (same underneath as your car). ESP warning light can indicate Fault Code "Boost Pressure Sensor G201" (the Mazda fault code is C1288). This is embedded inside Teves Mk 60 ABS systems and requires replacement of ABS control unit/pump. Seems to be age-related, occurring mainly in 3 - 5 year old cars. Does not necessarily lead to an MoT failure. VOSA has refused to issue a safety recall for other cars affected, implying that ESP failure is not safety related.
Similar questions
Bearing in mind recent discussion on the Teves Mk 60 ABS system, I have a two-year-old Altea XL 2.0 DSG with which I am very happy and had intended to make it the last car I own. I do about 6,000 miles...
How many readers have AUDI, SEAT, SKODA, or VW products with Teves ABS faults and replacement parts costing £1,170 - £1,300? We currently have had this problem on both a 2.0 TDI SEAT Altea and a 2.0 TDI...
My May 06 Octavia 2.0 TDI has just been diagnosed with the failure of the ABS unit [G201 fault code]. I note your recent comments about VW covering the cost of replacing the pump, but from other comments...
Related models
Great to drive and superbly built. Wide choice of models, improved from 2007 with Efficient Dynamics. 118d is super economical.
Stylish looks. Excellent steering and handling. Good quality interior. Impressive 2.2-litre chain cam diesel engine. Facelifted for 2012 and even better.
Roomy cabin with a decent boot. Distinctive styling. Excellent crash test rating.
Longer than standard Altea. Very roomy inside and a huge boot. Decent amount of kit. Excellent crash test rating.
Stylish design. Excellent road manners. Roomy and well-equipped cabin. An easy car to live with and enjoy. Superb value. FR models are the best.
Well thought of by owners. Huge boot. Spacious and comfortable cabin. Reasonable to drive. Efficient Greenline TDI models.
Comfortable and quiet on the move, enjoyable to drive. Nicely trimmed with great attention to detail. 1.4 TSI sweeter to drive than a diesel.
Comfortable, safe and enjoyable. Good looks, backed up by a decent drive.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer