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  Dec. 16, 2011 1:27 a.m. Stealthtercel HalfDork

  We have an 05 Mazda MPV with the 3-litre engine and the 5-speed auto. Every once in a while, on a light throttle or coasting, there's a slight thumping noise that feels like the transmission giving up for a second – maybe as long as it takes to say "MPV." If I'm booting around with a heavy foot, it doesn't happen. The dealer says they've checked everything and nothing is wrong, which I guess is good news as far as it goes. I'm certainly not surprised they couldn't duplicate the problem. Hell, I can't MAKE it happen, it just does. I know these vans have issues with coil packs, but this really feels like transmission, not ignition. Thoughts? Anybody?

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  Dec. 16, 2011 5:39 a.m. dbgrubbs New Reader

  Coil packs!!

  Believe me, I went thru the same thing and swore it was the transmission. The rear coil packs are notorious for going bad. Do yourself a favor and replace all 3 on the rear bank. You have to take the upper intake off. You'll only want to do it once.

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  Dec. 16, 2011 6:33 a.m. 1988RedT2 SuperDork

  Hey! I've got an '05 MPV! Runs great. No issues in 80k miles.

  How many miles on this vehicle? I'm getting ready to do spark plugs and since I've got to pull the intake to do it, should I consider doing the coil packs as well?

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  Dec. 16, 2011 7:25 a.m. dbgrubbs New Reader

  I would. A bit more expense but you'll be sorry if you do the plugs only and 6 months later have to do the coil packs. It's only a matter of time before at least one of them begins to misfire.

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  Dec. 16, 2011 10:52 a.m. Stealthtercel HalfDork

  I welcome & appreciate the input, everybody. Current mileage is 145000 km / 90000 miles.

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  Dec. 16, 2011 11:36 a.m. BoostedBrandon HalfDork

  If you don't replace the coils when you do the plugs, move the rear three coils to the front. So when you do need to change them, it won't be as big of a deal.

  This is where I would put my signature if I had one...

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