I have noticed that when I am starting out in first gear after cranking up, I hear a thump from the engine area like something is engaging (but it's not the gear). I don't hear it in reverse, but then, I don't drive backwards often. Any thoughts? Am I hearing things or is this something of purpose?

Mike

 

So you're saying you hear the thump when starting in 1st gear after the car has been turned off for a while? This may just be the brake rotors and friction material breaking loose. Sometimes the friction material bonds to the rotors when the car sits for a while, especially if it's wet or very humid outside. I experience this noise often, but it's usually when I'm backing out of my garage. Nothing to be alarmed about.

 

abs self check. its mentioned in the manual. this is entirely normal and correct.

 

If it's an abs self check, why does it only happen when the car starts to roll.

My parking spot in the drive is kind of on a hill. In the AM I crank the car over, put the car in Neutral, and release the E-Brake. I left the car coast to the bottom of the hill and it hits a whopping 3 MPH. It makes that noise we are all talking about.... Not hitting the brakes or anything and it only happens after I have rolled several feet. Kinda weird.

 

It is in fact the ABS check you are hearing. Don't worry.

 

Thanks for the information. I guess it never hurts to read the manual, but I feel that fellow 8 owners are truly the best source of information. Case and point.

 

because that's when Mazda prgrammed it to do the test. every time after the car is started once it goes over 2-3 mph in forward or reverse. read the manual. or search for "self check" or "self test". or "clunk".

 

The ABS check needs to test if the wheel sensors are working. This can only be done while rolling.