Mazda RX-8 Problems and Solutions

cheezeboy · July 2004

UPDATE - got the new AC amp and it works great. Gets cooler much faster and stays cool. Not "cold cold" but cool. Guess that has as much to do with being in South FL than anything! If you are having issues with the AC, get this done - well worth doing.

audia8q · July 2004

I don't know if anyone realizes how the gov. comes up with the gas mileage numbers...but if you can picture a 95 year old lady driving in a straight line on a flat road at an avg of 50 miles per hour you essentially got their hwy. formula. haha

The typical RX-8 driver drives in a rather spirited manner..especially considering the rotary is happiest at high RPM's. It's no surprise to me that people are seeing lower gas mileage. Drive the car like grandma and you will be amazed how much the gas mileage improves..

pathstar1 · July 2004

Well, to just start "going legal" (as opposed to postal ;-) is probably not going to solve anything.

Go to your dealer and ask if you have the "M" flash. It address' mileage and flooding. It's a no charge installation, that the dealer is supposed to put into any car that doesn't have it. Takes about 10 min. to do once the car is in the shop.

donalds · August 2004

Finally got the amplifier part installed, the A/C is somewhat better but still nothing to brag about.
Had the rough idle checked again and could find nothing wrong even though it acts as if it is going to stall.
I will be going to a dealer nearly two hundred miles away next week to have it looked at.
If they cannot figure out why the car idles so bad I will get rid of it my 85 runs perfect and I cannot accept a new one not.
I am getting some small satisfaction though on telling people that ask how I like the car, they have only sold two in the past year, mine and another fool.

bigmike5 · August 2004

Don't want to make you cringe, but on the 45 mile drive home from the dealership with my new 04 Vette coupe I got 28.8 m.p.g., course I was only cruising around 60 m.p.h. during the break-in period. Getting 25 m.p.g. around town now with 1100 miles on her. I should hit 30 m.p.g. on the next long trip. MPG, along with the stalling issue, was one of the reasons I end up in a Vette. Course on high test I don't like seeing $1.99 a gallon much, but as I said before, happiness is never having to be 2nd off a light.

graphicguy · August 2004

Haven't been in here in a while.

Couple of comments....

--You guys in CA sound like you must have some of the worst dealer techs around. I'm sure you're frustrated. After hearing some of your trials and tribulations, I can only conclude that these dealers haven't trained their techs (putting 6th gear in backwards?....I didn't thing that was even possible!!!!) That type of service is inexcuseable. While, in the past, I've recommended going to a dealer tech that you have good service with, it sounds like those may not even exist where you live. Call Mazda Customer Service....tell them you're experiences. I can't fathom that they want those types of experiences to continue.

--MPG...this has been debated so many times....the EPA are the people who put out those numbers, not Mazda. It would be futile to take any sort of legal actions. My best recommendation is to get the "M" ECU reflash. I'm getting exactly the MPG that the sticker says I should get. I've hit 25 MPG in a recent trip with all highway driving and the crusie set on 75 MPH. That said, if you do a lot of "stop & go" and/or idling in traffic when you drive and/or run up the RPMs every shift, any car is going to get dismal MPG in those situations.

These are high performance sports cars. If you bought it expecting to get "better than average" MPG, you are going to be disappointed.

If you couldn't tell, I've had my RX8 for over a year and can say it's the best sports car I've ever owned (including some highly regarded BMWs that I've owned in the past).

carliker · August 2004

I think the reason why some people may be surprised by the low MPG is due to how Mazda hyped this vehicle as being the "total package" sports car with the practicality of 4 doors. You see it as a sports car, graphic, so you aren't surprised that the oil consumption and MPG are compromised a little. You also know more about rotary engines than the average person. I think some others perceive it as a 4 door coupe that has performance but should still give them the fuel economy that one gets in a practical vehicle. If or when the RX-8 comes out with a two door version or convertible, I don't see people complaining about the MPG so much even if it doesn't improve.

As for the "M ECU" reflash, I don't think that should have to be necessary in order to achieve the results that the EPA determined. I know it helped your vehicle and others a decent amount, but I don't think it should have been necessary to get what you should have gotten right off the bat.

graphicguy · August 2004

Perhaps you're right!

But, I've owned a fair number of sports cars in my driving lifetime. None of them would get what I would consider "pratical" MPG. So, from that perspective, you're correct in stating that my expectations may have been set differently.

On the other hand, even with my 2nd car (4 cyl economy wagon), if I drive in all stop and go traffic in congested areas, running my A/C constantly, my MPG can and will dip into the "teens".

Bigmike's Corvette, while a great sports car, if taken off the interstate, put into all stop and go traffic, will turn in dismal MPG numbers.

The only cars that will get good MPG in those "in town" scenarios are hybrids (where's the fun in driving those). I maybe spoiled in that I don't have to drive in congested areas every day, tankful after tankful. Maybe that's why it's not an issue with me.

While I don't remember Mazda specifically setting MPG expectations unrealistically high when their initial marketing campaign began, I can understand someone's thought process in stating they shouldn't need the ECU reflash to get the EPA estimates.

What I remember most in the marketing campaign was the ballyhoo surrounding the return of the rotary and the RX8 being a 4-door coupe.

By now, all the cars coming off dealers lots should already have the reflash included. If it doesn't, as has been stated before, tell the service tech to reflash it at your next oil change. It's a simple procedure. If nothing else, get the reflash done because it does make the RX8 quicker and smooths out the already smooth midrange punch.

As far as taking legal action or going the "lemon law" route, that's an exercise in futility. The EPA has never been known to provide consistently real world MPG numbers to begin with. Their tests have always been done in a controlled setting in ideal conditions. That's hardly the case in the real world with different weather, terrain and road/traffic conditions.

From what I'm reading here, there are a couple of people who are having horrendous problems that can be traced back to their terrible Mazda techs. There's just no excuse for those types of experiences with service folks who are so inept. Mazda needs to address those dealer service depts promptly. They seem to be centered with some dealers in CA. Mazda needs to know this.

vtlc · August 2004

Since you folks are on the topic of sucky service departments, I'm going to name one that really sucks. Lithia Mazda of Fresno CA. All sorts of trouble, believe me, if anyone don't take your car there and you will see. I went in for an oil change the other day (bot the Lifetime oil change), big mistake. The ServM came up to me and siad "I want to know why you gave us an average of 67% on your surveys." And I replied, "it is my honest opinion of the quality of work I am recieving from your department." Then she said, "if you were not satisfied with our service why didn't you come talk to me." Funny thing she said that, cuz she was the one that told me I was getting a refurbished engine put into my 8 last Dec at only 1000 miles on my car, when I asked for a new car. I told her sometimes the best way to yell for help is to just write it on paper. After that statement everything else she siad was kind and calm with a few sorrys thrown in. Sorrys don't make a bad rep good, does it.

graphicguy · August 2004

I've followed your ordeals with your car and service people. I can't for the life of me understand why/how they can "muck-up" their service so badly. What you've gone through with them is outrageous. Personally, I'd question their "new engine" diagnosis with the problems you were having several months ago.

Personally, I wouldn't have even given them a 67% rating. It would be zero across the board.

You are absolutely right...sorry, while a nice sentiment, doesn't come close to making up for their blantant ineptitude.

While I've had no problems with my RX8, the very few minor issues I've had were fixed right the first time, every time.

While unrelated to the RX8, my sister had a late model Jaguar (S-Type) she bought new a few years ago. She averaged one trip to the Jag service dept per month according to her records for a variety of issues. While the Jag service people put on a smile when she came in, they were absolutely clueless regarding many of her problems. That required her to return to them twice or three times to resolve issues.

The end result? She finally got tired of the trips to the service dept over the years. Even though she was still under warranty, she finally got rid of the Jag last month.

Point of all this, there are some good cars from some well respected manufacturers out there only to have their reputation ruined by dealer service depts.

slingshot80 · August 2004

I have a 2002 Millenia S with 45,000 miles on it and no problems whatsoever except for a recent glitch in the cd changer. (I have had problems with the tires due to potholes.)
I recently received a letter from my Mazda dealer saying they were paying top dollar for my car. It turned out it was a come-on but it got me looking at the RX-8. Its the only Mazda model that I would consider purchasing. However after reading of the problems with it on this forum, especially the difficulty in restarting it before its warmed up, which I believe is a personal safety issue and totally unacceptable, I am going to pass until hopefully they fix everything.

graphicguy · August 2004

No need to wait for the RX8. Everything as it should be currently.

The only caveat being, the RX8 is a very different car than the Millenia.

slingshot80 · August 2004

I know it is totally different. Before I bought the Millenia I had a Ford Contour 5 speed and put on 92,000 miles. Great handling but terrible reliability. That's one of the reasons I went with the Millenia. I do like shifting, although I have read you have to downshift in the RX-8 to get some power in the midrange. Also I live in the snow belt and rear wheel drive is not that practical and snow tires would be a must. Although the Millenia with its 17 inch tires are terrible in the snow and I purchased snow tires for it.

Does anyone one what changes if any will be made to the 2005 model?

graphicguy · August 2004

Very minor differences for the '05. I think the keyfob is different and Mazda is dropping the yellow in favor of white. That's as much as I've heard.

Snow tires are a must in winter climes if it's your daily driver. With snow tires, the RX8 gets around just fine from all reports. Of course, that's also more a function of how experienced the driver is. I can remember driving V8 powered RWD cars, no trac control with skinny tires many years ago in the winter without much of a problem.

Acceleration is fine on the interstate in 5th or 6th (5th puts you lower in the power band). But, if you want to leave someone in the dust at 70 MPH on the interstate, drop it into 4th and the world around you will become a blur.

donalds · August 2004

Here is where I am as of now, drove the car 170 miles one way to another dealer, saw the tech with it hooked to the comp. asked him if it had the "M" flash on it, he said I have no idea what you are talking about, asked to talk to mgr. he said it had the latest and greatest program on it, could not explain what it was.
Called Mazda and told them I showed the tech and mgr. exactly what the car was doing mgr. said the shaking is the trans trying to catch up to the engine, told Mazda cs that and he laughed, C/S asked me to take it back to origional dealer and show the tech exactly what it was doing, did that, took it to 3K let off the gas, rpm dropped to about 800rpm car shook then went to 850 and tried to settle down, tech said that isin't the way it should run, left it Tues. and today, went in to get it and they said nothing showed on the diagnostics,well I think by now they should realize it will not show a code. I insisted the tech state on the service slip what the car was doing when I left it for service. he was hesitant about doing it but finally did to get rid of me.Mazda said the last time I called they may have to send in a factory rep, we shall see.

graphicguy · August 2004

These are exactly the type of techs you don't want to work on your car. You don't happen to be in CA are you?

donalds · August 2004

No Texas, I talked to Mazda C/S again today and they don't seem to want to do anything, said if the car does not show a code not much they can do, so now it is off to file a lemon law complaint.

vtlc · August 2004

GGuy your right about the 8 on the power band. I was driving mine 3 days ago and a civic wanted to just have some fun at 40 mph. Dropped it from 4th to 2nd heard the beeeepp, shifted to 3 and the civic was about 2 cars behind. Well had to slow down though I was at 85 on a 45 street. What a rush.... no I ment What a risk.

Donalds it seems like you and I are going to be business partners. There are so many things wrong with my car and Mazda keeps telling me the same thing they tell you. We cant do anything if there is no code. I tell them don't you guys see my car shake and just look at my shifter, now tell me thats normal. All they say is well we called Mazda and they said it's normal. Im just sick of Mazda and its CS and support if any. I got an appointment to get my car checked agian for the shaking and the lights dim as the AC comp kicks in, this time at a different dealer 30 mins away, I hope they can figure it out or its going to be just a few more days til I hit 40 days [non-permissible content removed] in the shop. And all I need is 30.

graphicguy · August 2004

Good luck with the new shop.

Either way, I'd say you'd have support here considering what you've gone through.

donalds · August 2004

I have finally figured out Mazda's game plan, they will not authorize a mechanic to start taking things off the car for inspection, they want it to run to failure, would you believe yesterday a person from Mazda C/S actually told me the factory service rep's were nothing but pencil pushers, and only concerned about cost!
I notified Mazda per Texas law of the problem and lack of action on their part so now the complaint is on its way to the review board.

donalds · August 2004

C&P response from C/S

First of all you should not refer to this as a "concern" there is a definite problem with the car as witnessed by a Sames motor mechanic, when the customer service rep of Sames ask him how long it would take him to fix the car his answer was "I won't know until I get into it" all mazda would allow them to do is run diagnostics, everyone should understand by now the ECU will not show a code.
It is beyond me why your organization has allowed this to continue for four months, I am not the only one that has an RX8 that has the same problem, maybe that is the data that should be collected and evaluated.
And if Sames has been contacted then the service manager at Sames is lying to me when he says he never spoke the Mazda, only the tech. called the hotline for assistance, they told him to recheck the flash on the computer.

From: Mazdavisitors <mazdavisitors@mazdausa.com>
Date: Fri, 20 Aug 2004 12:16:44 -0700

Dear *****
Thank you for contacting Mazda North American Operations. I appreciate
the opportunity to respond to you.

You have noted that you have written to the Consumer Compliance
Department to initiate a Lemon Law request. Please note that this
office does not process any such requests, but your correspondence will
be reviewed by the Consumer Compliance department. Once reviewed, a
representative will be assigned to your case and they will contact you
directly for any further handling.

Be assured, I have confirmed through records in our corporate data that
Daniel DID in fact send correspondence to your dealership, their
technical services AND their District Representative regarding your
vehicle concern.

Again, thank you for contacting Mazda.

Regards,

William ***Specialist, Customer Assistance E-Business

Original Message Follows:
------------------------

Form Message

Subject1: Ownership & Maintenance
Subject2: Warranty Coverage
Current Mazda Owner: true
Model: RX-8
Year: 2004
VIN: Message Body: I have taken my rx8 in 4 times because of a very rough
idle, nothing has been done because there are no fault codes showing,
the condition has been witnessed and documented by two service centers,
I have talked to your customer service about the condition and it is
apperant Mazda does not intend to make the car correct, I have now begun
a Texas lemon law complaint and have notified Mazda in writing of the
condition of the car and lack of response. Your customer service person
by the name of Daniel told me he could request a factory service rep to
look at the car, another one told me today the service manager had to
request it, therefore the action will be determined by the Texas lemon
law board.

funbob4 · August 2004

I had the same problem with the shaking when the Rpms are below 3000. In addition, the check engine light came on 1 week after I purchased (7/04). I took it back to the dealership and they kept it for a week. After looking at the car, they said an intake valve was stuck open and would need to be replaced. Unfortunately, they had to remove the engine to replace the part.. Here is what is written on the receipt:

R&R Engine ASSY to Replace Intake Manifold PLN Q.A. F0008XDX F0101ARX

Since I've gotten the car back, the shaking has stopped. Hopefully this will provide you some insight to your problem.

vtlc · August 2004

I really like the RX8, but if I knew that buying a new car would bring so much frustration and anger I would have just settled for a used car. At least I could tell myself, this is why the they are selling this car. Keep up what you are doing, I'm making notes and will be following your steps soon.

graphicguy · August 2004

It's really shameful that poor dealer service depts are causing you guys such grief with such a fine car.

I don't blame any of you a bit for taking your experiences to the next level.

jalal28 · August 2004

Recently had some H&R lowering springs installed on my RX-8 (less than a month old). Auto Leveling light malfunction light came on... any ideas why... or how to correct it. I have noticed that now that the car is lower what used to be a flat plane of light has become jagged and essentially un-level. Has anyone else experienced this problem after lowering the car?

pathstar1 · August 2004

Sensors are on the front and rear pass. side suspension. When changing the springs they may have left one disconnected or perhaps damaged one. The lowering springs (that's what H&R springs do) may have thrown the sensors out of range. The sensors are little devices with rods connected to the suspension. Check them out and you should be able to troubleshoot the problem. They are also involved with DSC if you have that, so watch out for a DSC light as well.

fracol4125 · August 2004

I recently purchased the RX-8 and at less than 600 miles the transmission failed to where the car would only stay in 2nd gear. The traction control light came on and the engine light came on. I brought it to the Mazda dealer and they have had it for 6 days now. Every day I call to check on the car and every day they tell me their still doing diagnostic and can't figure out what the problem is. They said they talked with Mazda regional support and no one can figure out what to do. I've owned a Infiniti I30 for over 3 years now and I haven't had a single thing go wrong with that car. I considered the G35 before buying the RX-8 and it looks like I made the wrong decision. Has anyone else had a similar transmission issue?

bigmike5 · August 2004

Is your car an automatic tranny? If so, the 2nd gear lockdown sounds like a problem with the in-put or out-put sending unit that controls the tranny. [Assuming that they have the same kind of set-up as most American cars.] If it is one of the little sending units [the ones for my 300M cost less than $20 each], they should be able to fix it easily, unless it is located inside the tranny housing on the RX-8. Just my guess, but you might mention tranny sending units to them and see if they have checked them out.

Graphicguy- You were right on the horrible around town mileage on my new Vette. Darn, I am getting 24.5 mpg around town, compared to 30.4 mpg on the highway. I attribute the lower gas mileage to increased gas peddle travel from dusting upstarts at lights. lol

fracol4125 · August 2004

Yes its an automatic. They said everytime they try and fix it it just breaks again. So they think its an electrical short. But they haven't been able to find the short and its now been a week.

pokadots · August 2004

My engine light came on they say I need a new cadilitic converter. Not familiar with this but
can the car drive safely for an extended period
of time without the same.

graphicguy · September 2004

Engine light doesn't mean you need a cat.

Drive it to your dealer (if the car is driving OK). If you've got plenty of oil, and it's running OK temperature-wise, driving it shouldn't be an issue. They can hook it up to see what the codes tell them. I doubt it is anything very serious, though.

qbrozen · September 2004

well, when he said "they say i need a new cat", I assume "they" is the dealership. but maybe not.
If it does need a new cat according to the dealership, that's very odd for a new car, is it not? Is it a manufacturing fault in the cat or is something else wrong with the car that caused the failure? That's the question I'd be worried about.

pokadots · September 2004

Sorry not clear they means dealership.

The dealership ordered new cat converter and it will be installed tomorrow. I was surprised that at 1500 miles that it would need this kind of service. Anyway the dealership said I can drive car. Also, they were very nice about it they have a loner car lined up etc.

graphicguy · September 2004

Ahhhh....now, I understand.

Yes, very odd that the cat would be bad. Were there any warning signs, or did it just go out all of a sudden?

pathstar1 · September 2004

is not that uncommon. The flooding etc. that occured pre "M" flash took out a few cats. Should be on warrenty. Depends on state or province, but I believe the cats. are covered on warrenty for quite a while.

pokadots · September 2004

will let you know how car runs. Hope this car was not victim of flood. I just lost a 6 month old M 45 with 2000 miles in a flood.

flatpick · September 2004

Took my Oct/2004 RX8 6spd...for 7500 mile sched maint....they did the M flash, bt never mentioned it to me....not really complaining just thought it a little odd that there was no ref to it on my paper work.

I do have the sticker on the underside of my hood w/ the id# ending -M...this is hand written.

So far I see no improvement in my 16 MPG ave I had before reflash....drove until light came on and then filled up....we'll see...I'm no lead foot and shift in the 5K-6K range with a once or twice a day romp into the 8K+....16 MPG is pretty rough on the wallet running premium gas, but love the cars handling....damn temp knob on AC is falling off....first year production bugs I figure....

tomatnavy · September 2004

You might want to try a couple of things. If cost becomes an issue--use regular gas--I've been using it for some time now, and I can't tell if there is any preformance difference.Two, try shifting under 5000rpm during normal driving.I believe somewhere around 5-5.5k larger injectors become activated so more gas gets used. That some people get 16 mpg and most others 19mpg is interesting. I have never gotten milage that poor even when I push it hard,and I mostly use the 1st four gears.

graphicguy · September 2004

While I don't practice this technique often, and I only do it while stuck in heavy traffic, you can also try skip shifting.

That is, I would do a 1st to 3rd to 5th shift sequence. Most in-town cruisng is done in 5th gear anyway.

Like I said, I don't do it often and only tried it a couple of tankfuls and only with in-town driving, but I hit 19 MPG by practicing the skip shift technique both times I did it.

On the other hand, if I'm only accelerating moderately in the first 3 gears and getting into 5th quickly (which I find perfect for in town cruising), I can net 18 MPG.

Highway driving always yields "low 20s" MPG if I stay in 6th (with occasional speed bursts downshifting to 5th or 4th when challenged). I've hit 25 MPG on a tankful in all highway driving in 6th driving 75 MPH with cruise control on.

flatpick · September 2004

Well....b4 9/2004 I was crusing along in the 3-4K rpm range for everyday stop and go...after M flash I tried chuging it around in 5th and 6th gears....as lng as i was not below 2K rpm I shufted to lowest gear I could...mpg is ave around 19 for month of Sept...am I chugging to low?...of course to have any fun ya gotta zip it up and shift away, but doing so sucks up some fuel...its a sports car so I aint too suprised...seems ya want 19+ mpg or better means driving it like your aunt Jo-Anne who's idea of fast is into the Sizzler at 4 and out at 5:15...

pathstar1 · September 2004

is traditionally not a good thing for the rotary engine. It is designed to run at least 1.5 times the RPM of an equivalent piston engine. I suspect it will carbon up if driven that way for extended periods. You also put higher loads on the engine bearings - this can be envisioned by assuming you need some value of HP to cruise at a given speed. To generate that HP at a lower RPM you will need to generate more torque, and that will react in the bearings to higher side force. HP is essentially torque times RPM.

I would cruise the car at no lower than 2500 RPM, and preferably 3000 and above. Starting off at lower RPM is ok as it can't really be avoided without attracting a lot of unwanted attention ;-).

bamarx8 · September 2004

Alabama is hot and humid and the RX-8 has held up extremely well. Very hilly and A/C worked well.
Remember though that the 1.8 l engine probably needs to be off to enjoy the highend tourque.

For this price, you cant beat the handling and performance.

jpfrito · September 2004

Hey,
i've had the same issue with my AC blowing really cold, then cool, then back to cold. It's been "fixed" 4 times now and still does the same damn thing. They replaced the amplifier, or whatever, destroyed my dash, broke the cover on the cig lighter thing, and after the last "repair", it now pulls to the right like some kinda oval track racer.
What's with the moron's who work in Mazda's repair shops?

They did replace my dash (after i raised a BIG fuss). When I went to the dealer (Hillard Mazda) the service manager said she thought the dash was already screwed-up...yea right.
They did fix the ashtray cover door. And they will fix my AC! I did not pay $34 large for a cool sports car that cannot keep me cool in texas' 100 degree heat!

The last "fix" for my AC problem took 2 weeks.
Let's get a flight to Japan and go kick some [non-permissible content removed]!

Anyway, vtlc, don't tak any crap from those clowns. Don't ask them to fix it. Tell them.
It's your right.

Good Luck.

jp

flatpick · October 2004

Speed ~ 30 mph Deer ~ 85 lb doe
Front/Driver side impact, deer running left right, hove went right thru top front bumper about 4 in to the right of Mazda emblem! Impact down on component below bumper did about $1600 worth of damage, hood was bent upwards in front of latch.

I love the way this car drives, but my karma with it hasn't been worth cacca. The deer got up and ran off!

cheezeboy · October 2004

flatpick - glad to hear you are ok....your karma is working; I know a few folks (some family!) who were not as lucky - major surgery, broken bones, trauma, etc - after hitting a deer.....did your airbags deploy? Any damage to the radiator area?

Again, glad to hear you are ok!....

flatpick · October 2004

Airbag did not deploy, it was hard to see just how much damage was done with out taking front bumper off...it's been the body shop for a week...should be fixed Tue...initial estimates were in the $1600, but after getting bumper off tech said he needed to order two more components.

Things were definitely out of alignment, but it looked most cosmetic...keeping my fingers crossed!

Thanks for your concern.

vtlc · October 2004

Its been 2 weeks now and no dealer visits yet but something else started up, I started to notice brake noise/squeal when I brake, not sure from which wheels. Aslo when I depress the clutch I get a tick noice about half way down on clutch. Happens 1 of 3 times cluch is pressed. Car almost stalled the other day in traffic, tach suddenly went to 200-300 rpm and coughed then went up to 1.2k and settled again at about 850. Only happened once so far. Aslo there was a time when I was going to work and warming up the car, could hear a grinding noise, much like clutch did not disengage fully, zzzzhhhh zzzzzhhhh sound and I pushed the cluch a few times it didnt help so I backed it out of the garage and then it was gone. This strange grind has happend twice in the last weeks, once in the garage and once at a stop light. The worst thing and what Im taking the car in for this week is a continous ticking sound like(hitting two nails together), that is comming from the rear as I make a turn of 25mph or faster, right or left it makes it but much louder when making a right turn. Took it to Selma Mazda but they said they couldnt duplicate it. They fixed my battery though it was low and they put in a new one, lights work good now no more dimming. Im going to take it to lithia this time and see if they notice it and if not hehehehe, Ill have to take them for a drive and show them. OH yea just to recap on the AC thing after the AC amp TSB, it still sucks. Blows a bit colder, tested with 2 digital thermstats and coldest was reading 48 degrees and that is freeway above 3k rpm, in city driving it gets to 51 degrees and at idle oh WOW it reads 54 degrees. Not sure if this is good or bad but I sure feel bad, ooops I mean hot, when its 90 degrees outside. I think AC unit is ineffective due to it cycling cold cool cold. Dont know what to do except keep going back to the DEALERS. :-(

donalds · October 2004

TEXDOT instructed Mazda and the dealer to state what they intended to do to fix the idle problem, I had a response a month ago from Mazda saying they talked to the dealer and there was no problem so no further action was needed, today I got another letter forwarded by TEXDOT from Mazda saying the problem had been duplicated by the dealer but there was no fix for it!! A recognized problem and no fix.
Now I will await the response from the dealer then request a hearing by a judge.

flatpick · October 2004

Heading into week 3 on getting what many would consider minor damage to the front bumper area, but who really knows? I suspect Allstate Insurance is trying to find cheaper after market parts or something....not happy with their preferred body shop....little fault of Mazda, but this car has been a big pain in the back side, seems if anything can happen it will this this RX8...numerous recalls, mpg issues, deer, low quality interior problems, poor AC....new Mustang looks better and better....

donalds · October 2004

I agree flatpick, as soon as I get the mess resolved with Mazda I too will be looking at the new Mustang, provided I don't loose to much.
I believe eventually all 8 owners will find the same to be true, I have a 1985 rx7 that is as healthy as this thing.

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