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Mazda RX-8 Problems and Solutions
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Comments
later
Thanks for the HeadsUp 96tahoe.
Got the steering dampner and airbag recalls done - the steering dampner makes it less twitchy going over angled bumps, but doesn't seem to reduce the steering responsiveness (at least not enough for me to tell).
One question though - I think I found water on my dipstick - the oil was kinda foamy and lighter colored, and the drip that fell off the dipstick seemed more like water than oil... How big a deal is this, and is it a problem specific to the RX-8, or bad gas, or bad oil?
I've been reading these messages for many days now. I'm really interested in the RX-8 as it sounds like the perfect blend of a fun car to drive that looks fantastic and is actually practical. BUT, I'm also starting to get nervous about its quirks.
Like I said, I've been reading these posts. And reading, and reading, and reading...
So, I'd like to ask for y'all to post a summary of the car's current status. For instance, In page 1 of this forum we are talking about issues that were in November of 2003. Perhaps those aren't really issues anymore! By the 2005 model, I am wondering how many things have been fixed, and what will remain. I think newer members to the forum might appreciate that as well, in case they don't have the patience to browse through 500 messages!
And finally, I'd appreciate your opinion. My work is 40 miles away, each way (yeah, yikes!). I drive it about 2 days a week. The other 3 days, I take a vanpool. The vanpool is approx. 3 minutes away, or about 0.2 miles. Given this short distance, is the RX-8 going to be a bad car to buy? Your thoughts, please!
Thanks,
Adam
About a month after purchasing the vehicle it wouldn't start one morning. I later got it started and took it in to the dealer. They did a Flash update on my PCM and everything was fine after that. Approximately three months later I began having trouble with my transmission. I was on vacation in Carlisle, AR when the car broke down the first time (8/9/2004). My car was towed in to North Point Mazda in North Little Rock, then got towed to Crain Mazda in Little Rock, without even informing me. After replacing approximately 87 parts in the transmission, I got my car back 40 days later (9/18/2004). Immediately after driving the vehicle I knew it wasn’t right. It was making noises, wouldn’t shift in to 2nd, 3rd or reverse without grinding. I took my car to Town North Mazda in Richardson as soon as I got a chance (9/27/2004). I was told "2nd and 3rd gears are fried" and they would replace the transmission and clutch. After replacing the clutch and transmission I got the car back 11 days later (10/7/2004). I knew the car still had a problem so I scheduled to have the car taken BACK in on 10/12/2004. I drove about 2 miles from the house on the way to the dealer when it went out again. The car still to this day remains in the shop again. My car has been in for repairs for over 60 days since 8/9/2004!!!! I got a call on 10/20/04 from the dealership that has my car. They told me Mazda declines coverage becuase of neglect or abuse. I absolutely "babied" that car because I knew it wasn't right! Any suggestions?
During the 60 days you were without a car what did you use to get around? Did Mazda have the courtesy of providing a loaner?
Please, don't let me completely influence you. There are a few people out there who haven't had any problems.
Take a look at these articles.
Getting Some Lemon-Aid From Your Lemon Maker
Unwinding the Deal — What Are Your Rights?
I'm going to ask the other hosts if they have any other suggestions for your dilemma.
http://www.ag.state.ar.us/citserv/home.htm
They should be able to give you some information.
I want to thank all of you for the interesting and entertaining discussions that I have read over the last year.... THANKS !
The only complaint I have is the mileage... averaging 17 mpg. I do drive to some bad traffic, but it seems like I should get more.
What's the M Flash? is it a recall or something?
What does it do?
Thanks.
Well this does not look right anyway the problem with the rough idle is still there so now I have another set of papers to add to my lemon law packet.
Here's M Flash Info
Good Luck
thanks!
BTW, if it is just condensate, that stuff is very acidic, so try not to get it on your hands, painted surfaces, etc. On my older RX-7, I take the oil filler cap off when I park in my garage after a thorough warm up (long drive). The condensate evaporates completely within a few hours. I leave the hood open to remind myself to replace the cap before using the car again.
I confirmed that there is no steering recall or service of any kind to speak of. I'll have a look at the black box and see what's going on. I'm doubtful this could be it since it's happened from the first days of purchase and it's rarely out in fowl weather, but you may be on to something. Happy Holidays.
PF Flyer
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Autoweek magazine reported excessive oil consumption on their long-term 8. If I did the math correctly it amounts to about a quart in 500 - 550 miles. Is this normal for an 8, or unusual? What kind of oil consumption are you getting between changes?
If I remember correctly the early Mazda rotary engines (RX-2, RX-3, RX-4) used some kind of oil injection similar to 2 stroke motorcycles to keep the apex seals on the rotors healthy. Is this true of the Renesis engine in the 8?
I'd miss the 30+ mpg on my '03 Protege, but as long as the 8 were reliable I could live with low 20's.
Most owners are reporting the oil is at the "add" level when it's due for changing.
The renesis injects oil from the crankcase into the intake stream (just before the intake ports). This injection is handled by the computer - wide open throttle would tend to call for lots of oil, for example. The RX-8 uses less oil than previous rotary engined cars such as the RX-7.
I'm planning to get a RX 8 after christmas, however, I'm a college student right now, and having an underground parking space in campus is almost impossible. So, the only option would be street parking. The temperature in Illinois is starting to drop below 30 degrees, so i was wondering if it's gonna be a big problem for the rotery engine when it is parked outside?
PF Flyer
Host
Pickups & News & Views Message Boards
The MAZDA chat is on TONIGHT. Stop in for a holiday visit! Check out the schedule
We have one here in Edmonton that starts just fine until it gets below -20. We're going to try an oil pan heater to get it to start below that.
You will want to get proper all season tires if you plan to drive when it's near or below freezing. The stock tires are "performance" tires and have very little traction when near freezing temps. We use Nokian WR tires on 17" AR wheels (spoked aluminum - nice looking and not too expensive). We used stock size but in 17" diameter - much better handling than the 18" as well. I guess the 18" are for "looks". We went down in size to get more ice clearance in the wheel wells.
Also, I have another question, is it not good for the engine if I don't drive it as much? Becasue generally I'll be taking the buses to class, so when I do drive it, it will primarily be on the weekends.
I really like the RX 8 a lot, as it's going to be my first car. However, after reading all these problems with the transmission, AC, and engin, it actually scares me a little.
Enjoy your new toy!
They changed the oil, put new spark plugs in, ran a few tests, and its all good...for now. If anyone else maybe has anythign like this happened. let me know. mechanics didnt know y the condensation turned extreme. THanks
The problem results from the rotary engine not having very good oil system ventilation. There just isn't enough vacuum generated to properly operate the PCV system.
One method I use to help keep the buildup under control is after I finish using the vehicle (it's nice and warm), I remove the oil filler cap. This allows the water vapour to escape. You have to remember to put the cap back on before driving it again, of course. I keep mine in a garage and leave the hood up to remind myself. If you park outdoors, place the cap on the seat or dash to remind yourself.
As for the comment on the stock tires, read back in these forums. The exact tires best for you will depend on where you live. If you live where there is "real" winter, we have found the Nokian WR very good!
Oil Condesation...12K+ on mine...have seen a little since having it...no problems yet...
FPH
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