Mazda RX-8 Problems and Solutions

slayer · July 2005

Oh great rotary masters, I need some information

I may find myself out of the country for a year, and I need to know the implications of hibernating my 8 for this period. It's possible I can get someone to turn the engine over, or even drive the car, once a week or something, but this makes me nervous. Either way, what are the implications of such a situation and what must I look out for?

Thanks guys!

rx8world · July 2005

It's true that despite all the problems we face with this car we are determined not to sell it.No other car "completes" me as this one.Exterior looks like it has been created by the pen of an italian car designer.
As for the Hibernation(slayer).....it's well known that 8 should be driven as often as you can...that means EVERY DAY

you will be gone for a year......if you find someone to drive the car at least 1-2 times a week it would be very good(not just start the engine).Otherwise,you must disconnect the battery.

pathstar1 · July 2005

If you have a garage that would be best. My RX-7 hiberates for 6 months every year. This is what I do:

1. Fill fuel tank - you don't want air pressure changes to suck water vapour into it. The fuel will not deteriorate very much in a year. I don't bother with "fuel stabilizer".
2. Change the oil and filter - this ensures there is minimal acid in the engine.
3. Put car up on jackstands - not necessary, but minimizes tire flatspotting and lets me sweep the floor under the car. Also reduces spring sagging.
4. Remove the battery and store indoors - charge every month or so with a good quality charger. If you're not there, get a "battery tender" and leave it hooked up, battery removed from vehicle. Have someone look at it once a month to make sure it's still working properly.

If coolant change is almost due, change it before storing - it will help reduce corrosion in the cooling system with fresh coolant in there. Don't leave a window open. You don't want animals taking up residence in your car.

When you return, install battery, check oil, put car on ground. Start up - clean windows inside and out - you'd be amazed how much stuff accumulates on the windows. Reset the electric power steering as per the owners manual (turn all the way right, then left, then centre), drive away.

problems · July 2005

Hi, Well the pro's are ofcourse the look and interior,I like the trunk space(that's important to me)the sound system, just the feel of the car. The cons like I said before maybe it was just my car but i had everything replaced form the back window, (three days after I bought it)to replaceing the engine(three months after I bought it)there were alot of other thing i had to take it in for, but I can't list them all I couldn't just back it out of the garage and turn it off because it will flood the engine and you'll have to have it flat bedded in and mazda has to fix it,but this I wasn't told about when I bought it ( be sure to ask). I hate to say alot of bad things because it just might of been my car. like I said I contacted a lemon law lawyer and there taking it back. If I wouldn't of had the problems I did I would of definetly kept the car, I love the car, its kind of like when you get something you like so much and have to give it back. Hopefully yours will be on the up and up and you won't have any problems, but with the warranty they have to fix it regaurdless and if you have alot of problems contact a lemon law lawyer,it won't cost you anything. GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

dwynne · July 2005

I agree with everything you said, except I always would put "Sta-Bil" in the tank. I would add it to the tank before the last fill up so it mixes in good. I even use it in the mower's gas can - since a single can may last several months.

If you don't have jack stands, then you can buy special pads for the tires to sit on that is SUPPOSED to keep them from flat spotting. You should also air them way up to near max sidewall pressure - this will help if you can't get them off the ground.

Make a check list of all the stuff to do before the first drive, and add "set air pressure to 32psi" to that list.

My daughter did a year of college in Austria a few years back and I took care of her car while she was gone. I left the battery in the car, but trickle charged it to full once a month. While out there I rolled the car forward (by pushing it) so the tires rotated 180 degrees. Next time I rolled it back. The car fired right up after 9 months of sitting and the battery and tires showed no ill effects. The inside of the glass was nasty with "out gassing" from the interior materials.

Dennis

rx8notgood · July 2005

Hi

I also am having performance problems with an RX-8 in Colorado (Colorado Springs). On very hot days with the AC on, if I am in traffic, when I go to take off I often have to floor it to get it to move at all. I brought it to Mazda here in Colorado Springs about 6 weeks ago and they said they downloaded a software patch. It seemed fin for while (weather was cooler), but tonight, when I went to take off at lights, I got up to 6 MPH and had to switch off the AC and fan, after about 100 meters, it started to pick up slowly... It was fine at next lights and sluggish at the one after that. I'm tired of this.

I was wondering if it is the emission system at high altitude? My RX-8 is an 04 (leased in Sep 03) automatic. Not looking forward to yet another trip back to denver to get it looked at.

slayer · July 2005

Thanks pathstar and dwynne! Yes I do have a garage, albeit a small single garage.

Okay, so it is plausible. My big concern was the rotary. Seeing as we all know the car needs to be driven, and revved, I was worried that not doing this would be problematic for the engine.

The oil and coolant will be changed at service at the end of this month, probably about a month or so prior to me leaving. Would that be fresh enough?

My girlfriend will be at home, so I do have the option of someone driving the car once a week, but this prospect makes me a little nervous as she is not used to driving a car with this kind of power, and she'd have to use the revs when she does. Plus she'd have to check the oil and coolant, tire pressures, etc. and I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be giving her this big responsibility. Would it be preferable to have the car driven once a week, for about 10-20kms? Also, any concerns over fuel types? I run 95 octane unleaded in the car, I'm not sure if it's the equivalent of your 95 RON (I think it is), would this make any difference? I don't know what, if any, fuel stabilizers are available here, so that may not be an option anyway. Tire flatspotting and spring compression are things that didn't even occur to me :surprise:

qbrozen · July 2005

I'm taking a guess here, but it almost sounds to me like your auto tranny is not operating properly. do you notice if it upshifts at all during those sluggish takeoffs? I would try it out from a stop up to 65 or so and count the shifts. If it goes through all the gears, fine, but if not, then its obviously not going back down to low gear at a stop.

Do you use the paddles? Does that make any difference at those times you experience the problem?

pathstar1 · July 2005

Contrary to popular opinion, the rotary does NOT have to be driven frequently. This myth was perpetrated upon us because the battery the RX-8 came with was so poor. They leak acid, die for no appearant reason, and are a little small. Just because the battery dies doesn't mean the rotary engine has to be run! Just park it, remove the battery and keep it charged (battery tender would probably be your best bet), and yes, one month before you leave would be fine for fluid changes. If your garage has power you could even leave the battery in the car with a battery tender attached. I don't like doing this with all the electronics in the car, but if you disconnect the -ve lead from the battery and then connect the tender to the battery, the electronics will not be affected by any electical noise created by the tender. If you're not set up to put it on jackstands, don't worry about it. Any flatspotting will go away within the first day of driving anyway. I put mine up on stands because in winter it will go down to -30 ish C in my garage. I just like to get it up off the floor so I can sweep under it (and watch for leaks).

BTW, the rotary doesn't actually need a very big battery. You can, after all, turn the engine over with one hand! I have a tiny battery in my 3rd gen RX-7 and it's more than adequate.

pathstar1 · July 2005

It sure sounds like plug fouling to me. One rotors' plugs foul so much they don't fire when you try to take off. Once you get it going they clear. Do you run the engine up in RPMs from time to time in manual shift mode? Maybe your dealer could check the plugs, and if fouled, could install the hotter plugs if your driving style calls for that. Ask them. There is a TSB on the hotter plugs.

pathstar1 · July 2005

One more thing I forgot to mention. Whenever you disconnect the battery you will have to reset the electric power steering. It's in the owners manual, but basically it just involves starting the car, turning the wheel all the way to the right, all the way to the left, then back to centre. Just so you don't panic when you see the check engine light.

rx8world · July 2005

Hi guys....
When in idle,i can see water coming out from the exhaust pipes(drops).I think this is normal but i need to verify this.

pathstar1 · July 2005

When you burn gasoline you produce H2O, CO2, CO, some NOx, all in gas form, and perhaps a little carbon. The cat converts the CO and NOx into CO2 and N2. The water condenses in the exhaust and drips out the tailpipe, usually with some CO2 disolved in it and sometimes with some carbon dust in it as well. It exits as a gas when you are driving "at speed".

It's normal. It's why the exhaust system rusts/corrodes.

You will also see some oil come out, from the oil that is injected into the intake to lubricate the engine. It usually gets on the back of the car around the tailpipe. We call that "smoot". A sign you have the "correct" engine design.

dwynne · July 2005

I noticed already that when I go to start my 8 after the motor is hot it can crank for a LONG time before it fires. The battery in these cars is pretty puny, but it seemed strange that after sitting over night it would fire right up but if you stop the car for a bit then it seems to have trouble starting again.

Someone told me the simple trick for the 8 - turn the key to on (run) bur don't start the car. Wait at least until the "RX-8" is off the display or a little longer (10-20 seconds) and the car will fire right up. I have tried this several times and it starts much quicker than if I hop in and turn the key straight to start. So get in, turn on the key, and put on your seat belt and do whatever else you need to do - then the car will fire right up once you are done :surprise:

Dennis

pathstar1 · July 2005

The probable cause is the fuel boiling in the injector lines. Once the fuel pump is going it pressurizes the lines, raising the boiling temp and collapsing any fuel vapour bubbles that are in there. It also causes fuel to flow through the lines back to the fuel tank, cooling the lines. Injecting fuel vapour instead of liquid fuel would mean way too little fuel to fire. Hence, it will not start right away.

Your fix makes sense. I'll bet it doesn't do it in winter, when it's cooler, or on rainy days.

rx8world · July 2005

Thanks again pathstar1 .i like the way you answer to our issues....not only in a word but you explain it very clear,so we don't have any doubts about it.
When i was coming home earlier,a Toyota Levin 6spd 185 bhp stopped to the right side of me..."till the next stop light "..he told me "ok" i said.I didn't fire it up from 4000 rpm but around 2000. 1st gear-equal....2ond-equal again and by the 3rd he started staying behind.I know that they are only around 1000kg and the 8 1400kg but i was kinda disappointed(and i had almost the tank full).If i fired it up at 4000rpm would make a great difference?

mhbrow2 · July 2005

Exact same problem. Mazda of Lakewood was able to document it today, and called to tell me that Mazda has it "under investigation" and that I need to return the rental car. Apparently until they can permanently fix the problem, they want me to take the car back.

I'm in Denver as well. This sucks!

slayer · July 2005

Thanks again pathstar! Okay, so I don't need to worry about the apex seals getting hard and brittle while the engine is lifeless for this period then? And replacing oil and coolant a month before will ensure no corrosion in the engine etc.? What happens if water vapor is sucked into the fuel tank (I will make sure it's filled before leaving)?

Is the battery easy to remove from the car? I'm not much of a mechanic, though I'd imagine it's pretty straightforward. I don't have jackstands, temperature ranges here from an absolute low of about 5C (winter at night) to 35C (hot summer day).

What is a battery tender? I'm guessing it's an electrical device you connect to the removed battery and plug into the wall to keep it charged?

@rx8world: I had a run against a friend of mine in his Hyundai Tiburon (Hyundai Coupe I think it's called over there) the other day. Launched at 4,000rpm, though I dropped the clutch a bit fast and chirped the tires, 1st and 2nd gear were pretty close, by 3rd I started to pull away. I think this is a function of the 8's low torque. Since 1st gear is a little tricky to redline and make the shift to 2nd quickly (for me at least), it takes until the top of 2nd gear to get the benefits of the 8's power. Next time don't run 150m from light to light, try it over a bit more distance and you should lose him without much trouble.

rx8world · July 2005

That's true about the 2nd gear.After the first race we were going side by side and talking and we decided to race in movement with the 2nd gear....hehe....one second after he was already behind me.From the stop and go race i had the DSC ON.These safety systems reduse the torque?or they interfere only with brakes?

fuzzy55 · July 2005

My 2004 RX8 experienced the same problems. I live in the hot southwest-Albuquerque. At first they thought it was the computer so they reprogrammed it. When it continued to do it, I was told that Mazda has been replacing engines as a result of it. However, they haven't said they have fixed the problem. My dealersihp has already replaced 2 engines. My engine is on back order. I've been without my car for 2 1/2 weeks this time. We've written Mazda as this is a safety problem. I would have to have it die on my in a busy spot. I've had it happen at minor intersections so far. They say it is carbon build up. I've had mine for 15 months and it has less than 7000 miles on it. What good is a new engine if I'm going to experience the same problem next year. Maybe they are hoping it will be out of warranty and not their problem.

dwynne · July 2005

Last week MazdaUSA told dealers to stop selling RX-8s until they got service updates for them. Now the first part of the update is out. Cars built after the plant fire (from March xx,2005 and newer) already have extra heat shielding around the gas tank and O2 sensor, but have to be recalled and checked. If all is well, they flash you to the latest computer software and send you on your way. If all is not well, they may have to replace the gas tank, sensor, fuel level sensor, and more parts.

If you have an older car, you will be getting new shielding and any other parts it takes to fix it, then the same computer flash.

Don't both to call your dealer, since they do not have the parts (yet) to fix any of the cars that need more than just a flash. We should all get recall notices in the mail next month and at that time the dealers should have what it takes to fix the cars.

The key to avoiding the under car heat problem is not to sit still and fast idle the car. So if you are stuck in traffic and want the A/C to run colder, if you race the motor up to 2k, 3k, or more you could cause over heat damage to your car. For sure if you live in a hotter area you have to be more careful. Sitting at NORMAL idle is supposed to be OK.

Dennis

slayer · July 2005

Okay, the official word from my dealership is this: everything pathstar1 described sounds fine to them, though they highly recommend the jack stands (or bricks) as they believe the WHEELS will deform if the car sits in the same position for that long. Nothing about flatspotting tires or sagging springs (though I didn't ask). Perhaps the alloy used in the 8's wheels is a little weaker than the RX-7 pathstar? I dunno.

They of course recommended having someone drive the car at least once a week (which I can do) for about 20kms or so. I think I will likely go with this option, as I think there is less risk to the car overall. Pathstar, anyone else, do you guys disagree?

Thank you so much for all your help so far!

pathstar1 · July 2005

I think there was a miscommunication there. The wheels wouldn't deform, the tires do. They are part of the wheels, so overall, the wheels deform, but not the rims. The aluminum rims can take huge forces, and the force of holding up the car is minor.

I think there would be a much greater chance of problems if someone drove the car once a week than if it just sat. Much greater wear, chance of accidents. If it sits you only have time deterioration, which you would have even if driven. If you don't have a garage, invest in a car cover to keep the sun out of the car. Those looking after it can keep an eye on the cover, rinse it off if necessary from time to time, and if it starts to come off, reattach it. Oh, and once a month they should look under the cover to make sure someone/thing hasn't gotten into the car. You wouldn't want to come home to find a dead body or anything in your car.

As I said, I store my RX-7 6 months every year, and it is just as "new" when I start it up in the spring as it was in the fall when I hibernated it. I just have to install the battery,brush off the dust, check the tire pressure, and clean the windows inside and out.

If you do want to put it up on jackstands, you will need four of them. You will also need a concrete pad or concrete patches to put the jackstands on. You will also need a jack to raise the car so you can put the jackstands under it. If you are set up for this, by all means do it. If you are not set up for it I wouldn't do it. If it's not going to be in a garage I wouldn't put it up on jackstands. Too much temptation for wheel thieves, and too dangerous, as it can be knocked off the stands if someone bumps it hard - even children could knock it off the stands if they "tried" hard enough.

So, outside, car cover, no jack stands, remove battery, use "battery tender" to keep it charged.

Inside, car cover optional, jack stands, remove battery, use "battery tender" to keep it charged.

rx8world · July 2005

my friend(allow me to call you this way ),i have 2 questions:
1. Because i'm too scared of what i hear everyday(replacement of engines etc).....i will tell you the way i drive my 8 and tell me if it's good: i drive it everyday with an average 30 km per day.I rev it 3-4 times a day to 9000rpm(usually the 1st and 2nd gear).If it has traffic in the road i prefer using 2nd gear at 40km/h than 3rd.i rarely use the 4rth gear in the city.I change my oil every 3000 km(texaco havoline 5-30 semi synth).I use 100 octane fuel and sometimes 98(i think it's RON you call it there).
2.About the new recall....if we don't change the fuel tank(extra heat shielding)...would that be a great problem?
Thank's a lot.

pathstar1 · July 2005

Sounds like you're doing fine. Don't be scared! It's a very reliable engine, unless "lugged". Doesn't sound like you're lugging it! The second gen. RX-7 (the last "normally aspirated" rotary cars made) are now turning well over 200,000 mi. in the US.

I don't think you need to use such high octane rated fuel, just go with what the owners manual calls for. If you have "mid grade" it works fine. Many even use "regular" (87 rating). You may get better mileage with lower octane fuel. I wouldn't worry about knock - this car has a fantastically effective protection system so go ahead and try lower octane and see what you think. If it "pings" you will notice it suddenly looses power for a few seconds, then recovers - usually this happens at full throttle in the lower RPM range. If you notice pinging you can always change back to higher rated fuel. I haven't heard of anyone damaging the engine this way. If you're putting in a supercharger or turbocharger, well, that's a different matter!

As far as the recall, I'd go with Mazda's recommendation. I think the problems occurred in hot climates, but you could get caught in heat, so go with the recall would be my choice.

ukjim · July 2005

I have a question and a story I would really appreciate some feedback on:
Does hitting the rev limiter trigger the CEL?

Here's what happened, on two occasions my CEL came on and the only common demoninator I can think of is that I took the engine upto 8000+ rpm at which point in bogged down slightly then recovered. Upon next start-up the CEL came on.
The first trip to dealer ended up with a new "flash" ( not sure which version).
This second time I told the dealer about possibly hitting the rev limiter and he said that was why the CEL came on.
He also advised against continually "over revving" the engine.
When I asked about resetting the CEL without a tip to him he said it will auto reset after 20 or so cycles (start, reach temp and cool down =1 cycle).
Next he tells me that there is a recall on my car (2004 6pd, 10K miles) and that if I take it off the lot I will be responsible for any physical harm to persons or property. Needless to say I left it ( I got a decent loaner from the dealer, a Hertz, free, unlimited milage for as long as he has my car). He doesnt know how long it will take to get the parts per previous messages on this board. I could go on but you get the idea, does any of this make sense?
Thanks

rx8world · July 2005

Thanks pathstar.
About pinging noise,i've noticed that 1-2 times when i was in 4rth gear and about 40km/h but i'm not sure if that was what we call pinging noise from the low octane fuel....it was more likely like the engine said"go to lower gear please" :shades:
I forgot to mention something.When my mechanic wanted to check something in the exhaust system and he unplugged it,the pipe inside,all the way to the exhaust pipes ,it was as clean as a white paper :surprise: .I asked him"is that my exhaust?" "yes,it's very clean because the combustion is excellent and it burns all the fuel" he responded .
And,a good information to check(to all rx8 owners) :GReddy RX8 Turbo Kit.......gives 30% more hp 40% torque ,all these without opening the engine

pathstar1 · July 2005

It's possible to trip the CEL by reving it high. At high revs. the engine exceeds emissions and trips the light. Is your car a manual "high power" unit? If so, 8000 RPM is not "over reving" it. If it's the low power engine, with the 7500 RPM "redline", then you did exceed the "recommended" revs. You will not damage it until about 11,000 RPM! As I recall the CEL will reset after 6 cycles, or you can speed it along by disconnecting the battery -ve terminal. If you do this you will have to reset the electric power steering as per the owners manual - with engine running turn wheel all the way right, then left, then centre.

The recall is related to "melting" the plastic fuel tank by letting it sit and idle for long periods on hot days. The wording your dealer used was created by the USA "sue" society!

It would have been just as safe to drive as it was a week before, when they didn't warn you, but now they know there is a slight possibility of a fire!

ukjim · July 2005

Thanks pathstar:
I do have the manual tranny and from all I've read here, keeping the revs up is recommended. I really hadn't wanted to leave the car, I had only dropped in to the dealer on the way home to see if they could reset the CEL, but now the question is what is tripping it if not the revs? I know I hadn't exceeded 9K rpm. As for the recall, my main concern is how long its gong to take to get the fix. The free rental Taurus SE is OK ( it has great A/C for these hot and humid days) but I want my red beast back!
The other piece of info from the dealer is I have to leave the A/C on recirc at all times to get best cooling. I know this is BS but are you aware of any recalls on the AC, it does seem very weak and I'm heading back to CA where I will see hotter temps throughout the year vs only for a few months here in RI.
Thanks

mba2dna · July 2005

I just got the car for 5 days. Today I also received recall from the dealer. They said it is mainly for Auto gear. Anyway, they will do it to my car as well when I send back the car for 1000km routine checking.

rx8world · July 2005

ukjim....two times i exceeded the rev limiter.Both times was because i had the music too loud and i couldn't listen the warning "beeeep" :shades: The only thing that happened was electric cut off.No ECL light no nothing.I asked my dealer if this could cause a serious problem.He said no,that's why it has the electric "shut down"....but don't let this be a way of driving

ukjim · July 2005

rx8world.
I too never heard any kind of warning beep for whatever reason (road noise, conversation, radio etc.) I dont have my manual now, the car is in semi-permanent storge thanks to gas tank recall :mad: but I don't remember reading about any warning sound.

It's ironic that Mazda evoked the English roadsters of the past with the MX5 Miata knockoff of the Lotus Elan, albeit with extra reliability and no oil leaks. Seems like they want to rekindle those lost memories of dubious relability with the RX8.

The more things change the more they stay the same!

nbohm · July 2005

Hi! I am hoping to purchase an 8 in the next day or so, but something the salesman said is concerning; "the rotary engine loses oil so you may need to put in a quart every other time you fill the gas tank." This doesn't make sense to me - is it true? Is this a leak or burning oil or something else? I've read quite a few of the threads, and another mentioned flooding the engine if you only have it going for a few seconds... How long does the car need to be on to avoid it? Thanks!

lhess · July 2005

it burns it, I guess, it's not a leak. It was suggested here by someone that you check your oil every 3rd gas tank fill-up. Mine needed a small amount of oil at about 2K miles. I can't honestly tell you that it was a quart because I was going in to the dealer to get my rotary accents put on and they added the needed oil.

I had the oil changed at 3K and am about to check my oil level at my next fill-up (4K miles) and I expect I'll need to add some. It's stated in the owner's manual that the rotary will use a small amount of oil. It has a oil light to help keep up with it.

As for flooding, don't shut the car off before the temp guage warms up to normal operating temp. Also, several have suggested that you give it a nice little rev (up to about 3K) and shut it off as the engine comes back down to prevent flooding. I used to be very nervous about this but have gotten used to it at this point.

Read back thru some of the posts here and in the other 8 forums. Pathstar is a rotary genius and has put some great things out there so folks can understand what can be a quirky car to own. I love mine and am hooked!!

nbohm · July 2005

thanks for the response- good info.

cowboys08 · July 2005

we are waiting on the recall for our rx 8 , but my ? is what is CEL ON THE CAR .
Thanks

ukjim · July 2005

I hope you get yours back sooner then me, when checking in today at my dealer he told me he had 8 cars in, there 40K plus throughout the country, and I wouldn't see mine until sometime in August!

The CEL btw is a bit of shorthand for "Check Engine Light".

mugster1 · July 2005

Want to throw the following question out there. Last night came home aftar a 15min store run, the engine was at proper temp. Arrived home and when i shut off the engine the fan came on, normal in this heat. Unfortunetly when i came back outside 10min later it was still going. I turned on the car again, and the fan went off. Normal? Also, im noticing a lack get up and go latly, not sure if im just getting used to it, but it seems that when i do a tromp in say 2 or 3rd gear theres a little bit of a slip feeling. Any comments would greating be appreciated. BTW 6 spd manual GT black.

dwynne · July 2005

Mine seems to do that too - and for sure now that it is SO HOT here (near 100 today). I got back into the car after short stop and the fan was still running but stopped when I turned the key on. Based on the "hot start trick" I didn't try to start it until after I was buckled in, door closed, and the "RX-8" was long gone from the display.

No slip for me, though.

Dennis

rx8world · July 2005

hi mugster....
i had the same question a week ago(about the fan).It's absolutely normal.It's true that the fans can work up to 10 minutes at full speed(after you turn it off ).
About the other thing...you will notice a little lag at low rpm's.If you are in 3rd gear and 2.5-3000 rpm and you press full the acceleration pedal you will notice a hesitation.That's normal too(low torque)

mugster1 · July 2005

Thanks RX8world. I've had zero problems with my, just in case my wife is listening, second love. Just wanted to make sure.

Any word on a ball joint recall for the 8's. Apparently the joint is coming apart on hard turns?

ukjim · July 2005

I hadnt seen anything mentioned here and was unaware of the ball joint recall until I visited the nhtsa site below. There are 4 recalls listed for the 8 all together.

www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/recallsearch.cfm

rx8world · July 2005

yesterday i've noticed a noise(like a knock) when i had a hard turn.I don't know if that is the ball joint problem,but i ' ve also noticed that is not happening every time.Is that a serious problem???
Help!!

anyone???
pathstar...where r u? :P

lhess · July 2005

recall letters in the mail or what? I've heard nothing, yet, on my 04 and I even registered myself on the mazdaowner.com site and there's nothing on there concerning the recalls, yet. Course, I'm in no way anxious to get the news, but was just curious.

ukjim · July 2005

I was told about the gas tank recall when I took the car in for an unrelated issue. I was told I could take the car back but if it caught fire it would be my responsibility. As pathstar pointed out, this was just CYA legalese.

I guess they are rethinkiing this approach because it must be costing them a fortune in free rentals.
I just heard today that Mazda has issued an inspection notice that allows them to release my car because they have determined it is safe. I will then receive an "official" recall notification in the mail from Mazda, probably when they have enough parts stockpiled to make the repairs.
Hope this helps.

dwynne · July 2005

It is nothing to worry about (contrary to what ukjim's dealer told him) if you have had your car since it was new AND you never sit still with the car running at a high idle (2,500-3,000 rpm) for extended periods. If you have not been real fast idling the car (or revving it and holding it) with the car sitting still then you should be fine. They will check the car to be sure and fit it with a heat shield and re-program the computer once they get the parts, etc.

You can read the details of the fix here:

http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/pdf/3305G.pdf

Most folks would never do the car as I stated you would have to do to cause the problem - but if you read the PDF link you will see that certain fault conditions can cause the PCM to lock the engine at 2,700 rpm in fail safe mode. This mean the throttle is ignored. In this mode sitting with the car at this RPM could cause damage. The fix is to program it to drop to 1,100 rpm after 5 minutes if you are not moving. Even if the motor is not in fault mode, the "Free rev" limit is changed as shown in the doc so you can't rev the motor up sitting still and hold it. This is now limited to 900 RPM (normal idle) once certain conditions are met. This COULD have happened to folks in really hot areas of the country - say you are stuck in traffic on a boiling hot day and the A/C (which is weak in most 8s) is not doing the job. So you rev the motor up to spin the compressor faster. Doing this COULD cause damage as well. Also the 8s have weak batteries and have the flood problem. So someone that just jumped off their 8 could hold it at fast idle for a prolonged period to try to charge the battery.

So if you purchased your car with "no miles" on it and didn't do either of these things it SHOULD be safe for you to drive until the recall stuff gets to your dealer and they can get you fixed. But as you can see from the PDF, they are just going to re-program the PCM to prevent you (or the computer itself) from doing this in the future. If you HAVE had the car in "fail safe mode" or have been sitting with the motor revved up THEN you might think about parking it until your dealer has a fix.

The recall is now on NHTSA.GOV as well, but the PDF link I posted is the "fix" that the Mazda dealers get - and has the best info.

Dennis

rx8world · July 2005

Nice one dennis,thanks for the info.I was worried about that issue,because here in Cyprus(at summer usually 38 d.celsius) Mazda is not very responsible to all mazda users and i don't know when they(and if!) they send me ever a recall notice!!
By the way,mine is working at about 700RPM(normal idle).I asked a friend of mine who works at Mazda in Greece and he told me that not all the 8's idle the same and you can't do anything "legal" to increase the revs.
Is is true or faulse?

lhess · July 2005

I've heard plenty about the recalls but have really been too lazy to go to the links and actually read up on it. I don't get too upset over recalls. They're usually something that some watchdog group has found out can happen under some very unusual circumstances. Now it's a little different story if we have known cases of flaming 8's on the shoulders of the interstates across the country. Good info.

pathstar1 · July 2005

Just went through the service manual and I can't find anywhere you can actually -adjust- the idle. It's programmed into the PCM. If you don't get a "MIL" (check engine light) the car is idling properly. It will generate a MIL if the idle is 100 RPM high or low from the programmed value.

So, legal or not, I can't see any way to adjust the idle without modifying the car. Due, no doubt, to the "drive by wire" system - there is no throttle cable in this car, it's controlled by computer referenced to the throttle pedal position and idle air control.

rx8world · July 2005

Roooger that!!

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