TybeeRX-8
10-21-2003, 09:13 PM
First, I now too have experienced the dreaded intermittent "oil light" while on the interstate at 80-85 mph. But evertime I hit a bump, changed lanes, it went out. Checked it and it was 1/2 way between the marks. It took 1/2 qt. to fill it up. That makes a total of 1 qt. in 2100 miles. This appears to be normal useage.
Second, the tire pressure warning system works. Either I picked it up or some f***** stuck the tip of a steak knife in my right rear. Luckily, I was close to home and just added some air, but no "juice" to save the tire. For fun, I called the 24hr. roadside asst. and they said they would tow it to the dealer for me. (I didn't get the spare.) Well, I passed on that, jacked the car and took the tire into the dealer in the trunk of my Miata (didn't fit, used a bungee) and had it patched ($21.05).
So, while I was at the dealer, the "service consultant" checked the computer to see if any bulletins had been issued re oil pan, etc. Now she let me watch this whole process online in her office. There was nothing about an oil pan problem, at least for my vin (6927). There was little else, too. Can't remember, but maybe 2-3 minor issues...how to handle the tire pressure warning system when changing a tire: with the tire off the car, remove the valve assembly letting the sensor fall into the tire; then remove the tire; when putting the tire back on the rim, replace the sensor/valve assembly first, and then mount the tire. Simple enough.
Ok. Now they have an "Mazda Driver's Guide" for the RX-8. My salesperson gave it to me today. It's a 4x6 card, with 4 fold-out sections. It has a number of things that have been discussed at length in this forum, e.g., first 600 miles (but "no special break-in is necessary"; use 91 octane; checking the oil (rotary engines consume a small amount...); "Add only non-synthetic 5W-20"; procedure to keep from fouling the plugs...5 steps; info on the "Spare tire? No way"...the TPMS, "Instant Mobility System" and Roadside Assistance; how the Rotary works and the usual sales info re packages..GT, Touring, Sport.
While at the dealer, I asked the mechanic about jacking (I use the car jack) since I have a good hydraulic floor jack. He said there is nothing special and it can be jacked at all the usual places as with any car. I'll probably do like I do with my Miata and put a piece of 2x4 on the jack and then just under the inside rocker panel under the car in the middle and jack both ends at once to rotate.
Well, that's it. hope it wasn't too boring, but just wanted to share in the event someone finds an acorn here.:)
Almost forgot, Salesperson told me that they had two 8s returned. One guy said he decided to buy a house, the insurance was too high for him, etc. The other was a guy who got an automatic, turned it in and got a new 6 speed!
Second, the tire pressure warning system works. Either I picked it up or some f***** stuck the tip of a steak knife in my right rear. Luckily, I was close to home and just added some air, but no "juice" to save the tire. For fun, I called the 24hr. roadside asst. and they said they would tow it to the dealer for me. (I didn't get the spare.) Well, I passed on that, jacked the car and took the tire into the dealer in the trunk of my Miata (didn't fit, used a bungee) and had it patched ($21.05).
So, while I was at the dealer, the "service consultant" checked the computer to see if any bulletins had been issued re oil pan, etc. Now she let me watch this whole process online in her office. There was nothing about an oil pan problem, at least for my vin (6927). There was little else, too. Can't remember, but maybe 2-3 minor issues...how to handle the tire pressure warning system when changing a tire: with the tire off the car, remove the valve assembly letting the sensor fall into the tire; then remove the tire; when putting the tire back on the rim, replace the sensor/valve assembly first, and then mount the tire. Simple enough.
Ok. Now they have an "Mazda Driver's Guide" for the RX-8. My salesperson gave it to me today. It's a 4x6 card, with 4 fold-out sections. It has a number of things that have been discussed at length in this forum, e.g., first 600 miles (but "no special break-in is necessary"; use 91 octane; checking the oil (rotary engines consume a small amount...); "Add only non-synthetic 5W-20"; procedure to keep from fouling the plugs...5 steps; info on the "Spare tire? No way"...the TPMS, "Instant Mobility System" and Roadside Assistance; how the Rotary works and the usual sales info re packages..GT, Touring, Sport.
While at the dealer, I asked the mechanic about jacking (I use the car jack) since I have a good hydraulic floor jack. He said there is nothing special and it can be jacked at all the usual places as with any car. I'll probably do like I do with my Miata and put a piece of 2x4 on the jack and then just under the inside rocker panel under the car in the middle and jack both ends at once to rotate.
Well, that's it. hope it wasn't too boring, but just wanted to share in the event someone finds an acorn here.:)
Almost forgot, Salesperson told me that they had two 8s returned. One guy said he decided to buy a house, the insurance was too high for him, etc. The other was a guy who got an automatic, turned it in and got a new 6 speed!