http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/damper1.gif
http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/damper2.gif

More info here (http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/damper_recall.html).

Originally posted by markpmm
FYI


2004 RX-8 with Manual Transmission Dynamic Damper Recall 1704B STOP DELIVERY



This is to notify you of a recall and STOP DELIVERY on the 2004 Mazda RX-8 with manual transmission. This recall and stop delivery notification is for dealer inventory vehicles. This message provides dealers with detailed parts information, warranty claim processing information, and repair procedures.



Beginning today, February 16, 2004, all 2004 RX-8 models in dealer inventory must be inspected and repaired (if necessary) prior to customer delivery.



Selling or leasing subject vehicles without performing the necessary inspection and/or repair is prohibited by law. Failure to perform applicable recalls before delivery can result in extensive dealer fines from the Federal Government. Once 2004 RX-8 Manual Transmission models have been inspected and repaired (if necessary), customer delivery may begin.



Mazda Motor Corporation has decided that a defect, which relates to motor vehicle safety, exists on certain 2004 RX-8 vehicles produced from April 10, 2003 through August 29, 2003.



On certain 2004 RX-8 vehicles, the dynamic damper heat insulator, which is installed on the manual transmission, may be cracked, causing abnormal noise. Should you continue operating the vehicle in this condition, the insulator could come off while driving and could pose a serious hazard to a following vehicle.



Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by first class mail beginning February 27, 2004.



SUBJECT VEHICLES
Model
VIN Range
Build Date Range

2004 RX-8
JM1FE17**40 100053 - 116133
April 10, 2003 through August 29, 2003


Note: The asterisk symbol "*" can be any letter or number.



PARTS INFORMATION

Description
Part Number
Quantity


Damper Bracket
Y6Y0-22-100
1


Campaign Label
9999-95-065A-00
1=sheet of 18 labels
MStore
(no charge)

WooooHooo! no more throwout bearing noise!

Thank God it doesn't affect my 8. I'm outside the VIN Range

Originally posted by PoLaK
WooooHooo! no more throwout bearing noise!

Not so fast. If you read it carefuly it states a heat insulator mounted ON the transmission. The part number is for a bracket. It looks like a fancy term for a heat shield. since the exhaust is only a few inches away.

Missed this recall - my car VIN is out-of-range - but looks like we all have the recall for the airbags - John

Originally posted by TitaniumRX8MD
Thank God it doesn't affect my 8. I'm outside the VIN Range

Do you still have a rattling noise when you have your clutch engaged? (Foot off the clutch peddle)

Don't have any rattling noise

Where's the thread for the airbag recall?

Not sure how to post a thread - but the Airbag Recall is at the end of the large TSB thread. John

found it thanks

Looks like this will affect me.

0921 is my VIN.....I'll get all the recalls:(

aww man! my car is in the shop now getting the oil pan changed! here we go again! *sigh* I'll print this and give it to my rx8 mechanic at mazda tomorrow when i pick up my car. hopefully they can check it while im there. i guess im off to find the air bag thread now... geez!

oh well, still love my 8!!

I just narrowly missed this one. I'm glad this will solve the mystery tranny noise that so many people have mentioned- I've been waiting for mine to develop it, but now it appears I probably won't.

Just saw the stupid airbag one... that's gonna cost me a day : (. If I shedule it out ahead enough, they said they'd loan me a Bimmer... time to put them to the test.

The positive side to all of this is that Mazda is proactively making things right after they are becoming aware of the issues.

Kind of like Infiniti with the G35... yes, it seemed like a lot of TSB's, but they weren't sitting on their thumbs. They made it right.

So good on ya, Mazda.

The VIN range for this one is HUGE! It should affect most people here, or? Gives me an idea for a new poll :-)

My car's VIN is *109161, and the car happens to be at the dealer anyway.. I hope they take care of that as well.

Peter

Hmmm I've been trying to understand the Service Bulletin procedure to see if this new heat insulator addresses the center console heat issue, in additional to the safety issue. I get some heat from the transmission area or maybe from the exhaust, which is noticeable in warm weather. Basicly you can't keep a cold drink in the cup holders because it gets so warm.

I'm hoping when they fix this safety issue, it also helps with the heat issue.

Originally posted by PoLaK
WooooHooo! no more throwout bearing noise!


They had mine out and it does not make any noise now.....quiet as it should be...I mean no noise.

Originally posted by l_doggy
I get some heat from the transmission area or maybe from the exhaust, which is noticeable in warm weather. Basicly you can't keep a cold drink in the cup holders because it gets so warm.



That'd be great. My RX-8 has the same problem. As stated above, mine is in the shop for the oil pan already and they told me they needed longer because mine is the first one they do this on.

Not sure if I want to be the first one where they do this job as well. Maybe I take it back tomorrow evening and have this one done in a couple of weeks.

I have already had this part replaced, actually had it done a few months ago. The shield was rattling horribly, sounding like a resonator or something. The techs ordered the part and installed it. No more noise. Wow, got it done before the recall.

My 8 was built 9/03 and is in the 6500s...I guess I lucked out. The dates go to 8/03 so that seems right.

I just purchased my rx8 10 days ago. I was making an appouintment next week for shock sensor install, and 1k mile oil change. Can I just have them do the recall then and there, or do you normally have to wait to get official notice via mail. Anyone know? I'd like to get this recall, and the airbag one if it's true all in one pop. They better give me a rental car too. Thanks!!

No one needs to look any further for this thread: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...3594#post253594
Rosenthal Mazda has a link to the dealers letter on here. If the link doesn't work, it's on the TSB thread in the Tech Garage.
I'll be making an appointment in the morning myself...:(

i'm 4883 so i'm in this with you guys...

i was one of the first to comment on this noise a while back...i got used to it and don't even notice it now...kind of nice to have it fixed after such a long time! perhaps they'll come out with a recall for the weird "jump" the car does when you put it into gear too soon after pressing the clutch in?

Hey BRx8,
I have vin# 4901, we have very close born on dates. How has your car been overall? Mine is doing great although I have only 2300 miles on it so far. I'm getting about 21 hwy, and probably 15-16 in town.

I have not noticed the vibration and noise you guys are talking about but am already on my dealers list once the parts come in.

Good luck with yours.

I just called my dealer(Bob Moore Mazda in Edmond, OK) and he said he hasnt seen anything on the recall yet. He said he kinda knew something about the airbags. He said that they couldnt fix it until he was notified by Mazda.

Originally posted by VikingDJ
I just purchased my rx8 10 days ago. I was making an appouintment next week for shock sensor install, and 1k mile oil change. Can I just have them do the recall then and there, or do you normally have to wait to get official notice via mail. Anyone know? I'd like to get this recall, and the airbag one if it's true all in one pop. They better give me a rental car too. Thanks!! You should be able to go in armed with the recall notice and they will take care of it.

Originally posted by l_doggy
Hmmm I've been trying to understand the Service Bulletin procedure to see if this new heat insulator addresses the center console heat issue, in additional to the safety issue. I get some heat from the transmission area or maybe from the exhaust, which is noticeable in warm weather. Basicly you can't keep a cold drink in the cup holders because it gets so warm.

I'm hoping when they fix this safety issue, it also helps with the heat issue.

The recall and the console heat issue are not related..

This may help the heat issue..

FRONT CUP HOLDER / CENTER CONSOLE BECOMES HOT
Applicable Models
Model Starting S/N Ending S/N
2004 RX8 00000000 40113124

Some customers may complain of the front cupholder area of the center console becoming hot after extended driving, causing cold drinks to warm. Due to the heat from the exhaust system (catalyst), the center console (cup holder area) becomes hot. This is due to insufficient insulation between the floor panel N cup holder. A insulation pad is available to reduce the heat transfer to the center console. 1. Remove the upper panel, hole cover (cigar lighter) and storage box from the vehicle. (See WSM 9-17-8) 2. Remove the six screws from the upper panel and remove the rear console. (See WSM 9-17-8,9) 3. Attach the heat insulater pad to the bottom of the front cup holder in the rear console removed at the above step #2. NOTE: Be sure to attach the heat insulator pad so that the bottom of the cup holder is wrapped. 4. Re-install the parts reverse order of removal. Parts information: F151-55-161 Heat insulator pad

I just reviewed the TSB. Sure looks like a lot of work to get at the part!

Makes me nervous to think that a dealer is going to do this. Some of these guys don't even change the oil correctly!

I 've got the feeling I'm going to get my car back plus a few extra bolts they didn't know what to do with plus some scratches on the console!


Not happy

Just called my dealer. They aren't scheduling any customer cars until the letter (to be mailed Feb. 27) is received by the customer. With the number sitting on lots that they're not allowed to sell until the recalls are done on them, it's understandable ... although from a strict safety standpoint you'd think priority would go to the ones on the road, posing proximate safety issues, rather than the ones on lots that haven't accumulated any wear and tear yet! Just another example of perverse incentives of rules and regulations ....

Shebam - it's called the Profit motive - rules and regulations are something else. John

I actually do not mind that they do this job first on their cars on their lot. Gives them something to practise on. They said I should come back in March, to have both the heat shield and the air bag thing done.

I went to my dealer today, the tech was able to pull both the AirBag and Transmission Dynamic Damper issues out of his computer. Since they were in the system he said he would be able to order the necessary parts and would call me when they came in. I also showed him the "Warm Cup-Holder issue" and told him to order that part since they already have to disassemble the center channel to get to the tranny.

Ptiemann - Excellent point - I do not want the words "trial and error" and "My RX8" in same sentence. John

I'm not complaining, just musing -- after all, if the part falls off it's the poor [person] in back of you who runs over it. Made my appointment for their ding-puller at a convenient time in March; if they are ready for me then they'll do this too.

Does anybody for sure know where this heat shield/damper is on the transmission. Is it external or internal to the case? Thanks.

Clay

Already saw the diagrams on Rosenthals web site. Looks like a little bit of a pain. I think I will let them practice for a while also.

Clay

unsticking, since this is already stickied in the tech forum.

Does anybody for sure know where this heat shield/damper is on the transmission. Is it external or internal to the case? Thanks.

Clay

The heat shield is exterior of the transmission case. We have already done some stock units (i work at a dealership). it is kind of simple, the tech here as figured out how to do it without removing anything from the inside of the vehicle.(thats why iit is good we did the stock units first! ) most dealers now have the info on both recalls but will not have the parts until the end of Feb. or first week of March. Best advise right now is if you want to call the dealer just make an appointment for sometime in March at your convenience. do not expect anything to be done in Feb. this is for both recalls. hope this helps!

shit i got the car around that time,,,,if this is true my car will have been in the shop 3 times and each vist is 2-3 weeks. oh man the car in a body shop right now for some borla's

Hey, ibfubarDude!
Nice to see you are still around!
.....one of the 'originals'!
Thanks again for all the help you've been here.
.
.
.
doc

hi, yeah im still around. i still check the board about once a week. just havent had anything to really post about. no complaints on my car at all. it is great!!

Originally posted by shebam
Just called my dealer. They aren't scheduling any customer cars until the letter (to be mailed Feb. 27) is received by the customer. With the number sitting on lots that they're not allowed to sell until the recalls are done on them, it's understandable ... although from a strict safety standpoint you'd think priority would go to the ones on the road, posing proximate safety issues, rather than the ones on lots that haven't accumulated any wear and tear yet! Just another example of perverse incentives of rules and regulations ....

I called my dealer and they let me know my 8 has both the heat shield and airbag issue. I have a good relationship with my dealer they hook me up all the time. But, they explained that they would have to redo the wireing harness for the passenger airbag. I will take it tommorow. I just hope they don't stick me in a crappy rental.... I will raise all hell if it is anything less then a Mazda 6.

Originally posted by Sea Ray
Hey BRx8,
I have vin# 4901, we have very close born on dates. How has your car been overall? Mine is doing great although I have only 2300 miles on it so far. I'm getting about 21 hwy, and probably 15-16 in town.

I have not noticed the vibration and noise you guys are talking about but am already on my dealers list once the parts come in.

Good luck with yours.

all in all not too bad...2 CEL lights - had the ECU reflashed, 1 low oil warning - had the ECU reflashed, excessive rattling in the passenger side door when below 30 degrees - no ECU reflash for that one :D and they still can't fix it)

the noise we're talking about is very apparent when you have your window or door open...start your car with the clutch in, then simply let go of it...you'll hear sort of a grinding/vibrating noise coming out of the engine bay...i've had it since i purchased the car and just figured it was supposed to be that way even though every other stick i've ever had never had that noise

wow! they are fixing yours tommorrow. damn i work at a dealer and i cant even get mine done until friday after all the stock units are done and if we have parts left! well at least i wont have to worry about driving in a ford escort rental for a day! i can just sit in my office and watch them fix mine!

Heck, I am not worried about a recall like this anymore. I'll take it in at my own leisure. There really is no rush on this, or a need to get anal. This is one of those perfectionist recalls. It's all good.

Originally posted by VikingDJ
Heck, I am not worried about a recall like this anymore. I'll take it in at my own leisure. There really is no rush on this, or a need to get anal. This is one of those perfectionist recalls. It's all good.


Uhh...not realy... if you read the recal notice, it states that the shield can fall off while driveing. Plus, the airbag will not provide the proper protection in a crash. I can't consider that just a vanity thing...

Originally posted by ibfubar2000
wow! they are fixing yours tommorrow. damn i work at a dealer and i cant even get mine done until friday after all the stock units are done and if we have parts left! well at least i wont have to worry about driving in a ford escort rental for a day! i can just sit in my office and watch them fix mine!

Well...I have a good relationship with my dealer...

They did say they had to fix all the cars on the lot though. But, they were like.."When do you want to bring it in." I was like tommorow..they were like cool..

But, I wonder how long they will have my car. They better not even think about putting me in a Escort.

Originally posted by 9-K Rever
Uhh...not realy... if you read the recal notice, it states that the shield can fall off while driveing. Plus, the airbag will not provide the proper protection in a crash. I can't consider that just a vanity thing...

Yeah, I can also suffer a blow out while driving too. LOL Not to underscore the seriousness of it, but i think it can wait a few weeks, and isn't life or death to get it to dealer ASAP. I agree with some others, I want them to work on other cars first before they touch mine. I'm in the bracket of vin numbers for this recall, but my car doesn't make any noise as of yet. As far as airbag goes, that appears to be speculation, and until I get an official word of it, I won't sweat it.

Fubar, It is good to see you're still around. You got me, and everyone else practically, through that Dark June. Muchas Gracias!

I also think I'll let the techs practice on someone else's car for the next several weeks. The TSB mentioned using a Taped Screwdriver so as not to damage the panel you're jimmying. I can't watch that.

Originally posted by VikingDJ
Yeah, I can also suffer a blow out while driving too. LOL Not to underscore the seriousness of it, but i think it can wait a few weeks, and isn't life or death to get it to dealer ASAP. I agree with some others, I want them to work on other cars first before they touch mine. I'm in the bracket of vin numbers for this recall, but my car doesn't make any noise as of yet. As far as airbag goes, that appears to be speculation, and until I get an official word of it, I won't sweat it.

Kewl.... I will just go and get it done... I have to do my 10k service anyway!

FUCKING SHIT! NO WONDER MY TRANSMISSION IS SO CRAPPY! I get taht weird whineding up noise thats high pitched too, sometimes when i shift into reverse it doesnt go into reverse... nor.... something is fishy. actually u know what SCREW THIS CAR and its PROBLEMS I am selling, peace !

Ah, another quality post from Efini 8...

- in other news -

I'm having trouble believing that the whirring noise when clutch is out is this heat shield rattling... When someone gets this recall done if they could comment on if the trans noise does indeed go away or not that would be very interesting. At this stage I'm not gonna get too excited about it - to me the noise sounds more like bearings or gears meshing than something rattling.

Simon.

Originally posted by sferrett
Ah, another quality post from Efini 8...

- in other news -

I'm having trouble believing that the whirring noise when clutch is out is this heat shield rattling... When someone gets this recall done if they could comment on if the trans noise does indeed go away or not that would be very interesting. At this stage I'm not gonna get too excited about it - to me the noise sounds more like bearings or gears meshing than something rattling.

Simon.

That would be the throw out bearing noise. I haven't been in a 8 w/o that noise. Mine has it too.

I had the re-calls done. They kept it all day and did the 10k service. My only complaint is they put me in a Doge Ram full cab 1500 as a loaner car....


But all in all, my car made no noises when I brought it in besides the throw out bearing...and has been returned to me no worse for wear.

Thanx Capital Mazda.

9-K Rever

9-K Rever:

Heck the airbag recall is the passenger side - I live on the other side - end of story.

Seriously it should be fixed - in the near future. In my case on March 15 - I've booked it already.

John

Originally posted by RX8_GT
9-K Rever:

Heck the airbag recall is the passenger side - I live on the other side - end of story.

Seriously it should be fixed - in the near future. In my case on March 15 - I've booked it already.

John

I hear ya tough guy... But, I have a pretty girlfriend that sits over on the other side alot ....so just in case..

But, I mean truthfuly I wouldn't have known about it if I didn't check the forum. But, at least its done and out of the way.

Good luck to the rest of ya!

9-K Rever

Pretty girlfriend - problem with passenger side airbag - can you say lap. Ha Ha - John

Hehehehe...

After having mine in for a reflash and the 2 TSBs, I now have a new sound - a rapid ticking from what sounds like the wheel area when I take a hard right. THought it was the lug nuts, so I tightened them. No help.

There's always a down side to taking your car in for service. THey may fix one thing and mess up something else in the process.

hey, racerdave, what happened to the G35s?

and...no offense... it seems Rx8 has a little more recalls/problems than other cars? where is it built?

Originally posted by khoney
After having mine in for a reflash and the 2 TSBs, I now have a new sound - a rapid ticking from what sounds like the wheel area when I take a hard right. THought it was the lug nuts, so I tightened them. No help.

There's always a down side to taking your car in for service. THey may fix one thing and mess up something else in the process.


Yup, thats why I was happy my dealer didn't give me anything to complain about besides the rental car...

Originally posted by AltecLansing
hey, racerdave, what happened to the G35s?

and...no offense... it seems Rx8 has a little more recalls/problems than other cars? where is it built?


Nah...its a new car. All new cars have issues to some extent. They make small improvements over time. So if you want a car with like no issues...you need to by something that has been produced for a while. Like a Corola or a Camery....( for example).

So the 2005 model will have the fixes that came from the 2004.. and so on and so forth.

And to anser your question all RX8's are manufactured and engines hand built in Hiroshima Japan.

Originally posted by markpmm
The recall and the console heat issue are not related..

This may help the heat issue..

FRONT CUP HOLDER / CENTER CONSOLE BECOMES HOT
Applicable Models
Model Starting S/N Ending S/N
2004 RX8 00000000 40113124

Some customers may complain of the front cupholder area of the center console becoming hot after extended driving, causing cold drinks to warm. Due to the heat from the exhaust system (catalyst), the center console (cup holder area) becomes hot. This is due to insufficient insulation between the floor panel N cup holder. A insulation pad is available to reduce the heat transfer to the center console. 1. Remove the upper panel, hole cover (cigar lighter) and storage box from the vehicle. (See WSM 9-17-8) 2. Remove the six screws from the upper panel and remove the rear console. (See WSM 9-17-8,9) 3. Attach the heat insulater pad to the bottom of the front cup holder in the rear console removed at the above step #2. NOTE: Be sure to attach the heat insulator pad so that the bottom of the cup holder is wrapped. 4. Re-install the parts reverse order of removal. Parts information: F151-55-161 Heat insulator pad

Thanks for this post, markpmm. This is something that was bothering me before the winter started, and I have been wondering whether it would be resolved before the weather gets warm. Is this a TSM from Mazda, or something they would otherwise know about?

Thanks

[i]and...no offense... it seems Rx8 has a little more recalls/problems than other cars? where is it built? [/B]


2 recalls in first year of production and you call that "a little more....than other cars?" You havn't owned many new cars lately have you?

BTW, Lexus had a major recall in its first year of production, but the way they handled it just added to their reputation for service. I don't see ANYONE complaining about the quality of those cars.

Have those who have had the extra insulation installed between the trans and console noticed a significant difference in the amount of heat coming into the cabin?

I've had my 8 for two weeks. I don't have a "before recall" period to compare. I'm not sure if the dealer did the recall work on the damper and installed extra insulation, but it does get pretty warm on both sides of the center console after 30 minutes of stop and go driving. I'm not sure if this is as good as it's going to get with the extra insulation or if extra insulation hasn't been installed.

I'm considering pulling the car up on ramps and having a look. Can you see the extra insulation from underneath the car? I don't have a problem crawlling underneath and doing it myself. Going in through the cabin seems overly complicated.


Summer is approaching in Los Angeles and based on what I've felt the past two weeks, I don't even want to think about how much heat will be transfered from the trans into the cabin on 100 degree days parked on the Hollywood Fwy.

Originally posted by starbucks
Have those who have had the extra insulation installed between the trans and console noticed a significant difference in the amount of heat coming into the cabin?

I've had my 8 for two weeks. I don't have a "before recall" period to compare. I'm not sure if the dealer did the recall work on the damper and installed extra insulation, but it does get pretty warm on both sides of the center console after 30 minutes of stop and go driving. I'm not sure if this is as good as it's going to get with the extra insulation or if extra insulation hasn't been installed.

I'm considering pulling the car up on ramps and having a look. Can you see the extra insulation from underneath the car? I don't have a problem crawlling underneath and doing it myself. Going in through the cabin seems overly complicated.


Summer is approaching in Los Angeles and based on what I've felt the past two weeks, I don't even want to think about how much heat will be transfered from the trans into the cabin on 100 degree days parked on the Hollywood Fwy.


Dunno..but my reverse is now jacked up..and Elara said it could be caused by the dampener breaking. She said they broker hers when they did the replacements.

9-K Rever

Originally posted by 9-K Rever
Dunno..but my reverse is now jacked up..and Elara said it could be caused by the dampener breaking. She said they broker hers when they did the replacements.

9-K Rever

Ack, no, I just meant make sure they didn't break it when you took it in for recalls- my fault, I posted badly. Shouldn't affect your shifting.

I just bought a blue manual 6 speed in May 2004, it was built in June 2003. It was supposed to already have been modified (damper and airbag), but there were no labels under the hood and when the clutch pedal is released it sounds like a bad throw out bearing. The dealership tells me that all the 6 speeds make that sound. The sound worries me and I would like to know if others had the mod and it eliminated the nasty noise for them.

Yes. Normal. Search.

Yes search, and damn we need some way to identify a resurrected thread. Although the questioner must have searched somewhat to find this thread.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by markpmm
[B]The recall and the console heat issue are not related..

This may help the heat issue..

FRONT CUP HOLDER / CENTER CONSOLE BECOMES HOT
Applicable Models
Model Starting S/N Ending S/N
2004 RX8 00000000 40113124

Cool, my number is 40133473, lucky me