-To all of those out there that already own the Lighted shift knob, or are planning to buy one-

As almost all of you owners know, they are very fragile. I, like all the others out there have had a problem with mine, when I shifted into 2nd, 4th, or 6th the light went out. I read all the discussions and came to the conclusion (knowing full well that I took every precaution while installing the knob) that it had to be the wiring or like some have said the connection to the circuit. Well as it turns out it was the wiring, and after a couple minutes of thinking I came to the conclusion on why it was happening. You see my two wires were bent and the connection loose, the reason for all of us having trouble (those who are having trouble with the wire, not the circuit) is that we are following the directions vertually word for word. (and who can blame us, this is an item that even most of us get a little embarrassed when we tell people how much we paid for it) Anyway, the problem is that when we run our wire down the shaft :rolleyes: and tape it to the stick, we then (after wrapping it with the padding and such) run it to the plug. If you follow the directions, you have mounted the plug near the heated seat switches. Well what is happening is that the wire is traveling over the rubber boot attached to the shifter. Its doing a "dip" motion. Thus when we put it back together (and when we take it apart) it all looks ok. But as we shift into 2nd, 4th, 6th or reverse, we are pinching the wire in the boot and bending it. Simple solution- send the wire to the right (from the shift knob) zip-tie it to one of the wires over there (leaving slack). Now no more pinching and no more problems. :D

-Added notes-
-The lights that are used in the knob ARE LEDS. But you cannot change them, they are connected to the circuit board.
-If you need to take apart the "head" of the shift knob, carefully pry out the glass part. DO NOT PRY OFF THE SILVER RING!!! After prying out the glass you will see a screw that holds the plastic ring in (allen wrench).
Good luck and hope this helps.

I just saw a picture of a lighted shifter installed. That's pretty sweet. How much is that and where do you get it from?

Edit:
Whoops, never mind, just did a search and found it. Hmmm, very tempting.

I think they're cool has hell, but for the money, to have the silver finish on the plastic trim piece wear off within 6 months just isn't worth it.

I think they're cool has hell, but for the money, to have the silver finish on the plastic trim piece wear off within 6 months just isn't worth it. I like the lite shift knob but agree about the silver finish wearing off. I've had other rx-8 drivers tell me about the finish rubbing off only after a few months of driving.

My shifter seemed fine after 8 months but now after a year and 2 months the luster is beggining to fade. Check the bottom left corner of the shift knob, that seems to be the first place where you begin to see signs or wear. Anyway, I have a new OEM shift knob coming under warranty. I wonder if anybody has managed to get the "lighted" shift knob replaced under warranty. It may be more difficult to get that aftermarket part replaced for free?

I like the lite shift knob but agree about the silver finish wearing off. I've had other rx-8 drivers tell me about the finish rubbing off only after a few months of driving.

My shifter seemed fine after 8 months but now after a year and 2 months the luster is beggining to fade. Check the bottom left corner of the shift knob, that seems to be the first place where you begin to see signs or wear. Anyway, I have a new OEM shift knob coming under warranty. I wonder if anybody has managed to get the "lighted" shift knob replaced under warranty. It may be more difficult to get that aftermarket part replaced for free?

Did you have any struggle with the dealer to get your OEM knob replaced? It's odd how their all wearing that same spot... must be the thumb. Homer Simpson wouldn't have this problem!

Before I showup at the dealer I have a cover page with everything I want fixed including any necessary TSB's attached, in the case of the shift knob, I printed out a thread in which a dozen people discussed the exact same thing (which some also mentioned getting it replaced under warranty).

Yes, the above is an anal thing to do but I don't leave any room for doubt at the dealer. Now when I show up, they just do what I want, so they can get my annoying ass out the door asap. :o

yep, mine was replaced under warranty. The new one is already showing some wear but I have put 15k miles on my 8 since February and it is in mostly stop and go traffic so my results may not be typical. I also think my wife's ring scratches it wen she drives. Either way, it is cheap plastic sprayed with a silver finish.

I am trying t find a good aftermarlet shoft knob. The rotary shape of the stock one, while cool looking, is not that comfortable. Any suggestions for a good aftermarket shift knob anyone?

I like the lite shift knob but agree about the silver finish wearing off. I've had other rx-8 drivers tell me about the finish rubbing off only after a few months of driving.

My shifter seemed fine after 8 months but now after a year and 2 months the luster is beggining to fade. Check the bottom left corner of the shift knob, that seems to be the first place where you begin to see signs or wear. Anyway, I have a new OEM shift knob coming under warranty. I wonder if anybody has managed to get the "lighted" shift knob replaced under warranty. It may be more difficult to get that aftermarket part replaced for free?

I took clear nail polish and put it on around the silver part of my illuminated shift knob. That will prevent any wear of the painted silver. Just be carefull not to get any on the leather or clear plastic! Hope that helps.

Did you have any struggle with the dealer to get your OEM knob replaced? It's odd how their all wearing that same spot... must be the thumb. Homer Simpson wouldn't have this problem!

I had my stock shift knob replaced before I got the illuminated one. My dealer said Mazda is aware of the problem and will only replace it one time, and only if you bring it in before you reach 12,000 miles on the car. Hope that helps.