My car is at the dealer getting the recall work done. I noticed this leak few days ago.

I tried explaining to the guy that inspecting this part was part of the recall procedure, but he kept insisting the recall was "just a fuel tank heat shield" so he put it down as a separate issue. I guess it doesn't really matter how the fix it, as long as it gets fixed.

The question is, if this is related to the thermal damage recall, how will a fuel tank heat sheild help this out? Is this even the back up light switch?

http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=61483&stc=1
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=61484&stc=1
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=61485&stc=1

I think some of the fluid got toasted on to the O2 sensor harness thing.
http://www.rx8club.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=61486&stc=1

You are correct, the contact you spoke to at your dealer is wrong.

It is the back-up light switch, and is required to be inspected as stated in the 3305G Thermal Damage Recall procedure. Note, this is a thermal damage recall.....it's not just a fuel tank recall. A whole bunch of underbody components are subject to inspection as part of this recall, not just the gas tank.

In answering your question, the gas tank heat shield will not help out this switch. The PCM flash that is part of the recall repair procedure will help prevent damage to this switch in future though.

If your dealer charges you for the repair, politely point out the error of their ways, and if all else fails....call MNAO.

Gomez.

I just came across your thread. I have the same problem with a leaking back-up light switch. I changed it out with another one from a used transmission, and found out the 2nd switch leaks more than the first.

What ended up happening in the end with the dealer's response, or Mazda's response?

My car was serviced recently and diagnosed with the same problem.. Is this something easily fixable? Can't I just use some sort of sealant over the switch?

I have an '04 RX-8 with all the recalls done already. Also, I called Mazda Headquarters about this, and they confirmed this was not a part that they would cover on their Mazda StatedCare Extended Protection Plan (not 3rd party).

My car was serviced recently and diagnosed with the same problem.. Is this something easily fixable? Can't I just use some sort of sealant over the switch?

I have an '04 RX-8 with all the recalls done already. Also, I called Mazda Headquarters about this, and they confirmed this was not a part that they would cover on their Mazda StatedCare Extended Protection Plan (not 3rd party).

It's easy to fix with a new switch ($36 if you're a Mazdaspeed member). I don't think sealant would do it. The switch is potted in with epoxy; if the epoxy leaks, then sealant would probably leak too. I might try some JB weld, since I have some on hand. However, I don't expect it to be a permanent fix.

What ended up happening in the end with the dealer's response, or Mazda's response?

They replaced the part, no charge. 2 leak free years so far.