View Full Version : Stuff that needs attention -- New RX8s


notdeafyet
08-07-2003, 05:26 PM
Here's some stuff that I had to address on my new RX8.

1) Frame plugs (4 rubber hole plugs -- the dealer neglected to install)
2) Wheel locks (4, obviously, and a key -- the dealer neglected to install)
3) Stickers (on door sill covering silver "RX8" center region, backs of sun shades, tops of rear light housings, inside of windshield, on carpet under seats, and elsewhere?)
4) On both my driver and passenger windows, the inside weather strip (fuzzy rubber) was mostly smashed down into the door and needed to be pryed -- now it's crimped at the point where it transitioned from "smashed in" to "out" (and I want to call it a manufacturing defect and have the dealer order new ones).

Just FYI stuff to look for on your machines...

tripwire
08-07-2003, 05:30 PM
Mine was missing 1 frame plug. I imagine it was left out when they installed the Fog Lights as I asked the dealer about it and they had to order one from Japan.

ProtoConVert
08-07-2003, 06:07 PM
where are the frame plugs located?

tripwire
08-08-2003, 04:50 PM
I "believe" we were talking about the same things when he mentioned Frame Plugs. I have a plug (or screw) missing under the front right wheel well.

notdeafyet
08-08-2003, 04:58 PM
Frame Plug Locations:

Imagine imaginary lines diagonally connecting the front and rear wheels (an "X"). Well, the frame plugs are located on those lines, about a foot from each wheel (4 in all). The holes are oval and head must nearly touch the ground to look "up" enough to see them.

l_doggy
08-12-2003, 09:50 PM
Sorry but I have to ask. What are frame plugs for and what happens if they are missing? Rust?

notdeafyet
08-13-2003, 01:49 AM
I'm not convinced that the frame plugs are essential -- especially in relatively dry climates (I'm in Arizona). I sprayed some corrosion inhibitor in the holes before I plugged them only to watch it drip out just 6 inches away. So, those frame members aren't sealed even WITH the plugs (splashing debris can get in there in any case).

On the other hand, MAZDA bothered to make them, create instructions, and include them with every RX8. I myself am an engineer and the reasons behind design decisions aren't always obvious to the end-users...

Wing
08-13-2003, 10:22 AM
Instructions? Are they listed in the manual?

notdeafyet
08-13-2003, 02:34 PM
The instructions are on a piece of paper inside the plastic baggy with the plugs...

norcalrx8
09-04-2003, 11:31 AM
I was told by the service manager that the frame plug holes are used in tranporting the vehicles. Once they get to where they are going, they use the plugs to fill the hole. Just what I was told.