I have 1 annoying one I feel they won't find, it seems like my driver side mirror rattles when I hit a bump, like a manhole or something like that.

It seems to be getting worse. And it's louder with the window up, although it really sounds like it is the mirror, it may not be the mirror. It is in that area though for sure.

Anyone else?

Besides that the car is VERY tight and solid. Oh the other problem is my dealer is CLUELESS.

I've put 2500 miles on mine and haven't noticed any rattles even over the crappy roads in downtown Houston.

So far 1200 miles and no rattles.

I did hear a rhythmic clicking coming from (seemingly) just behind the driver's seat to the left the other day, and again last night.

Turned out that my driver's power-window switch was stuck in the "up" position and the clicking was the window motor relay cyling on and off....

I noticed something similar driving over a number of lane divider reflex bumps. Mine came from the front edge of the passenger door/side mirror. The noise was metallic, but not like something loose being thrown around, rather like some spring tensioned knocking.

Probably nothing but I'll monitor it and see if it gets more noticable.

/Elak

I've got an anoying one in the left window defogger vent. If I put a little pressure on it, the rattle goes away. I'm going to take it to the dealer next week. They say they'll need it for the day as they may have to take the dash apart to locate it. Hopefully they won't create 2 more trying to fix one.

Hmm, left window defroster vent eh? I'll try that.

My sound is kind of clicky, like something sticking and coming loose. I can hear with the window up or down. I put pressure on most things I could think of with no relief.

I keep thinking it's the mirror but it is hard to locate as it only happens on sharp bumps. I'll check the vents.

I found it!

I was searching around my window/mirror area as that's where it seemed to be coming from.

Then I said..... hmmm maybe it's higher up. Turns out it was the tiny plastic piece that covers the seat belt bolt!

The piece wasn't completely in place, it just fell off in my hand when I touched it. I then snapped it back on properly and no more rattle!

Woohoo! The car is so tight now!

Only issue I currently have is one rubber on the engine cover has come off. I don't think it was ever there. It was a dealer "show" car.

Although it's no big deal, I might as them to get me one.

I got one that seems to come from the right rear speaker area. Can't seem to pinpoint it though.

GRRRR False alarm, but I think I have REALLY found it now. If i tap on my driver side window it rattles. If I put the window down it's fine, if I put it back up TIGHT it rattles, if I back it off a bit it's better.

I tried putting it up then tapping on it with my knuckle and it slowly started to rattle until it rattled at every tap. Then backing off and tighting again got it to stop for a bit.

Maybe I can get them to adjust the window, it's probably a bracket / clamp not completely tight.

But do I really want to them to remove the door panel and then have it rattle?

My passenger seat rattles when I'm not carrying a passenger in it, and I'm usually not. I tried sitting in it, and making sure it was fully clicked into place in its fore-aft and backrest adjustments.

I've been used to it, driving my '85 RX7 a lot this summer, which has the same problem, but I don't care for it, especially in a new car!

Originally posted by KKMmaniac
My passenger seat rattles when I'm not carrying a passenger in it, and I'm usually not. I tried sitting in it, and making sure it was fully clicked into place in its fore-aft and backrest adjustments.

I've been used to it, driving my '85 RX7 a lot this summer, which has the same problem, but I don't care for it, especially in a new car!
MAKE the dealer fix it! Don't "get use to it".

I agree, make the dealer at least attempt to fix it, especially if it's reproducible.

I had a dealer swap out the entire seat mechanism on my last car because the passenger seat rattled when it was empty. It probably cost Audi some $$ but when all is said and done the problem went away and it didn't annoy me every time I drove the car...

ALRIGHT THIS RATTLE IS DRIVING ME NUTS.. I cannot figure out how to get the rear speaker cover things off. I think that's where my rattle's coming from.. or at least the general area. I also think ones cropping up in the driver side door. I've tried taking it off, but cannot locate the locking areas.. argh. I'm thinking it may not be as easy as it may look.

Anyone with a digicam and some skills wanna try it?

I know, let the dealer fix it. I wont be taking her in until 3000mi, and I got about 1500 more to go.

Big deal, eh. ooh Rattles, but I like to drive with the sound of the engine only and the rattles just wrack my brain when they go off. Is that so much to ask?!

theres a button on your steering wheel with a plus sign
(+) just push it a few times and you wont hear the rattle any more:D

haha I know I've been using that special button.. but sometimes it's doesnt work well.. hahaha.. schtinka!

long time no see fubes!!

Originally posted by RX-Nut
haha I know I've been using that special button.. but sometimes it's doesnt work well.. hahaha.. schtinka!

long time no see fubes!!

:D yeah i have been busy i have been reading this stuff just not logging on. all is good, still highly enjoy my rx-8!!

i have a rattle, when i hit a bump, or slightly rough road, i get a metal clink clink clink. a lot like the sound my truck made when a bracket that held the exhaust to the tranny came loose and was just hanging on the exhaust. i tried to jack up the rx-8 the other day but couldn't find a good point to jack it up on so i gave up. maybe i'll have to go buy some ramps or something.

anyone know where you are supposed to put jacks if you use em? oh wait, i bet it's in the manual isn't it? rtfm i suppose.

Originally posted by ibfubar2000
theres a button on your steering wheel with a plus sign
(+) just push it a few times and you wont hear the rattle any more:D

Instead you'll just hear a pathetically shitty sounding stereo! :(

There is a road I drive down on the way home from work that has a very rough surface, and I have this little annoying vibration-type buzz where something is loose up in the driver side tweeter area.

On smooth roads it seems super tight.

If anyone finds the solution to the annoying rattle in the rear speaker area, please let us all know. It almost sounds like one of the woofers back there is already cracked.

ARGGHH! I'm going nuts with the rattle on my driver door.

1st I HATE rattles, and this has to be on my side ! It really sounds like the window but I don't understand it because if the window is down it's there and if it's up it's there, but it seems to lessen when it's down just a tad like 1/2" air gap.

I'm trying to figure out how I can get it to do it when stopped. So far I can only reproduce it while driving and well, it's hard to drive and find rattles!

Originally posted by Wing
ARGGHH! I'm going nuts with the rattle on my driver door.

1st I HATE rattles, and this has to be on my side ! It really sounds like the window but I don't understand it because if the window is down it's there and if it's up it's there, but it seems to lessen when it's down just a tad like 1/2" air gap.

I'm trying to figure out how I can get it to do it when stopped. So far I can only reproduce it while driving and well, it's hard to drive and find rattles!

Why are you going nuts over it? Get it taking care of - either by taking it into the dealer, or taking the door panel off yourself and see if there is something loose and needs tightened. Sometimes things like this happen. It's not a knock on poor workmanship but sometimes things become loose or may have gotten damage in transport. But in all due respect, don't bitch and then end up not doing anything about it.

Bottom line, it's under warranty, so if you don't want to look for it, let your dealer's service department take care of it.


P.S.
Napboy, you can take the same advise. Take it into the dealer to solve. That's what a bumper to bumer warranty is for. You paid for it - utilize it.

DING! We have a winner!

Originally posted by RX-Nut
DING! We have a winner!

And give the man a ci-gar!. I didn't mean to give anybody any disrespect, but Jeez, I'm tired of the bitchin on this thread, especially when people sit and do nothing to resolve their own problems.

I've been trying to solve it. My dealer didn't do anything about it!

I told them about it BEFORE I picked it up as I test drove MY car.

Nothing was done. They can't hear it I guess.

I have to figure out how to get it to rattle in my driveway so I can try to find out what the heck is making the sound. Once I find it, I'll fix it or bring it in and tell them what it is.

Problem is my dealer bites and they are clear across town. Hell they wanted me to bring the car in to see if I had the carpet peg when I said it was missing. I told them LISTEN BUDDY, I don't have one I'm not driving accross town to prove it!

I LOVE this car, but the mazda dealers aren't the best.

Originally posted by Wing
I've been trying to solve it. My dealer didn't do anything about it!

I told them about it BEFORE I picked it up as I test drove MY car.

Nothing was done. They can't hear it I guess.

I have to figure out how to get it to rattle in my driveway so I can try to find out what the heck is making the sound. Once I find it, I'll fix it or bring it in and tell them what it is.

Problem is my dealer bites and they are clear across town. Hell they wanted me to bring the car in to see if I had the carpet peg when I said it was missing. I told them LISTEN BUDDY, I don't have one I'm not driving accross town to prove it!

I LOVE this car, but the mazda dealers aren't the best.

Be persistent. Take it in - tell them it rattles when you drive. Go with a service tech during a test drive. Leave it if necessary, and have them give you a loaner which they are obligated to do with this car purchase.

Have them give you a full tank of gas for your trouble for traveling across town.

Some dealers aren't the best, but sometimes it because we are not persistent enough. They provide a service - demand it.

They MUST provide a loaner?? Really? Cause ummm all the dealers I have talked to will give you a ride to where ever you are going. But then they won't pick you up!

It's that bad here!

I work accross town from the dealer, they will give me a ride to work but then I have to find my way back!

Hell they wouldn't even pick me up when I called because I needed a ride to BUY the car. IE, I needed a ride to the dealer to pick up the car after I signed the papers, nope sorry take the bus!

THAT BAD! They won't give you a loaner, if you buy the extended warranty and the car is in the shop for more than 1 day they will provide a RENTAL, but no loaner!

Hmm.. the Mazda assurance thing supposed to provide a loaner.. hmm

Originally posted by Wing
They MUST provide a loaner?? Really? Cause ummm all the dealers I have talked to will give you a ride to where ever you are going.

They should. It's part of the new car purchase with the RX-8. I assume it's the same way for Canada. Look at your window sticker. See:

Originally posted by Wing
They MUST provide a loaner?? Really? Cause ummm all the dealers I have talked to will give you a ride to where ever you are going. But then they won't pick you up!US cars come with Mazda's Service Transportation Solution for the life of the basic warranty. Quoting from their site (http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=assuranceMain):Ma zda Service Transportation Solution
Of course, even repairs without charge still mean that the dealer has your car. We know there's never a good time to be without your wheels, and with the Mazda Transportation Solution, you won't have to be. Repairs under warranty will no longer keep you off the road. Take your car in for warranty work at a participating Mazda dealership, and you can get a loaner car at no charge. Just ask. You won't have to arrange your day around a repair schedule, ask friends for rides, or catch up on your magazine reading while you wait. The Mazda Transportation Solution is in effect for every 2001, 2002 or 2003 Mazda for the duration of the new vehicle limited warranty. You'll find all the details at your Mazda Dealer.

See your dealer for complete details.(It appears they have not yet updated that page to include 2004 models.)

However, note that it does say "at a participating dealership," so it's apparently not guaranteed everywhere even in the US.

Originally posted by eccles
US cars come with Mazda's Service Transportation Solution for the life of the basic warranty. Quoting from their site (http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=assuranceMain):(I t appears they have not yet updated that page to include 2004 models.)

However, note that it does say "at a participating dealership," so it's apparently not guaranteed everywhere even in the US.

Thanks for providing that for everyone to see.

Whether or not the dealer may be aware of it, it should be guaranteed everywhere in the US. Especially for this car. Our window sticker says we paid for it, then the dealer is obligated to provide it. Nuf said.

The same goes for our northern neighbors if it is on their sticker also.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
Whether or not the dealer may be aware of it, it should be guaranteed everywhere in the US. Especially for this car. Our window sticker says we paid for it, then the dealer is obligated to provide Get the "details" of the plan from your dealer.

The important part is is that the Mazda loaner program only applies if the dealer feels the repair will take greater than one day. This means no "mandatory" loaners if they believe you will have the car back the same day...

Originally posted by BillK
Get the "details" of the plan from your dealer.

The important part is is that the Mazda loaner program only applies if the dealer feels the repair will take greater than one day. This means no "mandatory" loaners if they believe you will have the car back the same day...

Hmmm any Canadian window stickers? Mine didn't have one, I have yet to see an 8 with a window sticker. Unlike in the US all our 8's are "sold" so none are on the lots long enough for them to bother with the sticker.

The above quote is the exact issue. They will avoid giving you a loaner at ALL costs.

With my previous car I was told when I purchased one of the benefits of my dealer was the loaners. So I had an issue that they tried to fix 3 times and couldn't get right. So I brought it in and said "Ok, I'm leaving the car take as long as you want with it, I'll take a loaner and be on my way."

So they say SURE, then I bring the car in, and they say the loaner is out, should be back in 15min. Ok, so I wait, about 30 minutes later they come out and say, your car is ready!

Ok great, I say, you better have fixed it.

Take it out, next day SAME ISSUE. Man I was peeved.

It's like pulling teeth in Ottawa for a loaner, if you want one, I believe only a handfull of dealerships provide them, and they are BMW and Audi dealers.

I will try to isolate my rattle this weekend. I don't want to bring it in and have them "fix it" only to have the same problem 15 minutes later!

Originally posted by BillK
The important part is is that the Mazda loaner program only applies if the dealer feels the repair will take greater than one day. This means no "mandatory" loaners if they believe you will have the car back the same day... Apparently this also depends on the dealer - Mazda South has always offered me a loaner even for same-day service. Note that this plan is only for warranty repairs - it doesn't apply to routine maintenance, though many dealerships have a shuttle service that will take you back to work/home/wherever and pick you up again later in the day.

Originally posted by BillK
Get the "details" of the plan from your dealer.

The important part is is that the Mazda loaner program only applies if the dealer feels the repair will take greater than one day. This means no "mandatory" loaners if they believe you will have the car back the same day...

Exactly what eccles has said - depends on your dealer.

Obviously Wing has a problem with his car & it might require for him to leave it overnight. My point was that a free loaner is part of the RX-8 purchase, and he should be intitled to it, especially since it is under warranty - and his problem falls under that criteria.

Originally posted by Wing


Hmmm any Canadian window stickers? Mine didn't have one, I have yet to see an 8 with a window sticker. Unlike in the US all our 8's are "sold" so none are on the lots long enough for them to bother with the sticker.

The above quote is the exact issue. They will avoid giving you a loaner at ALL costs.

With my previous car I was told when I purchased one of the benefits of my dealer was the loaners. So I had an issue that they tried to fix 3 times and couldn't get right. So I brought it in and said "Ok, I'm leaving the car take as long as you want with it, I'll take a loaner and be on my way."

So they say SURE, then I bring the car in, and they say the loaner is out, should be back in 15min. Ok, so I wait, about 30 minutes later they come out and say, your car is ready!

Ok great, I say, you better have fixed it.

Take it out, next day SAME ISSUE. Man I was peeved.

It's like pulling teeth in Ottawa for a loaner, if you want one, I believe only a handfull of dealerships provide them, and they are BMW and Audi dealers.

I will try to isolate my rattle this weekend. I don't want to bring it in and have them "fix it" only to have the same problem 15 minutes later!

Wing,

I don't know if Canada is required to have a window sticker or not. Maybe someone who works at a dealership can inject some input here, however US cars do have window stickers. Mine came with it. That's what I posted, my scanned window sticker. So you have seen one, mine. There are other pictures on this forum that show the window sticker.

I still know you are entitled to a free loaner, especially if you leave your vehicle there overnight. You have a warranty problem + it is under warranty + may require overnight service + it is included as part of your RX-8 purchase = FREE LOANER

I'm sorry to hear about your shitty dealership. Write Mazda if you have to, maybe take it to another dealership if necessary (which you shouldn't have to).

I would try more persistance with your dealership, and bring a printout of the loaner program statement from the Mazda website that says it is included with the RX-8.

Good luck.

Originally posted by RX-8 Zoomster
I don't know if Canada is required to have a window sticker or not. Maybe someone who works at a dealership can inject some input here, however US cars do have window stickers. Mine came with it. That's what I posted, my scanned window sticker. So you have seen one, mine. There are other pictures on this forum that show the window sticker.

I still know you are entitled to a free loaner, especially if you leave your vehicle there overnight. You have a warranty problem + it is under warranty + may require overnight service + it is included as part of your RX-8 purchase = FREE LOANERYou're making the false assumption that Mazda Canada offers the same benefits as Mazda USA. Unfortunately for our northern friends, it appears that that is not the case.

The equivalent page on Mazda Canada's site (http://www.mazda.ca/english/39.htm) makes no mention of a loaner program - even their optional Mazda Added Protection Plan doesn't provide a loaner!

Maybe that's one reason why Canadian RX-8's are cheaper than equivalent US models. :p

Originally posted by eccles
You're making the false assumption that Mazda Canada offers the same benefits as Mazda USA. Unfortunately for our northern friends, it appears that that is not the case.

The equivalent page on Mazda Canada's site (http://www.mazda.ca/english/39.htm) makes no mention of a loaner program - even their optional Mazda Added Protection Plan doesn't provide a loaner!

Maybe that's one reason why Canadian RX-8's are cheaper than equivalent US models. :p

You're right, I might have made a false assumption. I didn't bother checking the Mazda Canada site. And unfortunatley Candadian owners, may not have the loaner program. Well, they get the $500 CD changer, so that's worth about 15 Thrifty Car rentals. :D

None-the-less, it's obvious Wing has a shitty dealership, and is brushing him off. They should out of courtesy provide a means for him if he is to bring the car in for warranty period and leave it for any length of time.

Yes, umm we do not get a loaner. Although if we get the MPA we do get a rental as I stated before.

Anyway I found my problem! It shouldn't take them too long to fix, or maybe I can fix it myself. Unless I need a new mirror.

Here's the problem, if I hit bumps I get this rattle on my driver side, finally figured out it was the mirror, which is actually what I originally assumed and told my salesman to make note of.

Of course they ignored it.

Anyway, if I wrap with my hand on the outside of the door, the rattle is there, it's is most definetely the mirror. It seems to be loose from the door frame. This could be as simple as a loose screw to as complex as needing a new mirror.

Now if I could figure out how to remove the plastic covering the mirror area on inside or out (I'll assume inside) then I could probably just tighten the screw and be done with it!

Any help here?

On a side note. Anyone have problems closing the passenger door? We have to SLAM it shut, it seems ok when the windows are down, so I have been brushing it off as the car being so tight. But the drivers door doesn't need to be slammed that hard.

So I'll be VERY happy if I can solve this mirror rattle. The bose speaker on that area seems kind of loose too, but I can't figure out how to get it off!

Of course if you figure it out, please post here. I think I got the same rattle, but will let my dealer deal with it when I bring it in for the 3000 mile checkup.

As for the door closing, I noticed the same thing. I think its because the cabin is pretty air tight. At least that's what it feels ike when you close it. Strange that only one side does it. I notice mine on either side. I dont think it's a problem. But your case could differ.

I posted my results in another thread, but basically to remove the mirror you have to remove the entire door panel. I got the bose speaker off by pulling on it, I got most of the door panel off but couldn't get one of the screws out (inside the map pocket). So I gave up.

My mirror isn't loose on the door it seems to be loose at the elbow.

If I bang on the door frame it vibrates, this is the same sound I hear over bumps. The passenger side mirror vibrates but it is a deep sound and you can't hear it, on the driver side it is a resonating pitch and it's annoying.

So far only 1 rattle (and it was like this when I first got it). It looks like they may have to replace the mirror.... If I can convince them to.

The other thing I noticed is the coloured part of the mirrors seems to just pop off.

Under the mirrors are two panels. The panel under the elbow of the mirror contains screws to hold the mirror. Maybe one of them is loose. You will need a very short screwdriver though.

Parmer, I'll check that tonight, I have a stubby screw driver, if that's it, I'll KISS ya! errr maybe not :)

Does the panel pop off?

Originally posted by Wing
Does the panel pop off?


Yes it does. I tried it last night. Use a small flat head screwdriver. You can see a slight indentation on the panel. If not, use care. Pry out the area closer towards the door. That area contains the "snap type" lock. The outer panel I believe is for the courtesy light, similar to the ones on SUVs. We don't get this option but the Japanese market does. Hopefully we will though.

Well thanks Parmer, but no go :(

I popped the cap off with my fingers.

Then I had to find a short screwdriver..... umm yeah SHORT.

I took a bit and I clamped it onto a vice grip. I tighted the 3 screws, 2 seemed less tight.

But nope, that didn't help.

It just occured to me though, maybe they are too tight? And the mirror doesn't bounce free enough? Hmmm I guess I could go back out and try that. Funny thing, just touching (no pressure at all) one of the screws STOPPED the rattle, so I assumed that would fix it.... DARN!


Hmmm but seeing that other thread, maybe Mazda will buy the car back LOL

Any pics.. or where you able to see what might be causing this rattle?

I could take pics... or you could just look under your mirror there is a little plastic cap, it pops off and you can see screws.

I can't really figure out the rattle though, I could try loosening the screws.... I go do that now. I was closely following the HP thread.

Ok, that was ummmm useless.

I removed the mirror and tapped the car, ok no rattle (well squeak from plastic part, but that I don't hear!). So I put in 1 screw loosly..... seems to be gone COOL! So I put in the other screws, damn it's back.

So I loosen the screws and it is still there, so I take it off again and start over. I think it's just too close to the elbow plastic and just rubs EVER so slightly.

I put the screws in again, not too tight, I'm not sure if it is there or not now. I guess I'll find out when I go for a drive.

I think I'll have to get them to replace the "elbow" not the mirror. The part that is attached to the car just doesn't seem like it is on properly or something. On the passenger side it's pretty tight on the driver side it seems easy to bend.

Apparently the mats are shipping to the dealers now, so I'll bring the car in soon for that.