auzoom

Applies to Australia as well.

Revolver

Several of us got battery, starter motor and plugs replaced no questions asked.

Rimmsy

Hi guys

I have an 03 RX8 with nearly 80k on the clock and it is starting to take longer and longer to start even though it sounds like it is turning over normally. It has a new battery fitted last year too.

Does this sound like it is related to the weak starter issue? Is there a "recall notice" or whatever, ie. will it be replaced for free if I go to Mazda, or should I just get it done through REVS in SA where I get my car serviced?

Cheers
Rimmsy

Kusanagi

There should be 2 recalls for all series 1 RX8 in Australia, 1st recall was the safety recall, and the 2nd one was the hard to start recall.

Check your driver door sill where the door hinges are, there should be two recall stickers, if not, call your nearest Mazda dealer asap, and get them to check your recall history, and you will need your VIN number ready, they should be able to carry out all factory recalls free of charge regardless of your mileage.

I did my hard to start recall few months ago, they replaced two leading plugs, de-carboned the engine, and reflashed the ECU, all free of charge, mine is the Dec 04 model, engine only takes 1 sec to start.

takahashi

Get Jas @ REV a go.

It is not hard to source the parts. Even onlinemazdaparts.com has starter motor. With the strong $AUD you will get a bargain.

auzoom

As I recall, the hard to start issue was a campaign, not a safety recall. Safety recalls require the manufacturer to fix the problem, the campaigns are something they do to save face. You are the first out of warranty car I have heard of that has had it done.

Cheers

Andrew

Kusanagi

I don't know anything about the campaign, but it only takes one phone call to find out.

Since Rimmsy is in Adelaide, you can try call Darren Cook, a service advisor at Australian Motors Edwardstown, ph# 08 8297 1999, he was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, he took care of my "hard to start" factory recall. Just ring him and quote your VIN number to check on any outstanding factory recalls. All Mazda dealerships share the same database.

BTW, I have also confirmed this factory recall with Paradise Mazda as well, since I mixed up the phone numbers I called Paradise instead of Australian Motors Edwardstown.

Revolver

Unless you received a letter from Mazda there was no formal factory recall. By definition, a recall is when the factory notifies owners that there is an issue with the car that needs fixing.

This was an informal campaign as Andrew says. I got it done and there is no sticker for the 'hard to start' on my car. I believe Mazda deliberately kept that issue under the radar and only fixed it when asked by cluey owners.

Kusanagi

I picked up my car second hand, so I had no idea if there was any outstanding recalls, so I made the call to Mazda dealers, and they said yes, I have one outstanding "factory recall", and they gave me a sticker on the door jam afterward, so I have two stickers now.

By law Mazda must inform all owners if there is a safety related issue, so they must send out letter to every owners. Due to the hard to start issue is not safety related, so it is an optional recall only for those who has hard to start problem, but it is definitely official, just optional.

BTW, I was asked to bring my car in for the recall despite I didn't have any hard to start problem at all... I just couldn't resist a pair of fresh spark plugs and other works Engine definitely runs much much smoother at idle after the recall service.

Revolver, I think they just forgot to put the sticker on for you, the sticker is merely a reference to the recall service been carried out on the car, a quick reference for the mechanic.

So here you go, if anyone hasn't done this, get it done quick!

Revolver

Well there you go. Fair enough. Main thing is to get it done.

Rimmsy

Thanks guys, will give them a call.

Cheers
Rimmsy

Noddi_76

for a starter motor replacement, would it be possible to switch/upgrade to a BT-50 starter ?

rotarenvy

if they had equivalent part numbers. there may however be major differences between the mounting and electrical characteristics.

I would guess there would be a big difference between starting a diesel and a rotary also. diesels are high compression and I guess they would need a high torque starter. the rotary loves fast rpm when starting and doesn't seem to need torque. then again they could have the same part number and be the same starter for all I know

Noddi_76

i was meaning for an upgrade for starter, to a stronger starter. i havent checked but i doubt a rotary starter and a 4x4 starter would be the same. was wondering about size and bolts and wiring connections. if those 3 things are the same but a stronger output from the bt-50 starter is the difference, then i'd upgrade and proberly recommend it.

rotarenvy

a lot of effort when there is a factory improved unit.

if you really want to research putting a vastly different starter in, my advice is to stay away from high torque starters and look for one that can spin the motor faster. I still have the old style starter and ****-poor compression on the rear rotor. it take ages to start and it is only when the motor has reached enough speed (rpm) that it will fire.

NeoAngelo

I just called my dealer and they told me there was an updated started available, but it wasn't covered under warranty or any kind of recall, that I had to purchase it myself, and that the cost of the starter and install was going to be $520.

Black-8

buy it from the US, http://www.onlinemazdaparts.com/, I haven't checked the price for the starter but most likely much cheaper even after postage.

ASH8

Revolver is correct, there is NO recall on Starters or Batteries...recalls are Only safety related.
Only two recalls for the RX-8 both in 2005, one for Front Lower Suspension Arm, the other Rear Exhaust Heat Shield/Fuel tank related.
http://www.recalls.gov.au/content/in.../itemId/952861

The Starter/Battery was done when owners presented their car to the dealership with a hard start complaint, if you don't complain then "generally" it was not fixed.

There was no Official notification to owners.

There is NO extended Warranty, and all cars effected by this are now Out of new Car warranty...so you are VERY lucky if a Dealer does this for free today...I don't know anyone who has of late.

If you have TWO stickers on your door jam, one is for the Lower Arm and the Other for Heat Shield....Nothing to do with starter/battery...

Revolver

I thought that was the case, thanks Ash.

Noddi_76

ash - can we get a pic of the stickers ?

ASH8

Sorry mate....don't have...

Look I am not sure "ALL Mazda Dealers" in Australia use the "Re-call" stickers, however, RE-Calls in Australia are mandatory and the Distributor (Mazda Oz) has to by Federal Law notify all 'registered' Mazda owners of the car(s) issue in question....always in writing.

BUT...this is not always possible, owner may have sold car, not told the Dealer or MA, nor did not transfer of ownership Warranty Form inside of Series Coupon Book.

Even IF you are 5 years or more outside of your Mazda New Car warranty, the Distributor under law still has to carry out the re-call repairs or inspections.

The easiest way to know IF these mandatory tasks have been completed is either take your car to your Local Mazda Dealer, or make sure you have your VIN...the JMOFE1031--------- chassis number and the dealer can look this up on his computer ANY warranty claims performed on your car..including Re-calls, ANYWHERE in Australia.


Call MA they may even tell you over the Phone IF the RE-Calls have been done, but you must have your VIN Number...

Cromax

I heard the 03-04 starters have been a problem apparently due to arcing inside the unit. Even my "warranty replacement" struggled for about a year before it finally packed it in a few months ago (which was obviously why I was going through trailing plugs twice as fast as leadings).

I would suggest that it's a worthwhile proposition to have a new one installed. The new one I had installed hasn't deteriorated at all since I've had it. I've also noticed that I don't have the egg smell exhaust in the morning any more, and my spark plugs aren't fouling hence I'm happy with my smooth running rotary once again.

auzoom

It will be in the door sill on the drivers side and look like this (sorry for the crap phone image).