BlahRX8

has anyone noticed this with their stereo?
The last 2 sundays that i have been out for a drive the radio has just dropped out?
AM still works but none of the FM channels do?
Didnt come back till the next time i started th car?

timbo

Hi Blah

Welcome to the forum. Tell us where you're from, as maybe it is a location issue, and which model you have.

Mine -- the base pov pack radio -- works well. No drop outs that I've ever noticed

RXE16T

Have you had your windows tinted lately?

The reason why I ask is that the aerial is embedded in the rear window along with the demisters.

If you have had the windows tinted, the tinter could have accidentally sliced one of the wires.

This is not enough to give you zero reception, but enough to give you patchy reception depending where you are.

timbo

Good point, and a most likely cause

BlahRX8

I'm in sydney so the reception is not an issue - the tinting could defo be the problem though - i had it done when i got the car and this problem has been accuring on an off since i got it - pretty annoying considering i went for the full whack leather+extra sounds option. I wonder if there is any way they could check this in servicing?

PS my seat has been sqeaking since i got it - i had put it dowe to the leather but after reading here i might be going back to mazda!!

RXE16T

Comes down to how careful the tinter was while doing the rear window.

It's actually quite a b**** to do that section of the window just due to the size and shape, so they actually splice the film a few sections to make it easier to wrap around the curves.

The quickest and easiest way to cut the film is to use the "wires" as a ruler to ensure the film is cut straight.

FYI, it's happened to me in the past but I only lost the rear demister since my car at the time had a power aerial.

Gomez

I have yet to get mine tinted, hopefully I can get the rear window done in one piece....

RXE16T

Impossible mate.

Gomez

No, plenty have had it done in one piece in the U.S. I just need to find somewhere to get it done here....

Gomez.

RXE16T

The rear window is "turret-like" in design and wraps around with plenty of curvature.

Window tinting film only has "elasticity" to a certain point and won't stretch to completely encompass the entire shape of the window.

This is what I was told by Solace who do the tinting for a couple of the Mazda dealerships in Sydney.

Perhaps it may have something to do with the type of film used?

I'm interested to see who has done this with one piece of film.
Can you post a link Gomez?

Gomez

Yeah, I'll just have to search through 260000 posts....won't be long.....

Gomez

How's this...?

RXE16T

I guess I stand corrected and withdraw my previous statement of it's "impossible mate". :o

I still believe that the type of film used plays a role in how "malleable" it is to fit the shape of the window.

So I guess Solace are not considered "professionals" and/or are working to a cost determined by the dealerships' pricing, judging by comments such as :

"any experienced tinter can do this rear window in one piece. It's one of the easiest windows out there to do. If the shop you go to says they are going to do it in pieces then they are a shop with inexperienced tinters. Find a different shop."

and:

"you get what you pay for. Jerky 8 Owner, saying you wouldn't pay over $100 for a tintjob is ridiculous. Paying $70 for a tintjob tells me one thing....your tint will be purple within 1-2 years. Average price for an RX-8 to be tinted is around $170-$200. Depending on the film it could go as high as $500 or more. Our price is $169. But our sale right now is $139. I can do that car by myself in 1.5 hrs. But install time shouldn't matter to anyone. Do you want a good job or a quick job?"

At the end of the day, I'm still happy with my tint (even if it is two or more pieces).
Solace gave me a lifetime warranty so I'm not too concerned if it cracks or peels or bubbles.

Let us know how your search goes Gomez.

Back to the topic at hand, have you spoken to your dealer yet BlahRX8?

BlahRX8

Not yet - artarmon guys seem to be out for lunch!!
Will keep you posted.

BlahRX8

Caught up with a very helpful guy at artarmon.
Said they hadnt come across any similar issues with the 8 but said that the tinting could have done some damage and said they would check it out when i bring it in for service, as well as looking at the squeaky seat issue!