I just called the Mazda dealership and...
 

I had a discussion with "Neil @ First Team Mazda" about the Flash update.

TSB - Flash Update

Anyway, I asked them if they were taking appointments or doing walk-ins for this update. Well the guy "Neil" tells me that they don't do TSBs unless I am experiencing problems...

Now I could have sworn that I had read in a bulletin, I have a printout at home I am going to check, that it said it applies to all models even if they aren't experiencing the problem.

Anyway I was honest with the guy and told him that although I haven't had the problem I have heard from others, rx8club, that this flash helped regardless.

This is when he told me they would take appointments, but it has been known to cause more problems then it solves.

Does anyone have any clue what he is talking about? I certainly don't. I really wish there was another Mazda dealer near me I could go to that wouldn't give me this hassel.

This is the same dealer that cracked my front bumper, left a cigarette butt in the driver side floor, I don't smoke btw, and claims to have changed the oil pan in regards to another TSB. Although I still experience the problem.

PS. - Anyone know how I can verify they changed the Oil Pan.. I planned on trying to match model numbers tonight when I got home.. but I was wondering if there was an easier way.

Print off the TSB and take it in. Once they have it in writing, and your vin is in the range, they should not argue.

additionally, the oil pan should be tagged to your vin number as far as recalls are concerned. Any mazda dealership "should" be able to pull it up.

(the oil pan was a recall and not a tsb, right? I don't recall)

...
 

It was a TSB.

The problem is I dont' trust they did what they said they did. So even if they say they changed it and marked it in the computer... I don't believe them until I can verify it myself.

And I already have it printed out, and plan to take it in, I am just more frustrated with how they act there I have already ranked them low twice on their service. I am actually planning to drive a littler further out to avoid them this time.

There's a chance that the part number of the oil pan is stamped in a visible place if you can get your car on a lift to look. The TSB lists the replacement part number.

That's a bullsh*t dealer--I took mine to Jeff Haas Mazda in Houston; told them I want the M-Flash and they were like ok--no problems. The service advisor has an RX8 as well so-that helps.

Hee Hee!

Whatever you do don't take it to Casey up here in Newport News! Have you tried Hampton Chevy-Mazda in Hampton. That is where I bought my 8. The service dept seems to be alright. I had my airbag TSB performed there and they didn't break the glove box damper so thay can't be all that bad!

well the tsb says to do the flash even on cars coming in for unrelated problems or normal service. so technically you should have some other reason for being there not just to get the flash. your oil pan issue sounds like reason enough to have the car in. they say they changed the pan and you say you are still having a problem. what is the problem you are having?

The oil light is still coming on even when the oil is fine. I notice it mainly when the car is cruising at 60+ MPH.

well thenit doesn't sound like they switched your pan. you should definetly take it back to them and this time make sure they show you the old pan. get the flash while you are there.

They may have changed the pan and forgot to change the sensor, or damaged the sensor.

Re: ...
 

If you distrust them that much, take a carbide engraving scribe and mark a few hash marks on the edge of the pan before you bring it in.

Re: I just called the Mazda dealership and...
 

In which case they did you a terrific favor by refusing to touch your car again. Make the most of it and find another dealer.

BTW, the TSB clearly states the "M" flash should be installed on ALL RX-8 whenever they're brought in. Hopefully your next dealer won't give you a hassle. If they do, call Mazda.

In the case of parts being switched out (oil pan, A/C Amp) it might be a good idea to mark these parts with a paint pen or permanent marker before you take your car to the dealer. That way you can instantly tell if the part has been changed when you get your car back.

It's really disheartening that consumers have to go to these lengths to keep from being ripped off by businesses. If you find that the pan wasn't changed when they told you it was, maybe you should write Mazda or the better business bureau. Do anyone who takes their car to that dealer for service a favor.

BTW, stangmatt66, your car was in the shop for 53 days for a rearending?? Did you get hit by a big rig?

I think it would be a great idea to let Mazda NA know. The dealer is charging the warranty repair to MNA but not doing the work. I think they would be just a wee bit pissed to find one of their own dealers ripping them off!