A little of this, a little of that
10-21-2003, 09:13 PM
#1
I REALLY LOVE THIS CAR!
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A little of this, a little of that
First, I now too have experienced the dreaded intermittent "oil light" while on the interstate at 80-85 mph. But evertime I hit a bump, changed lanes, it went out. Checked it and it was 1/2 way between the marks. It took 1/2 qt. to fill it up. That makes a total of 1 qt. in 2100 miles. This appears to be normal useage.
Second, the tire pressure warning system works. Either I picked it up or some f***** stuck the tip of a steak knife in my right rear. Luckily, I was close to home and just added some air, but no "juice" to save the tire. For fun, I called the 24hr. roadside asst. and they said they would tow it to the dealer for me. (I didn't get the spare.) Well, I passed on that, jacked the car and took the tire into the dealer in the trunk of my Miata (didn't fit, used a bungee) and had it patched ($21.05).
So, while I was at the dealer, the "service consultant" checked the computer to see if any bulletins had been issued re oil pan, etc. Now she let me watch this whole process online in her office. There was nothing about an oil pan problem, at least for my vin (6927). There was little else, too. Can't remember, but maybe 2-3 minor issues...how to handle the tire pressure warning system when changing a tire: with the tire off the car, remove the valve assembly letting the sensor fall into the tire; then remove the tire; when putting the tire back on the rim, replace the sensor/valve assembly first, and then mount the tire. Simple enough.
Ok. Now they have an "Mazda Driver's Guide" for the RX-8. My salesperson gave it to me today. It's a 4x6 card, with 4 fold-out sections. It has a number of things that have been discussed at length in this forum, e.g., first 600 miles (but "no special break-in is necessary"; use 91 octane; checking the oil (rotary engines consume a small amount...); "Add only non-synthetic 5W-20"; procedure to keep from fouling the plugs...5 steps; info on the "Spare tire? No way"...the TPMS, "Instant Mobility System" and Roadside Assistance; how the Rotary works and the usual sales info re packages..GT, Touring, Sport.
While at the dealer, I asked the mechanic about jacking (I use the car jack) since I have a good hydraulic floor jack. He said there is nothing special and it can be jacked at all the usual places as with any car. I'll probably do like I do with my Miata and put a piece of 2x4 on the jack and then just under the inside rocker panel under the car in the middle and jack both ends at once to rotate.
Well, that's it. hope it wasn't too boring, but just wanted to share in the event someone finds an acorn here.
Almost forgot, Salesperson told me that they had two 8s returned. One guy said he decided to buy a house, the insurance was too high for him, etc. The other was a guy who got an automatic, turned it in and got a new 6 speed!
Second, the tire pressure warning system works. Either I picked it up or some f***** stuck the tip of a steak knife in my right rear. Luckily, I was close to home and just added some air, but no "juice" to save the tire. For fun, I called the 24hr. roadside asst. and they said they would tow it to the dealer for me. (I didn't get the spare.) Well, I passed on that, jacked the car and took the tire into the dealer in the trunk of my Miata (didn't fit, used a bungee) and had it patched ($21.05).
So, while I was at the dealer, the "service consultant" checked the computer to see if any bulletins had been issued re oil pan, etc. Now she let me watch this whole process online in her office. There was nothing about an oil pan problem, at least for my vin (6927). There was little else, too. Can't remember, but maybe 2-3 minor issues...how to handle the tire pressure warning system when changing a tire: with the tire off the car, remove the valve assembly letting the sensor fall into the tire; then remove the tire; when putting the tire back on the rim, replace the sensor/valve assembly first, and then mount the tire. Simple enough.
Ok. Now they have an "Mazda Driver's Guide" for the RX-8. My salesperson gave it to me today. It's a 4x6 card, with 4 fold-out sections. It has a number of things that have been discussed at length in this forum, e.g., first 600 miles (but "no special break-in is necessary"; use 91 octane; checking the oil (rotary engines consume a small amount...); "Add only non-synthetic 5W-20"; procedure to keep from fouling the plugs...5 steps; info on the "Spare tire? No way"...the TPMS, "Instant Mobility System" and Roadside Assistance; how the Rotary works and the usual sales info re packages..GT, Touring, Sport.
While at the dealer, I asked the mechanic about jacking (I use the car jack) since I have a good hydraulic floor jack. He said there is nothing special and it can be jacked at all the usual places as with any car. I'll probably do like I do with my Miata and put a piece of 2x4 on the jack and then just under the inside rocker panel under the car in the middle and jack both ends at once to rotate.
Well, that's it. hope it wasn't too boring, but just wanted to share in the event someone finds an acorn here.
Almost forgot, Salesperson told me that they had two 8s returned. One guy said he decided to buy a house, the insurance was too high for him, etc. The other was a guy who got an automatic, turned it in and got a new 6 speed!
Last edited by TybeeRX-8; 10-21-2003 at 09:16 PM.
10-21-2003, 09:21 PM
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Good information, thanks for sharing. Sorry to hear about the tire however. Just turned 2000 on my RX8. Check engine light has come on twice. Dealer reset once, I reset the second time by disconnecting the battery for about 20 minutes. Alarm sets when you reconnect the battery so be ready for that.
Oil light has come on once, but the oil level was low, about the half way point like everyone else. Refilled and the light has not come on since.
Otherwise the usual problems often seen in the forums...will talk with dealer at first oil change about any fixes. Understand firmware update is due out later this month...
Oil light has come on once, but the oil level was low, about the half way point like everyone else. Refilled and the light has not come on since.
Otherwise the usual problems often seen in the forums...will talk with dealer at first oil change about any fixes. Understand firmware update is due out later this month...
10-21-2003, 10:36 PM
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What firmware update? Tell me more about it. What is it suppose to improve?! I hope it has something to do with the gas mileage.. My gas mileage isn't that bad, averaging around 17mpg. But I hope I can get close to the 20mpg range.. No complaints about the hp issue, but gas could get better though
-John C.
-John C.
10-22-2003, 12:01 AM
#4
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Re: A little of this, a little of that
Originally posted by TybeeRX-8
I'll probably do like I do with my Miata and put a piece of 2x4 on the jack and then just under the inside rocker panel under the car in the middle and jack both ends at once to rotate.
I'll probably do like I do with my Miata and put a piece of 2x4 on the jack and then just under the inside rocker panel under the car in the middle and jack both ends at once to rotate.
Regards,
Gordon
10-22-2003, 12:38 AM
#5
Lubricious
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Re: A little of this, a little of that
Originally posted by TybeeRX-8
Ok. Now they have an "Mazda Driver's Guide" for the RX-8. My salesperson gave it to me today. It's a 4x6 card, with 4 fold-out sections. It has a number of things that have been discussed at length in this forum, e.g., first 600 miles (but "no special break-in is necessary"; use 91 octane; checking the oil (rotary engines consume a small amount...); "Add only non-synthetic 5W-20"; procedure to keep from fouling the plugs...5 steps; info on the "Spare tire? No way"...the TPMS, "Instant Mobility System" and Roadside Assistance; how the Rotary works and the usual sales info re packages..GT, Touring, Sport.
Ok. Now they have an "Mazda Driver's Guide" for the RX-8. My salesperson gave it to me today. It's a 4x6 card, with 4 fold-out sections. It has a number of things that have been discussed at length in this forum, e.g., first 600 miles (but "no special break-in is necessary"; use 91 octane; checking the oil (rotary engines consume a small amount...); "Add only non-synthetic 5W-20"; procedure to keep from fouling the plugs...5 steps; info on the "Spare tire? No way"...the TPMS, "Instant Mobility System" and Roadside Assistance; how the Rotary works and the usual sales info re packages..GT, Touring, Sport.
Use 91 octane during break-in? Or always?
Are these items presented as recommendations, or as required-for-warranty?
Perhaps someone can scan it for those who are already owners or not-yet owners
Sounds important.