TSB's vs. Recalls and the $$
 

I am having a problem with power loss in my 8 at cruising speeds and I found a tsb/recall (not sure which) about this problem. I called Mazda and the rep. said that there is an issue with power loss at cruising speeds in high ambient temps. and she said that if that's the case then it would be fixed free of charge if it is an issue with the engine's internal parts. I asked about a tsb concerning my squeeky clutch and she said that I would have to pay for the repair even though it's a tsb. She also went on to say that I would have to discuss any issues with my dealer because at the very least I would have to pay a diagnostic fee.

Rather being a recall or tsb, I thought that the bill would be on the manufacturer because in my book, I'm thinking it's considered a (dare I say) a manufacturer's defect? I'm bracing myself because I'm taking my car to the dealer this week and I have a feeling I'm not going to be happy.

Recall = must be done, even if out of warranty at Manufacturer's expense

TSB = not as serious of a problem and will usually be performed if customer's issue reflects that of the TSB and if the customer is still within their warranty


The cruising speed issue will be fixed via a reflash
The squeaky clutch is harder to get fixed. I'd get down there and make sure the welds aren't coming apart as that seems to be a common problem with our cars.

A TSB is basically an advisory to the dealership which briefly explains an issue and how to fix it.

Recalls are only for items which affect safety or major operational issues of the vehicle.

So if a flash is required, would that be considered a tsb or recall? I'm thinking recall since it affects the car's performance.

ONLY if a reflash is mentioned in the recall. Such as the 4206F recall from 2006. Call Mazda USA and have your VIN# handy. They can tell you if the 4206F was preformed.

when I had the newest reflash(dont' remeber the name) I went in said I saw there was a recall/tsb for a reflash and they service manager said that's like 120 dollars...i told him i was in warranty and he said that only if the customer happens to complain about that prob...so next day went to different dealer across town told them i was haveing rough idle/loss of power whatever it was and got it done free...

oh and like siade about the difference between recall/tsb...are correct

The last flash would have been MSP16, which dealers were supposed to do on any RX-8 that passed through their service department. Last time I got an oil change I brought a copy along and asked the service writer if it had been done on mine. He looked it up, found that it hadn't, and recommended it be done. No charge, and I did not have to complain.

Good move going to another dealer.

Ken

So I assume if the reflash is the issue (which is very well maybe) should I take a copy of the recall to dealer and show them? To be honest, I don't wanna pay a dime if it's a recall. I will admit though, that my dealer has been very good to me in the past. I even know the guy's name who works on my RX8. I pray that it's just a reflash because I follow all maintenance to the letter and a couple of times a month I put my foot in my RX8. Thanks for all of ya'll's input.

Yep - especially since you've got a good working relationship with the dealer. Print them both out (4206f and MSP16) and ask if they've been done.

Ken

People need to realize Recalls are only for SAFETY or EMISSIONS, and is on the MANUFACTURERS dime.

TSB = Known problem. Its a short cut for technicians so they dont waste time re diagnosing a problem that is known and a fix is already availalbe. Paid by manufacturer IF UNDER WARRANTY, if not YOU are paying to bill. Dont want to pay? Fix it yourself.

yeah well that was sport mazda Orlando(for all u orlando ppl that know that) but now i'm in Charlotte and out of warranty anyway

Update: As of 2:00 July 10

The service manager called to tell me what the problem was with my car. He said that the SSV was stuck partially closed and it wasn't allowing enough air into the engine. He said that I need some gaskets and a valve to go with the repair of the SSV. Also, they needed to inject some kind of cleaning solution (not decarbing solution) into the engine to go along with the repair of the SSV. With labor eveything is going to set me back about 700 bucks. But there's something funny about this. My problem happens when there are high ambients temps. and I am maintaining a constant cruise (alas highway cruising). The problem doesn't happen when the temps. are in the 80's like when I'm cruising at night on the highway. At night or in lower ambient temps, the car is fine...no concerns. My question is if the SSV is the problem, then shouldn't this condition happen all the time regardless of any speed?

I'll have to talk to him more about this diagnosis. This problem sounds too much like MSP16.

I take it your car is more than 4 years old or has more than 50,000 miles? So your bumper-to-bumper warranty is over?

Unless you think the dealer has misdiagnosed the problem, you're stuck. You could go somewhere else for a second opinion. In general, I would put much more faith in a diagnosis by a dealer service department than a web forum. Feel free to question the service manager - part of his job is to make sure you understand the problem.

They should do the MSP16 flash for free while it's there - at least that's how I read the TSB.

Ken

Ok...Update:

Went to the dealer to pick up my car because parts have to be ordered and when they come in next Thursday, they will perform the repair. I talked to the service manager for about 15 mins. I asked him many questions and he answered all of them. He showed me a list of the things that have been done to my car in the past. I noticed on the list that campaign 4602F was performed in November of '07 and at the bottom of the list, campaign MSP16 was performed in May of '08. So I have the latest flash. He said that the intermediary valve is "weak" and not stuck. It's not allowing the engine to breathe properly, that's why I'm getting those symptoms. It's not that I didn't trust my dealer, because as I said in a previous post, they have done me well in the past. It's just that I needed clarification as to what was going on before I shell out over $700. Next weekend, I am planning to travel to Texas so we will see.

Another thing, he said that it's very important that I use premium fuel in my RX8. Well I do, most of the time. Sometimes I have to downgrade to midgrade. We are in a recession you know. I forgot to ask him about the 5w20 vs. 5w30 oil debate...but that's another subject.