With warmer daytime temps a few of the RX-8's shortcomings are coming back.

I am refering to the warm air from air vents when you re-start the car and the unbelievable heat coming from the center tunnel.

I asked my Svc. Mgr. if Mazda is doing anything for this and answer was no. It seems like the car needs better heat shielding around the center tunnel since this gets difficult at times.

Since the AC is the only appliance driven by the engine it impacts performance.

 

There are some TSBs regarding addressing heat from the console, although i'm not sure how much of the "center tunnel" you are talking about. Additionally, I've read that the latest ECU flashes appear to be changing the A/C Cycling. If you go to the dealership armed with the TSB you should be able to get something done. If you've already done these things, the only thing I can offer you is my sympathy.

 

I am talking about the space between the driver and front passenger. The storage space, cup holders, brushed aluminum trim, etc. get very warm and at least my AC doesn't seem to keep up with it.

 

RenesisPower, I live in orange county too.. what service manager are you speaking with? Do they tell you that there is ANYTHING we can do about the heat? I just got the car last week. I live in San clemente and it hasnt been more than 67 degrees since I have owned it, and I am already having to have to drive with the windows down to keep it cool. I am FEARING when I have to drive it to vegas and what that is going to be like in the summer.

 

FRONT CUP HOLDER / CENTER CONSOLE BECOMES HOT
Applicable Models
Model Starting S/N Ending S/N
2004 RX8 00000000 40113124

Some customers may complain of the front cupholder area of the center console becoming hot after extended driving, causing cold drinks to warm. Due to the heat from the exhaust system (catalyst), the center console (cup holder area) becomes hot. This is due to insufficient insulation between the floor panel N cup holder. A insulation pad is available to reduce the heat transfer to the center console. 1. Remove the upper panel, hole cover (cigar lighter) and storage box from the vehicle. (See WSM 9-17-8) 2. Remove the six screws from the upper panel and remove the rear console. (See WSM 9-17-8,9) 3. Attach the heat insulater pad to the bottom of the front cup holder in the rear console removed at the above step #2. NOTE: Be sure to attach the heat insulator pad so that the bottom of the cup holder is wrapped. 4. Re-install the parts reverse order of removal. Parts information: F151-55-161 Heat insulator pad



Have the Dealer search the Mz site for this MRI.. It is not a TSB

 

Is your sn within the range of the mri?

 

hey, im in AZ, if im not complaining, you shouldn't be!

 

I've had the center console out 3 times. There seems to be some insulation in there, but not exactly in the cup-holder area. Pep Boys sells sheets of firewall padding stuff to insulate components from engine heat. It sells for $19.95 and comes in a BIG rolled sheet (4'X8' or 4'X6') I believe. One of it's suggested uses in fact, was the center tunnel hump of vehicles.

I needed a small piece, so did not buy the whole roll. I have yet to notice the heat you are refering to, but will revisit this train-of-thought should I ever need to.

 

Mine is one of the early ones, got it in August 03. The heat is a major inconvinience and have never had anything like this with any of my other 26 cars in the past.

I talked to the Service Manager at Tustin Mazda(now Heritage Mazda) and she said there are no bulletins or recalls on this issue.

I will contact Mazda HQ to check it out.

 

Thanks, Snap-on, this is what I was referring to.

 

My dealer said he put in the shield to reduce heat from the tunnel, but plenty remains. I got one of the fancy Mazda insulated mugs for ordering the car early, but leaving the mug in the beverage holder on a long trip produces a warm beverage. The air from the vents is also warm when the engine is. Today (late Oct. in Washington, DC) the air from the vents was a bit warm with outside temperature under 60 F.

Fortunately, I have a reasonably strong A/C with no cycling problems.

Mitch

 

Thats an old one.

I posted in the west forum the pad is actually just a cover for the cup holder.

We really need a peice of aluminum on the botom of the car AND insulation in the console.

IMHO