Mine isn't working anymore I noticed the **** would turn oh so slightly toward me if I had a solid grip on it during a fast shift or something? Well now it's not illuminating

 

you must have a loose connection

 

There is a design flaw in these in that the wires they use are solid single core... If there is a sharp bend in them that is flexed repeat ably the wires fatigue and snap... Need to make sure you are not stressing the wires... If yours is not working then this is what happened, need to take it out and find the break then solder back together insulate and install again...

 

I was about to get in on these after seeing those pics, but I sure as heck dont want to be dealing with having to solder at any point in the future due to a design flaw...
Thanks for the heads up, cortc.

 

Okay. I checked every connection; unplugged & replugged. I checked the fuse. Everything works from under the push-in lighter working back, until I get to the plug that connects the actual shifter ****. I can't see anything wrong with that connection but can verify everything prior to that lights up and works as normal. I can't see any frayed wired going into the untuck of the **** itself. I took pics to show that everything is lit except the **** but I can't get the danged pictures to load to my puter so I can post them. Dammit I can't see anything wrong and I'm flustered that it's not working

 

The break is in the wire you can not see it because of the insulation, take an electrical meter and a couple of pins and penetrate the insulation to check for continuity. Keep checking up along the length of the wire (BOTH OF THEM...) and you will find the break...

 

Put mine in last week -- No problems. It works fine. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!

 

Also, it is a Mazda part, and therefore comes with a warranty...

 

That's good to know. I'm still frustrated. I dont' have an electic meter or anything to solder wires together. It was working fine at first; now it doesn't.

 

What is the going cost on the illuminated shifter? I saw a GB in the past, but I guess that isn't available anymore....

 

They usually go for about U$225.00...

 

Where can I get one of these shift *****? I remember seeing it on a website on the net, but I can't seem to find it again.

Thanks

 

www.japanparts.com

 

Even if you install perfectly it will evnetually fail, this is a JDM part and would have to be serviced in Japan... When it does break, replace the wires with some 22 AWG multistrand copper wire and enjoy... Make sure to do a nice job with solder and heat shrink tubing...

 

These guys have them for 183.00...

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=26843

 

looks nice

 

CortC - would you be willing to work on mine if I shipped it to you? I'd pay you for your time; sounds like you know what you're doing here. I'm the **** with the non-illuminating shift **** Feel free to PM me if that would be more appropriate. Thx!

 

I will do it for you no charge, it only takes about 35 minutes, PM me and we can discuss...

 

it works fine.. Got mine at Trussvill Mazda..

Do not over tighten it or try to turn it with the wires connected.. it will berak the wires.. If you follow the install sheet you will be very happy with your **** .

 

It has nothing to do with turning the **** with the wires, it has to do with the wires bending as you shift gears. Eventually at one of the spots were there is a bend it will break; it is only a matter of time... Some may last a year others will break within a few weeks even if installed to the letter...

 

DOES IT GET HOT AND HOW BRIGHT IS IT.

 

It's brighter than the red backlighting you're accustomed to with the headlights on. Does it get warm? Just a smidge. The metal is shiny chrome as opposed to the brushed chrome used elsewhere through out the interior. But then the Mazda emblem on the steering wheel is shiny too, so it goes great. I love having the color coordinated shifter of chaparral & black instead of just black. I wouldn't change out the parking break tho - my 2 cents.

 

Can't you just rewire the shift **** with some stranded wire and quick disconnects? From the picture I saw it didn't look like there was anything going on in the tube. You could cut the connectors and rewire the whole thing...

 

How does it feel like cortc and omicorn... does it feel the same as the stock one?

 

Feels the same, it's just really cool...