If your local is letting some"joe ragman" work on your car..find a new dealer.

The master techs in the shop should be the only one trained to work on the Rx8.

The "reflash" on the 8 addresses more than one issue.

P0456- The pressure based evap system was setting the CEL too often due to some oversights from the engineers. This reflash makes the PCM see the "loose gas cap" more than twice before the CEL is set.

P0128- the PCM monitors the actual and requested engine temp and the request was way out of line.

The reflash also inputs different control maps into the PCM for your A/C.

The "learning" capibility of your car is referred to as "short fuel trim" and "long fuel trim" The way you drive the car is constantly being read by the SFT and the averages are calculated to the LFT.
In other words...If you drive your car aggressively for 100 miles. The LFT will learn your driving habits and "bias" the fuel maps towards that. Don't expect to magically get 30mpg on the highway after driving the car hard for a week.

:D

 

It's good to know that I have a knowledgable master tech so close I assume Paul Miller Mazda??

 

i was just makin it up.

 

LOL, right!

 

For those of you not from Kentucky, I offer the following translation:

"...was setting the CEL too often due to some oversights from the engineers.

Sorry, dude, had to jab you. But good insite and eye appreciate your comments.

 

Thanks

It's the least I can du.

 

Truly it was.

 

I averaged 200 miles till E light lit up on 76 gas. I recently tried Shell and got 230 miles till E light lit. I'm trying mobile right now but it looks like its gonna hit the 200 marker since 1/4 was at 50. I think I'm gonna stick with Shell after this. Anyone else try different brands?

 

I seem to do slightly better with Shell myself (89).

 

Shell is by far the best gas, you shouldn't use anything else in your RX-8.

p.s. sorry for the shameless plug....I work for Shell :D

 

Dropped my car off this a.m. for (1) new oil tray as per TSB, (2) check plugs and old oil since flooding episode (had finally started without any engine work) and (3) first visit service, 3K miles since 7/21 pickup. Also noted MPG 14-15 city, 20-21 highway.

Initially --

-- They questioned whether the early-VIN free service card covers so "early" an oil change. Checked with Mazda. Result: OK but policy is every 6K miles no matter time, so we may have to arm-wrestle you the next time. (I'd noted that when **I** have to pay, they tend recommend every 3 months or 3K miles!)

-- They called back to ask whether low-oil light had ever come on. Said no, but I understood dealers would replace tray per TSB for low VIN cars if customer requests. Result: OK

-- They called to advise car is done, tray replaced and spark plugs replaced. Also reflashed the PCM -- which I did not ask for. Hope it is an improvement, as my CEL light has never come on!

Will advise whether it pays to be such a squeaky wheel.

 

Did they say why they reflashed? Is there a TSB or what specific problem were they attempting to fix?

 

When I picked up car tonight, before I could ask, they said that they have to reflash whenever they replace the oil tray. (Wonder if they monitor us here ....) I don't recall that being part of the TSB we've seen but haven't gone back to check.

On my way home and subsequent short trip, no lights went on that shouldn't have. Car felt about the same, though I didn't want to ring it out on same day they re-sealed engine. Idle seemed a bit rougher, but could be that idle point is very slightly different. (Actually, feels very much like it did when I took delivery.) Maybe my fouled plugs had smoothed things out a bit ....

 

This is the TSB on the reflash.


MIL ON, P0128 AND P0456
Applicable Models
Model Starting S/N Ending S/N
2004 RX8 00000001 40119333

Some customers may complain of the check engine light on at times N DTC P0128 or P0456 may be stored in PCM memory. (Coolant thermostat P0128- Coolant thermostat problem. P0456- Evap System-very small leak detected. Both DTCs may have been set due to incorrect PCM logic. 1. Record FFD on RO. 2. Reprogram PCM using WDS. Update WDS to V27.8 if necessary. Automatic transmission file name = SW-N3H4EK000 Cal. P/N N3H4-18-881K Manual transmission file name = SW-N3H6EK000 Cal. P/N N3H6-18-881K 3A. P0128- Check operation of the thermostat according to the workshop manual.(Section 01-02-52) If ok, proceed to step # 5. 3B. P0456- Perform WDS EVAP LEAK test. If no leak is detected (no DTCS P0442,P0455,P0456) after system test, proceed to step # 5 If leak has been detected, proceed to step # 4. NOTE: DTC P1260 may be displayed while running the WDS EVAP self test. P1260 is an immobilizer system problem code. It may intermittently set when information is not sent to the PCM from the RKE module during the EVAP test. The WDS will display "test failed" when test has completed. This message in most cases is false. If there are no EVAP codes after test has run,(or error message is displayed) no leak has been detected. This can be confirmed by checking MODE 6 EVAP test data. The MODE 6 results will change after every EVAP test has run. MODE 6 data displayed as green is ok, while red indicates a problem. 4. Check system for possible leaks according to workshop manual.(Section 01-02-101). 5. Confirm repair.

 

This is the TSB on the oil pan. Check the dealer for the part number before you go in for repair.

Mazda Repair Information

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOW OIL LEVEL LIGHT ON BETWEEN 4500-4800 RPM
Applicable Models
Model Starting S/N Ending S/N
2004 RX8 00000001 40111043

Some customers may complain that the low oil level light comes on while driving with engine RPMs between 4500-4800 RPM. Customer may check oil level N find it is within specification. (Between L N F) Normally, the low oil warning light illuminates at or near the L mark. The cause may be due to the engine's oil pan baffle N oil level sensor design. A modified oil pan is available to repair customer concerns. Follow the repair instructions below: 1. Check oil level N note on repair order. 2. Duplicate concern by driving vehicle between 4500-5000 RPMs. 3. If low oil light illuminates (oil lamp icon) with actual oil level 25% above the low mark, replace the oil pan assy. 4. Refer to section 1-11-6 for oil pan replacement. (NOTE: No gasket is used, use Mazda Sealant P/N-8527-77-739) 5. Confirm repair N add engine oil if necessary. PARTS INFORMATION: N3H8-10-4AXA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

wait 10,000 milles or so, and mpg should get better. My friend has FC, and he got a new motor, and afetr 10K..15K miles... the gas got better he said.

 

well i just got my pan replaced and also got the reflash for the p0128 code that was stored in my pcm.my car now has 11,150 miles and has been flawless other than the occasional oillight above 80 mph.i have had no cel or has never flooded and starts great even after sitting night after night in are -15f alaskan nights.my mpg is 19.5 with a one time high of 20.3 and very worst of 17.2,im not sure what to excpect from the reflash and have only drove home the 50 mile commute but my wife and i both agree the car seems to feel smoother if thats possible cause mine has always been super smooth.im a very aggresive driver and would like my pcm to relearn that driving style but are road conditions wont allow it for a while,ill just have to wait till spring and install zoomers stage 1 and rally for a weekend.

 

wiat what was a joke?? the battery restart or somethign else??

 

I went to what I thought was a Shell station tonight but the tanks said Texaco. The attendant explained that Texaco and Shell are the same company now. Is this true? And is the gas exactly the same? Will I get improved mileage just the same with the Texaco?

 

I never use Shell gas - it comes from the mid east - I use Citgo - comes from South America, and the RX-8 runs fine on it, plus Shell is more expensive than Citgo!

 

i'm just curious how this battery unplugging has been proved or stated by mazda.

 

Look, Road and Track observed 19mpg on their test of the RX-8. Their observed mileage is usually quite a bit lower than city since their driving consists of 0-everything tests, skidpads, slalom, and general pounding of the car.

They also ran a 14.5 at 95.6, and their 1/4 usually aren't that great. They list a 13.1 for the Z06 for Christ's sake.

If there is the slightest doubt in anyone's mind that their car is BROKEN, then you need to get your head examined.

I am actually pretty damn upset with Mazda. I have been following the car since the RX-evolve concept, and have read or watched any material I could get my hand on. This should have never happened, and lowering the car to 237 is a BS "fix". Most US models are putting 190 to the ground at most, and Mazda does not have lossy manual transmissions.

What is amazing is that everyone is happy with the car, and it is selling fine, despite the missing 30hp (yes it is missing at least 30hp), and about 6 mpg (which is what I believe it is capable of).

Hell, if I had to buy a car right now, it would undoubtly be the RX-8. It is truly a testament to Mazda engineering. They just know how to make a car fun to drive. Drive a 6s and you would never know it was powered by a Taurus.

But like hell if I am going to drive a car that gets 12 mpg, unless it has 16 cylinders and 4 turbos on it.

I really don't understand why Mazda did it. The emissions theory doesn't make sense, because a richer mixture would cause more emissions from my understanding.

But the car that Road and Track had is capable of 13's and 26 mpg on the highway. That is the RX-8 that I want.

The HP issue Mazda can dance around with BS crank vs wheel arguments, but they can't avoid the mileage. A full highway trip should not be 15mpg, when the sticker on the car says 18-24, regardless of how fun the trip was.

Please, don't be happy with your 13-17 mpg, take your car in and complain. I want this issue fixed, and if everyone keeps buying it and loving it as is, it won't get done. At least not by Mazda anyway. The chip Canzoomer is working on is a testament that your car is broken, and while it is great, I am pretty sure it will void the warranty.

Please help. I want an RX-8 so bad, but I don't want the RX-8 I test drove two nights ago.

 

I own both a 3rd gen RX7 and an RX8. My 350 HP rx7 gets better gas mileage. The last time I checked the highway mileage in the rx7 it was right around 23 MPG. I don't think I have gotten over 18 with the RX8 and I have heard others on the forum claim around the same gas mileage with the RX8. When I am hard on the throttle, both cars get around the same mileage (about 12). I honestly think there is a lot that can be done with tuning the RX8 to give it a few extra miles per gallon. Only time will tell as the RX8 crowd is now beginning to experiment with piggyback fuel computers.

The comment djantlive made about poor rotary knowledge by dealer service departments is something all too familiar with previous rx7 owners. It seems to me that mazda has educated thier mechanics a little better than they did 10 years ago concerning the rotary engine. Again, only time will tell...

 

23mpg.. jesus..

My 93 gets 20 at best, and im only putting 300 to the rear wheels. Who tuned your car? What ECU are you running. I do agree with you though, I love the rx8. I just dont understand how its getting such horrid milage when my FD running 13 psi does better.

Ill tell you what though, with the AC on and driving around town boosting off every street light, you can literly watch the needle drop. On Saturday night I get about 8mpg.. lol

 

The 23 MPG that I recorded was mostly cruising (off boost) while I was driving home on I-95 from a trach event. I tuned closed loop mode simply with an inexpensive autometer A/F guage. I am using a haltech stand alone ECU. A wideband O2 meter is a must when tuning open loop (WOT) maps, but all you need is a stock O2 sensor to tune closed loop maps. What does your setup consist of?
I am very eager to mess with some of the closed loop maps in the RX8 in an effort to increase fuel mileage a bit, but I must wait until the warranty it up.