Haze

Check the Tech section of the forum and don't forget the DIY subsection. There are a couple of threads about decarbing at home, and it doesn't sound that complicated only time consuming.

Plugs are easy to change, but you have to shop around a little. Around $20 is the right price. I got my last set for $12 a plug from WorldPac. Again there is a DIY in the Tech section, but if you pull the driver's front wheel off and put the car on a jackstand, the whole thing becomes pretty self explanatory.

Coils are also easy to yank (make sure you go one at a time or label the plug wires to avoid confusion.) IMHO though, if you don't have a misfire CEL, I think that the wires are better to replace with Racing Beat wires for an improvement.

Being on a budget, I would do the decarb, then the plugs right after, and see if you have an improvement. If it doesn't seem right, then I would look at the more expensive wires then coils.

Best of luck.

2tone

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for all the input.

My concern is that my 2 power loss incidents were about 9 or 10 months apart, so if i were to pull my car from the dealer on monday (when i get back in town), and do all those things myself, it might "seem" fine, but then again it always seems fine other than those 2 days. so i won't "know" if it's fine unless i go back and PAY for a compression test. i'm trying to get a hold of na to make THEM pay for a compression test now...instead of making me pay for the damn de-carb process. arg...

Haze

The only way you will feel comfortable at this point is to get a compression check. Whay you can do when you get some free time after your work obligations slow a little bit is to call around and get competitive bids for a compression test. Don't forget to include independant shops who specialize in Mazda Wankels. I think that you are going to have to pay for that, and it will tell you what to do. If it is bad, then take it to the dealer and tell them you have a bad compression test, and that you expect all work to be covered under the powertrain warranty because of the bad test. If it is good, then try a tune up yourself. Best of luck.

fish1

I just came from haviong the latest re-flash done. The car seems to run Much much better! and sooooo smooth now like it does run on double-cream.
The small blips in the idle have dissapeared (only hapened occasionally) and it seems to pull into the higher revs much easier (almost effortless).
Big difference in my car.

Turns out their is a recall still outstanding on her where they'll check the plugs, starter and something else he mentioned that I forgot. Says it is all covered if anything needs replaced.
I was happy one week ago when I first got her, but now that damm grin is back which I can't get rid of.

Old Rotor

Did everyone look at their receipts and see what exactly was done to their car you might have got the de-carbon "TSB" done?

2tone

iTrader: (3)

there's a de-carb tsb?? i wasn't aware of that ... and they're STILL trying to get ME to pay for the de-carb?? wow...

update: call in to the dealer to get mnao info, waiting on him to call back...

days at shop (with nothing accomplished): 4

dmc27

WTF?? Seriously? I was assuming you knew about the de-carb TSB the whole time.

There are 3 TSBs listed one right after the other - linked here. One is the MSP 'recall' for the reflash and one for 'power loss' and one for 'crank - no start' - I forgot which calls for the de-carb procedure.

That would be why we were telling you it seemed like they were totally trying to scam you.

2tone

iTrader: (3)

^^ oh, well i know about those ... sorry. i didn't read through them, so i didn't realize the de-carb was part of the process. it's not so much a "de-carb" tsb as it is a <insert other title here> tsb that involves the de-carb process...

anyway, you're both right, it's in there, so now there's REALLY no reason why i would/should pay for that ... so the scam continues.

they still haven't called me back!!

2tone

iTrader: (3)

small possible caveat ... i'm only in the p/t warranty now ... maybe they're thinking i don't qaulify for the tsb w/o paying for it. dumb if you ask me, it's not my fault the tsb came out in march, 2 months after my normal warranty expired! could be the difference between "tsb" and "recall" ... tsb's are voluntary?? although, if i have the known problem, they should fix it for free, period.

robrecht

Loss of power is definitley part of the powertrain warranty, but some dealers (eg, Flemington Mazda in NJ) will only do the TSB if they actually verify the loss of power symptom. Are there other service departments in your area?

Zephyrzone

Just 1 question...

I got my pink notice from the dealership today stating that this is indeed a recall. My car is a 2007 GT. I'm going to do it no matter what, but I only have 11k miles on the car so I'm going to 'opt out' of the decarb. Just want the flash.

Here's the real question for everyone (I read all 10 pages and didn't see a distinct answer): Is the RB flash still better, with actual power gains (7.8HP according to them) than this new Mazda flash? If so, I'll have this flash done under warranty then send m ECU to Racing Beat to get THEIR flash. -OR- is this new flash similar to the RB flash with a higher OMP rate? I premix, so I don't care about that. Just wondering if which flash is better and if the RB flash is still worth the $300 now.

Looking for any and all opinions...

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

What RB Flash does is it will lean out the mixture in the upper RPM range to get more power.

OEM Flash has been known to be pig rich to meet emission standard (prolong the life of the Catalyst Converter)

I have RB Flash (based on last recall flash) and I love the fact that it keeps pulling till redline. I got a yellow card in mail tell me to go do the recall. Im thinking.

robrecht

I would ask RB if they've updated their flash to keep up with newer OMP settings from Mazda. I would suspect that RB's hp gains based on a leaner fuel mixture would be unrelated to improved OMP settings from Mazda. I doubt Mazda's new flash was designed to increase hp in any way.

BTW, you don' need to opt out of the decarb since it's part of a separate TSB, not part of the recall.

Zephyrzone

Good idea, I'll ask RB what they think.

I'm opting out of the carbon cleaning because I only have 11k miles on the car. Don't like having unnecessary work done.

robrecht

What I'm trying to say is you don't need to opt out of the decarb since the decarb is not part of the recall. It is part of a completely separate TSB to fix (confirmed) complaints of (specific kinds of) loss of power.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

Read RB's page for information guys ... all your questions has been answered there long time ago ...

robrecht

As of 9/06: "Mazda USA has issued an emissions related recall for RX-8’s that were produced up to June 1, 2006. (It is our understanding that cars in dealer’s inventories from June 1, 2006 through August 2006 were updated at the dealership.) This recall involves a reflash of the PCM and replacement of the spark plugs. In California, and other selected states, you are REQUIRED to have this emission recall performed prior to renewal of your registration. If you are considering having your PCM reflashed by Racing Beat, FIRST have your unit updated by Mazda. This process will 1) allow you to renew your registrations, and 2) update the system records with Mazda.

After Mazda services your car, Racing Beat can reflash your PCM. Our reflash programs are based on the most current versions offered by Mazda, and you can be assured that your performance upgrade will be based upon the most current program that is being offered for your specific model year. If you have already had your PCM reflashed by Racing Beat, contact us regarding a complimentary reflash of your unit after you undertake the emissions recall. If you have any questions regarding this update, please contact us and we will be glad to answer your questions."

I still don't see any harm in checking with RB to make sure that their flash has been updated since last month's new Mazda flash.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

.........

robrecht

nycgps, I just quoted that RB statement from Sept 06. Do you know how long it takes RB to update their flash when a new Mazda flash comes out? I would expect they might take some time to evaluate a new factory flash, but I don't know, and still don't see how it can hurt to ask RB. I have found them to be very helpful.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

it doesnt hurt to ask, but someone already gave that answer here long time ago.

I cant remember his name but he did asked the same question as you. and RB reply him saying that their flashes will always based on the newest one from Mazda.

I mean you can just send them an email and ask. it doesnt hurt, I just dont want you to waste your time.

2tone

iTrader: (3)

yes - i've left 2 v-mails with this dealer and have not heard back. if i don't hear back from him my monday afternoon i'm just going to go pull my car from them and take it somewhere else!!

2tone

iTrader: (3)

got a hold of na today - very nice lady on the phone, at least so far! she said she didn't have record of the dealer trying to contact them about my car!! great, so that means they're retarded, or the dealer was trying to scam $360!!! (remember the dealer told me that na said I had to get the de-carb/sparks done!!). She is going to call the dealer to get the story, and supposed to call me back today...

dmc27

Find some other dealer - the one your car is at obviously can't be trusted.

There are plenty of members in TX, someone has to be in your area. Find out what dealerships around you don't suck - there should be some mention of it in your regional section (Gulf, I think?)

2tone

iTrader: (3)

well, they might not be shady afterall. i'll explain later.

quick question tho b/c i'm about to call them...anyone know what the compression test SHOULD cost, just in case they try to rip me off...$100? i feel like i've seen a number thrown out before but i'm not sure...

2tone

iTrader: (3)

oh, do dealers keep testing results on file? b/c the original dealer that i took the 1st power loss to (it's a different dealer than now) did a compression test and said that it was "good" ... but i never saw the numbers. should they have that on file if i call them?