RX8 Starter Recall??
 

so my car has been having trouble starting and i took it into the dealership and they said that they needed to change spark plugs and do a fluid flush and stuff idk. all i know is that they tryd to charge me about $350 to change my spark plugs which was extremely over priced when spark plugs are right behind your front driver side wheel. and they also tryd to charge like $170 for the fluidflush crap.

so heard from a few rx8 owners that they got the starter replaced for free on there rx8 by the dealership, there was a recall for them being to small and weak so they where giving hard starts and was an open issue. told the dealership this and they said there was no recall for the starter and pretty much told me i was wrong. so im just woundering if anybody has any input on this?? maybe you got yours replaced, how you went about it, what documentaion i should take as proof... i dont want to have to pay for a new starter if there was something put out by mazda saying this is an issue that needs to be fixed if it ever happened to any rx8.

thanks everybody for any input!

The weak starter was not a recall (which doesn't expire), but a TSB, which only covers the weak starter under bumper to bumper warranty.

The weak starter was only for 2004 and a few 2005 early builds, which the bumper to bumper has expired for all of those on time alone, if not mileage.

If your starter is indeed failing, it's all on you unfortunately. My new starter from Mazmart is arriving tomorrow.


And the plugs are $80 from vendors here on the forums and a 10 minute change job that is cake to do. Do it yourself and don't let them rape you again :)

The attached old TSB will explain how to tell if your 8 has the older starter. This TSB (ENGINE CRANKS NO START) has been revised many times, the only valid info is in regards to the starter.

thanks for the input riwwp, i changed my spark plugs but i guess that didnt fix the problem so im hoping its the starter. il go check out the mazmart to look at pricing for the starter.

thank again man!

If you get the number from the dealer at all, in case they checked, a starter should be able to crank 250rpm+, 300 or 350 is much better, 350 being that "instant start". My hard start started showing up when my cranking speed had dropped to 200rpm, and it's probably down to 180 or so now, takes forever to start, constantly worried about flooding it.

Fortunately only 4 more starts before I am home with the new starter in hand, I keep crossing my fingers.

Just as amazing as how many '04 and early '05 original owners were unaware of this free [at the time] starter/battery upgrade, is how many people re-post the same old thing without even trying to search. :(

Does anyone know any EU shop to order the updated starter? For some reason, US shops are extremely expensive on international sales. I get up to $200 for delivery. Is the starter that big and heavy?

About 1/2-3/4 year ago on e-bay USA there suddenly was a limited stock (turned out to be 30 units) of OEM updated starters (2 kW) available at USD 175,- soon USD 185,-..........for MT RX-8's.........
see:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ht=starter+175

I ordered immediately one; shipping cost to the Netherlands were only USD 58,50 (USPS); it is a small box.........
The starter costed me a total (incl Customs and BTW=VAT) of Euro 217,-......
Weight of updated starter was total gross 10 Lbs&14 Ozs / approx. 3,5 kgs
After a couple of weeks all were sold of course.
Pity for you...

After that new OEM updated starters are rather rare available (especially in Europe incl. UK)........

At this moment I only know the next posibilities:
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...cat=338&page=3
from Germany for Euro 399,- (1x Anlasser (modifiziert- erhöhte Drehzahl) N3Z1-18-400A;.......... 399,- Euro incl. MwSt.)
http://www.schmidbauer.mazda-service...equest_uid=yes
and from UK; for a total of GBP 400,- incl. shipping and VAT:
http://www.mazdarotaryparts.com/brx-...r-b-1484-p.asp

Best regards, Ruud

Thanks. :)

I found one at: http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

for $336.14 and around $50 delivery. However, the model seems to be N3H1 plain and they say it is the updated one and that Mazda returned to the standard code but all starters are updated.

Does anyone else know this?

What's worse is the amount of people complaining about hard starts on models newer than 04-05

BTW I have an 05 with the original starter and only occasionally have hot (hard) start issues, however I've got a fucking boat load of other mods that could be causing this.....

Darkbrew has an 04 and has zero hard start issues.

Hopefully the hard start issue is the exception not the norm in those manufactured years.... just say'n

A) see:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ht=starter+175

1)
N3H1-18-400R-0A = this is the updated starter that Mazda now replaces, it was originally installed on the 2009-10 rx8's. And this same starter was approved for all models 2004-10

2)
N3H1 = Original (04' & '05 models)
N3H1 A = Upgraded
N3Z1 = Updated (standard with '06 and newer models)

B) From the search in this suppliers-site it is clear that it will be the upgraded/-dated N3H118400R0A:

Search by OEM Part Number: (Select Make) Honda Mazda Nissan Multi-Part Search Mechanical Catalog Item Number MSRP Core Price Price N3H118400R0A $334.87 $75.00 $261.14 Starter
Starter, rx-8 - manual trans 2004 - 2008
Add to Cart Contact Us Collision Catalog Item Number MSRP Core Price Price N3H118400R0A $334.87 $75.00 $261.14 Electrical - Starter - Starter - Manual trans
Manual trans 2004 - 2008
Add to Cart Contact Us OEM Catalog Item Number MSRP Core Price Price N3H118400R0A $334.87 $75.00 $261.14
STARTER, REMAN
Add to Cart Contact Us

By the way...........in which country do you live?

Regards, Ruud

Thanks.

I have already read this thread but I wanted to confirm.

About price now, the core is added on my price so instead of getting $261.14, I get:
$334.87 $261.14 $75.00 = $336.14

I live in Cyprus. Maybe that's the reason for adding me that value instead of getting the discounted one?

"I live in Cyprus. Maybe that's the reason for adding me that value instead of getting the discounted one?"

I live in the Netherlands and this higher price also counts for me, however on brake discs etc the discount is applied.

The 09 version is N3R3-18-400 and costs even more. The N3Z1 is the latest version factory new one whereas the N3H1-18-400R0A is a remanufactured unit.

I hope that helps.

Paul.

My car is a 2010 and it has a hard time starting time to time.Yesterday at the dealer I mentioned it and they said you have to tac it up to 5-6g rpms then immed.turn the key off,I posted about this yesterday..

Mildly curious how reving to 5-6k RPM, or any RPM for that matter, affects your next start (other than removing excess fuel if you are shutting off while cold)



Whomever told you that at the dealer is clearly not thinking it through, or talking from bad information.

Thanks Paul,

on behalf of andreasy............

Regards, Ruud

And thanks from me to all of you. You have been very helpful. :worship:

BTW:
I finally clarified what the Core Price of $75 from trademotion is. You pay the full price and they return you $75 if you return to them your old starter.

Is it a good idea to buy the remanufactured starter? Is it safe or are we playing with our luck if you think that it is a used part that might fail in a few months?

I have seen that Mazmart can supply the right / new one for USD 395,- (I assume they can ship to Europe).........
No returns, no 2nd shipping costs............
Make it youself easy; take a decision............
You only live once.........:boink:

Good luck,
Ruud

In 09 and later it is MUCH harder to fuel flood. I recommend all RX8 owners making sure that they have a FULLY charged high CCA battery.

Can you describe what you mean by "A hard time starting"?

Paul.

Yeah they do, but they want $80 on shipping for such a small package. I bought a guitar and I paid less.

Have you checked with this dude?

http://blackhaloracing.com/products-...starter-motor/

Great. I thought he didn't have this. I didn't search enough there and I am expecting an order from him already. I will try to see if I can make it before he ships my other order.

Thanks for the info.

Ok, this is what i have deduced so far.... Im a little bit confused with the numbers....

- N3H1 = Original (04' & '05 models)
- N3H1 A = Upgraded
- N3Z1 = Updated (standard with '06 and newer models)


- N3Z1-18-400 -------> a better and expensive option (compared to the others)... for s2 units (FL rx-8) 07' and up (may be fitted to older models)
- N3H1-18-400R-0A -------> this is the updated starter that Mazda now replaces, it was originally installed on the 2009-10 rx8's. And this same starter was approved for all models 2004-10
- N3H2-18-400R-0B -------> latest revised version for manual trans S1 models is and is remanufactured
- N3H1-18-400A -------> (the original stock 04-05 models?) available and new




does anyone know where to get the 09 version starter?
N3R3-18-400 (09' and above)



BHR
http://blackhaloracing.com/products-...starter-motor/
they are selling which of the above starters? ---------------------> ?? ______ $375.00

Finish Line Performance
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...cat=338&page=3
they are selling which of the above starters? ---------------------> N3H1-18-400R-0A ______ $349.95 ________(this means updated or remanufactured starter but not the 09 version?)

Mazdatrix
http://www.mazdatrix.com/getprice.as...8-400R-N3H1-0A
they are selling which of the above starters? ---------------------> 18-400R-N3H1-0A ______ $357.23

Mazmart
http://www.mazmart.com/ItemDetail.aspx?id=513
they are selling which of the above starters? ---------------------> N3Z1-18-400__________ $395.00

go to auto zone its 150 without core, 100 with core. Its a rebuilt 1 but a lot cheaper than buying a brand new 1.

Just Dunno which "version" of starter they're using.

I might get one just to "try it" tho.

Its for a manual, cant remember much about it. It works great for me.

If you can, definitely go for the updated Series II starter. I just got one fitted as part of a TSB and it cranks really quickly, and I had the 2006 starter on it before. Definitely worth it! A quick google search yielded dealerdirectparts.com as having the starter in stock for $331.16 and free shipping.

I just bought a used upgraded starter on ebay for like 85 dollars.

thanks for the wonderful tip !!!

anyone knows which version is BHR selling?

quick search...

they only deal with updated starters...

http://www.dealerdirectparts.com/200...-rx-8-gt-4.htm

http://www.dealerdirectparts.com/200...-rx-8-gt-4.htm


no,N3Z1 units.....

Best bet is to look on ebay.

I searched and found this:
http://www.dealerdirectparts.com/201...-rx-8-gt-4.htm

The part number listed is N3R3-18-400, which is the updated (2009-2010) starter you're looking for right? I got the N3R2-18-400, installed through the TSB i mentioned before, which is for the automatic transmission. If you have a manual, you want the N3R3-18-400. The link above has it listed for 337.40 and free shipping.

-Lawrence

i see... thanks Lawrence... these parts number are confusing.. Hopefully this N3R3 is the N3Z1 everyones talking about...

Mazda always sells the "newest/updated" starter.

So it doesn't really matter which version you buy, as long as you order thru Mazda dealer you always get the newest one.

i think mine is dead too min rx8 is a 05 and i still have warranty on it, do i still get free from the dealer or i still have to buy a new one???

The B to B warranty is probably expired so a new starter would be on you; check with your dealer though.

wasnt sure and always doubt that Mazda dealer always gives the new ones though... :scratchhe

So I was looking at autozone and so on and they are $100-150 why not go with one of them? I know they are reman. but wouldnt they be better than the ones we got.... mine is already giving me the long crank until turning on.

Looks like its they are fine

https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...2&postcount=12

because once a new part comes out, you simply cannot order the old one.

That's how it works.

I have an '05 (with all major TSB upgrades) that starts great every time. Still, would it be smart to upgrade to this new starter? I plan on keeping the car a long time.

I suggest that u need not replace it till u find it necessary to do so...



PS: need to know if u keep on running bad starters, it will cause bad ignition everytime u start the car and in the long run cause u to have a bad running engine?

I am in the same situation, 05 that starts fine with original starter. Actually I just installed an Optima Red Top, and it starts really well.

If the car doesn't start well, and the battery is fine, it probably means compression has dropped a bit. Repeated long starts will then quickly kill the starter, and start/warmup fuel enrichment may cause flooding or wear.

I feel fine keeping my starter with the caveat that I need to keep a close eye on its performance.

Hello All,

I'd like to ask for your help. I'm looking for a new HP starter for Mazda RX8 (2003, manual). I can find only really expensive solutions in the USA so I'd prefer to purchase it in EU. I'd prefer other solution as well: to renovate existing one. Thanks a lot in advance! Panka

I bought a refurbished upgrade starter through ebay for $90 (excl shipping) and it works like a charm. Looks and works like new

Happy shopping!

Hey everyone I'm having the starting problem. It really sucks. I bought my RX 8 from someone about 4 months ago and they put in a new starter. I was wondering where I can find a 350rpm starter or 300rpm starter. Also what rpm does the new and improved starter from mazda crank at?

Thanks in advance

The original starter was discontinued in 2005. Any rebuilt or re-manufactured starter you buy today should be the updated starter.
If the engine has been replaced in the car under warranty, the dealer would have first have replaced the starter, to the newer revision, to see if that corrected any starting problems.