2004 VR RX8 w/ Engine+Tranny(sueing Mazda) Problems HELP PLZ!
 

ok so i have that problem with the shttered syncros in my 2004 red rx8(MT) with 65K miles. We are sueing Mazda because they refused to replace the transmission even though Galpin Mazda dealer mechanic said that it needs to be replaced. The Problem is the when going to 4th, 5th, and now 6th the gears grind for a second or more when at high rpms. We are covered under the warranty because we stated this problem at 25K miles. Mazda's reasons for not replacing the transmission was mainly on how we did not have dealer loyalty(meaning we didnt get ALL oil changes done at a Mazda Dealer). HOW RIDICULOUS?
We know its the syncros for sure in the tranny

NOW the engine problem.
This engine problem started happening after the transmission syncros started messing up. when we start the car(when warmed up and cold start) it idles roughly. If you look at the rpm gauge the rpms are constanly moving between 750-1100RPM. If you stand behind the car, you can hear the car misfiring too. We have had the spark plugs replaced by Mazda with their High-Performance plugs because we have had this problem. However this time, the whole car shakes when the engine is idling rough. Also when we turn the A/C on you can feel the engine shudder a little and the whole car just shakes and what not. We do drive this car to redline occasionally but not ALL the time so the car has been treated well. Also the CEL recently came on but i have checked the oil and it is perfectly fine. I forgot to mention that you can smell the unburnt hydrocarbons coming from the exhaust and the whining from the engine differentiates tduring the idle. Sometimes when it gets bad it sounds as if the engine is about to stall.
Unfortunately, it cant be the spark plug issue because there hasnt been a severe power loss as the last time when my spark plugs went out.

PLEASE HELP. If you need any more information i will gladly give it to you!

oil wont ever set your CEL off...so dunno what thats about.

You obviously have a misfire problem. I'm predicting coils at least. Possibly also wires depending on how well they still clipon. I'd also recommend a decarb. You may also have bad motor mounts due to being able to feel the misfires so much. The CEL is most likely a p0300,0301, or 0302.

This problem wouldnt be caused by anything with the transmission.

I'd get out a timing light and monitor the spark pulses coming from the coils.

As for the synchro problem, 65k is out of base warranty and it doesnt sound like you bought extended coverage. reporting a problem at 25k (you dont mention if the tech verified it or what happened) doesn't mean anything...especially when 40k miles later something goes wrong, otherwise as soon as people bought cars theyd complain about everything and expect to be covered for life. If you complained at 25k then 2k miles later this happened, id expect mazda to replace it. for 40k between reporting the problem and any followups is most likely making them simply ignore your 25k complaint (unless there's more to the story you havent mentioned)

what is your VIN number? random i know, but useful trust me.

keep us updated on your case.

kevin.

the tranny problem has already been verified. And yes since we claimed it at 25K miles to the dealer, they have it documented and we have the paperwork.

The engine side, weve already had the coils replaced and the spark plugs. Is it the possible engine recall that they have on 04 rx8s?

the VIN is JM1FE173540104586

when the engine problem happened, what have you done since then? youve done the coils and plugs SINCE it started or before? my mazdanet isnt working today so i cant get more info, ill see what i can do tomorrow.

kevin.

we've done routine maintenance and replaced the coils, ignition, and spark plugs al to high performance because we had the cold start issue. Thats all i can remember for the engine. also the car is completely stock.

what "high performance" plugs? for that matter what "high performance" coils?

kevin.

the high performance stuff was done by Galpin Mazda. I dont know what brand or anything, its just more output or whatever so that if the engine were to flood again, it would still start. It was a known problem and they replaced it free of charge. All i know is that its more powerful than the stock coils and plugs.

just them selling you the SAME OEM stuff.. just overpriced.

its not OEM, we know that for a fact since our mechanic checked. AND we got it for FREE because it is a KNOWN problem for 2004 RX8s.

bump...someone please help? any idea whats goin on?

It is OEM, your mechanic is an idiot if he said otherwise. Mazda does not replace warranty parts with aftermarket parts, it's just that simple.

You need to make sure the Emissions recall was done properly. if it has and your problem still continues a new motor should be in your near future. As for the tranny, I can see where Mazda has an issue with replacing it, you are technically out of power train warranty. A good dealership would hook you up.

acording to mazda, since the problem of thwe tranny was recorded by the dealer before 65000 miles, it is still covered.


when i meant the spark plugs and coild werent OEM, i meant that they werent stock(what comes with the car when buying it off the showroom floor), it was a mazda part just upgraded.

How the heck am i supposed to know if the emissions recall was done properly?
all they told us was that they did a flash of the system.

The flash is the emissions correction.

ok well should i get my car taken to a special rotary shop so they can check the engine?. The CEL light is now going on and off and random times(not flashing) just randomnly going off....and the next time i start the car it comes back on and stays on.

Get the codes read. And the full emissions was this:

Mazda RX8 TSB - Emission Recall 4206F

Description:

Recall consists of 4 possible repair procedures.

- Catalytic converter inspection
- Engine difficult to start
- Drivability concerns
- PCM reprogramming

Here is a link to a thread here that includes almost everything about the recall being performed. https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/rx-8-4206f-recall-completed-feedback-98267/

thanks. I dont recall my car ever getting a road test done

your pulsating idle, does it go away as soon as you push in on the clutch?

i will have to check on the idle. I will do that in a few minutes. What is the recall code?

On my receipt they said they did MSP16

ok so im looking at my invoice for theemission recall....the reflashed PCM and checked the cat,.....thats it.


Isnt there more to this like the road test(correct me if im wrong).

they also stapled a Vehicle Emission Recall-Proof of Correction to my receipt saying that the vehicle has been "repaired,modified,and/or equipped with new emission control devices to meet applicable California Emission Control Laws." BUT in the receipt, nothing was ever modified or repaired!

please let me know if i am misunderstanding anything.

as for the engine pulsating....when i push the clutch in it still pulsates. Also i accelerated(with clutchboth in and out) and when the RPMs lower to the 2000-800 range, the engine/car shakes. This is occuring in neutral, parked.

Let us know how all your lawsuits turn out!!!!!

Good luck!!!

Lol fail!

No need to repair now. Car is totaled.

Roflcopter