Elucidus

I know there is a transmission issues thread, but this is somethign different. I started having those symptoms before I took it in, but after mazda replaced the engine the transmission is all messed up. They told me the transmission was going out and it would cost $1100 to fix it when it was there for the engine replacement for the recall.

Anyway, now it seems like the clutch is always on, but its not. I don't know anything about manual transmissions, mind you. But I can only barely hit the gas or the RPMs go through the roof and the car still barely moves. It is barely drivable as is. I'm gonna call mazda tomorrow about this, but this is rediculous. Anyone have any idea what they did? Or what I can do to help it until they can get me in?

Thanks in advance.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

so somehow you dont know how to drive a car??? but you know the make and model....

and found the rx8 club. and got this in the issuses and problems section...

sorry... what is you build date. and where are you from...

beers

Elucidus

yes, I know how to drive the car. had it for a year, bought it used, it is a 2004 rx-8, had about 24,000 miles, now has 40. this is a new problem.

I am in tampa florida...

swoope

iTrader: (5)

if you had the motor replaced.... yes you have a clutch issue.... and as the motor was replaced. that is the problem of the person that replaced the motor...

sounds like loose pp bolts.... and that had to be transfered when they changed the motor.....

btw.. a recall out might solve all your problems.... might read the recall thread.... it is long. but worth it...

pm me if you need any more help..

beers

Elucidus

Thanks, this work was to catch me up on the recalls. I'll have to doublecheck and make sure. I also am gonna call them tomorrow and set up to get this fixed, just don't want to screw up the car anymore than it already is.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

i re read this... they charged you to fix the trany??? and replaced the motor...

pm me..

beers

Elucidus

Sorry, let me clarify. They replaced the motor because of a seal problem, it was a recall. The trany wasa side issue, though now it is pretty major.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

build date? and tampa dealer...

beers

Elucidus

I don't know the engine's build date, how do I find that? And i got the car up in orlando.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

build date is on the rear drivers side pass door...... i am looking for the cars build date..

beers

swoope

iTrader: (5)

and to help more... was not the clutch always on when you left where you had the service done...

between this and the pms.... i am confused..

beers

Elucidus

well, what I am trying to say is it drives like the clutch is always engaged. As opposed to when I let off the clutch and get good response from the car, like before the work was done.

Now it doesn't respond well at all. Now even if it is not depressed the car drives like it is. The RPMs will rev up to insane levels by barely hitting the gas, heck, tonight on my way to get dinner, I was at a light and just to see how bad things were, I let off the clutch leaving it in first and it idled and barely moved just like an automatic transmission. It didn't stall out or anything. I know it isn't me, it is something bad.

Elucidus

06/03 is the build date btw.

Elucidus

oh and the clutch problem didn't start as bad as it is, at first I wasn't sure if it was somethign they did or something they were supposed to do, until it got fairly bad, then I recognized it.

The Ace

I don't know, but it sounds like a reaaaaally bad slipping clutch....

yiksing

Clutch is now clutchless

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

If its like its always engaged. most likely u have a slippy clutch(which means its Dying)

To test, just find the steepest hill you can find. try to pull your car up at low rpm. all of the sudden floor it HARD. if the rpm just *shoooooot* all the way up to the high rpm range. You have a really bad clutch. if it stays, its probably something else.

but it sounds like the dealership already *know* your problem. why didnt they fix it ? simple, cuz your car is ALMOST out of warranty.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, this might be due to a clogged Cat as well. Have them check it ! (yes they suppose to check it with the engine recall, but hey, dealerships are full of dumbasses)

Talk to Mazda, see what they say.

two rotors

You should have asked for a detailed break out of the proposed $1100 fix.

Assuming that your clutch is worn out,which is consistent with your description of symptoms and mileage allowing for some abuse,the only cost for replacing te clutch should have been for the parts---clutch cover,clutch disc and throw-out bearing.

Your rebuilt engine comes from Mazda with a resurfced flywheel and new e-shaft needle bearing.

The clutch parts have to be removed from the old engine anyway and put on the new.

The cost of the new parts could not be more than~$400.

If by any chance you have a copy of the estimate I would contact MNAO immediately and have them sort out the dealer.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I think they're giving you a really *rough* estimate.

The parts should cost no more than 400 like 2 rotors said. but you might want to ask them whats their *labor* rate.

I think thats the part they're trying to rip you off. Cuz I've seen dealership charing like 90~110 per hour.

Still, I think you might want to talk to Mazda about it.

agoodcave

I would complain. If they knew the clutch was bad and they had the engine out, they should have put it on then. I would insist that they eat the labor. You might check with your state because if they knowingly not repair something and then tell you to fix it, they can't charge you labor.

VOODOO8

AGOODCAVE is right on with his comment. When my factory engine went my dealer checked my clutch (which was OK) and pressure plate (which had a few springs gone) and called me to let me know. Since they had access I authorized them to do the full monte. Estimates on parts you've gotten from others already double-checks with my numbers, as previously suggested I would ask specifically for what the hours are in the shop manual to do the clutch replacement (with the engine out already) and what their labor rate is.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

If they're good businessman I guess they shouldnt even charge you labor fee since they already pull the engine out. I mean come on.

but if they see any problems, didnt ask that time and tell u to *come back later and pay for addional labor just to get it done* , I think not only they're ********, I think they broke some laws. check and see what happens.

zoom44

yep the are trying to double dip- get paid by mazda for the labor and now get paid by you again. thats just wrong-

p.s.- did they really replace your engine? what does your invoice for that say?