Help, mazda dealer service dept
04-29-2013, 05:59 PM
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Help, mazda dealer service dept
I have a 2006 rx8 with only 37k miles on it.
It went from running perfectly fine one day, to turning off every time I slowed down the next morning. The car turns on fine. It just keeps shutting down.
I had it towed to my Mazda dealer (I have only taken it to a Mazda dealer for any other work) and the guy told me rotary 2 missfired 2200 times and rotary 1 missfire 46 times. I needed to:
replace 4 spark plugs and 4 coils $1,018
Replace to motor mounts $588
and replace the catalyst converter for $1,580.
I called back and told him I would just play the $70 for the diagnostic and I would take it to another shop.
He then told me that maybe I didn't need the converter and maybe I should just change the coils and plugs.
When I heard that, it just sounded wrong. How can I go from having a"destroyed catalyst" (his words) to maybe not even needing it to bechanged?
I feel like he was trying to rip me off or something.
It went from running perfectly fine one day, to turning off every time I slowed down the next morning. The car turns on fine. It just keeps shutting down.
I had it towed to my Mazda dealer (I have only taken it to a Mazda dealer for any other work) and the guy told me rotary 2 missfired 2200 times and rotary 1 missfire 46 times. I needed to:
replace 4 spark plugs and 4 coils $1,018
Replace to motor mounts $588
and replace the catalyst converter for $1,580.
I called back and told him I would just play the $70 for the diagnostic and I would take it to another shop.
He then told me that maybe I didn't need the converter and maybe I should just change the coils and plugs.
When I heard that, it just sounded wrong. How can I go from having a"destroyed catalyst" (his words) to maybe not even needing it to bechanged?
I feel like he was trying to rip me off or something.
Last edited by RIWWP; 04-30-2013 at 09:49 AM. Reason: cleaned up
04-29-2013, 06:06 PM
#2
RX8."It Just Feels Right"
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spark plugs will run you about $100 bucks for 4..here's how to install them yourself https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...-change-31872/
OEM Coils are approx $50 bucks each..here's how to change them yourself https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...s-pics-178515/
OEM Coils are approx $50 bucks each..here's how to change them yourself https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...s-pics-178515/
04-29-2013, 06:09 PM
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Uhhhh.... bout 200 for the plugs and coil packs... 30? for the wires.... Go to a different dealer. Sounds like he's messing with you since you're a female. After the tune up, if your converter is clogged... get a midpipe or spend a lot on a new one. Your choice. Is it an automatic or stick?
04-29-2013, 06:11 PM
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Ms. Denise,
Misfires are typically caused by an issue with the ignition system. Either spark plugs and / or ignition coils should be replaced depending on how long you've had them on there.
it definitely sounds to me like the dealership is charging you a premium for their work.
(see prices quote above)
as for the catalytic converter: do you know if the dealership has re-installed it? The best way to diagnose one is to disconnect it from the car, and look inside the pipe. The inside of a cat looks like a honeycomb, and what can happen is that material breaks down (pieces fall out) or it gets clogged because it has deteriorated.
If that is the case, it's usually apparent on visual inspection so you can have a mechanic double check their diagnosis.
If it is the cat, be warned that those are quite expensive. (usually around $1400 new but you can sometimes find used ones on here)
The fact that your car is shutting down and has no problems starting, leads me to believe it could be a problem with the Catalytic or the engine's compression.
Where abouts are you located? Maybe someone can make a recommendation to a local mechanic or a dealership that is more trustworthy
Misfires are typically caused by an issue with the ignition system. Either spark plugs and / or ignition coils should be replaced depending on how long you've had them on there.
it definitely sounds to me like the dealership is charging you a premium for their work.
(see prices quote above)
as for the catalytic converter: do you know if the dealership has re-installed it? The best way to diagnose one is to disconnect it from the car, and look inside the pipe. The inside of a cat looks like a honeycomb, and what can happen is that material breaks down (pieces fall out) or it gets clogged because it has deteriorated.
If that is the case, it's usually apparent on visual inspection so you can have a mechanic double check their diagnosis.
If it is the cat, be warned that those are quite expensive. (usually around $1400 new but you can sometimes find used ones on here)
The fact that your car is shutting down and has no problems starting, leads me to believe it could be a problem with the Catalytic or the engine's compression.
Where abouts are you located? Maybe someone can make a recommendation to a local mechanic or a dealership that is more trustworthy
Last edited by Jedi54; 04-29-2013 at 06:14 PM.
04-29-2013, 06:12 PM
#5
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spark plugs will run you about $100 bucks for 4..here's how to install them yourself https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...-change-31872/
OEM Coils are approx $50 bucks each..here's how to change them yourself https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...s-pics-178515/
OEM Coils are approx $50 bucks each..here's how to change them yourself https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...s-pics-178515/
Do you know anything about catalyst converters?
I'm so confused as to why the service rep would tell me it was "detroyed" to then saying maybe just fixing the spark plugs and coils would fix the problem.
I thought the catalyst was a pretty important part to the car.
If it was destroyed, would just fixing the other parts fix the problem?
04-29-2013, 06:17 PM
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Uhhhh.... bout 200 for the plugs and coil packs... 30? for the wires.... Go to a different dealer. Sounds like he's messing with you since you're a female. After the tune up, if your converter is clogged... get a midpipe or spend a lot on a new one. Your choice. Is it an automatic or stick?
I have only ever taken my car to a mazda dealer since I know they know how to work with rotary engines
It's automatic.
Last edited by RIWWP; 04-30-2013 at 09:51 AM.
04-29-2013, 06:18 PM
#7
I HATE SPEEDBUMPS!
Your rx8 should still be under warranty if its a 2006 with 37k miles...isn't it? Why do you have to pay those costs if you are still on the 8yrs/100k extended warranty? Do you have maintenance receipts like oil changes? Just curious on why... 
04-29-2013, 06:19 PM
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Thanks for the links.
Do you know anything about catalyst converters?
I'm so confused as to why the service rep would tell me it was "detroyed" to then saying maybe just fixing the spark plugs and coils would fix the problem.
I thought the catalyst was a pretty important part to the car.
If it was destroyed, would just fixing the other parts fix the problem?
Do you know anything about catalyst converters?
I'm so confused as to why the service rep would tell me it was "detroyed" to then saying maybe just fixing the spark plugs and coils would fix the problem.
I thought the catalyst was a pretty important part to the car.
If it was destroyed, would just fixing the other parts fix the problem?
04-29-2013, 06:20 PM
#9
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it's for the engine
coils, plugs, motor mounts, etc aren't covered.
04-29-2013, 06:23 PM
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Ms. Denise,
Misfires are typically caused by an issue with the ignition system. Either spark plugs and / or ignition coils should be replaced depending on how long you've had them on there.
it definitely sounds to me like the dealership is charging you a premium for their work.
(see prices quote above)
as for the catalytic converter: do you know if the dealership has re-installed it? The best way to diagnose one is to disconnect it from the car, and look inside the pipe. The inside of a cat looks like a honeycomb, and what can happen is that material breaks down (pieces fall out) or it gets clogged because it has deteriorated.
If that is the case, it's usually apparent on visual inspection so you can have a mechanic double check their diagnosis.
If it is the cat, be warned that those are quite expensive. (usually around $1400 new but you can sometimes find used ones on here)
The fact that your car is shutting down and has no problems starting, leads me to believe it could be a problem with the Catalytic or the engine's compression.
Where abouts are you located? Maybe someone can make a recommendation to a local mechanic or a dealership that is more trustworthy
Misfires are typically caused by an issue with the ignition system. Either spark plugs and / or ignition coils should be replaced depending on how long you've had them on there.
it definitely sounds to me like the dealership is charging you a premium for their work.
(see prices quote above)
as for the catalytic converter: do you know if the dealership has re-installed it? The best way to diagnose one is to disconnect it from the car, and look inside the pipe. The inside of a cat looks like a honeycomb, and what can happen is that material breaks down (pieces fall out) or it gets clogged because it has deteriorated.
If that is the case, it's usually apparent on visual inspection so you can have a mechanic double check their diagnosis.
If it is the cat, be warned that those are quite expensive. (usually around $1400 new but you can sometimes find used ones on here)
The fact that your car is shutting down and has no problems starting, leads me to believe it could be a problem with the Catalytic or the engine's compression.
Where abouts are you located? Maybe someone can make a recommendation to a local mechanic or a dealership that is more trustworthy
Thank you so much for your reply,
I've had the plugs and coils on there since I bought the car in September of2006.
The dealer has never re -installed the catalytic converter.
According to the service rep, he said my catalytic converter was"destroyed" from the 2200 missfires. Yet, he also said after I toldhim I was towing my car out of there that maybe it was the catalytic converter afterall.
I should be getting the full report tomorrow when I get my car towed back.
I am located in Southern California, near the Los Angeles area.
04-29-2013, 06:25 PM
#11
I HATE SPEEDBUMPS!
04-29-2013, 06:26 PM
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They have everything on file there. I had gotten their"vip" package where I get the check up and oil changes for free forlife so I have only taken my car there for service.
04-29-2013, 06:27 PM
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The service rep did tell me he called Mazda about the warranty on the catalytic converter but told me Mazda said it wasn't "time" yet to cover it. Ihave no idea what that meant besides that mazda wasn't going to pay for it.
Last edited by MsDenise; 04-29-2013 at 06:32 PM.
04-29-2013, 06:28 PM
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04-29-2013, 06:32 PM
#15
You gonna eat that?
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Hi,
You are right to be suspicious.
One of his statements is either a lie, or just ignorant.
Either way, it makes him untrustworthy in my opinion.
You may have a bad catalytic converter, one of the most common reasons they fail is bad ignition parts,(plugs, coils, & wires). If your cat is bad, new ignition parts won't help.
If the ignition parts are bad, your cat probably is too.
Your cat is warranteed for 8 years from the point of the original sale.
You might check that date to see if it's covered.
If anything I have said is inaccurate, someone here will correct me.
* my terrible slow typing got me again. Plenty of help here. Good luck!
You are right to be suspicious.
One of his statements is either a lie, or just ignorant.
Either way, it makes him untrustworthy in my opinion.
You may have a bad catalytic converter, one of the most common reasons they fail is bad ignition parts,(plugs, coils, & wires). If your cat is bad, new ignition parts won't help.
If the ignition parts are bad, your cat probably is too.
Your cat is warranteed for 8 years from the point of the original sale.
You might check that date to see if it's covered.
If anything I have said is inaccurate, someone here will correct me.
* my terrible slow typing got me again. Plenty of help here. Good luck!
Last edited by BigCajun; 04-29-2013 at 06:36 PM.
04-29-2013, 06:34 PM
#16
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if the coils / plugs have been there since 2006, plan on having those replaced along with the spark plug wires. It'll run you about $300 plus maybe $40 for a set of spark plug wires, which is pretty reasonable.
Southern California?
That's the best thing you could have said as SoCal has more trustworthy rotary mechanics then just about any place out there.
Let us know what the dealership's report says and we can go from there.
I'll give you a link to a list of good Rotary shops in SoCal that you can consider if the dealership insists on charging you ridiculous amounts for basic work. Which dealership are you at now?
side note: does anyone remember what the warranty on catalytic converters is? Isn't it 8 years ?
Southern California?
That's the best thing you could have said as SoCal has more trustworthy rotary mechanics then just about any place out there.
Let us know what the dealership's report says and we can go from there.
I'll give you a link to a list of good Rotary shops in SoCal that you can consider if the dealership insists on charging you ridiculous amounts for basic work. Which dealership are you at now?
side note: does anyone remember what the warranty on catalytic converters is? Isn't it 8 years ?
04-29-2013, 06:35 PM
#17
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Thread Starter
Hi,
You are right to be suspicious.
One of his statements is either a lie, or just ignorant.
Either way, it makes him untrustworthy in my opinion.
You may have a bad catalytic converter, one of the most common reasons they fail is bad ignition parts,(plugs, coils, & wires). If your cat is bad, new ignition parts won't help.
If the ignition parts are bad, your cat probably is too.
Your cat is warranteed for 8 years from the point of the original sale.
You might check that date to see if it's covered.
If anything I have said is inaccurate, someone here will correct me.
You are right to be suspicious.
One of his statements is either a lie, or just ignorant.
Either way, it makes him untrustworthy in my opinion.
You may have a bad catalytic converter, one of the most common reasons they fail is bad ignition parts,(plugs, coils, & wires). If your cat is bad, new ignition parts won't help.
If the ignition parts are bad, your cat probably is too.
Your cat is warranteed for 8 years from the point of the original sale.
You might check that date to see if it's covered.
If anything I have said is inaccurate, someone here will correct me.
Then, when I told him I was towing it back, he said he called mazda and mazda said it wasn't "time" yet for it to be covered by them. I'm pretty confused about this.
I thought it was the 8/80k myself.
Last edited by MsDenise; 04-29-2013 at 06:38 PM.
04-29-2013, 06:37 PM
#18
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if the coils / plugs have been there since 2006, plan on having those replaced along with the spark plug wires. It'll run you about $300 plus maybe $40 for a set of spark plug wires, which is pretty reasonable.
Southern California?
That's the best thing you could have said as SoCal has more trustworthy rotary mechanics then just about any place out there.
Let us know what the dealership's report says and we can go from there.
I'll give you a link to a list of good Rotary shops in SoCal that you can consider if the dealership insists on charging you ridiculous amounts for basic work. Which dealership are you at now?
side note: does anyone remember what the warranty on catalytic converters is? Isn't it 8 years ?
Southern California?
That's the best thing you could have said as SoCal has more trustworthy rotary mechanics then just about any place out there.
Let us know what the dealership's report says and we can go from there.
I'll give you a link to a list of good Rotary shops in SoCal that you can consider if the dealership insists on charging you ridiculous amounts for basic work. Which dealership are you at now?
side note: does anyone remember what the warranty on catalytic converters is? Isn't it 8 years ?
Thank you, I go to Long beach Mazda. It just changed ownership I'm assuming since it is now being called Caruso Mazda.
04-29-2013, 06:42 PM
#19
You gonna eat that?
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well first the service rep told me it wasn't covered due to the damage being caused my the missfires.
Then, when I told him I was towing it back, he said he called mazda and mazda said it wasn't "time" yet for it to be covered by them. I'm pretty confused about this.
I thought it was the 8/80k myself.
Then, when I told him I was towing it back, he said he called mazda and mazda said it wasn't "time" yet for it to be covered by them. I'm pretty confused about this.
I thought it was the 8/80k myself.
Misfires happen. They did all scheduled maintenance, correct? If so, it sounds like a rip-off attempt to me.
04-29-2013, 06:43 PM
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if the coils / plugs have been there since 2006, plan on having those replaced along with the spark plug wires. It'll run you about $300 plus maybe $40 for a set of spark plug wires, which is pretty reasonable.
Southern California?
That's the best thing you could have said as SoCal has more trustworthy rotary mechanics then just about any place out there.
Let us know what the dealership's report says and we can go from there.
I'll give you a link to a list of good Rotary shops in SoCal that you can consider if the dealership insists on charging you ridiculous amounts for basic work. Which dealership are you at now?
side note: does anyone remember what the warranty on catalytic converters is? Isn't it 8 years ?
Southern California?
That's the best thing you could have said as SoCal has more trustworthy rotary mechanics then just about any place out there.
Let us know what the dealership's report says and we can go from there.
I'll give you a link to a list of good Rotary shops in SoCal that you can consider if the dealership insists on charging you ridiculous amounts for basic work. Which dealership are you at now?
side note: does anyone remember what the warranty on catalytic converters is? Isn't it 8 years ?
04-29-2013, 06:46 PM
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oh yeah forgot to mention it's100,000.
www.racingbeat.com/manuals/rx8warranty.pdf
www.racingbeat.com/manuals/rx8warranty.pdf
04-29-2013, 06:48 PM
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but correct, they have done all scheduled maintenance.
04-29-2013, 06:53 PM
#23
You gonna eat that?
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I'm fairly certain they HAVE to replace it.
It's federal law, not up to their discretion.
It's federal law, not up to their discretion.
04-29-2013, 06:56 PM
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Well there is 18,000 combustions per min on a rotary. I'm sure if it were an engine replacement he would have said so. Pretty common with automatics. Go to a good dealer see what they say. I'm in SC and found a good one if I need it. Another note... If all you need is a tune up... Put that pedal to the floor at least a few times a day. These cars will die if you don't.
04-29-2013, 06:58 PM
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