My transmission was grinding in 3rd , I took it to dealer I was told normally they would do a teardown of the transmission and see what the problem is. But since I have a act clutch the tech line won't let them do a teardown. They won't even drive it past 4k rpm to duplicate the problem . My problem the dealer is the one that installed the ACT clutch, my service advisor at that time told me only my clutch warranty will be effected. What are my options? I m really oping you guys give some kind advise to fight this.

 

i'd fight that, or hit another dealer. Its a clutch, same as tires, brakes, oil, etc. people are going to buy other brands.

my transmission warranty is good till 60k but only if i have the original mazda clutch or a replacement mazda clutch??? i call BS.

 

I think there's a burden of proof on their side to show you how the clutch contributed to the condition. If they can, maybe then you should foot the bill. Otherwise, a warranty is a warranty. I think they are just using the "guy has a performance clutch so obviously he must be abusing or racing the car" excuse.

I say take it to another dealer, and don't even mention the cluch.

 

I was thinking going to another dealer but it seems the Mazda tech line won't them do it. The adviser was telling my that the "performance" clutch changes so many parameters of the transmission that it will rev differently , change the speed, ...

 

As soon as they see it they will know it's not a Mazda Clutch.

Hitman, you should call Mazda Corp about this and agree with them that if the clutch caused the issue (unlikely) they are off the hook. If they blow you off you will need to mention the
Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act and that you will get an lawyer involved if needed.

 

ACT uses an OEM (Exedy) clutch disk. Only the PP is ACT.

Do you have the dealer's promise in writing from the install?

 

I don't have anything in writing. I was talking with service adviser (he doesn't work there anymore) when picking what parts to get when my clutch went out. He told only clutch won't be covered and clutch isn't covered any way since its wear item. If aftermarket clutch changes so much of parameters they shouldn't have installed it in 1st place. Is Mazda Customer Assistance Specialists 1-800-222-5500 the place I call? The adviser had some service # from the tech line he wouldn't give it to me.

 

1-800-222-5500 is the number.
The people you will talk to deal with upset owners all day so be polite, but firm and also know the law. If they stick to what the dealer said ask them to show you in writing where you have to replace wear items ( clutch ) with only Mazda parts. Other points you might bring up is why didn't the Dealer tell you this when they were installing the ACT clutch? You can at least provide a invoice that THEY did the install? Maybe they messed up and caused the problem?

 

I think I do have the invoice, but the dealer already acknowledge they did the install thats how they found out I had act one. Should I wait until my dealer calls me back(they still have my car)? Or call Mazda right away? The adviser said he call me back today with number to call mazda or he will found out something else but he never called. Thanks for you help guys

 

There's your answer. Make the call.

 

the dealer can use there judgement to decide to honor he warrenty or not. @ least they did with me. Which is bullshit, i used to have a mazda3 hatch couple years ago and the clutch went out and they would honor my warrenty because my tires were wore and acused me of racing and "beating" the car. So i had to pay out of pocket. Keep in mind this is before i knew of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

Now speaking as someone that works at a dealer, if we installed the part there is a so many day warrenty after install. Then like above the "wearable" items of course normally wear out and aren't covered by warrenty but should not affect the tranny warrenty unless the clutch caused the problem. So like everyone said call Mazda and tell them what is going on? By the way ow many miles on the car and what happened to the first clutch?

 

Yeah I am going call 1st tomorrow morning. I have about 34k miles , the clutch went at 26k miles.

 

A clutch does not change transmission parameters, it only allows for a firmer shift, how the f**k can a clutch affect the rpms or speed, I call shenanigans on the dealer. Call MUSA and mention the Magnuson-Moss legislation if they give you any ****.

 

I just called Mazda they called the dealer, the dealer is now saying that they can't duplicate th problem at 4k rpm. And won't go any higher in the rpm. That any higher is unsafe driving conditions.

 

They could try to duplicate it on the hoist, although it may not grind if it's not under load.

 

How the hell can they say 4K RPM in 3nd gear is unsafe...take it to a HWY and they should not have a problem getting it above that. Smells like BS to me.

Tell them to strap it to a dyno if they are too afraid of it on the road

 

I don't get it, and its in 2nd gear thats less than 60mph. They make seem that I am crazy for going that high in the rpm.

 

You’re experiencing the most annoying part of RX-8 ownership, dealing with Mazda service. That 4,000-RPM thing is more insulting than BS. The thing has a 9,000-RPM redline! You can leave it in 1st gear if you felt like it and drive around town at 8,500. It’s time to get mad. If they have a problem driving over 4,000 offer to take one of them for a ride.

 

They just called I told that I would drive, but they said thats not normal driving conditions. Mazda said its up to dealer to what they think is unsafe. I don't think there anything I can say to this dealer to have them check at a higher rpm. I think my best bet just goto another dealer. If other dealer checks it will show that dealer before declined service?

 

I doubt a different dealer would even care if another local dealer declined service, more business for them if they do the right thing.

 

I picked it from the dealer today it started to do it at 4k rpm. I called them telling them they can check it now, but they said they still can't b/c of the act clutch. I told them I wanted speak to manger b/c it makes no sense they are the one that installed the part, I am waiting for the manager to call. I am just going try another dealer.

edit: the manger just called, wants look at the car again. I am going to bring my dad along this time.

 

They're screwing you over because you're young and they think they can get away with it.
Keep us updated, and call MNAO if they don't solve your problem.

 

The dealer want me to bring the invoice for the clutch , I am wondering what they need that for?

 

Give them a copy so they don't " lose " it.

 

Considering they put it in....they should have a copy of it They are f**king you around!

I think it is time to get pissed at them.........