I would have to say, if I was a mouse and looking for a nice warm place to call home during the winter, a nice new RX-8 parked in a toasty garage would suite me just fine. Especially if the owner was stupid enough to leave a big bag of cat food close by on a shelf. Yes, I would be set to wreak havoc.

I’m sure I’ll receive a few jeers from this post (just like I got from the mazda service people), but I need help, ideas, etc… on where to look from anyone who knows their 8 inside and out.

Detected the “fishy” smell of cat food during the winter in the car, but couldn’t find anything other than the half empty bag of cat food on the garage shelf.

Popped the hood to discover mouse droppings all over the engine bay. I found about 2 handfuls of cat food in the air cleaner. Shop vacuumed it out - problem solved right? – Wrong!

The warmer the weather got, I noticed the Odor was still there and getting stronger. So dropped it at the dealer. They found another handful in the blower motor. And blasted some odor neutralizer in the vents. Problem solved yet? – nope, still there!

So in my pursuit of the mysteriously persisting odor, I took most of the dash out for a peek inside (radio, nav unit, passenger air bag module) – nothing. Took everything out of the trunk - nothing. Pulled out back seats – nothing.

Does any one have any ideas? --- Here are some of the symptoms:

• The odor doesn’t seem to come from the vents when I turn on the fan (with or without air on)
• When I open the sunroof, the smell is stronger and seems to be pulled through the car.
• When I open the sunroof, the smell is stronger and seems to be pulled through the car.
• Can smell it in the trunk when opened – (mostly on the drivers side) even though all carpet is out
• Can’t detect any odor in the engine bay
• Looked underneath the car – but couldn’t see anything (just up on jacks) I need to find someone with a lift I can use to see better.

Hopefully I can figure this one out and start enjoying my 8 again. – This sucks! (I mean stinks!)

 

Install the optional aldehyde cabin filter and see if that eliminates the odor. Not a cure for your problem, but it will likely get rid of the odor.

 

Perhaps there is some bacteria growth somewhere.

 

I think I will get those. Even after I discover the remaining cat food stash, the filters will help clear the smell completely (hopefully)

 

I think with the right conditions (humid, warm weather) , mold/fungus might be a problem too. When the dealer blasted the vents with the odor neutralizer, he said it was a disinfectant as well (like lysol). But that was a while ago and it's dissipated for sure. Even more reason to find the source.