Hi all,
My first post here and I'll try to be brief. I've owned my RX8 for 2 years this past weekend. About 6 months ago the engine light came on. The car had been hesitating at take off; and when trying to accelerate up hills, etc. I took the car in to the dealer and they said it was a computer problem. Then 2 months ago, while on a trip the engine light comes on again. I take it to a Mazda dealer and they said the secondary shutter valve actuator is bad and replaced it. While driving it home the light came on again and the car ran badly again. I took it back in to a Mazda dealer and they said the shutter valve was stuck. They fixed it and for the past six weeks the car has ran good; but this past week I was on another trip and noticed the hesitation again; but the engine light didn't come on. However, I took the car in for regular oil service and they called me and said that my battery was bad and needed to be replaced. I was so upset; and talked w/the service mgr about the situation. Apparently the original batteries in the 8's don't have enough cold cranking amps. So that set me back $138!! Since they replaced the battery I've not experienced the hesitation. However; I really only experienced it before when the car was really warm (after driving it for 45 mins or longer). So, I don't know if the battery had/has anything to do w/the hesitation issue or if there is another problem with the shutter valve or what the hades is going on. Have any of you experienced similiar issues? Does anyone have any good advice? All tips appreciated; as I am extremely frustrated with this car! Take care!
PS...sorry that wasn't very brief!

 

you need to get your money back for the battery, there is a tsb on weak batterys. check rosenthal mazdas web site.


beers

 

thanks for the info, but what grounds do I have to get a refund based on a tsb? Have they given refunds? Thanks again.

 

i would be pissed at a dealership that tried to sell me a battery that a tsb was out for, or a dealership that didnt know the tsb was out.

i had mine done and i live in fla. not excatly the battery draining capatol of the world.

beers

 

first tsb notice the batt size has changed.

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...42-04-1429.pdf

second one mentions the new battery and the tsb # for it

http://www.finishlineperformance.com...4-05-1448b.pdf

good luck hope it helps.

beers

 

Thanks Swoope Man! I'll give it a try and see if I can get a refund!

 

Have them check the catalyst. On mine, was gone at 25000 miles (but I'm sure it happen at 9000 miles, the car felt slower, some harsh engine noises appear, and gas mpg went down 30%)