my buddy rux sent me this link http://finishlineperformance.com/sto....php?pageid=11
to the defects of all the 2004 models that the dealership is suppose to fix but will they? the list shows a good 30 to 40 problems that the 2004 has that the factory is responsible for.
i plan on printing each one out and bringing it over to a local mazda dealership but will they take the job and fix these problems all for free? how should i go about doing so because i do notice and experience a good number of these problems

 

My understanding is the TSB's are only able to be fixed if the actual problem is reproduced. So, I don't think you would be able to simply hand them the TSB's and they would do them. If you experience (or claim to experience) the symptoms in the TSB then I imagine they would perform the fix.

 

TSBs are not recalls and the dealer will charge you for doing the procedure if not in warranty. In warranty, they are only applicable if you complain about the specific symptom. Cars may exhibit none, a few, or many from the list, there is no way to tell in advance.

 

i really hope your wrong

 

He's not wrong.

Did you read at the top of the page the sentence.................

"Customers should not assume these bulletins apply to their vehicle or that their vehicle will develop the described concern. To determine if the information applies, customers should contact their nearest authorized Mazda dealership".

?????

Here's a little more info for you to read!



Though an apparent nugget of good hope for consumers, a technical service bulletin is actually an advisory issued by a manufacturer for use by dealership service departments. "Most TSBs are released during the first year that a vehicle is offered or the year following a redesign."

These bulletins differ from recalls in that they are not considered safety or emissions issues and they usually apply only when your vehicle is in its warranty period (whereas a recall is "open" until the work has been performed). TSBs frequently (but not always) address a recurring problem and include illustrated instructions for repair, a list of the parts needed, the warranty status and the labor charge.

If a problem addressed in a TSB is particularly widespread, the manufacturer may decide to send out "Owner Notification" letters - in this case, the manufacturer has a good idea of which vehicles (by VIN) will experience the problem.

Service bulletin content varies in severity - you'll find TSBs that cover hard-to-start engines and clunking transmissions alongside those that offer remedies for inoperable cigarette lighters and slight paint imperfections. And some TSBs merely outline updated service procedures and troubleshooting strategies, or offer hints for installing something as simple as a front license plate holder.

And, of course, the best thing about finding a TSB that seems to cover a persistent problem in your vehicle is that dealerships will make the repair for free, provided that................

Your vehicle is under warranty;

Your service advisor and/or technicians are able to confirm that the problem exists.
The second mandate is not to be taken lightly. Even if your vehicle is within the warranty period, "the dealership is not going to do anything about it, if [technicians] cannot verify the concern.... The manufacturer pays for the repair, not the dealership, and the dealership has to treat the manufacturer like a customer.... The service writer can't write up an invoice with just the TSB number and expect the manufacturer to pay for the procedure. The manufacturer wants to know that the car is legitimately broken."

Rather than going into the dealer with the TSB number in hand, it is more effective to come to the dealer with a complete description of your vehicle's particular problem - what are the exact symptoms, and when and where did/do they occur. Suppose you have a cold-running concern with your vehicle. Don't drive the vehicle into the dealer before work in the morning and expect technicians to be able to duplicate the problem - the vehicle will be warm. Instead, bring the vehicle into the dealer the evening before and let it sit overnight. In short, someone in the service department has to be able to duplicate the problem, and the TSB number and a brief description of the problem won't always do it. "You don't want to go in there sounding bull-headed - you won't get good service".

If the technicians and your service writer seem to be having trouble resolving a problem with your vehicle and you've already given them the most complete description possible, then you might say politely, "Someone suggested that this TSB might cover it," or, "Did anyone try this TSB?" A customer who makes an effort to sound intelligent (that is, provides a full description of the problem and demonstrates a history of regularly maintaining the vehicle) and to treat service writers (and technicians) with respect is more likely to find resolution for ones vehicle's problems.

A further option, is to arrange a meeting with the service manager and then, calmly discuss the matter (bring applicable service receipts). Usually, service managers will respond favorably to customers who ask, "Could you help me out?", rather than ranting. The service manager and writers always have a manufacturer's representative (a field technician) whom they can contact. You might want to suggest that they try this, if they haven't already.

Forging civil ties with a service department over several years may have its benefits when something goes wrong with your car after it is out of warranty. If you know that a particular problem is covered by a TSB and have a reputation of spending money with the dealership, the service writer might be willing to write off all or part of the repair cost.

Just an example:

"A word of advice on TSBs. I got on the dealer's good side early by having every single oil change, tune-up, etc., done by them for the first two years I owned the car. When I needed to have the top on my convertible replaced ('93 Mercury Capri) after 3 ½ years, I came with a stack of receipts from cash work they'd done, and the service manager okayed the free replacement. Very rare, but building a relationship cinched the deal, I think. Now they have a loyal customer for life, despite higher prices for certain services."

 

Every car will have a bunch of TSBs; doesn't mean your car will exhibit them all.

 

Let us know how the dealer responds to the one on how to install the front license plate bracket. Or the one on how to remove the center console without breaking off the tabs. Or the one about how you have to press the trunk button on the remote for at least a second.

Is your '04 still under the 4 year warranty? Most of the items that really are problems (like the sun visors breaking) are covered only as part of that. There are only a few that are recalls. You should be entitled to the MSP16 reflash - which is important - for free.

Ken

 

what about like the moisture that gets into the rear taillights... i hate that and i was hopin theyd atleast fix taht one for free lol

 

There's a new TSB that says condensation in tail lights is normal, nothing needs to be done.

I'm not making that up. Search this site...there was a thread on it in the past couple of weeks.

Ken

 

your buddy rux is an idiot.

TSB is a "guideline" Mazda send to dealership so they can fix certain things in the quickest way. cuz most of the time dealerships are loaded with idiots who cant even find a bolt's location without looking at FSM.

but that does NOT mean it will happen to every car.

every single first year model car get at least 30-40 known problems. try Toyota, Honda, BMW, you name it.

and unless your car is still under bumper to bumper warranty (I doubt any 2004 still have any b2b warranty), dealership will not fix them for free.

name some of the problems you notice, there are lots of ways to fix them at little to no cost (mostly just time)



RECALL, on the other hand, are 100% free. there ARE dealerships out there trying to juke "poor customers" to pay for them, especially the latest ECU reflash (MSP16), do NOT PAY A PENNY FOR RECALL !!!!

there were 4 recalls for this car since 2004. first I think it was the lower control arm, heatshield around the exhaust(2005), ECU reflash AKA Recall 4096f(2006) and ECU Reflash aka MSP16(2007)

the fastest and easiest way to tell if your car is up to date with recalls is by calling MNAO's toll free number then give them your VIN.

 

follow my DIY to remove your rear lights, clean all the mushy dirt around the gasket area, dry the water inside, pour some white vinegar into the light, roll it around to get rid of the water spot. dry it again, reinstall. this is the cheapest way to fix this matter for at least 10K miles. there is a new updated Gasket from Mazda about a year something ago which is thicker and "supposed" to fix the problem, obviously it never did. so yeah, just go with the white vinegar method.

takes a while, but its free.

oh btw, dealership will not replace them anymore. I guess this cost Mazda way too much money (each light is like 200+ bux each) when I still had B2B warranty, both my rear lights has been replaced, 4 times.

 

I have this clanking closer to the passenger side and it is not the exhaust. could that be the controlling arm ? ive had this thing on a lift and i cannot feel for anything that would be making such noise.
where can i find these recall list or do i not need it and just take it to the dealer and tell them to fix these 4 recalls

 

Call MNAO with your VIN number, they will be able to tell you what recall you need (if u need any)

for your problem, check your end link for damage (separate, you might not be able to see it, feel it with your hand and turn it with a wrench, if it turns forever and not coming out, its bad), and check the sway bar bushings, you might need some lube.

 

I think I have both of these problems I guess I will call Mazda and see what they say:

NHTSA campaign number: 04V075000
Defective part or component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Description: On certain passenger vehicles with manual transmissions, the heat insulator may be cracked causing abnormal noise. Continued operation of the vehicle can cause the insulator to come off and could pose a hazard to following vehicles. Dealers will replace the heat insulator. Owner notification is expected to begin during February 2004. Owners should contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

NHTSA campaign number: 05V325000
Defective part or component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Description: On certain passenger vehicles, due to improper forging of the lower control arm, cracks may occur in the ball joint socket. In severe driving conditions, the ball may separate from the ball joint socket and a loss of steering may occur, which could result in a crash. Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the control arms. The recall is expected to begin during August 2005. Owners may contact Mazda at 1-800-222-5500.

 

The dealer will only cover TSB's if the vehicle is still under the 5yr/60k powertrain warranty or the full bumper to bumper warranty. If yours is not under either of those 2 warranties, you WILL have to pay for the service to be complete.

 

Hmm...I think I will take my 8 to the dealership soon. I have bad vibrations
under idle and when I hit bumps I hear a clunking noise on the passenger
side. My 8 is out of the B to B warrranty, but even if I have to pay, these things
need to be fixed.

 

^-----vibrations=new motor mounts

 

if you talking about stuff that DeCat has mentioned. those were "recalls", so it will be free.

Engine mounts, or it could be bad engine.

 

DUDEEEE I GOT THE SAME EXACT **** THAT CLUNKING NOISE IS ******* ANNOYING lol lets hope mazda fixes this shiettt

 

wow,

that is a useful post.

good luck.

beers

 

Good to see you back Scott.

 

thx,

i put myself in time out.

i come back. bam stupid still here..

and in the tech garage none the less..

beers

 

couldnt be any more useful then yours....

 

the powertrain power loss is not a recall nor are the reflashes on my vehicle atleast. the guy at mazda said that these are not recalls

 

"Huge list"...not really..

I can assure you it is no larger than most other Mazda models and a lot smaller than most other non Japanese brands of cars.

You want to see the FD RX-7 list, was almost twice the size of the 8...

It all means nothing (numbers), it shows Mazda listens and fixes issues.