OK, guys I need your help and I think this info can help many others in the future having similar issues. Recently my second gear has been acting up; I believe it’s the synchros, when I up shift into 2nd above 6K RPM it grinds. I took it to the dealer and he said there is a problem and they can get me in on the 14th. They did warn me that MNAO has been denying warranty work if the synchros are worn or broken. They claim this is a sure sign of abuse. I admit I don’t baby my trans by I don’t beat on it either. The dealer is really cool with me and always has been, they said they will try their best on my behalf but there could be a chance they (MNAO) will deny the work.

I have read many people on this forum with similar issues with their second gear synchro or other synchros or gears. What I don’t get is that many have had the tranny replaced under warranty while some have not. My question is how Mazda (according to the dealer) state that worn synchros are sign of abuse then cover some warranty work but deny others. This seems like an inconsistence business practice.

What I would like to do is gather information from as many members as possible in terms of what warranty work they have had on their tranny. With this information in hand I or any other member can go to Mazda and say “Hey, you want to deny me but you covered X,Y,& Z” This may be give me or any other member some extra leverage. The more we have on our side the better.

The information that would be needed in order for the service rep to verify my claim would be information regarding the vehicle serviced. I’m guess the less intrusive information that I can ask of you would be: VIN, dealer where warranty work took place, date of work, and warranty work done (second gear synchro, shift fork, etc….). I believe the warranty work info can be found on your service papers.

I would like to thank you all in advance and I hope this info helps me and other members in the future. If you don’t want to post your info here you can PM me the info or even e-mail it to me at arangoa79@aol.com.

Info needed:

VIN:
Dealer where warranty work took place:
Warranty work done:
Date of work:

 

Basically all of the syncros were shot to hell and when the car got to the dealer it wouldn't even go into first gear. I have a feeling this transmission can't handle 9k shifts for very long... Anyways, they replaced mine no questions asked.

It was done in January in Spokane, WA and I am the second owner.

 

Would you mind posting your VIN. Or PM it to me.

 

Keep us up to date, I am having problems with my transmission and clutch ... :-(
Tell us how it goes I could sure use the advice when i have time to go to the dealership.

 

Will Do

 

Before the MNA rep sees your car, I would detail it. If it looks abused then it probably is. If you have bald spots in the middle of your tire, the rep will take one look at those and assume you tore up your transmission. And having the dealer on your side is crucial.

 

i am having problems out of my 5th with down shifting and 2nd its starting to get harder and harder to go in, took mine in to get 5th looked they told me that could keep my car (no rent a car) for a few days break it down and see if it looked like it was worn because of abuses that i would have to pay them for their time and work to check it.

I have not had it done yet 1. bc i dont have any other way to school & work, and 2. about 100% they will say i abused it and make me pay for it

 

My car is in excellent condition. Thanks for the info

 

same boat im in - except they gave me a rental and i told them to take it apart anyway... im not just going to let them win.. the problem is their fault and it will not just go away :D we will see monday

 

I'll send you a scan of my work order covered under warranty. They did a rebuild not a replace. As long as they are in there you can order a taller 6th gear for better mileage...
http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl...n%26safe%3Doff

Thanks for PMing, hope it helps.

 

Excellent thanks. I already have 4 cars on my list. Keep them coming guys

 

Mine was rebuilt (not replaced) after it got stuck in 4th gear while I was driving it. This was at 13K miles. I had previously had problems with grinding in several gears. After driving a couple of miles, the shifter would move stiffly. I could then change gears again with difficulty.
Recently, 2nd gear has been starting to give me a little problem again.

 

Was the work done under warranty? If so do you mind providing the following info:

VIN:
Dealer where warranty work took place:
Warranty work done:
Date of work:

 

Ok...I get your PM and I'll post more information as I get it through edits. I can give you the phone number and my service manager's name that I worked with. They were completely cool...and replaced my sync's with no issues. I did however only have the car for a MONTH before I started having issues...I threatned that if my dealership in VA wouldnt fix it....the one I bought it from in DE would have to.

2005 Mazda RX-8 - 21,500 miles - JM1FE173450153067

Duncan Ford Mazda - Christiansburg, VA ( Near Virginia Tech)
(540) 552-8366
Service Manager - Alan Carter

3rd and 4th Synchros replaced 2 months ago...dont know exact date

I refuse to sit here and let MNAO make up bullshit claims like abuse. Our transmission is made out of freshly churned butter and they ******* know it.

 

they'll either accept it or deny it, this collected info won't mean squat in their eyes

 

Thanks, I'm getting some good stuff from members.

 

Maybe or maybe not. It doesn't hurt to try. I just find it weird that MNAO decides to fix some and not others. Doesn't sound like good, consistant business practice. OH, well we will just have to wait and see.

 

no harm in trying
OD

 

based on my experience there is, but go for it

 

Tell that to Columbus

 

my 8 would grind when i up shift into 4th. but only over about 6k. at first they said that shouldnt be a problem because you have to be going around a 100mph to do it. they said dont worry about it. my first mistake was saying the words "it needs a NEW tranny" do not ask for a new anything. the service manager at lee johnson in kirkland said he thought i just wanted something free. which i understand, but it was broken. mazda didnt want to repair it, instead they shipped a new tranny. however it did take a while. if i remember correctly, it was about a month. which sucked because i was in a maz3 for a grip. no offense to maz3 owners but its a huge downgrade lol. they told me it was the synchro's. the real problem was recreated the grinding to prove it was broken. the employee's WONT take it on the freeway and open it up. eventually i told the service manager to take it home. he drove it for a day or two and called me. he said he opened it up and felt/heard the grind. at that point, he decided to replace the tranny. i have nothing bad to say about lee johnson. i have had a few things replaced/repaired under warranty..mostly small stuff...sun visor (fell out), radio display (display letters were scrambled), radio (display letters were scrambled), heater unit (blew cold air), both taillights (leaking), transmission (grind into 4th). thats all i can think of off the top of my head...it seems like i'm forgetting something. i hope this helps. let me know if there is anything else i can do

now i am selling my car. you think a new tranny will help my sale price?

 

someone said it above...but you have to keep the service manager on your side or your screwed. they are kind of like a waitress at a restaurant...they will mess up your order if you are mean to them. also, if you dont like/trust the dealership, there a alot of dealerships in the northwest...so "shop around"

 

Not to get off topic, but do you have any idea on how much this gear adds in gas mileage?

 

Yea, I'm in good with my service guy. He said he will do what he can for me. Can you supply the bellow info:

VIN:
Dealer where warranty work took place:
Warranty work done:
Date of work:

Good luck with your sale.

 

Rx-8's tranny is freaking weak. Well I have yet to have any problem, it still shifts and stuff. but not very smooth. and I still have couple thousand miles b4 my Bumper to Bumper warranty expires.

Yeah yeah I know this part is covered by the powertrain warranty as well, but from what I've read, it seems that it will be a lot *easier* to get Mazda cover stuff under bumper to bumper than powertrain.

I think warranty claims has a lot to do with Service manager and whoever is at the Mazda Tech Line.