About 4 weeks ago my 2004 6 speed with about 46,000 miles (I see that number A LOT in other similar posts) started behaving strangely. In the 5 years I've owned it, it's been absolutely freakin' wonderful. Had a problem once with the battery. Even though I'd bought the car new from a dealer, it was a very very cheap, old and tired battery that came with the car. Then, a couple of months ago I had to have the oil plan replaced because it had been damaged from the underside. All in all, things that are not Mazda's responsibility.

But starting 4 weeks ago it wouldn't start. Did manage to finally get it to the dealer. They diagnosed a faulty crank position sensor and said that the error code causing the check engine light only said "random misfire." Extended warranty coverage covered everything but my deductible.

It seemed to take longer to start and idled rough after I picked it up from the dealer. But, it started. For a day. It almost left me stranded in the city. After a 2 hour meeting it restarted and I drove it straight to the dealer. This time I got 4 new coils (warranty paid for 2 of them). New engine mounts under warranty. I had to pay for the plugs, wires and de-carb or what ever that is. That was expensive.

This time it was running WAY better. For a few days. Wouldn't start Sunday. Monday morning it did after being on the charger for almost 2 hours - drove it to the dealer. Same error code as before. But this time I'm getting a new engine block under Mazda's 100,000 mile warranty. They're not sure when they're going to get the block from Mazda so I don't know when I'm getting it back. Oh, they also want to sell me a stronger starter motor.

A couple of things:
1. It looks like they're going to re-use the engine mounts, plugs, wires and coils. So no refund there. It sounds like I should ask for the money back for the de-carb and the first crank position sensor, right?
2. The mechanic intimated that these new rebuilt/refurbished engines are better than what originally came in the car. True? If so, how?
3. What's the general experience with these "new" engines from Mazda?

Thanks

Christopher

 

High 40K miles on original motor for a 2004 MT is common point for replacement to be needed. Mine went at 48K. I've got about the same number of miles on the reman now and it is running stronger than the original factory motor was at this point so I'm hoping it will have a long life span.

I think you have a case to make for some refunds due to faulty diagnosis of actual issue (if the issue truly is a failed factory motor). Best way to confirm is to get info from the dealer about the compression test they performed on your motor to confirm to Mazda North America that a replacement under warranty was necessary. Plenty of info on this forum about good numbers vs bad numbers. Search and get familar with this info before you discuss with the dealer.

Also suggest you get familiar with info on this web site: http://www.finishlineperformance.com....php?pageid=11

 

Voodoo8

Thanks, I think. Had a look at a number of the warranty items on that list. I'd complained about the A/C several times but was told it was normal. I thought I just had to live with the squeak from the open sunroof. And I had to pay for my engine mount replacement!!

I'm not loving the car right now. I guess having said that I can't sell it on this site. Maybe it's not the car, maybe it's the dealership. And my extended warranty provider.

They just called again to tell me they've found another fault code. This time I need the oxygen sensor replaced. Is it now normal that the dealership can only diagnose and treat one item at a time? Am I wrong to think they should have been able to diagnose at the initial visit all the things wrong with my car? The service writer said it is normal to repair one thing and send me on my way.

Christopher

 

And why are they replacing so many engine blocks?

 

There are many reasons the the 04-05 cars had a high engine replacement rate. The design of the engine, the way they were treated when off loaded from the ship at the US port, the ecu software calibration that didn't inject enough oil into the combustion chamber, ......
Mazda recognized these shortcomings and that is why the warranty on the engine core was extended to 8/100.

 

FYI,

Interesting numbers. Mine went (before I bought it) at about 44,000 miles according to Mazda.

 

And how's it working now? Do I have a new break in period, etc.?

 

While the owners manual doesn't list a break-in period, various reliable/experienced after market parts suppliers do say that you should take it easy for the first 1000 miles.
https://www.racingbeat.com/RX8%20Break%20in.htm

 

Thanks, Allen

I guess 2,000 miles at reduced revs is better than it spending all its time at the dealer's