Vanight

Hey guys, I am new to RX-8s and new to this forum. I bought a 2004 GT with NAV, the works....

Everything has been OK other than the heater being possessed, and seemingly deciding when it wants to do things. Pretty frustrating when trying to keep everyone comfortable.

Today on the way home the airbag light starts blinking and then eventually stays on. So I googled it and discovered a whole slew of issues with this car, including my heating issue which apparently is a wide spread issue, and the airbag thing. I have a few questions:

1. The car has 54K miles on it, but my understanding is that recalls are recalls, regardless of ownership or mileage. What is the best approach to having the recalls checked and fixed? Best Oregon Dealerships to approach?

2. As far as maintenance, I drive the car pretty hard from an RPM stand point but I am nervous red lining it. I read that these cars are suppose to be red lined once a week. I have no problem with this, but just nervous, is it true?

3. Engine oil type, levels, when to check etc.... I have discovered the RX-8 is very picky about oil, levels etc... I have been trying to check it before driving it each time. It dawned on me maybe I should be checking the levels warm rather than cold, which is it? What is the RX-8 choice of oils brand, and thickness, I have no problem springing for the best. High Mileage better? I do know not to use synthetic. How often should I be changing it?

4. I have been using regular gas with the insane gas prices, hoping the prices will go down after the election if the anti-gas president goes away, an maybe start using super, but is it really that big of a deal? Haven't noticed any problems.

5. Is a little back firing or single pop on high RPM shifting normal? Or is does that mean its not happy with oil level and/or type? Or something else?

6. Is there a way to get the NAV DVD updated?

7. Any other maintenance issues I should know about? Right now the airbag light is my biggest concern, that and the possessed heater.

8. Since it has such low miles, I should be able to get the recall stuff with no issues right? Even though I bought it used?

Thanks a bunch guys!

New Yorker

If I'm not mistaken, there's never been a recall on RX-8. I think you mean TSB's:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=224521

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

There have been real recalls. However, they were to replace the programing in the computer mainly for emissions purposes. Other than that there are the TSB's and the SSP's.

kma5783

iTrader: (7)

There has been 4 recalls on 2004 RX-8's:
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT (issued in 2005)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (issued in 2005)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL (issued in 2004)
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION (issued in 2004)

None of which were for the ECU reflash/update.
That was MAZDA SPECIAL PROGRAM (MSP16) - ENGINE LACK OF POWER - PCM REFLASH

You can search for recalls here:
Search for a Recall | Safercar.gov | NHTSA

Any dealer is required to fix any recalls if it has not been done already.
A TSB is NOT a recall and is usually only covered under warranty at the dealers discretion.

EDZRIDE

iTrader: (1)

Latest Nav update is 2008, better off with an aftermarket unit.

New Yorker

You're right; I stand corrected.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

I now remember the ball joint one, but not the others. That one was limited to only a few cars.
The engine and engine cooling one must have been when they repaired our gas tanks.
Those have been so long ago.
I've had my car since 6/04 (9/03 build date).

Junkman 6394226

Yes, backfiring and pops are normal with rotary engines. Hot exhaust, sharp pulses, faster flow, etc. It becomes even more pronounced without a cat (more fun).

Junkman 6394226

Aw poop. I fugged up my quote thingy ^^^

Vanight

Hey guys, thanks so much! The site NHTSA seems to give a much more concise and easy to under list of things for my car. I did figure out that the airbag light was most likely do to my son kicking the connector under the passenger seat. Popped up the little clip thing and wiggled it around, no more light. Found that on youtube actually. Now, someone above mentioned that the dipstick does not make an accurate reading. I check the oil level every time I drive it and try to make sure it is on or just below the full line. I just tell my wife that my side girl is just freshening up before our date.... hehehe.

As of Today this is the list of recalls:

Print
Recalls - Search Results

4 Record(s) Displayed.

Report Date : November 5, 2012 at 11:55 AM
Search Type : VEHICLE
Make: MAZDA
Model or Model No.: RX8
Model Year: 2004
Make: MAZDA Model: RX8
Model Year: 2004
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS Report Receipt Date: JUL 20, 2005
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 05V325000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
Potential Number of Units Affected: 27,800
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DUE TO IMPROPER FORGING OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, CRACKS MAY OCCUR IN THE BALL JOINT SOCKET.
Consequence:
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.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE CONTROL ARMS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
Notes:
MAZDA RECALL NO. 3405G. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236; (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Make: MAZDA Model: RX8
Model Year: 2004
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS Report Receipt Date: JUL 07, 2005
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 05V317000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary:
IF CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE PARKED AND THE ENGINE IS OPERATED AT HIGH RPM'S FOR AN EXCESSIVE LENGTH OF TIME, SOME OF THE PARTS AROUND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN MELT AND PRODUCE A VARIETY OF MALFUNCTIONS. PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE EXCESSIVE HEAT BUILD-UP CAN RANGE FROM INOPERATIVE OXYGEN SENSOR, NEUTRAL SWITCH AND BACK UP LIGHTS, PROBLEMS WITH THE PARKING BRAKES, MALFUNCTIONS OF THE GAS GAUGE AND/OR POSSIBLE FUEL LEAKS RESULTING FROM HEAT DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK.
Consequence:
FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE PARTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
Notes:
MAZDA RECALL NO. 3305G. CUSTOMERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
Make: MAZDA Model: RX8
Model Year: 2004
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS Report Receipt Date: FEB 17, 2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V074000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
Potential Number of Units Affected: 29,300
Summary:
AS A RESULT OF AN NCAP TEST, CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED FOR IMPROPERLY WIRED FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAGS.
Consequence:
THE AIR BAG WILL NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION WHEN THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW WIRING HARNESS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SYSTEM. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
Notes:
MAZDA RECALL NO. 1604B-B. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Make: MAZDA Model: RX8
Model Year: 2004
Manufacturer: MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS Report Receipt Date: FEB 17, 2004
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V075000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Potential Number of Units Affected: 12,000
Summary:
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WITH MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS, THE HEAT INSULATOR MAY BE CRACKED CAUSING ABNORMAL NOISE.
Consequence:
CONTINUED OPERATION OF THE VEHICLE CAN CAUSE THE INSULATOR TO COME OFF AND COULD POSE A HAZARD TO FOLLOWING VEHICLES.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEAT INSULATOR. THE RECALL BEGAN MARCH 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MAZDA AT 1-800-222-5500.
Notes:
MAZDA RECALL NO. 1704B. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, West Building Washington DC 20590 USA
1.888.327.4236 TTY 1.800.424.9153

Vanight

Well, I suppose I should turn it on and see if there is a version number or date in the about section. LOL. 2008 is better than 2004 right? That being said, I will look into this aftermarket thing you mention. It this different hardware or just a 3rd party ROM replacement?

Thanks!

j9fd3s

1. call Mazda, either corporate or the dealership, with the VIN number they can tell you if there are any open recalls. there have been a few recalls and warranty extensions for the Rx8. the Mazda warranty inquiry will tell you which ones apply to your car, and if and when they were done.

2. you don't need to redline it, high rpm is fine.

3. except for the oil level the 8 is pretty unpicky about oil, 5-20 is fine for a street car, if you drive it hard 10-30 might be a better choice. you can certainly check the level hot, or even with the engine running.

4. they have to have it run on 87 just to sell it in the US, so its not a problem, it asks for premium, but it doesn't seem to make a huge difference in power/performance.

5. popping is normal.

6. dunno

7. not really, you should be able to just resume the normal service schedule

8. a recall is issued to the car, so yes, they don't care who brings the car in. the warranty extension things like the engine and clutch pedal do expire by time and miles, so with an 04 car you are likely out by time.