So I called my local Mazda dealer as my 2006 rx8 w 50k on it has been running like crap in hot weather, running 91 octance the highest i can get in this city altitude is 6500 feet so no one sells it around here. Gave him my vin number and asked if the MAZDA SPECIAL PROGRAM (MSP16) - ENGINE LACK OF POWER - PCM REFLASH Added 03/14/08 was every performed. The service manager told me no, the only warranty work was spark plus and a new cat back in 2007.

They told me to bring it in and they would perform the reflash under recall. I go to pick the car up and they hit me with an hour of labor to perform it and said it is becasue my warranty is expired. I refused to pay and am waiting for the GM to call me back on tuesday when they open again. Im pretty sure recall work is free.

 

Call up mazda north america(assuming that's where you are) and complain that the dealer is trying to charge you labor for the msp16 flash and that they are holding your car until you pay.

 

Wait you didn't get your car back? I'd have a hard enough time leaving my 8 at a dealership under normal circumstances... add duress to the equation and I'd be one pissed off ****.

 

Why would the flash be covered outside of warranty?

It wasn't a recall. The only factory warranty it would be covered under is Powertrain, and the only way your car still has the Powertrain warranty on it is if it was first sold on or after 9/2/2007. Unlikely as a 2006 model.

The engine core warranty does not cover ECU reflashes. A 3rd party warranty might cover it, but it doesn't sound like you have that either.




Sorry, but unless there is some more information to the contrary, I'd say the dealer is justified in charging you for it. Granted, assuming an hour of labor for a reflash is quite steep.

 

Here is the number you need to call to resolve this problem.
Mazda North America Operation contact info:
By Phone: 800-222-5500 Monday – Friday, 6:00am to 4:45pm PST

Check this PDF: http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...BHU4sr1PAClT4Q
Look at the last page and see if it (age and mileage) applies to your car.
I believe your good.

 

The issue is they told me it was covered and now they add a $170 labor charge. Calling mazda tommorow.

 

Hmm, interesting Al. Never noticed that bit. 8yrs 80k. Also says that the labor time is 0.3 hours.

Racingmason, you might not even need to contact MNAO. Probably won't be till Tuesday to get in touch with him anyway due to the holiday.

Print that out and highlight the coverage period and the hours listed and bring that to the dealer. Pretty hard to argue against.

 

Yep the 96/80 term which is what I ask and was confirmed to me when I dropped it off. When I went to pick it up the night advisor claimed otherwise, and handed me the bill. I know it will get sorted out. Thanks all.

 

Since they kept your car because you didn't pay(right?) try and lobby for some type of free service like an oil change if you get them done there.