I recently (oct 29th, 2005) had issues start with my transmission.

started with a noise, and quickly progressed over 24 hours (with little driving) to losing 1st and reverse, then being stuck in 6th gear.

fortunately i have a very good relationship with my local dealer, and everything is being covered under warranty.

after having the tranny pulled apart at the dealership, it was discovered that the mainshaft retention ring ( i believe this is what they called it) was destroyed. by destroyed, i mean several pieces. my service writer ordered the replacement part, and it turns out that there seems to be a problem with the original, as mazda has a new part number for this item than what was originally installed from the factory.

as i had to burn the hell out of the clutch to get it rolling in 6th gear, they are also providing a new clutch, and i am ordering the mazda speed flywheel and getting that installed as well.

i am just relating my experience in this matter for all those who have had issues with their transmissions, and having problems getting them covered under warranty. it appears that there was/is a poorly engineered part in our transmissions that may be the cause of some of the failures that we have seen here.

as soon as i get my car back, hopefully tomorrow, i will post impressions of the new flywheel as well as a part number for the replacement retaining ring.

 

Would appreciate knowing your build date when you get it back. Thanks.

 

i believe its 08/03, but i will check on it for ya

 

Thanks. It would be interesting to know when (i.e., with what VIN) they changed the part number. Maybe Zoom44 can find out?

 

got the 8 back yesterday, runs great now, have the mazdaspeed flywheel.

as for your question go48, its a 07/03 build date.

 

I can vouch for this also. I saw one in person - broken into pieces. Thankfully it was NOT from my car

 

change in par tnumber doesnt mean there was something wrong with the part. it could but it could also mean they found a new supplier to make it for less money or someone they source otehr parts now makes this for them also. in fact the most common reason to change part numbers is a new supplier whether a change was made to the part or not. tommy at rosenthal could probably check on when the part was changed quicker than i could.

 

from what my service writer told me, the new one is stronger/thicker

 

Yep, my tech said it was thin - I agree after seeing it.

 

Thanks Lurch! Does the MS flywheel result in a noticably quicker reving engine?