2004 Mazda RX-8 Technical Service Bulletins

180 technical service bulletins (TSBs) are on record for the 2004 Mazda RX-8. TSBs are notes manufacturers send to dealers about repair procedures for issues seen in the field. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault.

• 10153333Jan 10, 2019Equipment. Mazda infotainment systems require contacting the proper source for diagnostic support, parts authorization, and parts exchange. Some components require prior authorization before ordering as exchange. Refer to DAG Exchange Central (MXConnect>Parts and Accessories>Parts>Programs>Exchange Central) for component availability, source of technical support and prior authorization requirement.
• 10153316Jan 10, 2019Wheels. Some automotive cleaning products contain strong acid or alkali. When these types of cleaners are used to clean the wheels on Mazda vehicles, the chemicals contents penetrate the clear coating of the wheel surface and damage the paint under the clear coating. The damaged area has the appearance of dark stains.
• 10153227Jan 10, 2019Brakes. Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern.
• 10153311Jan 9, 2019Engine cooling. On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is…
• 10153332Jan 3, 2019Exterior lighting. Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom to be more noticeable, however, it does not affect the performance of the light. This condensation/fog is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a fairly large temperature difference between…
• 10153331Jan 3, 2019Equipment. This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid anypotential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference,which can be avoided with proper usage. Floor mat moves forward due to improper installation. Inappropriate floor mat (such as aftermarket, non-factory-equipped, or non-genuine) is used. Floor mat is stacked…
• 10153319Jan 3, 2019Brakes. Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle. This concern will most likely occur during the vehicles first forward movement after starting the engine. This is a normal operating noise of the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Do not attempt any repairs. If you encounter a customer complaint for this concern, explain that the noise comes from the ABS/TCS/DSC "Malfunction…
• 10153315Jan 2, 2019Suspension. Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
• 10153309Jan 2, 2019Electrical system. The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code. NOTE: A Warranty Code is required for warranty claim submission Battery Identification (Mazda batteries have 2 rating…
• 10153308Jan 2, 2019Electrical system. This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10154139Dec 11, 2018Steering, Body and structure. If a vehicle has body vibration or steering wheel shimmy while driving and the root cause is determined to be tire balance, re-balance the tires using a Hunter GSP9700 or equivalent balance machine. If your dealer does not have a GSP9700 or equivalent balance machine, sublet the vehicle out for repair. To find the location of a GSP9700 near your dealer, visit Hunter?s web site at www.gsp9700.com and click on…
• 10148072Oct 10, 2018Equipment, Vehicle speed control. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with…
• 10148068Oct 10, 2018Equipment, Body and structure. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable). Copies of the Mazda Pocket Paint Guide are available for order on Mazda e-Store (part number: 9999-95-MPPG-12).
• 10148003Oct 10, 2018Brakes, Equipment. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAO authorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorized equipment program. NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claims…
• 10148002Oct 10, 2018Equipment. Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle- specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10145242Sep 6, 2018Engine cooling. On some vehicles, a sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor may be noticed coming from the exhaust system. The odor is usually noticed after a cold start, fast idle, extended periods of idling and full throttle acceleration. Sulfur smell is not an indication of an engine concern and will not cause reduced driveability or durability of the engine or any of its emission components. The sulfur smell or 'rotten egg' odor is…
• 10144333Aug 31, 2018Vehicle speed control. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer's responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometer and related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with…
• 10142527May 11, 2018Equipment. Mazda infotainment systems require contacting the proper source for diagnostic support, parts authorization, and parts exchange. Some components require prior authorization before ordering as exchange. Refer to DAG Exchange Central (MXConnect>Parts and Accessories>Parts>Programs>Exchange Central) for component availability, source of technical support and prior authorization requirement.
• 10142515May 11, 2018Brakes. Mazda North American Operations has approved an additional on-car brake lathe as an option for MNAOauthorized equipment. The Pro-Cut On-Car Brake Lathe has been added to the MNAO authorizedequipment program.NOTE: Accu-turn is still an approved brake lathe, but it is no longer available for purchase from our vendor. IMPORTANT: Rotors must be machined using a Mazda approved on-car brake lathe, or warranty claimsare…
• 10142519May 8, 2018Steering. Some customers may complain that the steering wheel is off center more than 3° even when driving straight on a flat road.
• 10136776Apr 27, 2018Brakes. Some vehicles exhibit brake related concerns such as brake noise, brake judder or brake dragging. If you encounter a customer complaint for any one of these symptoms, refer to the following information to understand why symptoms may occur, and to better assist the customer in resolving their specific brake concern.
• 10136774Apr 27, 2018Wheels. Some automotive cleaning products contain strong acid or alkali. When these types of cleaners are used to clean the wheels on Mazda vehicles, the chemicals contents penetrate the clear coating of the wheel surface and damage the paint under the clear coating. The damaged area has the appearance of dark stains.
• 10136775Apr 2, 2018Engine cooling. Some customers may report a slight clunk/bang/buzz noise or jolt from the front of the vehicle. This concern will most likely occur during the vehicles first forward movement after starting the engine. This is a normal operating noise of the Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS). Do not attempt any repairs. If you encounter a customer complaint for this concern, explain that the noise comes from the ABS/TCS/DSC "Malfunction…
• 10134930Mar 26, 2018Suspension. Some customers may complain of signs of oil on the struts or shock absorbers. In most cases the oil that is present is normal, and a result of the oil that remains on the shaft during the normal sweeping process of the shaft seal. Follow the inspection guidelines to determine if the condition is a result of the normal sweeping process or a failure of the shaft seal.
• 10134929Mar 26, 2018Electrical system. The Mazda GR8-1291 is required for all warranty battery testing. If the Mazda GR8-1291 is not used, incorrect battery testing may result in unnecessary battery replacement. Use the following test procedures in this Service Bulletin to test Mazda vehicle batteries and to generate a Warranty Code.
• 10134928Mar 26, 2018Electrical system. This service bulletin provides testing and charging procedures in order to promote proper battery maintenance, to deliver new vehicles with fully charged batteries, and to reduce unnecessary battery replacement cost. For new vehicles in stock at the dealer, inspect and maintain the battery periodically according to the repair procedure.
• 10134703Mar 26, 2018Equipment. This service bulletin provides information regarding the proper use of the driver's floor mat to avoid any potential interference with the foot pedals. The following are possible causes of floor mat interference, which can be avoided with proper usage. Floor mat moves forward due to improper installation. Inappropriate floor mat (such as aftermarket, non-factory-equipped, or non-genuine) is used. Floor mat is…
• 10134702Mar 22, 2018Body and structure. When encountering a vehicle with paint damage, refer to the "Mazda Pocket Paint Guide" to determine cause, prevention, remedy, and warranty coverage (if applicable).
• 10134701Mar 22, 2018Exterior lighting. Some customers may complain of condensation/fog inside the front (headlamp/headlight) or rear (taillamp/taillight) combination lights. The recent new models have been fitted with a clear lens which can cause the symptom to be more noticeable, however, it does not affect the performance of the light. This condensation/fog is a natural phenomenon that occurs when there is a fairly large temperature difference between…
• 10134699Mar 22, 2018Equipment. Mazda has developed factory recommended scheduled maintenance services that support all major vehicle systems. Mazda recommends dealers follow the scheduled maintenance tables as cited in the vehicle-specific workshop manual or owner's manual. Services performed outside of Mazda's factory scheduled maintenance are not recommended. These services are unnecessary and create unneeded expenses for your customers.
• 10134925Feb 16, 2018Air bags, Equipment. The Workshop Manual has two-different airbag procedures, one for Standard Deployment and one for Two-Step Deployment. Standard Deployment is for Mexico spec vehicles and Two-Step Deployment is for US and Canadian spec vehicles.
• 10118753Sep 12, 2017Air bags. STOPPER PLATES FOR AIR BAG MODULE CONNECTORS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED AS NEW SERVICE PARTS. When removing the connector (1) to the air bag module (2), make sure to first lift the stopper plate (3) carefully using a flathead screwdriver (but do not remove it), and then pull out the connector.
• 10118467Aug 7, 2017Equipment, Electrical system. In accordance with Federal regulations, follow the procedure listed below when replacing a speedometer. NOTE: Tampering with a motor vehicle odometer is strictly prohibited by Federal, and State laws. It is the dealer?s responsibility to comply with Federal, State, and local laws concerning odometerand related documentation requirements when providing a repair or replacement. Mazda vehicles are manufactured with…
• 10120381Jul 26, 2017Air bags. Mazda Motor Corporation is going to evaluate the following inflators to ensure the safety of the inflator with a desiccant. In order to do this, MNAO is collecting inflators for evaluation in certain zones. For 2003-2008 Mazda6 (including Mazdaspeed6) and 2004-2011 RX-8: Collect 30 Driver-side and 30 Pas-senger-side inflators (60 total) from vehicles that have completed Recall 8215F for Driver-side and Recall 9416E…
• 10111036Jul 12, 2017Electrical system. In an effort to achieve a higher level of Customer Experience and retain the value of Mazda's vehicles, MNAO Warranty Operations is© 2017 Mazda North American Operations, U.S.A. allowing all Mazda dealers to utilize a third party, SPECMO Enterprises, Inc., for Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) odometer setting service.
• 10186334May 22, 2017Electrical system. Display shows inaccurate ambient temperature. Some customers may complain that the ambient temperature display is not accurate, or it takes too long for the display to show actual temperature.
• 10118129May 22, 2017Electrical system. Some customers may complain that the ambient temperature display is not accurate, or it takes too long for the display to show actual temperature. When you encounter a customer with this concern, first verify the condition when the customer noticed this symptom.
• 10111011Mar 9, 2017Exterior lighting. Take caution when cleaning plastic headlight lenses. Damage can occur when using some cleaners that contain strong acid, alkaline cleanser or organic solvent. Damage caused by using these cleaners is not covered by Mazda's New Vehicle Limited Warranty term.
• 10085405Jul 28, 2016Air bags. Takata recalls general information purpose: this page was created to assist with handling takata air bag recalls. Processes: please use these process flowcharts to properly handle vehicles subject to the takata air bag recall. Recall 8215f & 9416e preliminary parts process recall 9516e & 9616e preliminary parts process general information: the links below contain the latest takata recalls information. The documents…
• 10085383Jul 8, 2016Electrical system. Ids update 101.00 and 101.02 is now available on ms3 under the "ids/infotainment" tab.
• 10092421Apr 28, 2016Electrical system. When reprogramming a control module, always use the gr-8 battery management system power supply mode. If not used, the control module reprogramming may fail due to a weak vehicle battery.the gr-8 battery management system power supply mode prevents the vehicle battery from being discharged. This allows the ids to reprogram a control module without interference from a weak or undercharged vehicle battery.
• 10092413Apr 28, 2016Exterior lighting. Some customers may complain about improper operation of the auto-dimming mirror. This may be caused by an obstruction of the front and/or rear light sensor(s) (e.g. Hanging a parking permit from the mirror). Use a soft cloth with mild detergent to clean the mirror. Harsh detergent may damage the front and/or rear light sensor(s).
• 10185967Mar 30, 2016Electrical system, Equipment. When installing a navigation SD card, confirm that the card is unlocked. Also, Mazda Does Not Recommend swapping navigation system SD cards from one vehicle to another for testing. If swapped, the SD card that is installed into the other vehicle becomes “linked” to the VIN of that vehicle.
• 10185966Mar 30, 2016Other or unknown, Equipment. This article provides HVAC heater/defroster operating tips using Mode selector dial. This includes the use of intermediate positions.
• 10091406Mar 30, 2016Equipment. When installing a navigation sd card, confirm that the card is unlocked. Also, mazda does not recommend swapping navigation system sd cards from one vehicle to another for testing. If swapped, the sd card that is installed into the other vehicle becomes “linked” to the vin of that vehicle.
• 10091393Mar 30, 2016Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This article provides hvac heater/defroster operating tips using mode selector dial. This includes the use of intermediate positions.
• 10091265Mar 30, 2016Equipment. When installing a navigation sd card, confirm that the card is unlocked. Also, mazda does not recommend swapping navigation system sd cards from one vehicle to another for testing. If swapped, the sd card that is installed into the other vehicle becomes “linked” to the vin of that vehicle.
• 10091263Mar 30, 2016Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). This article provides hvac heater/defroster operating tips using mode selector dial. This includes the use of intermediate positions.
• 10185969Mar 24, 2016Equipment. Some customers may complain about a rattle type noise coming from the rear of the vehicle when driving on rough roads. This may be caused by a loose spare tire jack.
• 10185968Mar 24, 2016Equipment, Electrical system. Some customers may complain about a blurry rear view monitor display. This may be caused by an aftermarket accessory device.

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