herbert

I popped the trunk last night but forgot to take stuff out of the trunk and consequently didn't shut it. I just noticed it still open tonight. So it's been open for about 24 hours (with the light on of course). Am I wise to purchase a charger and charge the battery before I try to start it up? I fear the battery may be too drained and I'll risk flooding otherwise.

Thanks for any help.

Detrich

i think u'll be ok. but, if u have time, i'd start it up and even drive it around for about 20 or so minutes to charge it up again. i forgot to slam my trunk too- for a week, actually, and i posted what happened... (i only have 2700 miles on my 8.)

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/trunk-light-dead-battery-93983/

herbert

Thanks. My battery certainly isn't dead. I'm just afraid it might not have enough juice to start the car up. If that's the case, then I'm assuming it'll likely flood. I'm going to take the cautious route and purchase a battery charger and recharge prior to starting it up. I do not want to see my car on a flatbed.

Detrich

it sounds like your car will start-up fine. if it doesn't, call mazda's roadside assistance # and they will send AAA over w/ a mobile charger pack w/ jumper cables and your car will start right up. (that's what they did for me.) it's about an hour wait time from the time you call. no need for a flat bed.

YT1300

Drive it around on the highway for 20-30 minutes, and the battery will be fine.

herbert

I ended up giving it a charge. I didn't want to risk trying to start the car with a weak battery. From what I understand (and I know very little about cars), that can lead to flooding, correct? That can happen with any car, not just the RX-8. So I gave it a charge. It drew 5 amps for about 90 minutes. It still wasn't fully charged but it started up fine. I may have been able to start it up without the charge but I'm a wimp and perhaps overly cautious when it comes to the RX-8. I drove it for about 40 minutes this morning so I'm sure it's all back to normal now. Now, I must do something about that bulb in the trunk !!

YT1300

The trunk bulb will probably be OK, too...