540RX8

Newbie whose read about 100 "won't start" posts but haven't found one quite like my issue. Bought my neighbors 04 RX-8 with 78K miles. He was pretty meticulous with maintenance and had received the starter upgrade and replaced coil packs, plugs and oil change at 75K miles (oil done every 5K miles). Battery in car was 2 yrs old. We've put ~3K miles on car with no issues whatsoever. He warned about flooding issue but we've been careful to always let warm up before driving or shutting down. Drove to work and then returned home in the evening and all was well. Got in car 2 days later and key fob wouldn't unlock door. Opened manually and tried to start but got nothing. No lights, no starter "click", no dash lights, maintenance codes.....nothing. Replaced battery in fob and car. Terminals are squeaky clean and all connections tight. Went to unlock door with fob and no joy. Opened door manually and tried to start with no joy. No lights, no clicks, nothing. It's like there's not even a battery in the car! Tried pulling ignition and starter relay then reinserted with no change. Thanks in advance and sorry for another post like this!

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Check the fuses...Did you happen to short something out when you installed the new battery?

There is a 120amp main fuse that is on the side of the fuse box....likely it is blown

540RX8

It was dead before installing the new battery. I've checked the 120 & 30 amp fuzes in the driver's side (under hood) and all appear o.k. I've put a dozen batteries in over the years so feel pretty confident I followed procedures and noticed no sparks. Any other suggestions?

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Get a multimeter and see where you have power..... doesn't sound like you are getting power past the main fuse though. ..if nothing lights up in the car when you put in the key or open the foor

540RX8

Will do when I get home tomorrow. After reading all these threads about electrical & startup issues I'm very tempted to sell even after only having the car for 3 months! Guess I should have done more homework. Appreciate the help!

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

You have an 11year old car....it wont be perfect. A bit of love and you will figure it out
..

540RX8

Found the issue. Seems the 120A fuze was blown......just not in the middle. I popped he plastic see-through cap and it appears to actually fried lower than on the center section. How does this happen???? $6 fix. But man does it suck chasing electrical gremlins!

540RX8

The only thing now is the "DSC Off" indication on the dash keeps blinking and the dash button won't turn it on/off. Anybody have any ideas??

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Reset the sensor...turn wheel all the way left...then right...restart the car...should be gone

540RX8

Dood.......You da man! Thanks!

ftf1337

How's the car now OK?