SimplyChip

So put simply, when I turn the ignition switch to the "ON" position, my car makes a series of high pitched whiny noises (like the sound of something accelerating). I've attached a short video clip for your reference. As you will see, it does it 2-3 times upon turning the ignition switch to the "ON" position. The same sound is also produced when I turn the ignition switch to "OFF". I have attached a short video clip of this as well. The only difference is that it only makes the sound 1 individual time rather than multiple times like in the first video clip.

It is a 2006 RX8 with an auto transmission. Engine was replaced about 1,000 miles ago so it's essentially brand new.

It also may be worth mentioning that my A/C has not worked for some time. I had the Climate Control Unit replaced a few months ago and ever since then, my A/C has not worked. I've been thinking it may not have been installed correctly and that I may be dealing with some sort of wiring issue. There have been a few instances where it has stalled while driving when in an idle position. This does not seem to happen if I do not use the A/C.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Chip

Loki

iTrader: (1)

That's your air pump. It runs until the cat warms up. If the bearings have gone, it might be more apparent than originally.

SimplyChip

Well since it just started happening a few days ago, and had never done it before that, it’s probably an issue that requires something being repaired/replaced right?

Also, could it be related to my A/C not working and my car occasionally stalling while idle?

Loki

iTrader: (1)

That's what I'm saying, the noise is the air pump, its in front of the windshield washer reservoir. The reason why it's noisy now might be interesting, but one way or another the fix is the replace it. It doesn't sound like the bearings have fully gone, it's not grinding or whining, but nothing else in there makes that noise. You can confirm but finding where the sound is coming from which we can't do over video. Get in there check for any obvious open or cracked hoses where sound and air could be escaping.

It wouldn't cause stalling or A/C problems, these are unrelated systems. The air pump turns off after 30-60 seconds and is not used while driving.

For the stalling problems, there are a few possible causes.. vacuum leak, ignition failure, poor intake design, oil on the MAF. Do you have OBD codes? Those would point the way. If not, OBD data for fuel trims and airflow at idle would be good to check. You can google how to do all that.

The engine being brand new might have something to do with it. Was the ignition replaced with the engine, and was the catalytic converter inspected? It's fairly common to mix up fuel injector wiring when installing an engine, was the install done by a rotary professional?

What were the symptoms before the engine change?

Last note: the throttle body will make a bunch of robotic whirring noises when you turn the car on and off, this is normal. The computer runs diagnostics this way. But they don't sound like a vacuum or last a long time.

SimplyChip

So in regards to your question regarding the ignition, I don't believe that was replaced at the same time the engine was (which was installed by a professional). I think you may be on to something there though because interestingly, when the engine is warm and I turn the ignition to the "ON" position, I hear clicking noises coming from the fuse box. The air flow noises don't seem to take place if the engine is warm. Perhaps it is an ignition relay or something?

Another thing I would like to mention regarding the noises....

They occur when I set the ignition to the "ON" position and ALSO when the ignition is put back in "ACC" or "OFF".

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Yes this all makes sense. The air pump won't run if the cat is already hot, which it is for a while after shutting off the car. Its only purpose is to warm up a cold cat.

Clicking noises from the fusebox would be relays which is normal if it's occasional. What you dont is a fast rattle. Ignition is a totally separate set of devices and problems but long story short you want to change ignition coils, wires and spark plugs every 25k miles or so. Failing to do so risks killing cats and engines. Which js why I was asking what prompted the engine change in the first place, you don't want the killer to still be in the car.

As mentioned above various clicks and whirrs from the throttle body when starting or stopping the engine are normal.

SimplyChip

Thank you for all the information, I really appreciate it. I dropped my car off at my Mazda dealership for them to take a look at tomorrow. Once they get back to me with their assessment, I will reply back here just to see what your take on their diagnosis is (if you don't mind, of course).

SimplyChip

So Mazda took a look at it and they aren't concerned. They said it was just pre ignition stuff going on and since there is no check engine light and the car is functioning perfectly fine, they aren't worried about it at the moment.

Would you be comfortable with this assessment?

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Yep that makes sense. I'm not there with the car, but based on the info in this thread it tracks for the noises. What about A/C, stalling and your air pump sound concerns?

That said, you still want to make sure your ignition is up to date. That's one thing you don't wait for check engine light to tell you there's a problem. There's some good background on all things maintenance at rx8help.com.