So iv been wanting an rx8 for years... had a plan to sell the bike and rx7 to pick up a minty one... instead stumbled upon this. It was stupid cheap... 96k kms, but has electrical issues.

Fires up goes strait into like limp mode. Smooth very slow revs to about 4000rpm... just about all the lights are on the dash. Theres no power steering, But no codes. Previous owner suspected water damage as windsheild was leaking. he said the alarm would go off, truck would pop by itsself. I have pulled all the connections i could get at and found a little team green but nothing too serious. Checked for draw .035 amps.. with no change after pulling all fuses

Anyone have any similar issues? Im suspecting a fried ecm. unfortunatly i cant just swap one. Any help would be appretiated.

 

Some code scanners can't read rotary-specific codes. The 4000rpm limp mode points to the OMP. It will throw codes but scanners don't recognize them. You may need Mazda to scan it, but to simplify things check the OMP wiring out. Bottom of front drivers side of the engine. Just within reach of hungry rodents

Fixing that might get you out of limp mode.
Thr ECU is under the hood, so I don't think the windshield leak would affect it. I think it's fine, if it was fried you'd have no ignition.

You want to make sure you read the sticky threads in the new member forum. Basics about how rx8s work and how to trouble shoot and prevent problems.

You pulled all the fuses under the hood and on both sides of the cabin?

 

Omp.. il check that out. And no just drivers side of cabin... didnt realize there was another set. rx8 newb has lots of reading to do haha.

Thanks allot

 

Are you from Quebec? You have headlight washer nozzles (so Canada) and no license plate on the front. Sounds a lot like Quebec :D

 

Nope... im in newfoundland haha

the omp definatly sounds like the issue.... any idea if power steering and the dash lights are associated?

This is exactly what it was doing before i started messing with it....
Now iv got a cyl 2 missfire... feels like shes just running on one... flooded im assuming....

 

Nope im in newfoundland!

So i found a short to ground... long set of 4 wires 2 patched into the ignition (spliced soldered and taped) one shot into ground one looks to be ran up near the radio. Has a small 4 wire plug on there. I chopped it out of there but no change in symtoms. Other then the short fixed.
anyone know what its for?


Also car is barely running now... pulled the air box and its full of oil.😣😣

 

Sounds like a lot of things.

For starters, some reading. The two threads in my signature are recommended.

Follow the OMP instructions. And, if you suspect the OMP, start premix now. Any of the offered ones, or motorcycle 2 stroke (higher temp that boat or lawn equipment) at 1 oz per gallon. Car may smoke, but you need the oil in there.

For the oil in the intake, it is usually from an oil over fill, or a crappy job putting oil in. Can also be from a ton of blow by, but I would go with an overfill. Clean it all out, clean the MAF, clean the air filter or replace.

The congrats thread has several other things to clean, I would do them as well.

There is a DIY for the power steering connector. Clean the connector under the air box, make and break the connector several times, then test.

That is a good starting point.

And, welcome.

 

Amyone know why i cant see my own posts?lol

i have read the stickys. Car was at a mazda dealer and purchased from a mazda tech. I have a strong feeling this is one issue causing a bunch of others. And something very uncommon

Thanks for the imput