FalconMan

Hey Guys sorry for posting this here but I can't post anywhere else on the forums for some reason.... I got an 04 RX8 6 speed that I got recently in trade. Car had a locked up motor and sat for...about 6-7 years. Am working through all the bugs that I can while I save up $$$ for a new motor. Replacing the ECC Relay has fixed most of the issues so far. Starter will not engage with the key...but I can jump it if I remove the starter relay and use a jumper wire. Replaced the starter relay still no dice. So I get the old test light and start tracing it back I'm getting power at the relay from the Accesory fuse but I'm not getting any power at the Clutch switch or ECM Side traced it back up and find I'm not getting any power at the Clutch switch under the dash. Has anyone ran into this before? Or have any insight on it? Now there is a loose connector thats hanging between the Clutch switch and the brake light switch. This connector is identical to the Clutch switch connector but is smaller. Its not connected to anything and I can't seem to find where it goes....Anyone have any idea what that connector is supposed to go to?

Necoxus

There should be two clutch switches and they are very similar looking. One is depressed when the clutch pedal is in its resting position the other gets depressed when the pedal is pushed in, your issue is likely that the latter is missing. That is my best guess at least without seeing it myself. The switch that I believe your missing is solely used to complete the starter circuit, try jumping that connector and see if you can run the starter then.

FalconMan

Thanks Necoxus. I actually just put that switch in Wednsday and got the starter to work with the key finally. It was actually kinda hard finding the right one...all the aftermarket stores sell the ones for the 09 and up.. which are different had to end up getting one directly from Mazda. Now that all the electrics are sorted out its just a matter of time gathering up the cash to get the right engine.

Necoxus

No problem! I'm glad you were able to figure it out.

When you say that the engine is locked up, do you mean that it won't turn over at all? I'm curious because I didn't really know that was possible on a rotary. I suppose a coolant seal failure leading to rust welding? I think an apex or corner seal would just get blown apart and not be strong enough to lock the engine up.

FalconMan

Ya the car blew a water seal about 6 years ago and the PO parked it and used it for parts for his other RX8. The oil was full of water and locked it up. I got it for next to nothing. Replaced all the parts that were missing from a local picknpull, lights bumper, interior pieces [they had 3 complete automatic cars so no clutch switch] I still gotta buy a new Cat converter for it, PO drilled it full of holes for some reason. And all the other parts you replace when you swap an engine.

Necoxus

I'm happy to hear that you're resurrecting the car! Sounds like there won't be much even for a rebuild leftover from that engine. Depending on what your junkyard charges I believe that a lot of the four port engine parts can be used to build a six port engine (rotors, aluminum housings, etc).

If those automatics are six ports you can use those directly in your car, just by adding a pilot bearing and changing the flywheel (roughly). All depends on how much you want to gamble I suppose lol.

FalconMan

Yea I built an FC RX7 way back in the day and loved it till parts became hen's teeth then sold it. Ran across the RX8 and did some trading for it. As for the four port auto engines...I can get them for $125 a piece...but I'd still have to source some Irons.... My plan is to save up and buy a reman from one of the vendors. I had considered building one myself as I've done it before or even buy a used engine from a wrecked car just to get it going but most people around here are very very against anything that is not a pro built engine.

Necoxus

That is a good deal on those engines! I bought one from a junkyard for closer to $600, the donor car was wrecked and the engine was spotless, likely only installed a few thousand miles before the accident. We haven't fired it up yet but should be ready to do so soon, very excited because this will also be a proof of concept for a 4-Port auto to manual swap without changing the PCM.