Hey guys, sorry if this is in the wrong area, but I have a problem thats driving me insane. I was reading the forums, and hoping I could get some help since no mechanic can give me an answer.

A few months ago, I bought a 2004 RX-8, Automatic, with that optional manual shifter. It had 49k Miles on it. Drove out of state for it actually. Leesburg, VA, and I'm from Harrisburg, PA.

Anyway, about 40 minutes from the dealer, the check engine light flashed on, and I noticed that there was hesitation at anywhere between 4-5k rpms, when you punch the gas. Well the light went off. Called the dealer and told them, they told me to bring it back in. (Not a mazda dealer. A hyundai dealer) So Brought it back. A week later I drive back for this car, and now the engine didn't start. The car somehow flooded. We left it there again after them telling us they already replaced:

The engine mount
Coils
Plugs

They claim the next time to have fixed the fuel pump/filter.

Got the car back, and it was shifting much more smooth.

Occasionaly the check engine light STILL comes on when it's punched, and the acceleration is definitely sticking, untill it bucks into the next gear, and the check engine light flashes. The error that keeps coming up is Cylinder Misfire 1.

Any thoughts on what it COULD be? I'm getting disgusted by this misfire one, and this stupid check engine light ruining my day.

I would GREATLY appreciate any help I can get without going to a crooked dealer. (the crappy 3k mile warranty from that dealer is already up which in a way I'm thankful for so I don't have to deal with them anymore)

 

usually misfiring is plugs and coils.
slow acceleration could be clogged cat too.

 

I'm assuming so, but are all the tsb's up to date? If so, jason's on to something with the coils. Have em checked/replaced.

 

Guys....he said they replaced the coils.
However..........even new coils have been known to be bad unfortunately.
That's something that will have to be worked through to find out if one of the new ones is bad.
Hey, you didn't mention if they changed the plug wires. It could actually be that. I've seen that before. Not on my car, but with others. Maybe get them to try a new set of wires first! I've also seen this be a loose wire.............check all of them and make sure they snap at both ends when put on.


I do fear along with the others that your CAT may be going South, but that won't throw the flashing CEL.
If it does go, at least there is an 8 year 80k mile federally mandated warranty on that.

 

Thanks guys.

Gonna check all of that tomorrow.

The coils have been replaced more than once. It's really frustrating

 

Oh and where do we go for the federally mandated warranty if it is infact the CAT?

(new car owner lol)

 

is it hot? Mine is having the same issues but it has been 100 and humid out here. i replaced the coils packs and wires already (heater core?).

 

Mazda dealer.

You may want them to run a compression check. Low compression can cause misfires. You may also have carbon buildup, which can cause cels. Have them decarbon the engine.

 

Yeah it is pretty hot here right now.

I forgot to mention another CEL happened the other day. Said something about the evap emissions system. The car smells nasty of gas when you first start it, and when air comes into the car while driving.

 

Evap is most likely gas cap believe it or not. Did this happen after getting gas?

Take off the cap, clean it, and when putting it back on make sure you click it four to five times.

Ugh! The rest is sound more and more like a clogged CAT.....but compression test could also be in order. Any starting issues?

 

Yes! There are starting issues. Sometimes it sounds like the car almost chokes when it starts. It kind of hesitates sometimes with that too.


...Wow we may actually figure this out LOL

 

Catalytic converter. 'Nuff said.

 

i think its the cat too had pretty similar problems when mine went out

 

Engine is bad.

Cat is bad.

EVAP CEL could be a lot of things, small leak? large leak? or something else ?

u need to find that out

Tell your Hyundai Dealer to bring it to a Mazda dealer and tell them to check those things (Engine compression and CAT) don't go in yourself, make the Hyundai dealer pay for it, cuz it sounds like they know all these stuff b4 they sold u the car.

 

Just had mine replaced with that warrenty. I went to a mazda dealer. took about a week for the warrenty to get started but 1 day to fix and replace.

My friend with had the same issues you are having now... He kept having problems with the dealer not fixing the issue, after talking to me, he went back to mazda dealer and made them do compression tests, He not only got a new cat, he also got a new engine. Dealer kept telling him the compression was fine, i told him get the numbers when you go! lol

 

Well from what you guys are saying it sounds like it definitely is the CAT.

I got the car from a hyundai dealer with a 3,000 mile warranty on it. And I'm not dealing with them anymore (warranty is over, plus they were really shitty to deal with with the service)

There's no paperwork saying that theres an 80k warranty on the CAT. I just go to a Mazda dealer, and they can access the warranty?

 

There isnt paperwork on the cat warranty. Its FEDERALLY mandated a cat must last 8 years or 80K miles.

The dealer will submit the warranty claim to Mazda just like any other warranty claim. Nothing you have to do.

 

You could have an eccentric shaft position sensor problem.

 

Pay the diagnostic fee and have your local Mazda Dealer figure it out and tell you... There may be more money to be spent for a decarb if your cat isnt clogged. Hate to say it but it sounds like either a toasted cat or loss of compression (or both).

Best of luck, get that thing to a Mazda Dealer asap.

 

i have got the same issue

greddy kit
mm tune
changed plugs and coil in september 2010
no cat
cai
walbro 255

it was hesitating underload and there was a serious loss of power
recently i had a hard time keeping it on. the car kept on shutting off. talk to an "expert" they said most likely it is a foul plug. don't know will check in one hour.

 

quite a bump there

 

lol ya i am kinda late but never the less, very useful information

 

it was a f'ed up clamp on the hose attached to the fuel pump. need to get a better clamp. will update soon

 

really? you think that your car has the same issue as the stock used 2004 AT that started this thread?

 

@ zoom