nonconfrontational

I'm not sure what the newest problem with my '04 rx8 is, and I wondered if anyone here has encountered this problem. I did a search and didn't find anything that sounded like this.

Today, my car seemingly shut itself off about seven times. It would blink off for a split second, then the radio would flash on - "mazda RX8" - and it would be running normal. It happened three or four times this morning in the city (I drive about 15 miles on the highway) on the way to work, when both I had both the clutch and the brake pushed in.

Then this evening it happened three more times within about ten minutes, the last two while I was trying to pull into a parking space. I was trying to turn the wheel and idle forward, and it became unresponsive just for a split second, then roared back to life.

Now I know that I'm not just being a crappy driver - I've been driving this thing almost two years and can work the clutch and brake simultaneously without stalling fairly well.

Any suggestions? I've had the engine replaced, and this is a completely different symptom from when my first engine failed.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Wow, that's kinda crazy!

I'd say you have an intermittent short across the battery positive or the alternator main.
Unfortunately, this isn't one of the type of problems that a Mazda tech will be very good at finding since it is an intermittent system failure, not a code-generating OBD-II thing.

9krpmrx8

iTrader: (46)

Okay. my thread may be completely unrelated but trust me, get the whole charging system cheked before you go anywhere else.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/help-i-have-array-warning-lights-129489/

rglbegl

Between MM's avatar, and 9krpm's siggy . . . . This thread is getting good

nonconfrontational

9k - Holy crap you have completely scared the sh*t out of me with your estimated repair costs!

I have an extended warranty but right now the 8 is sitting outside of my apartment because I had to work late and didn't get home until all the dealer service shops would have been closed.

I know that when this car is running smoothly (on the rare occasion that everything is working), I think it's worth all the problems.

But having to so frequently borrow/rent cars, and wondering whether or not my car will make it past every possible warranty loophole is a bit frustrating.

Have you guys had better luck with the newer models???

(my boyfriend can't believe I would even consider getting another one!)

architect

Have you checked your battery terminals for corrosion or leakage? Sounds like a battery issue. If it was the alternator, it wouldn't cut in and out.

nonconfrontational

I haven't checked anything. It was already dark out, and my boyfriend's parents have an extra car I knew I could take tomorrow for school and work. I just had no idea where to start, so I was looking for suggestions.

The battery was replaced about 4000 miles ago, but I'll take a look tomorrow. Any further helpful comments would be appreciated!!

Thanks!

swoope

iTrader: (5)

as they said, batt cables, and the ground cables.

this sounds more like a ? for the person that changed the engine.

beers