I just bought an '04 RX8 yesterday (pretty hasty decision) and I noticed it is idling around 900RPM's. It is almost like is going to stall. I bought the car without doing my research and I hope I am not going to regret it. What normally causes them to idle low?

 

dont worry, thats how these cars idle =) right below the 1000rpm , my goes at 850-900

 

yep same here

 

mine idles just above 750rpms after its warmed up. So about 800rpms

 

It's not idling low mate, it's idling high!

You can't adjust it either......so relax.

 

Relax dont panic. Do you have the manual in the glove box? Is this your first rotary? We will help you through this.

 

Thanks to everyone for replying so fast. Any other advice you can lend on the proper upkeep is appreciated, the dealer go over anything.

 

Be sure you ALWAYS let the engine warm up. Don't start the car, move it 20 feet then kill the engine. Also after running the **** out of it run it easy for awhile and let it "cool down" before turning it off. Check your oil level every thousand miles (it's designed to use some oil)

Read the RX8 FAQ

 

I am going to disagree...if you car is idling low when completely warm this is going to hold true though the entire RMP range...therefor at hight rmps your engine when the last two ports should be opening there not until like 6k depending on how low your car is idling...mine was doing this and felt like it was going to stall when i was at WOT. Long story short my car was idling very lowat about 750 rpms adn the dealership reflashed my ecu and changes out the gauge pod....

 

1.To repeat a question above--Do you have the owner's manual?? If so, read it thoroughly.
2. Study the structure of this site--subforums for Tech issues, detailing, DIY, modifications, etc.
3. Find out how to use the "Search" to find information (there is a tremendous collection of it on here), then ask intelligent questions.
4. Find out if your car has the important recalls and TSBs already accomplished (your dealer can pull up the service history.
5. Always allow the engine plenty of warm-up (five minutes or so) before really thrashing it (above 5-6000 rpm.)
6. Never, ever, start her cold, run a few seconds, then shut 'er down.
7. Oil change every 3,000. 5W20 oil, either synthetic or dinosaur (you'll read lots of arguments on these points).
8. Watch the oil level (every two fill-ups) until you learn her oil consumption habits.
9. Regular maintenance and detailing.
10. Redline is meant to be hit regularly, daily if you can. High revving helps to purge carbon deposits from the chamber, ports, and seals.
"A buzzer a day keeps the carbon away".
11. Read this forum regularly.


ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY.



That's the key points.

P. P. S. at a cold start, idle is about 1500, drops quickly to 1200, then drops to 800-850 as the engine warms. Perfectly normal.

 

I have never joined a car club or posted on a forum but I am very impressed at how fast the replies come and how helpful they are. Thanks to everyone.

 

What he said.

 

Welcome aboard and enjoy your car. If you get bit by this rotory bug you will be hooked for life. Pay close attntion to the many threads that are in this forum. You will find that there is NO other source anywheare that has a better knowledge base than here. Play close attention to "RotrDoc's" post (#10) as it is very important.

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