Problems with my 8, anyone else have them?
03-22-2004 | 06:48 PM
#1
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Problems with my 8, anyone else have them?
Well, my CEL lit up today, after the last two weeks of the car barely starting each time. I find myself having to rev the engine to get the damn car to start. So, I went to the dealer; and my service ace told me that they never installed the new "hotter firing" spark plugs that the other dealer was installing on their cars. So, my salesman lied to me about the plugs. BUT, I have other issues.
My questions to all RX-8 owners are...
Is this engine suited for winter driving?
Will my vehicle always go through not starting up, and sometimes having to be revved to start.
What is this "vehicle flooding" info about?
I came from a '04 Saab 9-3 that was a lemon, becuase the engine didn't start frequently, and was towed 9 times in 2 months. Is this car prone to doing this in the cold winter climates of Michigan???
Is there any more info on problems with this engine not starting, and lighting a CEL??
I am very gracious to everyone who gives me input on this. I have taken all aftermarket parts off, because I am ready to have yet another lemon. (this would be my 3rd lemon in 6 months).
I have bad luck,
Troy J.
My questions to all RX-8 owners are...
Is this engine suited for winter driving?
Will my vehicle always go through not starting up, and sometimes having to be revved to start.
What is this "vehicle flooding" info about?
I came from a '04 Saab 9-3 that was a lemon, becuase the engine didn't start frequently, and was towed 9 times in 2 months. Is this car prone to doing this in the cold winter climates of Michigan???
Is there any more info on problems with this engine not starting, and lighting a CEL??
I am very gracious to everyone who gives me input on this. I have taken all aftermarket parts off, because I am ready to have yet another lemon. (this would be my 3rd lemon in 6 months).
I have bad luck,
Troy J.
03-22-2004 | 06:56 PM
#3
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From: portland oregon
leave the k&n intake off for awhile and see if you have any more problems. make sure the stock intake goes back on correctly. people who had that intake have had various problems linked to the MAF. perhaps whoever installed the k&n intake did not properly screen and/or position the MAF. what did the service person say the code was that lit the CEL.
03-22-2004 | 07:53 PM
#5
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Troy-
It's definitely not the winter- there are plenty of RX-8's running around Canada and the northern US as daily drivers. You shouldn't have to touch the accelerator before, during or after starting the car (until you're ready to drive it of course). It sounds a bit like your plugs are slightly fouled- what are your driving habits like? i.e. Do you shift and/or cruise at low RPM's? How often do you really wind the motor out (8-9k RPM)?
If the answer to that last one is rarely, then I would suspect you could use new plugs. I would first try to burn that crap off 'em with several redline runs and see if it helps. Only once I felt a slightly rough idle, and after a redlining through first and second it was fine again.
My $.02
-Sean
It's definitely not the winter- there are plenty of RX-8's running around Canada and the northern US as daily drivers. You shouldn't have to touch the accelerator before, during or after starting the car (until you're ready to drive it of course). It sounds a bit like your plugs are slightly fouled- what are your driving habits like? i.e. Do you shift and/or cruise at low RPM's? How often do you really wind the motor out (8-9k RPM)?
If the answer to that last one is rarely, then I would suspect you could use new plugs. I would first try to burn that crap off 'em with several redline runs and see if it helps. Only once I felt a slightly rough idle, and after a redlining through first and second it was fine again.
My $.02
-Sean
03-22-2004 | 08:40 PM
#7
Int-X 293WHP 242TQ :)
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Omaha, NE
Troy -- have you gotten the "L" flash yet? I would occasionally have to really crank it to get it started when the temp was very cold -- since I got the "L" it has fired up with no issues. Have you tried doing the ECU reset operation to clear out what has been "learned"?
03-22-2004 | 08:53 PM
#8
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I haven't gotten any reflash. I have owned the car for 4 weeks tommorow. My dad is going to have a meeting with them tommorow, to discuss this vehicle, and what we are going to do with it. I am very cautious about cars, because if it is crappy already; it has a strong possibility to be a lemon. Just like my last 2 lemons.
Troy J.
Troy J.
03-22-2004 | 09:13 PM
#9
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Originally posted by JeupRX-8
I haven't gotten any reflash. I have owned the car for 4 weeks tommorow. My dad is going to have a meeting with them tommorow, to discuss this vehicle, and what we are going to do with it. I am very cautious about cars, because if it is crappy already; it has a strong possibility to be a lemon. Just like my last 2 lemons.
Troy J.
I haven't gotten any reflash. I have owned the car for 4 weeks tommorow. My dad is going to have a meeting with them tommorow, to discuss this vehicle, and what we are going to do with it. I am very cautious about cars, because if it is crappy already; it has a strong possibility to be a lemon. Just like my last 2 lemons.
Troy J.
Seriously though - get it flashed, and have them at least check the plugs. Hopefully the CEL code will also shed some light on things... maybe a misfire from the plugs.
03-22-2004 | 11:33 PM
#10
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Vancouver, Canada
Follow Zomm44's advice, take off the intake and see if your problems disappear. Many on this board have had similar problems arise after making that mod.
BTW our 8 runs year round here in Canada and I have never had to touch the accelerator to light 'er up. My guess is that all of these probs may be related to the intake. Let us know. Good luck.
BTW our 8 runs year round here in Canada and I have never had to touch the accelerator to light 'er up. My guess is that all of these probs may be related to the intake. Let us know. Good luck.
03-23-2004 | 01:21 AM
#11
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From: Thousand Oaks, CA
like someone said on another post, i like to rev my engine up to like 5,000 rpms and then wait about 10 seconds and then turn it off. It actually starts a lot better i was surprised when i tried it, but my friends think i am really weird when i do it hehe.
03-23-2004 | 03:53 AM
#12
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Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Atlanta Ga
3 Lemmons?
Is the same person installing the upgrades on all your cars? If I was on my 3rd car because my last two were "lemmons" I would be dammed if I was going to start slapping mods on before I even broke the engine in.
Good luck with your 8 but I find the number of problems you have had with all your cars......suspect.
Good luck with your 8 but I find the number of problems you have had with all your cars......suspect.
03-23-2004 | 07:54 AM
#13
What's next?
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From: SE Mass
Not really familiar with the 8's yet... I know one thing that's helped on cold morning with various Fuel Injected cars is to turn the key to the on position and wait 2 or 3 seconds for the fuel pump (you can hear it in some cars) to send fuel/pressurize the system and THEN try turning it over.
This way you're not trying to start it immediately with not much fuel readily available.
YMMV... but I used to have problems in cars that sat in 0 degree weather... once I started witing 2 second for fuel to be delivered... within 2 cranks the car is purring like a kitten.
This way you're not trying to start it immediately with not much fuel readily available.
YMMV... but I used to have problems in cars that sat in 0 degree weather... once I started witing 2 second for fuel to be delivered... within 2 cranks the car is purring like a kitten.
03-23-2004 | 09:09 AM
#14
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Originally posted by Imp
Not really familiar with the 8's yet... I know one thing that's helped on cold morning with various Fuel Injected cars is to turn the key to the on position and wait 2 or 3 seconds for the fuel pump (you can hear it in some cars) to send fuel/pressurize the system and THEN try turning it over.
This way you're not trying to start it immediately with not much fuel readily available.
YMMV... but I used to have problems in cars that sat in 0 degree weather... once I started witing 2 second for fuel to be delivered... within 2 cranks the car is purring like a kitten.
Not really familiar with the 8's yet... I know one thing that's helped on cold morning with various Fuel Injected cars is to turn the key to the on position and wait 2 or 3 seconds for the fuel pump (you can hear it in some cars) to send fuel/pressurize the system and THEN try turning it over.
This way you're not trying to start it immediately with not much fuel readily available.
YMMV... but I used to have problems in cars that sat in 0 degree weather... once I started witing 2 second for fuel to be delivered... within 2 cranks the car is purring like a kitten.
03-23-2004 | 10:11 AM
#15
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The last 2 vehicles had problems that were out of my control.
My '04 Saab 9-3 had ECU malfunctions left and right.
My '03 Hyundai Tiburon had transmission problems; the gears didn't catch, it was an automatic.
My dad's 745i was a lemon, and he replaced it with a '04 745i.
These are all problems that can't be produced by the user.
Troy J.
My '04 Saab 9-3 had ECU malfunctions left and right.
My '03 Hyundai Tiburon had transmission problems; the gears didn't catch, it was an automatic.
My dad's 745i was a lemon, and he replaced it with a '04 745i.
These are all problems that can't be produced by the user.
Troy J.
03-23-2004 | 12:04 PM
#16
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From: Alaska
Lemons do exist.
For me it has only been VW and Audi.
Now, I will never buy their products again.
I've purchased several new makes and the only problem cars were the Audi allroad and the VW Golf.
These were all good:
Acura Integra
Toyota Tacoma
Land Rover Discovery II
Audi A4
Mazda Miata
Subaru Impreza RS
I am hoping my RX8 falls into the "good" column.
For me it has only been VW and Audi.
Now, I will never buy their products again.
I've purchased several new makes and the only problem cars were the Audi allroad and the VW Golf.
These were all good:
Acura Integra
Toyota Tacoma
Land Rover Discovery II
Audi A4
Mazda Miata
Subaru Impreza RS
I am hoping my RX8 falls into the "good" column.
03-23-2004 | 02:57 PM
#17
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Uh, let me see if I understand you correctly. you've had the car four weeks, you beat the **** out of it and it has some aftermarket parts on it. You've also had problems with three other new cars. Maybe it's not the cars.
03-23-2004 | 04:11 PM
#18
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I have no aftermarket products that were on the engine. I have yet to install by BB midpipe, and the KN filter. Just interior, exterior looks. 
The problems with all of our cars, have been problems with computers; I guess we have bad luck? But, what do ya do?
My dad has talked to the owner of the dealership. We have realized that we were lied to regarding this vehicle, the new spark plugs were never installed, and they told us that this vehicle was great in the winter. I am very agrivated about this, but I don't want to jump the gun on anything yet. The CEL is still lit, and will be until I bring it into the dealer. They have no clue what it is, but they said that if the CEL blinks rappidly, stop & have it towed. Great advice??
Of all the cars we have owned in the last 2 years, the 575 Maranello, and my mom's BMW X5 are the only cars that have been "runners". The rest have sucked, and my 8 is looking to go into that direction. I may just have the dealer take this back & get a 350Z, or I will keep this and hope for it to be a good car, and good in the winter (running every day, and not stalling).
Only time will tell,
Troy J.
The problems with all of our cars, have been problems with computers; I guess we have bad luck? But, what do ya do? My dad has talked to the owner of the dealership. We have realized that we were lied to regarding this vehicle, the new spark plugs were never installed, and they told us that this vehicle was great in the winter. I am very agrivated about this, but I don't want to jump the gun on anything yet. The CEL is still lit, and will be until I bring it into the dealer. They have no clue what it is, but they said that if the CEL blinks rappidly, stop & have it towed. Great advice??
Of all the cars we have owned in the last 2 years, the 575 Maranello, and my mom's BMW X5 are the only cars that have been "runners". The rest have sucked, and my 8 is looking to go into that direction. I may just have the dealer take this back & get a 350Z, or I will keep this and hope for it to be a good car, and good in the winter (running every day, and not stalling).
Only time will tell,
Troy J.
03-23-2004 | 09:44 PM
#19
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From: SE Mass
Yes. If it blinks, then have it towed. Perfect advice.
Basically, a 'Check Engine Light' monitors your OBD-II programming on any modern car. All makes are required to have it for emissions, and various other 'checks' (there's hundreds of codes that a light can come on for). If it is solid steady, something that can effect emisisons will have the light engage. Get the car to a dealer or authorized repair facility As soon as convenient.
If there's something seriously wrong with the car, it'll blink. Pull over (where safe to do so) and call someone to come get the car. But then again, you'd probably feel it too... the car would be sluggish, or stalling. A flashing CE light will cause the car to go in "Limp mode" and shouldn't leave you stranded.... it'll only have about 1/2 the power....
I thought OBD-II and the Check Engine light would have been covered in your drivers manual... did you get one of those?
--KC
Basically, a 'Check Engine Light' monitors your OBD-II programming on any modern car. All makes are required to have it for emissions, and various other 'checks' (there's hundreds of codes that a light can come on for). If it is solid steady, something that can effect emisisons will have the light engage. Get the car to a dealer or authorized repair facility As soon as convenient.
If there's something seriously wrong with the car, it'll blink. Pull over (where safe to do so) and call someone to come get the car. But then again, you'd probably feel it too... the car would be sluggish, or stalling. A flashing CE light will cause the car to go in "Limp mode" and shouldn't leave you stranded.... it'll only have about 1/2 the power....
I thought OBD-II and the Check Engine light would have been covered in your drivers manual... did you get one of those?
--KC
03-24-2004 | 01:52 AM
#21
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From: Atlanta Ga
I am not bashing the 350Z. I know there are a lot of you 350 owners here but a friend at work was telling me about his dad's 350 and said the the driver seat clicks when turning sharp left. Like it is loose and it slides into place almost. They also over tourqued something on the rear axle and it messed up the camber of the tires and caused the uneven wear on the rear tires. The dealer has been less than helpful fixing it. I know there are bad dealers just like lemmon cars (thankfully, for us anyway, the Jeup's seem to keep buying them all up ). Anyway this was posted more for the people that keep thinking the grass is so much greener on the other side of the fence.
). Anyway this was posted more for the people that keep thinking the grass is so much greener on the other side of the fence.
Last edited by KrustyKlown; 03-24-2004 at 02:10 AM.
03-24-2004 | 10:35 AM
#22
Mmmmm... Rotary Donut
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Lake in the Hills, IL (NW Chicago Burbs)
Until you've had the dealer check the CEL and plug condition, I think you're jumping the gun on labeling your '8 a lemon. As I said earlier, it might be something as simple as fouled plugs causing misfires to light the CEL- not the end of the world.
I don't understand why your dad is going into the dealer talk to them, but you're not bringing the car in to get checked out. Many of us of had CEL's- some of them legit, some of them were from bugs in the previous PCM code- it's something you're going to run into with a first year car. I certainly didn't start crying 'lemon' when my CEL lit... I took it to the dealer to get checked out.
I don't understand why your dad is going into the dealer talk to them, but you're not bringing the car in to get checked out. Many of us of had CEL's- some of them legit, some of them were from bugs in the previous PCM code- it's something you're going to run into with a first year car. I certainly didn't start crying 'lemon' when my CEL lit... I took it to the dealer to get checked out.
03-24-2004 | 10:05 PM
#23
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We are getting the plugs replaced becuase they told us that they were on when we bought the car, and they weren't. As far as us going in to talk to them, it is to get out of the car. I am going to get a 350Z, because I have read of too many problems with this car, especailly in the winter. This engine is too tempermental for me, and the car is too slow. I have an auto, which has no tuning potential; and if a car is already having problems, I know its going to lead to more becuase I we have had 3 lemons in 1-1/2 years. You can just tell when a car is a jilape.
Troy J.
Troy J.
03-24-2004 | 10:14 PM
#24
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From: Calgary, AB
Originally posted by JeupRX-8
I am going to get a 350Z, because I have read of too many problems with this car, especailly in the winter. This engine is too tempermental for me, and the car is too slow. I have an auto, which has no tuning potential
I am going to get a 350Z, because I have read of too many problems with this car, especailly in the winter. This engine is too tempermental for me, and the car is too slow. I have an auto, which has no tuning potential
I don't know of what winter problems you're referring to with the RX-8 - be aware that any 350Z is also going to require separate winter tires, like the RX-8. Lots of us Canadians have been driving our 8s all winter with no problems. The engine isn't temperamental beyond the need to let it warm up for 3 minutes before shutting it off, and we could have told you right off that the auto was slow (note the auto, not the car). If your dad wouldn't let you get a 6 speed because it was too fast - why would he let you get a 350Z auto???
Methinks you're over-reacting. Then again, your daddy obviously has big bucks and is willing to spoil you - take advantage while you can.
Regards,
Gordon
03-24-2004 | 10:28 PM
#25
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My ol' man didn't let me get a manual. That is the only thing, not the fact that the car is fast or not. He lets me drive his Ferrari 575 Maranello, that is fast! The Z isn't that fast, nor is the RX-8. He just wants me to buy an auto, becuase I eat and talk on the cell a lot.
In regards to the Z, my best friend has one and he has had no problems with it. But, I am also getting a second year model and not a first year model like the last 3 of my cars. My dad's second year BMW 745i is 100% better than his 2003 745i lemon. I will never buy a first year of a model ever again. I know you have to buy winter tires with the 8, we have like 3 sets to 3 differant cars up in our storage. The dealership had 3 dead cars that would start because of the cold in Michigan, and I don't want to be stranded anywhere, I don't even want to have a slight chance at being stranded. I had too much of a crappy time dealing with my 2004 Saab 9-3 Turbo being towed in last winter 9 times for the engine not starting.
Troy J.
In regards to the Z, my best friend has one and he has had no problems with it. But, I am also getting a second year model and not a first year model like the last 3 of my cars. My dad's second year BMW 745i is 100% better than his 2003 745i lemon. I will never buy a first year of a model ever again. I know you have to buy winter tires with the 8, we have like 3 sets to 3 differant cars up in our storage. The dealership had 3 dead cars that would start because of the cold in Michigan, and I don't want to be stranded anywhere, I don't even want to have a slight chance at being stranded. I had too much of a crappy time dealing with my 2004 Saab 9-3 Turbo being towed in last winter 9 times for the engine not starting.
Troy J.