I am new to this rx8 thing. Just purchased a 04 RX gt. Rides great in good condition, only issue is it seems to have a slow turnover from being turned off to stsrting vehicle. Once started runs great. Just wondering if this is a common thing or if it should get looked at. Turning the ignition is held for about 2 to 3 seconds. Used to 94 bmw that as soon as you turn key the car would fire up. Any info would be great. Just passed MD inspection.

 

the 04 has the 'old' starter. They eventually started upgrading them but since you're most likely out of warranty, you might be stuck with that one.
In other words: It's normal for 04's who never got the upgrade, it shouldn't be an issue though.

 

might have a low battery as well. But Jedi is probably correct...

 

Jedi is right! the 04 starters are WEAK!! get the starter replaced and you'll be back to normal!

 

^+1
new starter came with a bigger battery also

 

Awesome thanks guys. Makes me sleep a little better. I'll look into the upgrade, but at least I know its nothing major.

 

glad I could help gRayf8x. Here's the upgraded starter (unfortunately they're not very cost effective)
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...cat=338&page=2

You might also want to check with Paul over at Mazmart (they're a forum vendor, you can find them at the top of the home page). He might have one lying around that he could send you for less.

As long as you can live with the starter, you should be fine. A buddy of mine has an 04 with the original starter, he's at over 60k on his car and he's had no problems. When you replace your car battery, just get something with more cranking power and you should be good.

 

yup it was a recall. starter was crap. luck i was covered and got taken care of.

 

not a recall, it was a TSB.
Recall = mandatory
TSB = recommended for cars under warranty who exhibit the symptoms described in the Bulletin.

 

Well that's good to know all this stuff, forum thing is pretty cool. So thanks again guys. I'll look into it, and let you know if it gets fixed, may just live with it for now.

 

Mazmart has them listed at 305 compared to 350 some places, so thats a good heads up. Appreciate it.

 

305 compared to 350? are you talking about prices?

 

yes, prices.

 

I just wanted to add my input to this because I have an 04 and I am having a similar issue. Sometimes it takes a few cranks 2 to 3 and then other times it just starts right up. If I drove it and its warm I have no start up issues most of the time. If its cold it normaly takes longer....sometimes.


I replaced my air filter and it seems to be better, not sure how long the old filter was in it, but it was dirty. Over all starts seem to be much better, I have been using a fuel injector cleaner just dropped another bottle in today. My new spark plugs just came in the mail, after I attempt to install them I will let you know how the starts are.

PS I have a refurb engine soooo I dont know if it has the 04 starter. Its got just under 70k on it.

 

A battery with more cranking amps helps immensely. I am still on the old starter and it was the difference in night and day when I put in a bigger battery.

 

Agreed, I recently installed an Optima Yellow Top, and it starts in 1 second.

 

I had the new starter and battery put in my 04 not long ago after increasingly hard starting and a flood.

It's a revelation and like night and day. It fires almost before you've turned the key and with a hell of a lot more urgency.

Not cheap but I feel a lot more confident the car is going to start without any hassles.

 

My 2004 sounds like an old man gasping for air with its old starter so my brother says.

Heeegagagaga

 

^

 

Try replacing the coils... that fixed my starting problem that I had for a couple years! not to mention smoothing th idle and giving me a crap load of power back that I did'nt know was gone :P.... its only like 100 bucks and its by far worth it if they are over 50k. Im still running the 04 starter but the coils made all the difference.
coils go bad but dont always have total failure. I was in the "partial" dead coil group for years! so give it a shot. at worst it wont hurt you

 

Cool, thanks again for all the tips, going to start with the battery and go from there.

 

So I finaly got around to changing my plugs. The car seems to idle a bit better I wont know till it gets cold again. The starts didnt really change at all, some times 2 cranks sometimes 3 who knows. Maybe I will get a new bat soon, more money into the rx8 jar.....

 

Good luck and thanks for keeping us updated.