I was wondering. Ive have my RX-8 since Jan. 1st and I love the car. Everything about it except one thing. Everytime that I go to start my car, it sounds like a really weak start-up. Sounds like it doesnt want to turn over for some reason. I know that the rotary is really cranky, but is it supposed to sound like this? I've allready had the sparks changed and it still starts that way, I dont know what the problem is, do they all start sounding really weak or is there something wrong with my 8??

Thanks

 

Check the battery. I haven't had any problems with mine yet (knock on wood), but people here have reported that the stock battery is weak in comparison to the 8's power needs. Also, depending on how long your car was sitting on the dealership lot, the battery could have lost a lot of its juice before you even bought your 8.

 

RX8's have a crap stock battery.

 

Yeah, I have the same problem. Sounds like it doesn't want to turn over at times, but it always does. I've just learned to deal with it. I didn't know about the battery thing, but when its time to get a new one, I will recheck how the car starts up.

 

Yea you can tell the battery is weak at night time when you have the lights on. When you turn the wheel the lights dim, and when you roll up the windows (even though they are already up) the lights dim again. Kinda sad.

 

Is there a service bulletin to replace the weak battery?

 

my lights don't dim when i turn the wheel (at least not that i've noticed). and lots of cars lights dim when you try to roll up windows that are already up. besides, isn't that connected to the altenator anyways (assuming the car is running).

also, wasn't there a TSB about the battery? maybe look into that if it bothers you or becomes a problem.

 

I haven't checked, but if there is, someone let me know--I'll be the first one in line at the dealership! I haven't had any problems, but if the battery is that much of a problem, then I'd hate to find out the hard way, when I'm stranded somewhere and can't get the car the start.

 

My battery is weak and sometimes takes a while for it to crank. I tried getting the dealership to get me a new battery stating this problem. The dealership tested my battery and it tested good(I have the results). Even though I want the upgraded battery, I am stuck with the weakling. Oh well.

 

I have a 600watt amp drawing power from it and I haven't had any problems. The only problem that if at idle and I have the stereo really cranked loud the lights will flicker with the beat of the bass but I don't have any problems starting or anything.

 

Just got mine replaced with the 640 CCA, under warranty. Dealer tested to see if "bad". It was.

 

Squeeky wheel gets the most grease..

 

How many amps would you guys suggest the battery be?

 

Original battery is 440 CCA. Replacement battery as recommended by Mazda is 640 CCA. See http:/www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/pdf/01-042-04-1429.pdf
New battery makes big difference in starting. Cranking sounds "serious" about starting the car, rather than the weak, lazy turnover before (sounding like it would barely "catch").

 

Got the 640 CCA battery for my 8's first Birthday , under warranty. :D

 

What is the target for this TSB? How do I know if my battery is 640 CCA or not?

Thanks in advance.