i have some trouble quite often on my 8(only 1300 miles) when i start it if the engine is already warm. itll usually take it about 2-3 seconds for it to get going. however, i have hardly no problems starting the engine when it is cold. is this a battery issue, spark plug or what? is it even normal?

 

i think i've read that once the engine is warm, the oil is thinner. that makes it a bit harder to create a seal with the oil so it takes a little more cranking to get the engine going.

 

Leave the key in ON for a while before you crank

 

Not normal.

My new '05 with the same mileage starts instantly, warm or cold.

Sounds like a rich fuel issue, rather than a spark plug, battery, or starter issue, since you have no problems on cold starts.

You should take it in and have the dealership diagnose it.

 

Agreed

 

I haven't had this problem, but I'm still curious: what does leaving the key on before cranking do?

 

I won’t claim to be an expert as I’ve just had my 8 for over a week now, but logically speaking the key being in the ‘on’ position will sort of acts as a primer to starting the vehicle. The only example I can think of off the top of my head is starting a lawnmower engine. I do know that my ZX2 had similar problems, when the fuel filter got clogged, though that was when ever I tried to start the car.

 

2-3 seconds is not bad at all. Once in a while it takes me 5+ seconds to get her going but the 04s have a weaker battery and starter.

 

my 05 fires up instantly 99% of the time, every once in a while, if the car is warmed up (from a hard drive) it will crank for about 3 secs, but never when cold.

There is nothing wrong with the car IMO

 

another guy who posts here and over on Edmunds posted that he had the same problem on his 05 when it was warm. He suggested the same thing worked - turn the key on until the radio "keys up" and then start it. Much easier start.

That must be an 05 thing, I don't notice it at all on my 04.

 

its called "initializing or initialising depending if i used an s or z that particular post

ps if you're new click the underlined words and read the posts they link to

 

I had the same problem with my '04. When I took it to the dealer for the recalls, I had them check the battery which failed the test and was replaced under warranty. It starts much better now.

 

Yes this car likes to have the key in the on position for a second or two for some reason.

 

ok, thanks a lot, ill try leaving the key on for a couple of seconds for i crank it up. otherwise, ill see what the dealer has to say.
thanks

 

There are many reasons for the key-on delay. The port valves go through a cycle to ensure they work/clean them out. The fuel pump has to build up pressure. The PCM has to initilize (there's that spelling thing again).

If the fuel pump hasn't built up full pressure in the fuel rails, it's possible there would be fuel vapour bubbles in there, and that would almost shut off fuel delivery.

Your patience will be rewarded, grasshopper!

 

It Could Also Be Misfiring. The Dealer May Have To Flash The Computer. Plug Could Be Bad. There Are A Lot Of Things It Could Be.

 

i always heard of this problem related to cold starts. anyways, the time is right where you can take it to the delaer and say your having problems starting it up. they have a upgrade out for rx8's to replace the starter, battery and spark plugs. i got mine replaced when the car engine flooded the other night. it starts up like a charm almost instantly now whereas before i was experiencing issues related to what you described.

good luck.