If the car was manufactured after 3/05 all the upgrades are installed. Again this helps the flooding problem a lot but the car can still flood so follow procedures.

 

If it floods, just press the gas pedal to the floor to activate the choke...hold it down and turn the motor over for 8-10 sec...then try to start it, repeat if needed. That's all, I've never had to go to the dealership for them to do that for me...

 

My car went from around those numbers to maintaining about 20mpg in mixed city/highway (though mostly city) after getting everything upgraded. I have an 04 with the newest flash, upgraded starter, plugs and battery. If you get all that done before you buy, you'll be fine as far as flooding goes and you'll probably actually get some pretty decent gas mileage as far as our cars go too. Good luck with the decision!

 

Thank you for pointing this out. I've got a friend who's flooded her Solara three times. And everytime I say this, I get ignored.

 

I wish you weren't so jealous of how funny I am.

 

Hahaha

 

Mine is MIA too!

 

Ok, so let me get this straight. What updates does the 2005 have? New starter. spark plugs, battery, and all the recalled things on the 2004?
I just found a few good deals on 2005s, so I am still deciding. Haven't had a chance to go and test drive a 2005 or 6speed yet, hoping I can get to it. I've been looking at some other cars too, so that's why the problems with the RX-8s turned me off. I wish it had more torque, too. I spend a lot of time on the highway, so isn't the gas mileage about average or a little lower for that type of car when driving on the highway? I like BMWs too, so that's about the only other thing I have really thought about. The BMWs I have been looking at have a lot of torque and better gas mileage too. It's hard to decide...but you guys are making me want the RX! I understand that all cars flood too.
Thanks for your help. All help is needed, so anything else is great.

 

There has been no recall on this issue, however there is a Service Buttletin used for repairing cars that have flooded or have had problems starting (see http://www.finishlineperformance.com...4-05-1448e.pdf).

In terms of what needs to be done to your car, you need to check the build date of the car you are getting. There are 4 changes that Mazda has implemented to address flooding:

- Updated Engine Control Unit firmware often referred to as an ECU or PCM flash. The exact level (M, N, etc) doesn't matter, you just want them to update you car to the latest level. If you have had all the RX-8 recalls done then this has been done.

- 640 CCA battery. Comes standard on all RX-8s built after 6/1/2004.

- Upgraded starter. Comes standard on all RX-8s built after 12/1/2004.

- Improved leading spark plugs. Comes standard on all RX-8s built after 3/22/2005.


Basic information:

In general, the AT seems to be more prone to flooding but this issue varies from individual car to car. Some people consistently flood, some people never do. The typical flood is starting the car, backing out of the garage, turn the car off and not trying to restart until the next day. In general stalling after starting doesn't cause a flood but there are a few reports of that happening. The above improvements appear to dramatically reduce the chance of a flood (almost eliminates). However, Mazda still recommends the following procedure if the engine engine has not fully warmed up:

- let the car warm to normal operating temp or for 5 minutes
- rev to 3K for 10 seconds
- let go back to idle
- shut off.

There is extended debate on this forum as to whether to shut off while the engine is winding down from 3K. Do a SEARCH, if you are interested in details.

If your engine has warmed up then no special action is needed.

Bottom line, its not really much of an issue if you get the updates and you are a little careful about cutting the car off cold.