A week ago I brought home my new RX-8, a 2005 GT pre-owned with 13k miles. It was a dealer demo.

Like any new RX-8 owner I can't resist opening it up every now and then, so last night when I had a few buddies in the car, we got on a long straightaway and topped it out well over 100. Then we turned around and tried it again. Then, when we went for one last run, when it hit around 65 the check engine light starting blinking, and the power dropped off. I immediately backed off, and the light turned off when it was back down around 40. I babied it to a gas station where I filled it up and checked the oil. I had put in a quart of Pennzoil 5W-30 (natural) earlier that day, and it was still at the fill line. I just let it sit for a while to cool off, drove it normally for about 10 miles home and it seemed to be alright.

Then today, checking to see if the problem persisted, I took it out on another country road and laid on the accelerator. The light came on around 80mph, blinked for a while, then turned off around 60. I did not experience the power drop-off. Tried it one more time, and it came on around 70mph and still remains on.

All the caps are secure, and the car is making no irregular rattles or noises. I suspect the electrical system. Anyone else have any ideas?

 

I should mention that it's the six-speed, and the light came on in third and fourth gear.

 

I go right back to the dealer and have them check it out. You just bought it, they shouldn't charge you to check it out.

Also, if I'm not mistaken the RX8 manual recommends 5W-20.

Good luck.

 

misfire- clean the plugs

 

Perhaps replace them?