http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMHfLk1i-XA
I've posted a youtube video of my dashboard during startup with audio.

Last week I flooded my 2004 RX8 (manual, 80,000kms, CompuSTAR 2W8000FMR starter/alarm, most recent flash, upgraded Mazda starter via warranty). I live in Ontario, Canada and it was starting to get cold. Moved my RX8 from visitors parking to my permanent spot (only have outdoor surface parking) and flooded the engine.

Attempted to perform the de-flooding procedures per https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=182410&highlight=DEFLOODING

Had my friend boost my car (to save my battery), made it to step 7 and came very close to starting the car – felt like I was making progress. Went back to step 4 and repeated the process – couldn’t get the car to start. Repeated process again without any luck. On my last try, I removed the jumper cables, reconnected the fuel pump fuse and re-attached the air pump connector and cranked the engine. Then some light grey smoke started coming out from the driver’s side of the hood – I really should have stopped cranking the engine but I didn’t. I cranked it again and some more smoke came out (just a small pouf of smoke – maybe 3 second duration). While I was cranking it, the battery seemed to be dying.

That’s as far as I got with the deflooding procedures. My battery is only a year old – but I figured it was probably dead. Took it to PartSource and they tested it and recharged it fully. They said it’s in good working condition. So I’ve ruled out that the battery needs to be replaced.

Tried to crank my engine again (no boost, fuel pump fuse and air pump attached) and now my engine is making a funny noise and doesn’t turn over at all – please watch and listen to the attached video. I did my best to capture the sound of my engine when trying to start it.

Can anyone please help me figure out what could have went wrong and how I should proceed next? Since I live in a condo with outdoor parking, it’s very hard to get to my spark plugs cause I’m boxed in by other cars.

Is it possible that I blew a fuse? Interior lights, radio, windows, keyfob are all working normally. I purchased a multimeter but I’m not sure which fuses (if any) I should be testing?

Do you think I wrecked the starter?

I’m afraid that it will cost $1,000 if I tow my car to the closest Mazda dealer – any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

The starter is not turning the engine over fast enough. That is clear from the video

Low crank speed can really only be 1 of 2 things, either low battery power or dead/dying starter.

If you have ruled out the battery, then the only other option is the starter really.


Brettus had some temporary success in pulling off the starter, opening it up, and re-fanning the metal contact brushes in the starter motor for better contact, and was able to get his 8 startable while a new starter was ordered.

I would suggest either trying that, or seeing if there is another 8 around that you can borrow the starter with for a few minutes for diagnosis (it takes about 10 minutes to pull one off or put it on, including jacking up the car. Got any nearby members that might have time to swing over and assist?

Or ordering a new starter and waiting for it to come in.

 

Thanks for the help - this site rocks! If there are any RX8 members willing to help me out, I live in Kitchener/Waterloo, Ontario.

 

I am having issues too. I have a 2004 RX8 and i cranked it , put it into neutral to warm up , then placed it in reverse. Once i did that the whole thing died and the dashboard went blank except for the lighting , car door light and interior lights. I tried to recrank and there was one click but nothing else. I tried jumping the car off but still won't work. The main fuse and fuses are fine. Any suggestions? The dealership thinks it may be electrical but haven't been able to determine anything after having it two days.

 

Yes, it's electrical, and it isn't uncommon.

Disconnect the battery, negative then positive. Clean the clamps thoroughly, and the battery posts thoroughly. Reconnect positive then negative, making sure they are seated well before tightening them down.

Basically,t here is corrosion between the clamps and the posts, limiting the amount of electrical current available between the two. When you put it into reverse, the backup lights lit, which draw a bunch of power, and exceeded the available alternator power, so started draining from the battery, which then couldn't supply it from the corrosion, and you lost power to the stuff that the engine needs to run, like ignition, fuel injectors, etc... and the car shut off. There is only enough current at that point for the interior LED lighting, which is very low draw, and certainly not enough for the starter, the highest drawing item the car has.

A very common new-member problem. Keep those battery terminals AND clamps clean.