I have a 2004 RX8 6-speed manual that I bought from a neighbor that was relocating about two years ago. The car has 90K miles and has been well maintained by both of us. Just recently it began having starting issues. The battery, starter, coil packs, wires & plugs were new at 85K miles (/Battery/Starter/Coil packs/wires/plugs previously at 40K miles).


The issue is intermittent but I notice when I use my key fob to unlock the door, it sometimes doesn't work. So when I manually open the door and try to start the car, the dash lights all work fine, but nothing when I turn the key to start. Sometimes the alarm will go off when turned to start. If I shut it off, lock the car door and walk away (pissed off) then try again either several hours later or the next morning, it's like there wasn't any issue and it fires right up. I've changed the ignition relay just recently with no change. Sometimes the DSC will stay on as well then I clear with the steering wheel trick. I've also replaced the battery terminals just recently. Thought that was the trick but after 3-4 days it's back to the intermittent starting issue.


Hopefully someone has got some ideas!! Thanks for any help.

 

Poor battery connection.


Disconnect the negative battery cable, then the positive. Clean both battery posts. Clean both battery clamps, inside and out. Reconnect positive then negative. When you reconnect, pay attention to how well the clamp does or does not seat on the posts. Ensure it is a firm and solid seat before you finish tightening them!

When you restart the car, the fuel trims will have been cleared, so let the engine idle warm, then idle for another 5-10 minutes to re-establish idle fuel trims to reduce the chance you will stall at lights or stop signs as a result of the cleared fuel trims.

Your DSC and TC lights will be on due to lost calibrations. Rotate the steering wheel completely left, then completely right (or right then left, doesn't matter, just needs to hit both end points). The next time you turn off, then turn on the car after rolling 10-20 feet or more, the other light will disappear.

 

it's a brand new battery and I just changed the terminal ends (marine grade terminals with gold plating). I usually re-establish the fuel trims with a 15-second 2500 rpm, then zero, then a 15-seconds at 4000 rpm which has always done the trick. Never had a stalling issue at idle. I also think I mentioned the DSC trick which I've done. I just took the car on an errand and she started right up. When I came back out after 10 mins it again refused to start. The headlights work, the dash lights are all there but absolutely nothing when I crank it. After 15 mins of alone time, it fired right back up. I'm pouring gasoline all over the car now and am looking for a match!

 

Check the connections at the fusebox..and some of the higher amperage fuses as well....

It could be an immobilizer issue as well....Does the immobilizer light flash when you are trying to start it when it doesn't work??

 

I just went out to try to restart and once again the key fob won't open the car door. I have two fobs, both with new batteries. When this happens I know the car won't start. When I try again tomorrow morning the key fob will probably work fine and the car will start. This is driving me nuts! Should have bought my neighbors Jeep instead!!

 

If you unlock the door...does the immobilizer light go out?

 

When I went to car this morning, the key fob successfully opened the door. The immobilizer light was not flashing and I inserted key and it started with no issues. It's idling in the driveway now and will for the next 5-10 mins when i'll turn it off and I'm sure it will start fine. If I feel bold and take it for a ride for a cup of coffee, I'm sure it will leave me stranded when I attempt a restart.


What I can't figure out is why sometimes the key fob does absolutely nothing. I have two fobs and they both are doing the same thing (again both key fob batteries have been replaced as well as the car battery).


I'm tempted to drive to dealership but that's last resort.

 

So after leaving the car idle for 15 mins (no key immobilizer indicated) then shutting it down and removing key. The immobilizer light stays flashing (~2 secs). I locked the car door with the fob, opened it with the fob and the car starts right up. It will do this for a day or three then go right back to either key fob not working or will not re-start after a drive.

 

So I try to use key fob again tonite but it won't open the door (new battery in fob). Try to start car and when I get to ACC position, all dash lights on, horn sounding, and won't crank. Tried all three keys (2 master & 1 valet) with same results.


I'm going for Plan B if nobody has any suggestions (pouring gasoline on car and lighting it off!!).


Somebody help!!