Hello guys, I am new to the club. I bought a 2004 mazda rx8 6 speed. Anyways, I know its a used car with 150k miles on it but I got it basically because is in pristine condition and because it drives like a charm. Only problem I am dealing with right now is that the check engine light is on and code P0300 came on. I've read some helpful information on the site and I kind of have an idea of what to look for. Couple of things I've noticed in the days I've had the car, its using gas like crazy and also this morning I did see some smoke coming out of the exhaust and it went away after a while. Any suggestions on what to do? I am more of a do it yourself guy but have never worked on this type of car before so any help is appreciated on "how to's" and websites where I can save some $ getting better prices for parts etc. I plan on buying the repair manual off ebay or something too. The other problem I've encountered, and I guess it is a common issue, is that after a few miles driving the car, the tire pressure light starts blinking non stop. At first it freaked me out but a friend of mine told me that this is a common issue on this type of cars. Well, after reading a few threads I figured it could be due to a faulty sensor on one of the tires. Any ideas on how much this might cost or if its even worth fixing? Thank you.

 

p0300 is a pretty universal code for "random cylinder misfire" in all cars. Any idea when the last time a tune up was done? Plugs wires and coils?

With 150k I would first suggest having a compression test done by a competent rotary mechanic or at the Mazda dealer. IF it passes, do a full tune up

A tire shop will be able to use a radio scanner to test each of the sensors to tell if they are working or not. But when the light is flashing it typically means there is a fault in the TPMS system. Most likely a dead battery or a broken sensor.

TPMS is a federally mandated, manufacturer installed, safety requirement. Much like air bags or seat belts. Its isn't illegal to ignore it but the light will always be on if you don't fix it. If you are good about checking your air pressures regularly it shouldn't be an issue.

 

Wow thanks for your help. I will check up on that than. Well, actually I just got the car this week and I have an appointment tomorrow at the dealer I purchased the car from so they can do a security inspection, they do that with every car they sell and according to them upon inspection anything that needs attention they will be responsible to fix, so more than likely they will service the car tomorrow but I just wanted to know so that I have them take care of those issues as well.

 

I got a P0300 code on my car and got a compression test done, mine had low compression, pretty much a dead rotor.

 

Did you buy it from a Mazda dealer? If not, get a compression test done before you bring it back in for your inspection! ....get a compression test done before you bring it back in for your inspection!

 

get a compression test done before you bring it back in for your inspection! ....get a compression test done before you bring it back in for your inspection!

 

No, I did not get it from a mazda dealer but we do have one here in town. I'll check with my mechanic though because I'll rather not take it to the dealer and be overcharged you know. Thank you

 

Do a search on the forum about proper procedure for doing a compression test. Its more complicated than most cars.

 

Thanks, all the information you guys have given me has been very helpfull

 

Well, it's been a while since I've posted on here so I just thought I share with you guys what happened. I got the car from a small used car dealer here in town, but it turns out they're owned by the same guy that owns mazda, mitsubishi, toyota, and ford here in town. They decided to open that little dealer to provide in house financing which they don't have at the big dealerships. Anyways, a couple weeks after I bought the car I took it in for their security inspection after you buy their vehicle and also they had agreed to check what the check engine light was and fix whatever issues they found. So by the time I take the car in I had noticed white smoke coming out when turned the car on cold and it would go away after a couple of minutes. I also noticed the coolant was going low after a few days and had to fill it up every few days, not leaking. So they checked it out and told me coolant fluid was going to the motor. I freaked out because as you know most dealerships sell you a used car and if its out of warranty you're screwed. Well, to my astonishment they kept their word and told me they were going to put in a new motor in the car and would fix the mechanical issues found at no cost to me. I was still skeptical but when I got the car back I poped the hood and could see the new motor and all these new parts, I was very happy with the work they did. I could tell from the first time I drove the car it was fixed. I've put about 1k miles on the new motor. No check engine, no smoke, no coolant low. Motor replaced at about 154k miles. I know mileage its a little high but it drives really good and everything else has been taken care of so it feels and looks new. They took it to their mazda dealer and had the work all done there. I am new to rotary engines and would like to have this car for many years so if you guys have any tips and suggestions on how to properly service this car and take care of it, I will appreciate it.

 

Wow great customer service!

I would say don't baby the engine. It needs to run hard from time to time to prevent carbon build up.

And start reading the forums starting here



https://www.rx8club.com/new-member-forum-197/new-potential-owners-start-here-202454/

 

Nice. Good to hear you came out on top. Id doesn't always work that way.

I suggest reading this thread. https://www.rx8club.com/rx-8-discuss...t-here-202454/

 

thanks you guys, i'll check those out and don't worry I do drive it the way is supposed to be driven if you know what i mean, lol

 

I drive it like if I have stolen the car haha

 

What a great Christmas story Welcome to the addiction! I think the dealer deserves a little Christmas card

 

Merry freaking Christmas dude. That's awesome!

Like others have said - drive it like you stole it. And read up more and more here on the forums, the rotary engine in the car is a different animal altogether and requires some special attention and awareness that other cars may not. It's not a bad thing, and it can definitely strengthen the connection you have with your car by learning the quirks.

They usually change out spark plugs with an engine install, but it might be good to give them a call and check if they noted on the condition of the ignition coils and ignition wires as well. Those are a 30k mile replacement item and you could be nearing that if they didn't replace them with the engine as well.

Enjoy the car!