QBallz

So I was gone on business for about 20 days strait and come back to a dead battery, dead the the point I don't even get clicking when turning the key. Anyone know if this is normal for the RX8?

I've never had an issue doing this with any of my previous cars. But then again my other car's didn't have any kind of security system what so ever.

Anyways I have learned my lesson and will be undoing the battery during extended trips in the future, just simply wondering if my battery is a lemon or not.

soulie

I bought '06 RX8 a month ago as a brand new and the same thing happened to me today. My RX8 failed to start after 9 days of no driving. Didn't get clicking as well. Should I replace factory fitted Pannasonic battery with a better one?

ken-x8

The dealer probably let it run down with the car sitting around for a year.

First see if your warrany covers it. I don't know how the laws are in Poland, but in the US the warranty on everything would have started when you bought the car.

If you have to buy a new battery yourself, my recommendation is to get a name brand maintenance free battery the same size as the original. There are, however, a lot of threads here with others giving their opinions.

Ken

Razz1

^^ Yep. I've seen countless new cars not start on the lot.

Last time was an Eclispe. She wanted to buy it but it kept failing to start.

That was after two batteries were replaced. What do you think the lot boys do when they clean?

Listen to the radio.

What do you think customers do?

Leave doors open etc....

We have a cheap under powered factory battery. Get a good one.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

you sure the trunk wasn't open?

tajabaho1

just replace teh battery.....

Razz1

I don't think the dark side was trying to escape. This is a common problem with our cheap battery.

bobf

From the first start-up on the day I bought my 04 RX8, I noticed how weak the standard battery was. Bought a red-top on the third day of ownership. Original still sitting in the garage with 3 days of work. I recommed to anyone purchasing a RX8, to go out and buy a bettery battery like many of us have done, especially if you live in extreme temperature zones.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

man, now I being to worry about the upcoming winter ...

and I add a new DVD and gauges to my car .... sometimes I see the gauge screen *turn darker* even when I try to pull the windows down ....

I should just wait till this battery is dead.... should I ?

Nubo

Mazda's revised specifications for "dark current" on this car is 50 milliamps. So, your RX-8 in 20 days could consume 50 mA * 24 hours/day * 20 days = 24 amp-hours of capacity from your battery. For the average battery of this size, that's close to half of its capacity. Typical car battery will have lost quite a bit of punch if you try to start from this state.

Three weeks of non-operation is pushing it for the standard battery. Consider a deep-cycle battery like Optima yellow-top, or simply a higher capacity conventional battery, or a battery disconnect or trickle charger for extended non-operation.

Razz1

nycgps

Don't wait. Replace it now. You'll be sorry if you wait.

Get the battery you want now at the price you want.

StockRX8

Thanks Nubo. Makes sense. I just went through my 2nd battery. Dealership found no codes and says draw is initially 600 mA, then dwindles down to 43-26mA (50mA) after about 30 min. I left my alarm on for about 10 or 12 days each time. Guess I'd better run it around town more often (2005 w/10K mi.). Thanks, again.

James429

I've had this problem twice with my '04. Most recently, it was after only listening to the radio for 15 min while cleaning the car. Then, as I attempted to go to work, it wouldn't start. Had AAA jump me.

So, what is the lightest and most powerful battery I can buy? I know they get heavy and any amount of weight saved is appreciated.

Thanks...

StockRX8

Hi James, and others,
I have a stock 2005 with an automatic transmission.
Here's a recap of what I found on this site and on the Optima Battery site: 1) Battery discharge when parked is a common problem with the RX-8 (the RX-8 digital electric system draws about 50 milli-amps per hour) 2) An Optima Battery is touted to last twice as long as an Original Equipment Manufacturer's (OEM) battery 3) A Shumacher Charger (variable output) may be used when parking the vehicle for extended periods.
My recent experience follows: 1) I purchased a new OEM battery in June 2007 2) Recently, I purchased a Shumacher Charger and fully charged the battery (I did not leave the charger connected as the charger's fan did not go off and I was fearful of fire) 3) I garaged it for 24 days without the alarm being set and it started. Hoo-ray!
The paragraphs following show the response from Optima Battery. If you do purchase an Optima, you may have to purchase a longer battery cable as the Optima may not have an offset post like the OEM. Good Luck and I hope I've saved you and the next guy some time. ~Bruce

Optima Battery's response:
Based off of the information you have provided, the suggested battery for
your vehicle would be the Yellow Top D35. The Yellow Top are a deep cycle
battery and are used if the vehicle is going to sit for periods of time.
Unfortunately I we do not have an expected life on the battery, but you
should get about 300+ cycles out of the battery by completely discharging
and recharging the battery.

We do not sale direct, but our batteries can be purchased from any
Autozone, Advance Auto, Interstate Batteries, or Pep Boys. You can use any
standard lead acid battery to charge our batteries. Unfortunately I do not
have a specific brand to suggest.

Please feel free to contact customer service at the number below if you
have any other questions. Thank you for your interest and support of Optima
Batteries.

Bridget
Optima Batteries
Customer Service
1.800.292.4359


Hi Bridget,
Automatic

In a message dated 10/19/2007 2:17:40 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
questions@optimabatteries.com writes:
Hello Bruce,

Is your vehicle automatic or manual?

Please feel free to contact customer service at the number below if you
have any other questions. Thank you for your interest and support of Optima
Batteries.

Bridget
Optima Batteries
Customer Service
1.800.292.4359


10/18/2007 09:15 PM
To questions@optimabatteries.com
Subject 2005 Mazda RX-8

Hello

I have a 2005 Mazda RX-8. I replaced the battery with another OEM product.
With the alarm system armed, the battery only lasts 10-12 days and then
goes totally dead. I lose all my digital settings and everything is
totally "black."

I need to park the vehicle for 3 to 4 weeks at a time. How long will the
corresponding Optima battery last? Which battery do I order and how much
will it cost? Do I still need to purchase a Shumacher charger?

Thank you,

Bruce

Nubo

The Optima D35 YT is a drop-in replacement. You will not have any problem with the posts as long as you make sure you use the plastic spacer tray, which should be included with the battery. The Optima is about 3/4 inch shorter than the OEM, and the spacer makes up the difference.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Put a quick disconnect on the battery.....and disconnect it if you are leaving it for that long. That will solve your problem. It will be a bit of a PIA to re-program your radio I suppose...but beats killing the battery...and having to replace them often