Ive done some searching regarding the RX-8 cooling fans, everything I found has to do with the fans staying on for awhile when the car is off. My question is in regards to the fans while the car is on and at idle....

the fans seem to turn on and off every 10 seconds or so when idle, outside temp around 75-80, the fans will turn off and car idles smooth, click-clack, fans turn on for 5-10 seconds and car idles a bit rough, then stops and repeats. Is this normal? I feel if the cars engine needed to be cooled the fans would stay on for awhile and not continuously cycle on and off until i move again.

 

I sometimes hear the fans turn on but I never noticed them turn on and off in a repeated manner.

 

Entirely normal. I've observed my car do this once it's warmed up and idling--and it has been discussed before.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tec...cycling-71765/

The fans cycle when the temperature reaches a certain threshold. Although, for longevity purposes, many members (especially in hot climates) opt to modify the threshold via the ECU or a fan relay kit.

As for the idle, it really depends on your tolerance for NVH. The fans turn on, which increase the alternator load, and subsequently, engine load; thereby bringing your idle engine speed down.

 

Thanks man, I appreciate your response and explanation, makes sense. I guess i was having trouble on how to word my search when i was doing it, either way thanks again.