So the horn on trinity (my RX8 of course) about two weeks ago went from sounding like a fog horn, to sounding like it is a miata. Then this morning, it had a SLIGHTLY longer start time than normal. Come this evening, i started it up, and it took slightly longer even still. I didnt let it warm up enough, and not enough gas, so it stalled. Tried starting it again, and nothing. Just a click from the starter.

I took out the key, and tried again. The computer started resyncing all the gauges on the dash (they all went to max, then back down to min(fuel, tach, temp etc)), the status lights for the security system, airbags, seatbelt lights all flickered a little. The interior lights dimmed and returned to normal quite rapidly. and the list goes on. The power NEVER went out completely once.

So me and a few guys rolled it to the top of the hill, and got it started by dropping the clutch, and i made it home. (a 60 mile drive, with the radio, ac, and headlights on, so i know its not the battery/alternator). At this point i still thought it was the starter motor.

I went to lock/arm the car when i got home, and it caught me out of the corner of my eye, and i rechecked what i thought i saw. The interior lights turned on and off when locked and unlocked, but the hazards don't flash anymore. Its just absolutely bizarre.

This has to be more than just the starter. Its like a cascading electrical system malfunction. PLEASE any ideas would be great. Just somewhere to start the search.

 

Number one when anyone says that the lights don't flash when locking the car is to check your trunk!

If the trunk is open, the lights will not flash since the car isn't secure. If it has been this way for a while the light could have drained your battery enough to give you starting problems. A drained battery can cause all of those problems you are experiencing, but you need to look at why the battery is draining. Chances are 99% your trunk is open slightly.

 

Check your battery terminals....and load test the battery

Sounds like you need a new one

 

The trunk is not open

 

"So me and a few guys rolled it to the top of the hill, and got it started by dropping the clutch, and i made it home. (a 60 mile drive, with the radio, ac, and headlights on, so i know its not the battery/alternator). At this point i still thought it was the starter motor. "

How do you come to this conclusion?
Go have your battery tested! You'll be needing a new one.
You can try and clean the terminals, but I doubt that's gonna do it.
Again......have that battery load tested.


Oh......and did you think posting this twice would get you different answers? https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/gradual-electrical-system-failure-181960/

 

I'd love to see double-posted questions handled by "Check your other thread for the solution" posted to each.

Ken

 

Your Battery has had it..get a new one...

If you can jump start and run all your lights on, etc and get home, your Alternator is OK, but your Battery won't hold a Charge, your BATTERY IS BAD.

Get a new one...problem solved.

Car Batteries are a consumable, they don't last forever, 4-5 years if you are very lucky.

 

Yes, bad battery.

Did you remove the pass through and poke your head in the trunk?

Only wat to see if the light says on.

 

Why did I chuckle when I read your reply while looking at you avatar?

We'll leave the light on for ya!