I know there are several posts on hard starts, but I have been sitting here for 3 hours trying to find information on the problem I am having with no avail. Here's my problem: I have an 04 8 with approx 42k on it. The hard starts began gradually. They would happen every so often, but now it is everytime I start my car. I had the battery, alternator, and starter checked and all three are fine. I just recently had the tranny flushed and an oil change done. The hard starts started before I had this done and continued afterward. (not that I had any reason to believe those services had anything to do with it) I probably should mention as well that after it does start it runs just fine. The hard starts happen when its cold and warm. I never NEVER shut the engine off before normal temp. Just so ya know
Most posts I read talked about changing the starter. If it isn't the starter should I continue to change coils, plugs, and wires? I bought the car about 4 months ago so I don't know if this has been done or not. Should I check to see if it still has the old starter?
Also, I had a question about TSBs. Are these something the dealership should fix even if the warranty is out?
Does the engine warranty cover PCM replacement?

PS- I'm a chick and although I know a little about cars, please explain in words I can understand. Thanks

 

make sure your started says N3H1 A or N3Z1 if not replace the starter, I had the same problem and the new starter fixed, check this for more info
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...hlight=starter

 

Looks like your research hit most of the common things. Making sure your 04 has had the starter/battery upgrade done on it would be the first checkpoint. Coils/plugs/wires would be the second checkpoint. Since the car is an 04 and is new to you, somewhere in there should also be a compression test to be sure the engine is not suffering from declining internal health.

Technical Service Bulletins tell repair personnel how to correct discovered defects with the car. Application of a TSB is determined based on symptoms/issues being exhibited on a vehicle. A dealership won't perform one unless the vehicle meets the described trouble conditions. Once you are out of warranty coverage in the particular area where a problem is occuring, the dealer's invoice becomes your obligation to pay (so the wise person tries to get as many TSB's as possible out of the way as possible before warranty coverage expires).

A recall is a different story. Recalls are mandated repairs that a dealer must fix and they are often covered by the factory regardless of warranty coverage status.

I do not believe the engine recall you are probably referring to covers the PCM.

 

if you get the milkshake engine .. like i do .. fluffy gross white crap on your dipstick ... get some motor flush and a few qts of the cheapest oil possible ....

flush / fill with crap oil let it run through for 15 min and then drain ... fill up with your normal oil.

 

just curious... what is your "normal oil"?