Starting Issues? START HERE.
#127
New Member
Starting Issue
Okay guys, I'm hoping that someone can help me out with this problem, so here it is! This past Friday I go out of work and parked my 2004 RX-8 in the driveway, and it sat all weekend until Monday I go to start it and immediately noticed that I had no interior lights at all (overhead light, dash lights, door panel lights, etc) So I stick the key in the ignition and the alarm/horn/hazards starting going on, so I take turn the key and take out and it stops! The car seems to be in alarm mode or something! Can anybody help? Thanks
UPDATE: Well guys I had some help from several local RX-8 owners, and turned out to be the main fuse!!!
UPDATE: Well guys I had some help from several local RX-8 owners, and turned out to be the main fuse!!!
Last edited by MannyMazda; 11-04-2014 at 09:21 AM.
#130
Sorry to bother y'all, but...
I've noticed an issue with my start-up for around 2 months now but my local mechanic doesn't know the problem, and I've been trying to figure it out. The battery I have just replaced recently, and it charges fine so it's not the alternator.
It takes around 3 seconds of cranking to start, cold or warm. It never failed to start and the time of the start-up always stays the same, cold or warm. I have not noticed a drop in the acceleration of my car nor any troubles with it while it is running.
It is a '06 Shinka, I'm led to believe it's a starter issue, could it be spark plugs/coils?
I would prefer some opinions before I go and buying parts and changing them without need.
Thanks!
It takes around 3 seconds of cranking to start, cold or warm. It never failed to start and the time of the start-up always stays the same, cold or warm. I have not noticed a drop in the acceleration of my car nor any troubles with it while it is running.
It is a '06 Shinka, I'm led to believe it's a starter issue, could it be spark plugs/coils?
I would prefer some opinions before I go and buying parts and changing them without need.
Thanks!
#133
Im having issues turning my car on... I've check the battery (Purchased 1 month ago) tested (GOOD)
Removed and had starter tested (GOOD)
Fuel Pump (Good)
Alternator (good)
We tried to jump start it (Fail)
it does not want to turn over... Never has this happen...
Im stuck now. Idk what else it could be.
Removed and had starter tested (GOOD)
Fuel Pump (Good)
Alternator (good)
We tried to jump start it (Fail)
it does not want to turn over... Never has this happen...
Im stuck now. Idk what else it could be.
#134
Scrappy
iTrader: (1)
Im having issues turning my car on... I've check the battery (Purchased 1 month ago) tested (GOOD)
Removed and had starter tested (GOOD)
Fuel Pump (Good)
Alternator (good)
We tried to jump start it (Fail)
it does not want to turn over... Never has this happen...
Im stuck now. Idk what else it could be.
Removed and had starter tested (GOOD)
Fuel Pump (Good)
Alternator (good)
We tried to jump start it (Fail)
it does not want to turn over... Never has this happen...
Im stuck now. Idk what else it could be.
#135
[answer for coverhag and cantstopbuzzin problem]
i finally fixed the problem, after checking everything it all comes back to the ecu, so sent the ecu(the whole car) back to mazda and got them to reflash the ecu and it all works fine now.while ur at it get them get rid off the engine error codes.
they'll say you need this n that, and a tune, and its not right blah blah, just tell them a reflash nothing more, because they try to milk you for more money.
should be around the $300 mark from memory
hope this helps, took me a while (over a period of time when i could work on it) to solve it and looks like it might be a common issue with the ageing car.
i finally fixed the problem, after checking everything it all comes back to the ecu, so sent the ecu(the whole car) back to mazda and got them to reflash the ecu and it all works fine now.while ur at it get them get rid off the engine error codes.
they'll say you need this n that, and a tune, and its not right blah blah, just tell them a reflash nothing more, because they try to milk you for more money.
should be around the $300 mark from memory
hope this helps, took me a while (over a period of time when i could work on it) to solve it and looks like it might be a common issue with the ageing car.
Last edited by cantstopbuzzin; 01-03-2015 at 06:50 PM.
#136
I just swapped the stock enigne into a 2004 MT RX8 Would anybody care to take a look at this video and let me know what it sounds like the problem could be?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-FL...ature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-FL...ature=youtu.be
#137
#138
Registered
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 0
Received 253 Likes
on
110 Posts
Incredibly low cranking speed. Battery or starter. Jump the battery to another running car and try again. If it cranks faster (you will need to hold the key to 'start' for longer than that), then it's the battery. If not, it's the starter.
You may have flooded it from whichever is the problem, so once you fix the problem you will need to deflood it.
I swear i typed all of this today...
Yup... I did.
You may have flooded it from whichever is the problem, so once you fix the problem you will need to deflood it.
I swear i typed all of this today...
Yup... I did.
Your battery and/or starter are shot. That is a VERY VERY low cranking speed. Likely you have flooded the engine as a result of that.
Hook up another running car to the battery with jumper cables and try again. If it cranks significantly faster, then it's the battery, if it still cranks slow, it's the starter.
Your mention of "greasing the spark plugs" is scary, because i can't ever recall seeing that, and it sounds like a terrible idea.
How do I Fix Flooding?
Hook up another running car to the battery with jumper cables and try again. If it cranks significantly faster, then it's the battery, if it still cranks slow, it's the starter.
Your mention of "greasing the spark plugs" is scary, because i can't ever recall seeing that, and it sounds like a terrible idea.
How do I Fix Flooding?
1: Hook up the battery of another running car to the 8's battery via jumper cables to make sure you don't kill your battery.
2: Hold the gas pedal to the floor
3: Turn the key to Start and crank for 5-10 seconds
4: Let the starter cool off for the same time that you cranked it for
5: Repeat 3 and 4 10 times total
6: Take your foot off the gas and let the starter rest for 5 minutes
7: Repeat 2-6 one more time.
8: Attempt to start the engine normally.
9: if it doesn't start, repeat 2-6 one more time, then try starting again.
If it still doesn't start, then you have a major failure somewhere that is preventing it from having a chance at starting (see the list mentioned earlier), but if it's just a normal flood, this will solve it.
If you would prefer to use a different deflooding method, see here: https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...0deflood%20diy
HOWEVER, only pick ONE method. Mixing method almost always results in lots of frustration. The steps given are not arbitrary, they have real reason and purpose behind them, and they depend on the other steps being performed correctly. Pick just one at a time.
2: Hold the gas pedal to the floor
3: Turn the key to Start and crank for 5-10 seconds
4: Let the starter cool off for the same time that you cranked it for
5: Repeat 3 and 4 10 times total
6: Take your foot off the gas and let the starter rest for 5 minutes
7: Repeat 2-6 one more time.
8: Attempt to start the engine normally.
9: if it doesn't start, repeat 2-6 one more time, then try starting again.
If it still doesn't start, then you have a major failure somewhere that is preventing it from having a chance at starting (see the list mentioned earlier), but if it's just a normal flood, this will solve it.
If you would prefer to use a different deflooding method, see here: https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...0deflood%20diy
HOWEVER, only pick ONE method. Mixing method almost always results in lots of frustration. The steps given are not arbitrary, they have real reason and purpose behind them, and they depend on the other steps being performed correctly. Pick just one at a time.
#141
weeeeeeeeee
iTrader: (12)
#142
Car stalled, possibly ran out of gas now it wont start.
OK, so ive been having a pretty hard time with this and spent hours trying to get the damn car started again. The car died on me while I was checking to see if the fuel gauge was stuck right below half way (i guess it was) I put in fuel, try to crank it over but very little happens. the started doesnt turn, the radio lcd turns off, the navigation makes a sound as if it wants to move but other than that nothing else. I also cannot get a wifi obd2 scanner to transmit signal now. I tried another battery, same problems. car has a new battery, bhr ignition that is 2 days old, and a brand new starter. Any ideas?
#143
Did you read over the original post I have made up on this thread?
It sounds like you still have an electrical issue, possibly a grounding one, which is not allowing the circuit to fully complete and sufficient current to be drawn to the main components to start the car up.
I would start by checking not only the battery but verify the battery posts are cleaned and well with reason as per tightness and connectivity (not hanging on a few wires).
Do this for the main power but also the ground as it is just as (if not more) important.
It's a start.
It sounds like you still have an electrical issue, possibly a grounding one, which is not allowing the circuit to fully complete and sufficient current to be drawn to the main components to start the car up.
I would start by checking not only the battery but verify the battery posts are cleaned and well with reason as per tightness and connectivity (not hanging on a few wires).
Do this for the main power but also the ground as it is just as (if not more) important.
It's a start.
OK, so ive been having a pretty hard time with this and spent hours trying to get the damn car started again. The car died on me while I was checking to see if the fuel gauge was stuck right below half way (i guess it was) I put in fuel, try to crank it over but very little happens. the started doesnt turn, the radio lcd turns off, the navigation makes a sound as if it wants to move but other than that nothing else. I also cannot get a wifi obd2 scanner to transmit signal now. I tried another battery, same problems. car has a new battery, bhr ignition that is 2 days old, and a brand new starter. Any ideas?
#144
I have an '04 with 159K miles. She started having problems when my son took her to a car wash (I told him to hand wash her!!), came back, shut her off and wouldn't restart (don't let your kids drive your RX-8s!). Even though she was up to temp, she acted like she was flooded, so we went through the deflooding process, which took MANY tries, but finally got her started. She smoked white smoke (the usual) like crazy, but wouldn't stop smoking.
Over time she got harder and harder to start, still smoked some and there was lots of water on the dipstick. Now I can't get her started at all.
I am assuming it's the coolant seal(s) from what I've read/heard. I don't want to go pouring just anything in my car's systems. Is there any way to replace the seal(s)...or is that just a bandaid? Or is buying a new/used/rebuild engine the only way to go? And if I have to go with a different motor, what's the best option to go with - rebuild or used?
I love my 8 and I want to get her back on the road! I miss her! So any help you can provide, will be MUCH appreciated
Over time she got harder and harder to start, still smoked some and there was lots of water on the dipstick. Now I can't get her started at all.
I am assuming it's the coolant seal(s) from what I've read/heard. I don't want to go pouring just anything in my car's systems. Is there any way to replace the seal(s)...or is that just a bandaid? Or is buying a new/used/rebuild engine the only way to go? And if I have to go with a different motor, what's the best option to go with - rebuild or used?
I love my 8 and I want to get her back on the road! I miss her! So any help you can provide, will be MUCH appreciated
#145
Scrappy
iTrader: (1)
I have an '04 with 159K miles. She started having problems when my son took her to a car wash (I told him to hand wash her!!), came back, shut her off and wouldn't restart (don't let your kids drive your RX-8s!). Even though she was up to temp, she acted like she was flooded, so we went through the deflooding process, which took MANY tries, but finally got her started. She smoked white smoke (the usual) like crazy, but wouldn't stop smoking.
Over time she got harder and harder to start, still smoked some and there was lots of water on the dipstick. Now I can't get her started at all.
I am assuming it's the coolant seal(s) from what I've read/heard. I don't want to go pouring just anything in my car's systems. Is there any way to replace the seal(s)...or is that just a bandaid? Or is buying a new/used/rebuild engine the only way to go? And if I have to go with a different motor, what's the best option to go with - rebuild or used?
I love my 8 and I want to get her back on the road! I miss her! So any help you can provide, will be MUCH appreciated
Over time she got harder and harder to start, still smoked some and there was lots of water on the dipstick. Now I can't get her started at all.
I am assuming it's the coolant seal(s) from what I've read/heard. I don't want to go pouring just anything in my car's systems. Is there any way to replace the seal(s)...or is that just a bandaid? Or is buying a new/used/rebuild engine the only way to go? And if I have to go with a different motor, what's the best option to go with - rebuild or used?
I love my 8 and I want to get her back on the road! I miss her! So any help you can provide, will be MUCH appreciated
Where are you located? Someone will probably be able to reference you to a reputable rebuilder in your area, it's not something most shops can handle.
#146
A failed coolant seal sounds about right. Not to accuse anyone of anything, but that's usually a symptom of overheating the ever-loving **** out of it. There's nothing you can do but rebuild/replace it, if it was a good engine before this then a rebuild should end up cheaper than a re-manufactured engine from Mazda. There are no band-aids.
Where are you located? Someone will probably be able to reference you to a reputable rebuilder in your area, it's not something most shops can handle.
Where are you located? Someone will probably be able to reference you to a reputable rebuilder in your area, it's not something most shops can handle.
I live just west of Nashville, TN. I did some searching on coolant seal replacement and, as I feared, I did see how the inside of the motor can get rusted from water being in it from sitting for some time...which, unfortunately, mine has. So rebuilding mine is most likely out of the equation.
I did find a used motor from a 2007 with 68K miles, which has been tested and has a 30-day warranty that can be shipped to me for a total of $1800 (that's including shipping and no tax because it's out of state) and I can purchase a 1-year warranty for $400. Do you think that's a good deal? Or should I get a rebuild instead? My boyfriend has been working on cars for pretty much his whole life and replaced motors and his dad has his own shop, plus I've worked on cars for many years, but we've never worked on a rotary engine before and are a bit leary about what we would be getting into if we were to try to drop this motor in ourselves. I do have a mechanic around here that has worked on RX-7s & RX-8s before, so I can go to him. But, of course, that would be more $. Would it be biting off more than we can chew if replace the motor ourselves?
#147
rx8 possible fuel pump issue
my rx8 was flooded and let it sit over winter. had a clogged cat so i had to cut it before i did the deflood and now i got the car running… before winter when i was driving every once in awhile (once a month) the car would just drop to 0 rpms at a read light and had to keep cranking it to get it started. fuel was low one morning and turned the car on saw the fuel reading and turned it off right then to hop in my other car. (flooded the engine right then) it sat all winter and then i got it running. now it shuts down at 0 rpms more frequently depending on how long i drive it. and its only when i come to a full stop. is this the fuel pump or something else? i bought a fuel pump but haven't installed it just because i wanna know if thats whats actually wrong with it
#148
Charles Bundy
iTrader: (5)
my rx8 was flooded and let it sit over winter. had a clogged cat so i had to cut it before i did the deflood and now i got the car running… before winter when i was driving every once in awhile (once a month) the car would just drop to 0 rpms at a read light and had to keep cranking it to get it started. fuel was low one morning and turned the car on saw the fuel reading and turned it off right then to hop in my other car. (flooded the engine right then) it sat all winter and then i got it running. now it shuts down at 0 rpms more frequently depending on how long i drive it. and its only when i come to a full stop. is this the fuel pump or something else? i bought a fuel pump but haven't installed it just because i wanna know if thats whats actually wrong with it
#149
Was there a time that you disconnected the battery before you started to notice the drop of RPM at stops? otherwise, that's a sign of the engine having a low compression. You should have the engine tested to confirm it. How many miles and what's the year of your car?