Starting Problems
01-02-2005, 10:04 PM
#1
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Starting Problems
Hoping someone can give me some insight before I have my 8 towed tomorrow.
Came home after 10 days up north, rolled the 8 out of the garage (without starting it) to give it a much deserved and needed wash.
Several hours later, hopped in to drive the car around and only got a high pitched noise when trying to start it.
Called dealership who thought it might be the battery. Had Mazda Roadside Assistance (a.k.a. AAA
)come to the driveway - the gent confirmed it was not the battery and stated that it would need to be towed in tomorrow to the dealership.
I have no issues with the car until just before I left for VT. Drove it to pick up my son from school and the tire pressure warning light came on (I chalked that one up to the bitterly cold temperature that day).
Any help would be appreciated!
Are there ever any get togethers in the Columbia - Baltimore area?
Cheers!
Came home after 10 days up north, rolled the 8 out of the garage (without starting it) to give it a much deserved and needed wash.
Several hours later, hopped in to drive the car around and only got a high pitched noise when trying to start it.
Called dealership who thought it might be the battery. Had Mazda Roadside Assistance (a.k.a. AAA
)come to the driveway - the gent confirmed it was not the battery and stated that it would need to be towed in tomorrow to the dealership. I have no issues with the car until just before I left for VT. Drove it to pick up my son from school and the tire pressure warning light came on (I chalked that one up to the bitterly cold temperature that day).
Any help would be appreciated!
Are there ever any get togethers in the Columbia - Baltimore area?
Cheers!
01-03-2005, 08:54 AM
#3
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Man I thought that the “no start” issue was over with the “M” Flash…. 
my battery did die after the car sat for 4 weeks in the garage while I was gone but it started right up when I jumped it. Keep us informed.
my battery did die after the car sat for 4 weeks in the garage while I was gone but it started right up when I jumped it. Keep us informed.
01-03-2005, 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by RX8 Pusher
rx8cited, it will be the Shell 87 octane that gets you 
.
01-03-2005, 06:31 PM
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OK, after watching my baby be carried away on a flat bed (wife did NOT understand the trauma surrounding this event!) the dealership called and said it was flooded. This was due entirely to the tow truck driver cranking on it despite my protest.
The dealership went on to tell me that after five days I should have someone start the car while I am gone and let it run. Maybe the battery ran low due to the alarm system??? Hmm, not sure about this one.
Additionally, they confirmed all the comments about the MSP04 (PCM reprogramming) being on hold due to software glitches.
Not pleased with the standard "flooded engine" cop out, but as long as she runs well I will be happy.
Thanks for everyone's advice.
Cheers,
The dealership went on to tell me that after five days I should have someone start the car while I am gone and let it run. Maybe the battery ran low due to the alarm system??? Hmm, not sure about this one.
Additionally, they confirmed all the comments about the MSP04 (PCM reprogramming) being on hold due to software glitches.
Not pleased with the standard "flooded engine" cop out, but as long as she runs well I will be happy.
Thanks for everyone's advice.
Cheers,
01-04-2005, 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by RX8 Pusher
rx8cited,
I just happen to observe your gas info in your public profile after I noticed that you live in the same neck of the woods.........see ya on I95!
I just happen to observe your gas info in your public profile after I noticed that you live in the same neck of the woods.........see ya on I95!
. Have you considered coming to the next http://www.mscw.com meeting?rx8cited
01-05-2005, 01:49 PM
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Flooded Engine fixed by WD-40 and AAA tow truck driver!
I left the care of my Rx-8 with a good friend while on vacation for 3 weeks. When I got back he informed me that my car wouldn't start. He said he had started it the week before, just to make sure the battery was OK. But, you guessed it - he didn't let it warm up before shutting it off. Now I have a flooded engine. M flash and all.
The Mazda dealer here said it would need to be towed in, and it would require about 2 hours of shop time in order to replace all the spark plugs and get the extra gas out of the engine. All covered under warranty, but a big pain nonetheless.
The AAA tow truck driver shows up and says he can get it started for me. I sorta laugh, but told him to give it a shot. Here's what he did:
1) Connected me to a charge box for extra cranking ability. You'll need a lot of battery for this technique.
2) Sprayed WD-40 into the intake while I cranked it with the accelerator to the floor. This allowed the engine to regain compression, he said.
3) Pulled the fuse for the fuel pump while I cranked again. Once the engine sputtered a bit, he replaced the fuse and I started the car normally.
Viola! No more flooded engine! It smoked for a few minutes while the WD-40 burned off, and I kept the RPMs low for 4-5 miles. The engine light flickered just a bit the first time I wound up the RPMs to 7-8k, but then stayed off. Seems to be just fine now.
I called Mazda and they said if the engine light wasn't on, there was no need to bring it into the shop... Saved me a LOT of hassle with the loaner car, etc. Anybody else have a similar experience??
The Mazda dealer here said it would need to be towed in, and it would require about 2 hours of shop time in order to replace all the spark plugs and get the extra gas out of the engine. All covered under warranty, but a big pain nonetheless.
The AAA tow truck driver shows up and says he can get it started for me. I sorta laugh, but told him to give it a shot. Here's what he did:
1) Connected me to a charge box for extra cranking ability. You'll need a lot of battery for this technique.
2) Sprayed WD-40 into the intake while I cranked it with the accelerator to the floor. This allowed the engine to regain compression, he said.
3) Pulled the fuse for the fuel pump while I cranked again. Once the engine sputtered a bit, he replaced the fuse and I started the car normally.
Viola! No more flooded engine! It smoked for a few minutes while the WD-40 burned off, and I kept the RPMs low for 4-5 miles. The engine light flickered just a bit the first time I wound up the RPMs to 7-8k, but then stayed off. Seems to be just fine now.
I called Mazda and they said if the engine light wasn't on, there was no need to bring it into the shop... Saved me a LOT of hassle with the loaner car, etc. Anybody else have a similar experience??
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