I've had the flooding issues twice before. Once, it had to go back to the dealer, and another time I was able to get it started.

This third time, however, I had it towed to the dealer and now he's telling me it needs a new coil pack and spark plug wires. That's why it won't start -so he says.

The car as 50,000 miles on it and is an '04. It just had the last reflash which was supposed to help it from the flooding problem.

I put new plugs in about 5000 miles ago. It was left at a shop the night before to get inspected (non-mazda) because no mazda dealers are near me that can inspect it in NY, so I'm sure he turned it on and shut it off fairly quickly.

I know that the spark plug wires didn't suddenly go bad that require immediate replacing. But how would the coil pack (as he informed me - 4 coils) go bad all at once?

I think he's bs'ing me and doing some "extra" work.

Any ideas? Also, how much should a coil pack cost?

Any ideas? Also, how much should a coil pack cost?

Should cost you nothing, and they should give you a free loaner car while they're working on it.

You've got a five year, 60,000 mile warranty. If they change the spark plugs again they might stick you for those, but the rest is covered.

If you're not aware of the warranty, post back and one of us will point you to the document.

Ken

I accidently stalled mine cold and it flooded... I was able to start it back fairly easily but it wasn't running right so I took it in.

All the coils and spark plugs were replaced in my case, and under warranty. Hopefully yours won't turn out like mine did, but at least I can say that flooding can ruin the coils.

If you want all the details of my nightmare... http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=105091

The dealer told me that the coils were a "wear" item and that it would cost about $500 or so. I thought it was bulls***.

I'll be calling Mazda USA first thing in the morning before any work is done.

have they done the last recall? everything you have talked about is covered under it..

beers :beer:

the last recall that I did only included the "flash" they didn't mention anything about the coils.

are the coils included in the recall?

the last recall included a bunch of tests.. they should have caught it.. what flash are you on???

beers :beer:

are the coils included in the recall?

No. The current recall (4206f) covers spark plugs, catalytic converter, and engine.

well, thanks for the advice, everyone. Mazda came through and paid for the entire repair. I was pretty happy. I have to admit, though, as much as I enjoy the way the car drives - power, handling, and the way that it looks, I'm really tired of the BS issues like "not starting".

Thanks again.