The console display just randomly started scrambling through all its characters. My girlfriend was driving the car and she didn't do anything strange or different, it just happened when she was driving down the highway. The car kept doing it after shutting it off and turning it back on. I disconnected the battery for about 15 mintutes to reset the ecu and that fixed the problem. It was really kinda wierd to see. Has anyone else seen anything like this?

First time I've read that, I was thinking maybe a lose connector? Hopefully it was just a fluke and it won't come back.

Let us know if it happens again.

Couple of possibilities...

1. Solar Flare (http://www.spaceweather.com/)?
2. Gremlins?
3. Your girlfriend got your RX-8 over-stimulated?

-Dave

Ive have never encountered that with the Bose sound systems (which is in the 3's, 6's, and 8's). I wouldnt worry abou it unless it happens again. If it does take it to a dealership and have them check it out. Though if it is intermidant, it will be hard for the technicains to figure out what is wrong. Electrical problems like that are hard to trace even when the problem is acting up. If it happens again, take it to the dealership and at least have the service guys take a look at it so they can physically see the problem. Dealerships have to " verify the customers concern before warranty actions can be taken "

And I will fill you in on the radios for mazda. That radio you have in that car runs about 1000 bucks. The MazdaSpeed Protege radios are on backorder right now, mainly because Kenwood makes the radio ONLY for the Speeds. So, hypothetically if you have to get the radio replaced, dont be shocked if it takes a couple of weeks for a new one to come in.

If it was because the car was overstimulated, I think its only fair to see pictures lol <kidding>

Sounds like a short to me.

Mine did something similar right after I had the CD changer installed by the dealer. Just a loose connection, and they fixed it right away.

Dealer says it is a short. Thery're going to replace the radio, which is cool, because we're going to upgrade to the mp3 player. Saved us the money in labor so it kinda worked out pretty well.

Matrix? They're goining to install the Mazda MP3 player, if that's what you meant

Mine does that too, but only when the temp in the car gets really hot in summer, or maybe changes too quickly ( a couple times in cold weather). I figured it had to do with me taking the radio out and installilng my RF Mod for the Music Keg. I tugged on the faceplate kinda hard before I found the retaining bolt under the dash. I thought I'd screwed something up, but maybe it's something this car is prone to, and maybe I can get it fixed :)