I'm curious as to how long the original battery lasted in early RX-8's.

I've owned a 2004 since new and I've noticed that the cranking power is getting a little slow lately. Maybe it just needs some water, I don't know. Haven't looked at it in a while. On the other hand, maybe 4 years of service is acceptable.

-1.3L

mine lasted 2 months of ownership, but it sat in a lot for over a year

Has your '04 had the updated starter / battery put in?

There was a campaign on earlier cars to replace the starter with a faster-spinning model / and replace the battery with one that had more amps. You can look at this PDF, and see if your car falls into the group: http://www.finishlineperformance.com/pdf/rx8/bulletin/01-048-06-1691.pdf Have a look at the starter motor, or go to your dealer to see if this work as been done.

Now, answering your question about how long should a battery last - I'm afraid there is no good answer. It depends on use, storage, temperature, vibration, etc., etc., etc.

Generally, an OEM car battery ought to last more than one year, and would be lucky to last more than four years. Sounds like you've been lucky!

Do you have the original starter? The starter has been upgraded as well. There are TSBs for both the battery and starter.

I have the original battery in my 04 still there but prob gonna replace it in the spring with a new one just so i don't have to worry about it....

~ 4 years depending on weather..

beers :beer:

Has your '04 had the updated starter / battery put in?



Negative. I've owned my '04 since new and it's all original. The main warranty expired last September, so I don't know where that leaves me regarding the battery and starter motor. Probably up the creek.

I have taken the car in for some minor warranty work, including a flash update, so it's possible the starter and battery were tested at the time. It could be that the battery is simply nearing the end of its useful life (I have to admit that it doesn't seem like I've owned the car for over 4 years already!).

-1.3L

Since (in Canada at least) the starter / battery wasn't a recall - just a campaign, I'd reckon that it expired when your warranty ran out. However, it never hurts to ask!

When you replace your battery, it wouldn't hurt to check / clean all of the wiring connections between the battery and the starter to get the best possible power to the starter.