Hey folks!!! I am having my radiator light come on and off. It stays on for approx 5 seconds and just turns off. Its been doing this for at least a week. I look at the temp gague and temp seems to be normal. Any ideas??? Should I take it in the the dealership even if light is intermittent???:uhh:

never fear, Jedi is here!

Unfortunately this is a common problem with some RX-8's.
The first thing I would suggest you do is check the coolant level. I'm sure it's probably fine but better to rule out the obvious up front.

2nd: if the coolant is fine, then you most likely have a sensor malfunction with the coolant overflow tank. Some people have been able to temporarily fix it by trying to clean the sensor but most end up either disconnecting the sensor or just replacing the tank.
Mazmart has a thread with new OEM tanks for sale. (I believe they're updated so this shouldn't happen)


As for your temperature gauge: dont' rely on it too much as the needle will not move past its normal spot until your coolant temps are already above 220°F. If you ever do see it move, know that your car is already overheating.

check the coolant level and top it off.

Search is your friend but here you go. I just posted a link to this yesterday.

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=118947&highlight=coolant+light+dash

As common as the bad sensor problem may be, when my radiator light went on the coolant was indeed low. Topped it off and it's been fine ever since.

Ken

I had this problem, problem went away when mazda replaced my radiator and reservoir.

JEDI IS HERE! check coolant if it's good prob the sensor!

never fear, Jedi is here!

Unfortunately this is a common problem with some RX-8's.
The first thing I would suggest you do is check the coolant level. I'm sure it's probably fine but better to rule out the obvious up front.

2nd: if the coolant is fine, then you most likely have a sensor malfunction with the coolant overflow tank. Some people have been able to temporarily fix it by trying to clean the sensor but most end up either disconnecting the sensor or just replacing the tank.
Mazmart has a thread with new OEM tanks for sale. (I believe they're updated so this shouldn't happen)


As for your temperature gauge: dont' rely on it too much as the needle will not move past its normal spot until your coolant temps are already above 220°F. If you ever do see it move, know that your car is already overheating.

Thank Jedi and all....Ill do just that!!!!