Hey guys,
I juss bought a rx8 and the engine light went on....I went to the dealer and they say its a recall on some catalytic convertor temp. malfunction. Was wondering if anyone knows about it....
Thanks
Nish

WAS THE code P0240? if so that's a cat failure code. it may be just a software glitch but more than likely you have a cat converter that is failing. if they drop the exhaust and look in the cat they should be able to see it broken up inside. dont let them just clear the code or flash the pcm and send you on your way. make them look at it.

Same happened to me...Cat converter, replaced under warranty. Guess its an inherent problem like the mileage and the door that always, always smacks my ass, and not in a good way.

CEL light went on the day I drove it home (10/23/04). At the dealer on 10/28/04, the car failed emmisssions. The M-Flash was performed and the Cat converter was also replaced. It's been fine since.

I have a quick question for all you rotary god's...which I obviously am not one.

I ignored the air pressure light for a lil while...bout a week and a half to be exact, now my check engine light is on, I filled up the tires to exactly 32 psi and the light went away, however the check engine light is still on. I'm wondering if you all know a way of getting rid of the check engine light? Or perhaps does reseting the ecu turn of the light, and how would you do this.

Any help would be great.

-Chris

I did attempt to search first, on reset, and got caught up in morgans thread about a new car.

The two aren't related, so it really depends on what lit up the CEL. If it's something as simple as a loose gas cap, the light will turn off after X amount of power-off/power-on cycles once the problem is corrected. If the problem doesn't correct itself, the light won't go away... so if you want to play home mechanic, you can get a CanScan tool and pull your own codes and reset the light yourself. CanScan also lets you pull pending codes, so you can see problems before they become problems. Barring all of that, you'll need to go to the dealer to reset the CEL.

Damn, I have to goto the dealer? I really don't like them, I heard someone once say that If I unplug the battery for long enough that resets the ecu? Will that also take of the CEL?

-Chris

and how much do one of those canscan tools cost?

If might clear the code... not sure though, but wouldn't you like to know what the code is? And if it's a condition that's not getting better (like a failing cat), the light is just going to come back on again.

I bought this canscan tool for $140:
http://www.ghg.net/dharrison/canscan.htm

Perhaps someone on the list with a scan tool lives near you? The guy who developed it is also in Texas...

checking my gas cap now, however I've had serious problems with the local mazda dealer so I'm trying to prevent going to them, how do I get one of those scan things, and how much do they run.

-Chris

Mazda dealer here never wants to check it for me they tell me to setup an appointment and I have to work all the freakin time, so I just prefer to leave their rudeness alone.

sorry I didn't see your link, does anyone know what are the possibility's of what is happening the car doesn't seem to be running any different.

-Chris

Wow you from the burbs...familiar with lombard? used to live out that way.

-Chris

well ignoring the tpms light for too long might actually light the cel. i could be wrong. but even if it was or it was your gas gap it can take many on/off key cycles to clear the CEL. it has to turn on /off a number of times with out having the problem that caused the cel.

whats the build date of your car and have you had it in for service recently. if so did they flash the pcm?

I haven't flashed the pcm yet, just got the letter in the mail, the mazda guy pretty much refused service so I've been getting the services done outside mazda.

-Chris

p.s. the check engine light has come and gone for the life of the car this time it seams on longer but I just might be overreating.

i bought the car sept of 03

well how do you reset the whole computer...this might reset everything.

-Chris

I read somewhere on this forum the following:

There are two reset procedures, one for the NVRAM and the other for the KAM. Neither will erase your radio presets.

1) With the key in the off position, press and hold the odometer reset button and turn the key to on. Continue to hold the odo button until the odometer reads "TEST" and then release.
2) Turn the key to off and repeat step one.

This will reset the entire PCM except the KAM which contains the sensor profiles amongst other things. You can reset it with the familiar procedure:

1) Turn the key to on
2) Depress the brake pedal rapidly 20 times in a row until the oil pressure gauge sweeps to halfway and back again.

I do not know if this is what you are looking for, but please be careful.

I read somewhere on this forum the following:

There are two reset procedures, one for the NVRAM and the other for the KAM. Neither will erase your radio presets.

1) With the key in the off position, press and hold the odometer reset button and turn the key to on. Continue to hold the odo button until the odometer reads "TEST" and then release.
2) Turn the key to off and repeat step one.

This will reset the entire PCM except the KAM which contains the sensor profiles amongst other things. You can reset it with the familiar procedure:

1) Turn the key to on
2) Depress the brake pedal rapidly 20 times in a row until the oil pressure gauge sweeps to halfway and back again.

I do not know if this is what you are looking for, but please be careful.



Will the first step realease the CEL? This is some interesting news.

-Chris

I'm not sure. Like I said, I saw this posted here somewhere. Let me see if I can find out who posted it. Sorry I don't know. :(

Ok...cool...anyone with any info please let me know, to be more specific I need the light off for just this weekend :D

-Chris

I haven't flashed the pcm yet, just got the letter in the mail, the mazda guy pretty much refused service


explain. in detail.

Instead of buying a canscan, why don't you go to an AutoZone and have them pull the codes. They will do it for free. If it is something that needs attention then a trip to the dealer is not wasted time.

explain. in detail.


I've never had my pcm flashed to that new standard you all are always talking about...the mazda dealership told me it wasn't necessary when I took them the TSB, but I dunno, just trying to get rid of the CEL. The CEL has come and went since I had the car and mazda juat tells me as long as it isn't flashing no biggie so i dunno.

-Chris

I've never had my pcm flashed to that new standard you all are always talking about...the mazda dealership told me it wasn't necessary when I took them the TSB, ...-Chris

You NEED to get to a different dealer, period!

Well thats cool, however I need this fixed by Saturday, and I work tomrrow, I dunno what to do all I want to do is reset the CEL does anyone know the way to do this, or perhaps is autozone able to do it?

-Chris

I just read something on the internet about disconnecting the battery for 15 min...during that period while disconnected press brak a few times which will cause all electrical power to be gone and then in-turn clear all the memory.
Is this right or does it make sense?


-Chris

I read somewhere on this forum the following:

There are two reset procedures, one for the NVRAM and the other for the KAM. Neither will erase your radio presets.

1) With the key in the off position, press and hold the odometer reset button and turn the key to on. Continue to hold the odo button until the odometer reads "TEST" and then release.
2) Turn the key to off and repeat step one.

This will reset the entire PCM except the KAM which contains the sensor profiles amongst other things. You can reset it with the familiar procedure:

1) Turn the key to on
2) Depress the brake pedal rapidly 20 times in a row until the oil pressure gauge sweeps to halfway and back again.

I do not know if this is what you are looking for, but please be careful.



Well the first one didn't work, car was kinda hard to start after that...lol. I will try the 2nd in a min.

-Chris

Well the first one didn't work, car was kinda hard to start after that...lol. I will try the 2nd in a min.

-Chris

I said be careful...

I said be careful...


lol, true you did...now I'm in the process of disconnecting the battery for 15 min, while pressing the brake a ew times in between.

-Chris

lol, true you did...now I'm in the process of disconnecting the battery for 15 min, while pressing the brake a ew times in between.

-Chris


Well that seems to have done the trick gonna drive up and down the road for a bit.

-Chris

Chris,
I'll say this as nicely as possible: You sure are hard-headed. It is imperative that you find out what's wrong with your car. Because it seems to run well doesn't mean all is well. Find out what was causing your CEL before something gets damaged.
Don't get me wrong, I've been driving around with a nail in my tire for more than a week even though I have the equipment to fix it, so I acknowledge my lack of room to talk.
Take care of your car man!

Chris,
I'll say this as nicely as possible: You sure are hard-headed. It is imperative that you find out what's wrong with your car. Because it seems to run well doesn't mean all is well. Find out what was causing your CEL before something gets damaged.
Don't get me wrong, I've been driving around with a nail in my tire for more than a week even though I have the equipment to fix it, so I acknowledge my lack of room to talk.
Take care of your car man!



mwa ha ha...never....yes I am hard headed...however I only needed to clear it for Saturday...special reasons...I don't think I'll have to worry about my CEL after then that is for sure.

-Chris

Yes you can continue to drive the car. If the engine light were flashing then you would need to get off the road right away and have them tow the car. After a few start/shut-off cycles the CEL will go away if it was because of the gas cap, I will go along with the CEL is there because of the loose gas cap. Drive and be happy, all is well.

Lane

I had that same problem a when my 8 was just 700 miles old... it light was coming on and off until car was re-flashed... since then... light has been off for last 6000 miles... do make sure that you always keep gas cap tight...

There are probably a lot more knowledgable people here but let me post my thoughts.
Check engine light is not a big deal. I've been driving my maxima for the last year with that light going on and off. Most of the time the problem is oxygen sensor but your car is too young to have a problem like that. Gas cap is another option and now that you say it was loose, most likely it was the problem. I am not sure if the newer cars are the same but disconnecting the battery would reset the computer and take care of the light. If the problem still persists that light would show up again. Anyway, set up an appointment for whenever you have time just to be sure. Drive it and I bet it goes away until that time.

I just threw a cel last week (was flashing prior to that) and code came up "random misfire".
They diagnosed it all and ultimately replaced the spark plugs (130.00 holy sh*t) under warranty. They had 3 extra rental cars available and told me to come in a half hour after I called them and were nothing but courteous and professional. I wouldn't sweat a check engine light for a few days.
Good luck and keep positive......
Gary
Also I am having my doors dyna-matted under warranty at a local auto accessory shop due to the squeaky styrofoam safety triangles that get cold and the dealerships are restricted from removing. It costs about 200.00 and covered by special authorization if you are under 12,000 miles.
Contact me if you require more info.............. :)

drove with a cel for a while. No biggie. Usually is the gas cap or something stupid like that. Possibly a bad sensor. As long as the car runs fine and normal, it is not a matter to worry about TOO much. Just get it checked out and all will be well. Now, as stated earlier, if that cel was flashing-ruh roh.

Thanks for all the helpful and nice posts. I am already feeling better...that is, until the car breaks down. ;)

My 8 threw the CEL New Year's Eve. The computer said the shuttle valve in the intake manifold was stuck open, but the tech checked it and it wasn't. They had to change the shuttle valve sensor switch ($93) below it. Glad it was under warranty because he had to take out the alternator and some more just to get to it. He said it was OK to drive it as long as the light wasn't flashing.

If the CEL is something serious, your car might actually end up in limp mode until the service tech tests and resets it. By limp mode, I mean your gas pedal wont do anything much to rev the engine past 2000 and the car will most likely not exceed 10mph. Or so I've heard. :D

I had a CEL appear last Friday night - live 60 miles from the dlrshp. They told me to go ahead and drive as long as nothing blinks. Took it in Weds, they found "Unstable coolant temp", reflashed, gave me a rental, bought me a good coffee, free zoom-zoom sticker, compared zoom-zoom ring tones on our phones, let me kiss my car goodbye for the overnight stay. All is goooood now!

I had a CEL appear last Friday night - live 60 miles from the dlrshp. They told me to go ahead and drive as long as nothing blinks. Took it in Weds, they found "Unstable coolant temp", reflashed, gave me a rental, bought me a good coffee, free zoom-zoom sticker, compared zoom-zoom ring tones on our phones, let me kiss my car goodbye for the overnight stay. All is goooood now!

That is service!

except unstable cooling temp code i think iss the false code that is thrown because of a software glitch. and then they "flashed" him with code that might not get rid of the glitch.

any way CELS go away after x amount of drive cycles without the problem being noticed again. dont fret too much

except unstable cooling temp code i think iss the false code that is thrown because of a software glitch. and then they "flashed" him with code that might not get rid of the glitch.

any way CELS go away after x amount of drive cycles without the problem being noticed again. dont fret too much

a CEL will stop being illuminated after 40 duty cycles of no faults.. after 80 duty cycles the code will clear from the memory of the PCM

^^^^oooo you learn something new every day:D

As some may know, I have had a recurring CEL on my dear baby 8 that has been annoying the ever-loving sanity out of me. I took her in, gave her to the dealer, kissed her goodbye... yadda.

I come back today to the dealer to see if my car is done. They say (bear in mind, this is from the dealer's mouth. I am also not trying to flutter any hearts. More or less... looking for some divine confirmation if this is true)

"There is a 'new' flash set to come out this week" Mazda just has to send it to us and we can get your car reflashed and hopefully fixed.

Once again, I am not trying to instigate anything. I posted earlier about this and zoom44 informed me a new one was indeed coming out. Hooray!!! Information for the masses.

Indeed the latest and greatest flash is included in WDS level 35.2(P-2)

Be sure the dealer is at this WDS level before they re-flash your car.

This is the latest "N" and after 3 months of corrupted files I really need to hold back endorsing this until I see a few miles on a car.

You guys are smart. I need some men like you around my house so you can fix things for me. :)

You guys are smart. I need some men like you around my house so you can fix things for me. :)
lol.. too bad you're in California... god I hope my girlfriend isn't reading this :p wait, she doesn't like car stuff.. now where were we? :D hehe

Sounds like this may be the answer to my problems as well.

Indeed the latest and greatest flash is included in 35.2(P-2)

Be sure the dealer is at this level before they re-flash your car.


Level of what? I want to call and ask my dealer, but I wanna know how I should phrase my question to insure I am getting the latest and greatest!

What is this flash actually going to do, maybe a little more HP or torque.

Yes I can't wait to see the new fixes on our cars at work.

Hey Snap On, any idea what this new flash is supposed to fix/update?

Level of what? I want to call and ask my dealer, but I wanna know how I should phrase my question to insure I am getting the latest and greatest!

I believe he is referring to the software version level for the WDS (Worldwide Diagnostic System), the device used to reprogram the PCM.

Hey Snap On, any idea what this new flash is supposed to fix/update?

What is this flash actually going to do, maybe a little more HP or torque.


as far as is known right now the flash merely takes care of the corrupted file issue that have arisen lately. its not known right now what , if anything, else has been changed.

I had a CEL this morning when I started the car :eek: , so I took it straight to the dealer. I'm waiting for them to call. Any guesses on what could be wrong?

cel upon first starting the car is usually an Evap system test failure. did you get gas yesterday on the way home?

Ahh yes; it would be nice if Mazda notified the dealers AND the customers (again!) as well, so it won't be a hassle for us to all get it. (or get checked for the necessity of the flash anyway) Then, we could all be on a level playing field without having to twist the dealers arm.

I hope this is the final, good definitive flash!

RX8CaliGirl, I don't know where in So CA you are, but I've had the same problems getting dealers to let me bring the car in and wait for it ... they all want me to drop it off all day, they don't open early enough for me to get to work on time, and they don't have loaners.

I've found that West Covina Mazda has been the most accomodating so far. If you're anywhere close to them give them a try. Good luck!

It is the thermostat! They have to replace it. This is a problem that I haven't heard of with the 8.

Everyone go out and get the "N" flash when it comes out and let me know if I should get it :D

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I haven't had any issues with mine (early M flash).

ive seen one other. what was the cel code?

I had the same problem 2 weeks ago.

I heard this is supposed to up the horesepower to 260. ;)

dont tease the animals...

Last week they sent my computer back to the factory and had it reflashed. That is what I assume. The service manager said "they were putting the latest and greatest on the computer". His words. I have not had it long enough to notice a difference.

Aratinga, I'm on the west side of L.A.. but I commute to work in Orange County (yikes!). My 8 has been good to me so far so I'm keeping my fingers crossed about the CEL -- hoping it was just the gas cap and it goes bye-bye. Otherwise, I will probably go to Cerritos Mazda -- I got good recommendations from them. I'll try West Covina Mazda too. In any case, SoCal Mazda dealers suck! :mad:

Philodox, I'm no Angelina Jolie. :cool: I'll have to let your girlfriend reap the benefits of your handyman ways. :p

Philodox, I'm no Angelina Jolie. :cool: I'll have to let your girlfriend reap the benefits of your handyman ways. :p
Hehe.. I was just kidding around anyhow.. She's hire a hitter if I even seriously considered anything like that.
:rolleyes:

RX8CaliGirl

Heck if you changed your name to RX8 CALL GIRL... J/K Some of the guys might drop in and see you more often .

"Is that a rotary in your pocket or are you just happy to see me "

cheers
michael

I got my car flashed yesterday.. I guess it was the N... the service manager said they had just gotten it in that morning.

I guess getting flashed is like RX-8 junkies getting a fix of the latest designer drug. If your car has no issues, don't get it flashed unless there is a real reason to.

damn ALL I Read is Flash flash flash , i did not get any Flash's since i got the car that is in May 3 2004 and i was never tolled from My Dealer about any Flash's or any thing like that i don't even know what flash I have , should i be concerned about this OR no ??

damn ALL I Read is Flash flash flash , i did not get any Flash's since i got the car that is in May 3 2004 and i was never tolled from My Dealer about any Flash's or any thing like that i don't even know what flash I have , should i be concerned about this OR no ??

Answer this question- Are you having any problems with the car? Check under the hood for a sticker that might provide information on what current flash your car has (Since your car was from May I presume it is already M Flashed).

I guess getting flashed is like RX-8 junkies getting a fix of the latest designer drug. If your car has no issues, don't get it flashed unless there is a real reason to.

AW, I WANT MY FLASH (foot stomping). :mad:

My dealer just replaced my front brakes (squealing) yesterday.. when they call me to tell me it was done, they said that they also reflashed it saying that they just got that update yesterday as well.. i already had the M... so im assuming its the N... supposedly helps out in "acceleration" according to them :rolleyes: i dunno.

Mazda sent me a letter last time to bring it in to get the reflash. My dealer told me he would call as soon as the new flash comes in. I am not expecting anything fantastic as the last two reflashes didn't really do anything noticable. Wonder when the will figure this engine out. They must be losing alot of money to continuously reflash all these cars.

I know I'm poking an angry hornet's nest here, but....

Everyone stop bitching about flashes.
Stop expecting them to increase power.
Stop running into the dealer every time a new one comes out.

The software for every car out there, from Cadillac to Hyundai occasionally gets an update issued for the PCM. Usually it is to correct a bug or programming error in the original program. Cadillac had this recently for a faulty oil temp. warning, but it was only intended for cars experiencing the problem.

Flashes are not unique to the RX-8, and they are not something you are "entitled to". They are a means to correct glitches on certain cars, and that's all.

If your car has a problem, take it in to service. For god's sake kids, it's not the new issue of Maxim, let it die.

I know I'm poking an angry hornet's nest here, but....

Everyone stop bitching about flashes.
Stop expecting them to increase power.
Stop running into the dealer every time a new one comes out.

The software for every car out there, from Cadillac to Hyundai occasionally gets an update issued for the PCM. Usually it is to correct a bug or programming error in the original program. Cadillac had this recently for a faulty oil temp. warning, but it was only intended for cars experiencing the problem.

Flashes are not unique to the RX-8, and they are not something you are "entitled to". They are a means to correct glitches on certain cars, and that's all.

If your car has a problem, take it in to service. For god's sake kids, it's not the new issue of Maxim, let it die.


I like new flashes, and I also install WindowsXP patches before always seeing the problem. If there was a modest charge for the update, I would even pay to be "patch current".

Mazda is providing free periodic improvements to the code, and I am happy to apply them to my car. I took it in today, and they said that it was upgraded (it previously had "M").

I know I'm poking an angry hornet's nest here, but....

Everyone stop bitching about flashes.
Stop expecting them to increase power.
Stop running into the dealer every time a new one comes out.

The software for every car out there, from Cadillac to Hyundai occasionally gets an update issued for the PCM. Usually it is to correct a bug or programming error in the original program. Cadillac had this recently for a faulty oil temp. warning, but it was only intended for cars experiencing the problem.

Flashes are not unique to the RX-8, and they are not something you are "entitled to". They are a means to correct glitches on certain cars, and that's all.

If your car has a problem, take it in to service. For god's sake kids, it's not the new issue of Maxim, let it die.

Yeah, what he said! :p

I like being flashed... What's so wrong with that?? :)

. For god's sake kids, it's not the new issue of Maxim, let it die.

lol....here here

never had a flash...from what I've been told I don't even have the M flash yet...no problems that I can tell, unless the new flash will magically boost my fuel mileage 10mpg or add the 50 needed horsepower I'll just forget about it...

So for those that might have gotten the N frash...how does the car feel?

I never got my 8 reflashed but never had a problem. since every one is talking about flashing there car so i think i'll give it a try but I have no idea what i have to do. Do I just go to any Mazda dealer and ask for new flash?

RX8CaliGirl

Heck if you changed your name to RX8 CALL GIRL... J/K Some of the guys might drop in and see you more often .

"Is that a rotary in your pocket or are you just happy to see me "

cheers
michael

:D LOL.

I think a call girl driving around in an 8 would probably be every guy's fantasy.

Hmm, maybe I should rethink my career. ;)

:D LOL.

I think a call girl driving around in an 8 would probably be every guy's fantasy.

Hmm, maybe I should rethink my career. ;)

:cool:............. Finally a female with a sense of humour ;) , i was expecting to be read the riot act by Elara :eek:

cheers
michael

I took my car into the dealer last week for an oil change and they reflashed my car without my asking for it. I have been driving on the early m flash since it came out and have had no problems. Since the new flash was installed I have had a periodic CEL and the car is reluctant to start. Is it possible that they received the new flash after my oil change. I brought the car in on the 10th.

I took my car into the dealer last week for an oil change and they reflashed my car without my asking for it. I have been driving on the early m flash since it came out and have had no problems. Since the new flash was installed I have had a periodic CEL and the car is reluctant to start. Is it possible that they received the new flash after my oil change. I brought the car in on the 10th.

Read post #2 in this thread and then contact the dealer to verify that their WDS was updated to that version before they flashed your car. That is the current flash (N) which replaced the buggy M flash. I suspect they gave you the bad M flash and that is causing your CEL's.

I had a CEL episode in 11/04 and again yesterday (1/19). Both times the dealership blamed the gas cap. A quick reset and the light is cleared.

They treated me well both times, and I was offered a free rental on both occasions. So far, I have to give IRVINE Mazda two thumbs up for service. Since you drive down to OC for work, you might give them a try, if you're near the El Toro Y area.

SMACKAY

G'day All,

It's only recent, I've had my RX8 for about 3 months, done 6000kms so far. The last two Sundays, the Engine Light has stayed on all day. No obvious changes to the car, handles the same and performs the same. Come Monday morning, the light is off again. It happened again today, and I'm expecting the light to be off tomorrow morning.

A) I'm thinking of taking to the dealer, but without the light on, can they help me out? EG: Review the computer log?!

B) Can it be related to the above mentioned CAT issues?

Looking forward to your responses. Thanks in advance....

Lately it has been really cold here in Central NJ(6-10 degrees) Car just hit 1000 miles two days ago. Now last night I drove it to my girlfriends house which is like 35 miles away.....CEL still is on. Pick her up and restart car, light is off. The light was only on maybe 12 hours. I called Mazda, they said if the car is not driving or handeling funny it could be the gas tank cap. So now I'm think Ok no prob, the light is off, that must have been the problem. Well I stayed at my gf house last night, and this morning start the car up and the light is back on. I think it has something to do with my windshield washer fluid and nozzles. When the light first came on, they were both frozen, the night the light was off, the weren't frozen? Car might be sensing there is a problem with them. Don't know but I am going to let them defrost and see if the light goes off. Ill let you know what happens. Hope this helps!

What zoom said ^^^^^^

- Irish :cool:

I like new flashes, and I also install WindowsXP patches before always seeing the problem. If there was a modest charge for the update, I would even pay to be "patch current".

Mazda is providing free periodic improvements to the code, and I am happy to apply them to my car. I took it in today, and they said that it was upgraded (it previously had "M").

How's the car running now? Does it Idle well when you first ctart it in the freezing cold? Do you feel any power changes?

My check engine light flashes at me 2-3 times then clears. This only happens SOMETIMES when i'm on it hard, above 7000 rpms. on the interstate doing atleast 70 if not faster? Any idea what could be wrong. It only happends when i push it hard at these faster speeds, not even in town driving hard, just above 70 mph. I am running the B+B Midpipe with an O2 simulator installed and JIC titanium single exit exhaust with 3.15 inch piping. haven't had problems till within this last week with this.

Aratinga, I'm on the west side of L.A.. but I commute to work in Orange County (yikes!). My 8 has been good to me so far so I'm keeping my fingers crossed about the CEL -- hoping it was just the gas cap and it goes bye-bye. Otherwise, I will probably go to Cerritos Mazda -- I got good recommendations from them. I'll try West Covina Mazda too. In any case, SoCal Mazda dealers suck! :mad:

Philodox, I'm no Angelina Jolie. :cool: I'll have to let your girlfriend reap the benefits of your handyman ways. :p

my girlfriend bought her's at cerritos and the sales guys.., like always, they lied.. lied about her credit points.., so she ended up paying alittle more than what she supposd to..
their sevice department.. i don't know.. RX8 can run about upto 7000? an oil change isn't it??? they put an sticker after the first oil change (when you suppose to come back for next oil change) and it was just regular 3000 miles.. my feeling is that they don't know RX8's... they are just whatever mechanics... i don't trust them but i would let my girlfriend go because of warrenty..

Her rx8 just got CEL last sat. and cerritos mazda just told her that it is gas cap... i read many people talk about gas cap.. but i just don't understand.. how that will turn on the CEL.... :confused:

<<Her rx8 just got CEL last sat. and cerritos mazda just told her that it is gas cap... i read many people talk about gas cap.. but i just don't understand.. how that will turn on the CEL.... >>

I don't get it either but yay for me because my CEL went off after a while (and after I tightened the gas cap). Weird.

Mazda service dealers really don't know their 8's.

My CEL was caused by a loose gas cap. Tightening it, and waiting a few on/off cycles (I believe it was 10-12) and it went away.

it might just be the gas cap. They need to reset the computer and it should be ok. Same thigns happend to me .

They changed the cap and reset the computer .... problem hasn't come back

I got a recall notice about 2 months ago on mine, I took the car in and it took about 30 mins to fix it.

Pete, did you mean the problem came back or di Not come back?

oppps .... hasn't come back ... Thanks shamblerock !

I told the cute cashier when I picked up my 8 at the dealer for reflash that I get fllashed everytime I come in here. She just looked at me like I was refering to her. I explained my car not her.

Damn.. almost worked :)

My dealer is updating my car as I write this. They had to download it from Mazda and just did that yesterday.

Man.. I got my car back a few hours ago and the tech stated that my TPMS light was on and didnt even do the flash.. Geez... I am going to call service in the morning. I have been having ongoing issues with my CEL light and I thought they would flash it. The service man even told me he was downloading so that he could put it in my car..

Rrrrrrrrrr.. I shouldnt expect any more from Mazda than what I got by now.

btw, I got a CEL again tonight.. fun times. haha

how full was you gas tank???? the ecu is smart.

beers

It usally means a random misfire. Which can be major if not dealt with right away. My dealer is currently instalingl a warranty motor because of it.

I believe the gas line system is pressurized, so it might be that if the cap is open, the fuel system may not perform properly.

I had the same issue with my 8 last week. Took a few "duty cycles" (which I took to mean starting and stopping) before it reset itself... I think it was 10 or so starts or stops. Zoom44 pointed that out IIRC.

That being said, they need a "Check gascap" light.

Yeah, they told me the same thing at my dealer at first, but the light kept coming on after it went through its "duty cycles". The CEL had been on since I got the car! They took it in and put the latest flash ("N" I believe) on it and it seems to be fine now.

My gas tank was 3/4 full, almost a full tank of 93 octane, that's all i run. Could it possibly be because of my midpipe?! and running no cat? and my o2 simulator is shot?

I guess because our 8's were the first ones, we're bearing the brunt of Mazda's testings since frankly, they didn't make a car that runs too smoothly. There are too many lil problems. I'm not gonna trip about it anymore, though, cuz my 8 is gorgeous. :)

UberJumper has the world's cutest baby. It needs to be said, and it needs to be said often.

My car has done the exact same thing before and I have no mods (except pzero neros!) When driven at high rpm during a friend's test drive of my car it flashed the check engine light and then it did not come back on. Typically my car is driven only moderately hard or just cruising in 6th at 72mph.

Should we be concerned about this?

Take it in.

I had the same problem when driving the engine hard up to 8K. Dealer found bad plugs the culprit. The problem was Random Misfire. After the plugs were replaced, no CELs and all is good now. (knock on wood) This was about a 1000mi ago.

yea same thing happens to me

Yup..same here too. I have a CANScan tool and the codes that are being recorded are a P0300 (Random Misfire) and a P0200 (Injector Circuit Malfunction). The dealer's link to Mazda was down today so i'll have to take it to them on Monday. All of my problems started after my 30k service when they cleaned the injectors.. It has to be related. They have replaced my plugs and wires to no avail.

so far :)

Hey guys, I took my car into Mazda this morning (1/31) and I finally got a call from them at around 4:30. They said that I had a slight fuel leak coming from the 1st injector assembly leaking back into the cylindar. They want to keep the car over night and run a fuel test on it. I'll know more before mid day tomorrow and let you guys know whats going on with it and what they plan on doing.

I just hope this time they find the issue and can correct it. My CEL issues have been going on for months now.. it's getting old :)

this is my first time in this section and i can't believe how shitty the mazda service is for these cars... i can see them not wanting to work on the rx7's and older cars but geez!!!! from crappy repairs to endless waits....

if anyone gets the runaround from the dealer, i've got an obd2 code scanner. if you've got a CEL and just want to know what's causing it, i'm offering to scan the car for free--just make arrangements and drop by.

i'm in hesperia, ca, so this offer only really pertains to the so. cal residents. hope i can help at least a little bit.

I don't see how a leaking fuel injector can cause a misfire MIL. Unless you have lots of carbon on the rotors and the extra fuel is causing extra heat, and hot spots/detonation...

Good luck...

This is the response that I got from Mazda.

The reason why I have the CEL is possibly because of my pulleys. The pulleys are increasing the speed of the engine by underdriving certain components. This is causing the sensors to go outside the bounds that is acceptable before a CEL is issued. The reason why I am smelling the fuel is because this bound has been breached and the system is purging fuel.

If I decide to replace my aftermarket pulleys with OEM, they will send out an engineer to look at it if my problems still persist.

They also flashed me to 35.5. I was expecting it to be 35.2 because of all the threads stating that is the latest level, so that kind of shocked me a bit. They gave me the print out of what my computer recorded so thats how I know my level. I have gone all of 4 hours without a CEL.. WOW :)

I seem to be taking over this thread.. it came back on. my pulleys are coming off.. i'll let you guys know what the outcome is.. Rrrrr

I read somewhere on this forum the following:

There are two reset procedures, one for the NVRAM and the other for the KAM. Neither will erase your radio presets.

1) With the key in the off position, press and hold the odometer reset button and turn the key to on. Continue to hold the odo button until the odometer reads "TEST" and then release.
2) Turn the key to off and repeat step one.

This will reset the entire PCM except the KAM which contains the sensor profiles amongst other things. You can reset it with the familiar procedure:

1) Turn the key to on
2) Depress the brake pedal rapidly 20 times in a row until the oil pressure gauge sweeps to halfway and back again.

I do not know if this is what you are looking for, but please be careful.

Few questions: What does the odometer do or read after you release the odometer reset button, how long does it take, and why did you say to be careful, what might we be screwing up? Thanks for any responses.

Edit: Anyone that has done the reset? :confused:

i had the same problem, dealer is a little more than a hundred miles away, and service guy said to tighten gas cap and call him back if it didnt go away... it didnt. i got it down there, and they took several hours to decipher the code for it, and it came up as a thermostat script in the programming in the car, they updated my software, and magically fixed the problem.

cel upon first starting the car is usually an Evap system test failure. did you get gas yesterday on the way home?

Hey zoom, this interests me.. Friday, my AT 8 w/ 14k miles(which I've had for 6 days) threw a CEL in the morning when I started it. I drove to the dealership, who was very courtious - gave me a song and dance about flashing the PCM and sent me on my way.

The very next day, when starting the car - it threw another CEL. (And, yes - I had just gotten gas - and thought I was careful to tighten the cap) I plan to take it to the dealer near my office but - what were you going to say about this scenario, out of your experience?

Anomaly

My car has had two CELs in the past two weeks. First code was P0456: "EVAP system leak detected (very small leak) on 2 EVAP system". The dealer reflashed my car and sent me on my way. CEL reappeared within a week, with this code: "P0442: EVAP system leak detected (small leak) on 2 EVAP system". For that, they replaced my gas filler cap (as Gomez and ClydeJMuggs said they should). So far, so good... two days later, still no CEL.

you will probably have the same experience Aratinga just had. a couple times of them kinda brushing it off as a loose cap and then they willchange cap.

They gave me a new cap the second time that I took it in. It worked for a few weeks and then the light came on again. I then took it back and they kept the car for four days, then they told me that they coud not find anything. They did not find a code.

I feel that it will be back on in a few days. I have only had my car for close to four months and its been in the shop once a month since then. That is not right and I'm tired. :mad:

I've been throwing CELs lately but I thought it was because of my midpipe. I'm going to check my gas cap and if that doesn't help, I'll take it to the dealership.

I'm glad I read this thread... good posts guys.

My CEL has been coming on and off for the past two weeks. I finally took it into the dealer and without them even doing a diagnostics check told me it is most likely due to my aftermarket (Borla) cat back exhaust. Is this a ligitimate remark or should I question them further. I told them to run the diagnostics and get back to me.

I doubt a different cat-back exhaust would directly cause a CEL. Make sure you get the DTC error number from them when they report the results of their diagnosis. Then check the DTC list on the forum (link below) for an explanation of the error . I suspect they are preparing you for denying a warranty repair. If their diagnosis shows an error that is obviously unrelated to the cat-back, calmly indicate to them that you do not accept that it was caused by the aftermarket exhaust system and if they don't come around, call Mazda North American Operations (800-222-5500) immediately to explain the problem and to seek their assistance with getting the problem resolved. That's straight from the owners manual, BTW.

DTC List: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=26291&highlight=DTC+codes

I doubt a different cat-back exhaust would directly cause a CEL. Make sure you get the DTC error number from them when they report the results of their diagnosis. Then check the DTC list on the forum (link below) for an explanation of the error . I suspect they are preparing you for denying a warranty repair. If their diagnosis shows an error that is obviously unrelated to the cat-back, calmly indicate to them that you do not accept that it was caused by the aftermarket exhaust system and if they don't come around, call Mazda North American Operations (800-222-5500) immediately to explain the problem and to seek their assistance with getting the problem resolved. That's straight from the owners manual, BTW.

DTC List: http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=26291&highlight=DTC+codes

Well, the dealer came back to me today and told me the DTC code registering on the diagnostics is "P0420 Catalyst system efficiency below threshold ON 2 Catalyst ", told me my cat needed replacing, and that it was due to my cat back exhaust system. I'm wondering if this may be due cold weather but I don't know, I'm having a hard time believing that my cat back exhaust system ruined my cat. Any ideas?

tell them to prove it and show them a copy of the magnusson moss act- if you are in the USA

Well, the dealer came back to me today and told me the DTC code registering on the diagnostics is "P0420 Catalyst system efficiency below threshold ON 2 Catalyst ", told me my cat needed replacing, and that it was due to my cat back exhaust system. I'm wondering if this may be due cold weather but I don't know, I'm having a hard time believing that my cat back exhaust system ruined my cat. Any ideas?
Cold weather had nothing to do with it. Failed cats are, unfortunately, not too unusual with this car. You can search the forum and read many posts about just that. Your cat-back exhaust did not caused the failure, and I would make that statement to the service manager. If they refuse to replace the cat under warranty, call MNAO, explain the standoff to them and request that they intercede on your behalf.

Well, called up MNAO and filed a complaint with them on the issue. They said they would have an analyst investigate the issue further and get back to me. We'll see what happens.

Good on ya. The dealer will be calling you very soon. Let us know the outcome, please.

Well, the dealer came back to me today and told me the DTC code registering on the diagnostics is "P0420 Catalyst system efficiency below threshold ON 2 Catalyst ", told me my cat needed replacing, and that it was due to my cat back exhaust system. I'm wondering if this may be due cold weather but I don't know, I'm having a hard time believing that my cat back exhaust system ruined my cat. Any ideas?

nonsense.... exhaust system never fail any CATpipe.

Just thought I would add a little update, the CEL came back on again about two weeks ago. This time I took it to a different dealership, they told me the problem was the same, the CAT and seal were bad, but they said they'd replace it no problem under warrantee. It sucks that dealerships can be so different.