My '04 RX-8 is on its way to the dealership - won't start. I guess it's flooded??? it just cranked and cranked - I tried the "...pedal to the floor for 7-8 seconds..." process but it did nothing. So, they'll tow it in, fix it and I'll have to go get it. Not a huge deal.

But, my question is more about the flashes. I think my car was built in March of 2004. I've got 9,000 miles on it. I have no idea what flashes have been done - if any. My car is serviced at a dealership so I'd hope (naive?) that they're keeping up with that.

The car runs fine (other than not starting this morning). But I don't know what if anything I'm missing. The only thing that seems odd is the throttle - there is no difference in 3/4 vs. full throttle. I asked them to look at that a few weeks ago (in for oil change) they said it's normal.

Advice?

Thanks.
Mark

tell the dealership to update every outstanding TSBs/recalls on your car while it's in the shop, and give you a full list of work done when you go pick it up

you should have the thermal shield recall done at the minimum. the recall should bring your ECU calibration to the latest version.

Thanks... what is the thermal shield recall? I looked at that link but there were no recalls for the RX-8.

Thanks again.

search for 'thermal shield recall' on the forum

The only thing that seems odd is the throttle - there is no difference in 3/4 vs. full throttle. I asked them to look at that a few weeks ago (in for oil change) they said it's normal.

Advice?

Thanks.
Mark

I think is has been said before on this site that once throttle goes past 70% it goes into open loop (or closed loop, can't remember) and runs off the tables programmed into the ECU.

I think is has been said before on this site that once throttle goes past 70% it goes into open loop (or closed loop, can't remember) and runs off the tables programmed into the ECU.

So, is this a good thing or bad or neither?

The car is currently at the dealership.

The service writer, when I asked him about flashing, said it's a bunch of internet crap. (ya think these guys are sick of their customers actually having a bit of knowledge?) He said "We'll look at the car and dertermine what, if any flash is needed".

So, should I insist on the R or any other flash? If I can gain some power or throttle response, of course, I want what ever's going to help - especially if it's "free".

Advice?

Thanks.
Mark

Take your car somewhere else! And, post his dealership name on "that internet crap".

Well considering that the throttle is electronic, it never really open up till it wants and thinks it should. The electronic throttle is designed to always be in an optimal state. I would assume it is good, if you don't want to use alot of gas thought you better be easy on the pedal, if you do then hammer away.

your car is a 2004 and so was included in the 3305g thermal issue recall. was this work done? if yes then you are on the most current flash. if not ask why your recall was not performed.

you only need one thread about this so i merged the 2 together.

"We'll look at the car and dertermine what, if any flash is needed"

No, they should be looking in the Mazda service database for all items that need to be done to your VIN. This will include ALL applicable recalls and at least one campaign to update the ECU calibration level.

It is also reasonable to ask them to check the service database and tell you what shows as outstanding for your car. Even the service writer should be able to do that.

In answer to your original question, I believe if they do the "Engine Cranks - No Start" TSB or the Fuel Tank Recall (http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/pdf/OwnerLetterRecallFuel.pdf) then you will end up with your ECU upgraded to the latest level.

Thanks for combining them - sorry for the duplication.

You guys were right - they did do the thermal recall and flashed the ecu with most up to date program.

They also installed a new battery. They tried to get me to pay half ($65) of the cost of the battery. I killed (mostly) the battery trying to get the thing to start. The guys told me that Mazda used a light battery to save weight but that the earlier cars (2003, 2004) are coming in with dead batteries - the $80 lightweight battery isn't up to the challenge... of flooded engines, etc. So, now they used a better ($130) battery.

I didn't think a year-old car with 9,000 miles on it should need a battery... especially since it was killed because of a "flaw" (flooding issue). They ultimately agreed and ate the cost (or passed it on to Mazda).

So, I've got the car back home and, surprise surprise, it feels exactly as it did before. Guess that's a good thing.

Thanks for all the insight.
Mark

tell the dealership to update every outstanding TSBs/recalls on your car while it's in the shop,



They won't do any TSB unless you complain about a specific item.

My dealer, who has been great on almost everything else, finally gave me push back on the battery. I requested they test it, because I'm having trouble cranking when it's cold. They charged me $10 for testing it and said it was fine.

Next oil change I'll be insisting they fix the battery or starter.