luis_rx8

I currently live in Virginia and Thai Friday I'm planning on driving down to Florida for a little vacation but my car seems to be having some trouble. My cars A/C is on the entire time I have my car on. And it's ALWAYS hot air which is extremely annoying given its summer. Anyway, I wanted to know if anyone else has had this problem or if currently going through. I don't want my car to overheat cause of this. Also whenever I drive my car it'll just start to shake randomly. Idk if it's tied to the a/c problem or not. But it's worrying. I just got brand new solenoids AND a Cat Converter for this beauty One more thing I just did a full coolant flush on my car and the coolant light is still on. PLEASE HELP!!!!

luis_rx8

Hey guys my names Luis. I'm 19 and I just recently purchased my 04 rx8. It's come with some problems bad solenoids, wrecked CAT Converter messed up brakes I've managed to fix the last one by myself but had to go to the dealer for brand new solenoids and a cat converter. The only things wrong are the coolant level light which I just did a complete flush and put new coolant in for but it didn't work. My A/C is always spewing hot air out and won't stop even if I have the **** for the a/c to 0 and last but not least my car shakes whenever I'm at a redligjt or just stopped. It'll do this for a couple seconds then stop. I think this might be tied to the A/C problem but then again I could be wrong (new owner) I absolutely am in love with this car and wouldn't trade it for the world. Would appreciate any tips and/or help/DIY's that could solve my problem. I want to take a little vacation to Florida and I got a long drive since I live in VA.

Loki

iTrader: (1)

Those sound like problems that should have many threads dedicated to them already, suggest you search around. But off the top of my head...

- Coolant level light: there is a common issue where the coolant level sensor goes bonkers. Solution is to replace the coolant overflow bottle, which includes the sensor
- A/C always hot, there is a common issue with the temperature controls, but I don't know the details. Search in the troubleshooting sub-forum
- shaking: consistent with A/C compressor cycling on and off. I don't think this ever really goes away completely, but depends how bad it is for you. If it's to the point that it barely holds idle, you may have other problems.

Do you know the condition of the engine? Is it original or a recent replacement? Did you have a compression test done? That's usually the #1 thing to check.

Next thing you may want to consider is replacing the spark plugs, leads and ignition coils as a preventative measure. That cat didn't die by itself, and often faulty ignition is responsible for dead cats.

ken-x8

Merged the two posts into one thread...now replies will be all in one place.

Luis - welcome to the club. You've come to the right place for help.

You don't necessarily have to replace the coolant bottle. You can just unplug the sensor connection, and make sure to visually check the level reasonably often. If you do replace the bottle, read the TSB for cautions on how to reduce chances of breaking the radiator.

See https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...ontrol-158200/ for the AC control problem Loki refers to. Details on how to diagnose and fix it.

Good luck, and enjoy your drive to Florida. Hope you get the AC working!

Ken

luis_rx8

Thanks so much guys! I took bits of what you both said! I replaced my spark plugs and engine coils but I can't seem to find some leads(help?) I also did the A/C update where you hold all the buttons you know? And my a/c seems to be doing way better! I also had a question about the compression test.......how do I do that?! Haha anyways thanks Loki and Ken_x8! You guys were a big help without you guys I rob ably would've cancelled my trip and you've taught me valuable lessons that will last a while with my 8 and I considering I'm only 19👌 thanks once again!

Khurram

Compression test needs to be done at Mazda or a Rotarty specialist. It should have been done prior to purchase neways you still need to get it done.

Also read the New / Potential owners thread thoroughly it will answer pretty much all your questions and gives you heads up on what to be aware of. This car requires attention.

All the best :-)

luigi741

Dude, my name's Luis too and I'm 19 also! I just got myself a black, 2005 Grand Touring 6-speed with approximately 77,700 miles on it, I'm in Florida. Congrats! I'm really hoping that this car treats me right, because I am taking care of her as much as I can.

luis_rx8

Dude I just drove down to Florida yesterday! More coincidences! That's crazy! Did you get yours from a dealer or private? I tried forever to find a grand touring in my hometown in VA but they were all asking for 10000+ 😭

luigi741

I know that's awesome, I'm in Southwest Florida! But I bought mine private party. Got mine at a pretty good price. It took me a few weeks too to find mine. Had to drive to Miami to get mine which was about an hour and a half away. But so far so good, I do have to do some minor things like changing out the head unit, some relays for the Bose sound system, and passenger door lock is not working. The RX-8 is a lady and needs to be treated like one. How many miles on yours?

luis_rx8

Aw I had to change the relays in my bose sound system too. And I haven't quite figured out hot to fix my passenger door lock haha but yeah man me too I got it for 3800 but like two weeks later I had to take it to the dealer for brand new solenoids and a cat converter. I got it with 83000 miles on it. And yeah right now my cylinder 1 is misfiring and it's back at the dealer they're telling me I might have to buy a new engine 😰

luigi741

Damn, having to buy a new engine sounds rough. But you got it cheap so I guess it's not too bad. Mine was $7000. Just had a new clutch and radiator. Where did you get the relays, I really want to fix that speaker, it's highly annoying when it cuts in and out. When it does work the Bose system sounds amazing.