Is it time? hard starting rx8...
#1
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Is it time? hard starting rx8...
Well i've been having trouble starting lately on my rx8, it's a 2004 with 89k miles, and after it's hot and sits a few minutes it doesn't start on the first try, but almost always the 2nd. Yesterday was the first time it was cold and wouldn't start, took 3 tries. this morning again same problem, but started on 2nd try. Seems to run fine otherwise, no stumbling or dying at idle. Is it time to go to the dealer for a compression check or does it sound like a weak battery or starter? And what does the dealer charge for a compression check? want some idea so i don't get ripped off.
Thanks
Chris
Thanks
Chris
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Well i've been having trouble starting lately on my rx8, it's a 2004 with 89k miles, and after it's hot and sits a few minutes it doesn't start on the first try, but almost always the 2nd. Yesterday was the first time it was cold and wouldn't start, took 3 tries. this morning again same problem, but started on 2nd try. Seems to run fine otherwise, no stumbling or dying at idle. Is it time to go to the dealer for a compression check or does it sound like a weak battery or starter? And what does the dealer charge for a compression check? want some idea so i don't get ripped off.
Thanks
Chris
Thanks
Chris
My 2006 had some issues with weak starting and a new battery did wonders.
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My 2004 with 92k miles had some issues starting recently. I did some research on here and determined it was most likely the spark plugs or ignition coils. I had never changed the ignition coils, which most people seem to recommend every 30k miles. The spark plugs were last changed at 35k miles.
I ended up replacing the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and ignition coils. Car starts up great now. Those items might be something else to look at changing if you haven't replaced recently.
I ended up replacing the spark plugs, spark plug wires, and ignition coils. Car starts up great now. Those items might be something else to look at changing if you haven't replaced recently.
#6
Im having issues with long starts and I recorded a video to show you guys. I searched around and my best guess is the starter. I have 75k and got a reman 1200 miles ago and its not suffering from ANY power loss and feels amazing when driving. Its just the long starts that are bothering me. MY plugs and coils were changed almost 17- 20k ago and i still have the original starter in my 04. It may just be the plugs that are causing weak ignition or maybe a coil is going bad. Any one care to crank up their volume and listen. Oh i almost forgot to mention i purchased a new battery almost 8 months ago and it was tested to be fine. Also checked the terminals and they're tight.
The one in the video is one of the shorter "long starts", ive had a few that took 2 tries. Tell me im not losing compression AGAIN lol.
The one in the video is one of the shorter "long starts", ive had a few that took 2 tries. Tell me im not losing compression AGAIN lol.
#8
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/2757/20111020104032.jpg
#10
Im having issues with long starts and I recorded a video to show you guys. I searched around and my best guess is the starter. I have 75k and got a reman 1200 miles ago and its not suffering from ANY power loss and feels amazing when driving. Its just the long starts that are bothering me. MY plugs and coils were changed almost 17- 20k ago and i still have the original starter in my 04. It may just be the plugs that are causing weak ignition or maybe a coil is going bad. Any one care to crank up their volume and listen. Oh i almost forgot to mention i purchased a new battery almost 8 months ago and it was tested to be fine. Also checked the terminals and they're tight.
The one in the video is one of the shorter "long starts", ive had a few that took 2 tries. Tell me im not losing compression AGAIN lol.
The one in the video is one of the shorter "long starts", ive had a few that took 2 tries. Tell me im not losing compression AGAIN lol.
#11
#12
Well i've been having trouble starting lately on my rx8, it's a 2004 with 89k miles, and after it's hot and sits a few minutes it doesn't start on the first try, but almost always the 2nd. Yesterday was the first time it was cold and wouldn't start, took 3 tries. this morning again same problem, but started on 2nd try. Seems to run fine otherwise, no stumbling or dying at idle. Is it time to go to the dealer for a compression check or does it sound like a weak battery or starter? And what does the dealer charge for a compression check? want some idea so i don't get ripped off.
Thanks
Chris
Thanks
Chris
#15
My 2004 RX-8 GT is in the shop as we speak because of the exact same issue: problems starting when the engine is warm. Something else to check for is loss of power after driving for 60+ minutes (particularly in the lower end of the gear).
At first, my dealer dismissed this as my issue because I wasn't revving the engine to 5K before shutting it down. But after complaining (via their maintenance survey) they agreed to re-check the vehicle and determined that it was a coil and leading spark plug issue.
These days I don't know whether they're bullshitting me or not, but I've already had the starter replaced (can't remember if this was via recall, but there was a recommendation to replace for cold weather). So I'm hoping this resolves the warm starting issue. Sounds like your issue might be a bit different because it's happening when the engine is cold.
Good luck. I'll let you know how it goes.
At first, my dealer dismissed this as my issue because I wasn't revving the engine to 5K before shutting it down. But after complaining (via their maintenance survey) they agreed to re-check the vehicle and determined that it was a coil and leading spark plug issue.
These days I don't know whether they're bullshitting me or not, but I've already had the starter replaced (can't remember if this was via recall, but there was a recommendation to replace for cold weather). So I'm hoping this resolves the warm starting issue. Sounds like your issue might be a bit different because it's happening when the engine is cold.
Good luck. I'll let you know how it goes.
Last edited by Lit; 10-21-2011 at 07:18 PM.
#18
Well, to add to my saga. The dealership replaced the leading plugs, leading coils and wires -- indicating that was the problem with my engine starting when it was warm.
Drove it off the lot and 20 minutes later, revved it to 5k then shut it down and walked into a store for 3 minutes.
Came out and it didn't start. Waited 20 minutes, then it started.
If anyone has an idea wtf this problem is, please let me know because the dealer sure doesn't. I'm taking it in for the 4th time tomorrow.
Drove it off the lot and 20 minutes later, revved it to 5k then shut it down and walked into a store for 3 minutes.
Came out and it didn't start. Waited 20 minutes, then it started.
If anyone has an idea wtf this problem is, please let me know because the dealer sure doesn't. I'm taking it in for the 4th time tomorrow.
#19
It sounds like the dealer is bullshitting you. I have an 04 as well and they came with a 1.3kw starter which is relatively weak. I upgraded to the 07 2kw starter and it starts every time on the first try. You could jack up the car and get a look at the starter to find exactly which model you have. I bought my starter from the autozone website, I got the 2kw duralast starter. 1.3 Litters of Fury has a video on the upgraded starter.
#20
I found some trailing plugs designed to remedy this...changed all four and noticed a difference...Got them with mazdatrix part #RE6C-L. Lead plugs are RE7C-L. Get 2 of each. Also had done a new battery and starter but only these plugs helped the problem...I had same # of mileage, same year car and also had to do coil packs and plug wires. Not cheap but I'm a girl and even i did this myself...easy.
Also if you want you can run the older rx7 plugs as well. Before anyone says it isn't doable I'll post pictures later. You can get 6 and 8 heat ranges in the older plugs and they will work nicely and will save you $50.
#21
It sounds like the dealer is bullshitting you. I have an 04 as well and they came with a 1.3kw starter which is relatively weak. I upgraded to the 07 2kw starter and it starts every time on the first try. You could jack up the car and get a look at the starter to find exactly which model you have. I bought my starter from the autozone website, I got the 2kw duralast starter. 1.3 Litters of Fury has a video on the upgraded starter.
After replacing the leading coils/plugs/wires AND doing a decarb, the car seems to start properly now. But it still takes 2 seconds longer than I remember.
Maybe it's just getting old?
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