Ross

OK so I had my X towed to Japanese Auto after reading good reviews but I don't think he is schooled on the RX8 he can't get it started saying not spark. He say my starter is fine and I replaced it less then a couple years ago. I also replace the plugs wire and coils not too long ago as well. I didn't want to take it to Mazda because they already tried to rape me to replace the plugs et al. I have it on the market and want to do right by the next owner but really getting frustrated. It has 71K miles on it and really in mint shape. I was going to go over there tomorrow (Thu) and see if he took the plug out and did the de-flood procedure and cleaned dried out the plugs. I do love my RX8 but now driving a VW GTI which I also love and was going to keep the RX8 or sell it for what I feel it's worth. Any comments are appreciated, according to Japanese autp repair he is saying something electrical is going on (not getting spark) the only reason I took it to the shop was I noticed when I tried to start it it had a different sound when turning over that I am not used to and thought it was the starter. I suffer from chronic pain and just can't work on the X like I used to. I have limited income or cash and this is making me really nervous. HELP!!

CLUBUGLY

This sounds similar to my issue. I haven't resolved or got an answer yet. But anyway, have your guy put it on a jump box (even if your battery is fully charged) for about 10 minutes and then try to start. If it's similar to my issue then it will fire, but on next key turn most likely not fire. Mine seems to randomly want to fire when it wants too. PCM diagnostic checked out computer and it was fine, ESS new and wiring was fine too. The next thing I will check is the coil wiring from coil to PCM.

Ross

Hi Club,

Yes this has been quite frustrating these guys are saying their spending a few hours a day trying to figure it out and has been there for about 10 days and don't even know what they plan to charge me. I need to call today and put a cap or something and find someone else or take it to Mazda and they will make it even more painful financially. Mazda wanted to charge me $1200 to change plug coils and wires I did it myself for $350 in parts and a couple hours of my time

Ross

Well Japanese Auto now is saying I need to replace the ECU and then needs to be re-flashed and that has to be done by Mazda. Arghhh waiting for another call back. I don't know jack!!

CLUBUGLY

This is where I sent mine in to have it checked. If your computer is good, only $75 and they will return it in a shiny new painted case. If it's bad, they can rebuild it for $350 and there will not be a need for you to have it reprogrammed or go to the dealership.

autocomputerecm.com/2004-mazda-rx8-all-ecm-998.html

Very good service!

Ross

Where did you go, I didn't see a link........

CLUBUGLY

Sorry, I re-edited post above and added link. Just make sure you grab the correct numbers off your computer to match correct service at site.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

I can program it for 100 bux ...

But i call bullshit on this case, if starter turns and unless u see lots kf uxxxx code, ur ecu is fine.

There is a chance that the cas is not reading correctly and gives u weird timing.

But are they sure u have no spark?

CLUBUGLY

Yeah, I agree... Over 10 days is way to long. I also noticed no mentioned of the Crank Position Senor or ESS? Did they give you an explanation why they believe it's the computer? Can they not connect to it?

@nycgps - Can you give us more details? is CAS the same at CPS/ESS? Thanks.

Legot

iTrader: (1)

Yes it is.

If it's cranking then it's not the ECU.

Ross

Thanks for your comments guys, I kind of call B.S. too. I was getting my engine warning light on but was able to start and run for quite a while without addressing it. When I decided that I might put it on the market and didn't drive it for a couple weeks is when it wouldn't start and I noticed the way the starter sounded and not sounding right was when I took it to the shop. I wanted to give it the 60K maintenance and fix anything that may become a problem for the next owner but this is getting kind of ridiculous. I really don't want to sell it because I really do love this car even though I am driving a GTI too. I would love to find someone local that I could trust and pay them to get my X back into a reliable running X. I am willing to get it towed somewhere else or back home at this point. I dread taking it to the Mazda dealer they just see $$ and will milk me for as much money as they can.

CLUBUGLY

How many miles do you have on it? I noticed you said 60k maintenance... Mazda will replace that engine under warranty FREE if less than 80k miles on car.

wcs

iTrader: (2)

This.
And remember only the Lead fire during cranking.
Just saying if your doing one of those laying the spark plug on the frame trick to see the spark

Ross

They claim they are getting no spark, I need to see what they did to verify that. I will keep you updated. Appreciate the feedback.

CLUBUGLY

Yeah, I would just get my car back. They obviously, don't know what they are doing. If you have a warranty on the engine, take it to the dealer. If not, I would Google RX7/RX8/Rotary Engine Specialist in your area.

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

just buy one of those spark tester, it's like 10-15 bux, take the leading wire out, plug and clip the tester to anywhere nearby, crank and look, easy

Ross

Just got off the phone and they said they figured out the problem, some kind of grounding problem. He recommened I replace the plugs even though I did them a couple years ago. The battery he said was also not holding a charge and going to contact Oreilly to see if they are going to give me a deal on replacing since it's not that old. I am willing to give these guys a second chance and perform the scheduled mainatenance on it so I can make sure the next owner will know this is well maintained and up to date on what needs to be done. I always took good care of my X and it was frustrating to see it not running properly but I understand the RX8 requires special attention at times. Thanks again for all your feedback and will keep you posted on how it all pans out.