aka_rob

My 04 with 61K miles started acting up about two weeks ago, I've searched the forum for similar issues, but none quite match.

The problem is very little power under about 4200 rpm after that it takes off like normal, fast as could be. It does not buck or misfire, just does not accelerate smooth anymore. I cannot get the tires to spin, even when its wet out, no torqe at all. Its also taking longer to start than normal, probably 3 to 4 seconds as apposed to right when I turned the key before. It always starts and has never stalled while driving. No cel either.

I have changed the plugs, wires, air filter and cleaned the MAF. I also seafoamed it twice following the procedure I found here. I looked at the cat after driving for a while and noticed glowing red around the O2 sensor, not sure if that is normal or not. I called the dealership and they had me come in for the "power loss" recall which did nothing, but it was free so I figured it wouldn't hurt. I am trying to save 90 bucks by not taking it to the dealership to have them tell me whats wrong. I would think the coils would cause a chugging or bucking, but I could be wrong. So any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Robert

rx8cited

Not normal ......sound like your cat's shot. If your coils are original, the should be replaced from all I've read.

aka_rob

cool.. Thanks. I have an appointment at the dealership monday @ 8am.

Is this covered until 80K miles? pretty sure I've read that somewhere.

rx8cited

Yep, 80 kmiles. EPA Warranty Info
Let us know how it worked out.

aka_rob

will do. I just hope that is the problem.

Nemesis8

iTrader: (3)

Taking longer to start is a sign of excess carbon buildup also. I have an '04 with 77K on it, and I have a low compression motor. It is below the min spec, but I'm having fun with it during it's last days. I'm working with the dealer on a new reman engine as I type this.

Read the official Mazda TSB for ENGINE LACK OF POWER

Semiazas

warrenty only good for original owner? i got mine used and i got 77k miles and there is nothing a dealer will do for me correct?

aka_rob

90 Bucks later and I need a new battery and starter before they will look into it further. I am not exactly happy at this point. They are going to look at it for free next time though. they only wanted 771 to replace the starter and battery.. LOL!!! pretty sure I can do it my self for less than half that.


They said I have the old style starter and only 450 cca on the battery. Could the battery cause hesitation?

any leads on getting a decent deal on the new starter?

aka_rob

So I went and picked up a battery from Les Schwab.. 640cca should be good right.. I put it in and started the car, still took a sec. to start, then it died. It did this three times before it would stay running on its own (with out any throttle).

I'm hoping the dealership will diagnose it with just the new battery. Changing the starter has nothing to do with the way it runs after its started so why would I have to change that in order for them to diagnose the problem..

julietvictor

I have the same problem, but I only have 22,000 miles on mine. I have an '05, had it since new and just started developing these same problems last week. I Seafoamed mine twice also, which helped a little, but I am still having issues. I took it to the dealer last Fri and they said it is a possible low compression issue but they can't see me until Tues (tomorrow). The one thing I haven't checked was my air filter. I have a K&N panel filter and I haven't cleaned it for a while. I think I may put off the dealer for a little bit and do a good once over on everything.

PaPaBear

My 8 is okay, but after 29 years of marriage a gradual loss of power is noticed.

bulletproof21

any update to this? mine is now doing the same thing. Slower to start and reduced power under about 4k rpm's. I replaced the battery about 9 months ago so its not that. I changed the plugs about 3 months ago.

Would the coils cause noticable power loss under 4k rpms AND slow start issues?

Roxie79

Same here, I have an 04 just coming up on 60k miles. About a month ago I started off to work and nearly stopped dead in the middle of an intersection, and had minimal power to continue through. Consistently, I have low power in only 1st and 2nd gears. It is extremely noticeable going up hills.. I have a manual, hills should NOT be a problem!! I have also noticed it takes a little longer for the engine to turn over. I just had the car in for an oil change and inspection a little bit ago, and as part of the routine the battery check came up green. Rob, please keep us updated on what's going on with your 8... it seems you are not the only one!

GIMP

The warranty goes by the mileage, it doesn't matter how many have owned the car.

swoope

iTrader: (5)

fuel pump guys.

classic symptoms..

beers

julietvictor

Mine ended up being diagnosed as low compression. I got a new engine- at 22,000 miles. Not very happy at this point. I kept immaculate care of that motor, and I didn't baby it either driving it. 22,000 and a new motor- what is going to happen next? Who knows. But now I have a new motor to break in- woohoo!

bulletproof21

good idea swoope. I have the bhr coils already on the way which I need anyway at 66k miles. If that doesnt fix it I can get the new 09 fuel pump Thanks for the idea.

Gozza_11

hi guys referring to this thread i must say recently i have experienced a strange power loss in the past 2 weeks and now my engine light has come on!!!!. i have a 05 model with 50,000 kms done on it. the power loss seems to be between 4,000rpms and 4,500rmps and sometimes like in 3rd gear it struggles to go past it and at higher revs it almost feels like the car is goin nowhere. i have cleaned me MAF sensor and that did absolutely nothing for me.. i have ordered in new coils,plugs and leads hopefully that fixes the problem?? any suggestions (also the car takes longer to start??)

Gozza_11

hey i have a 05 rx8 with 50,000 kms on the clock. in between 4000rpm and 4500 rpm the car jolts and loses heaps of power and it also doesnt wanna rev past 6000rmp.. do you guys no what could be causing the problem apart from coils,plugs and wires there getting put in tomorrow..

bulletproof21

just to update...my bhr coils finally arrived and I installed them Friday night and that DID take care of both my issues. The car cranked right up the way it is supposed to, the way it used to and the loss of power down low is completely gone. I know bhr warns that they dont want to hide a more serious problem by installing the better coils but with me at 67k miles and on original coils I new I needed new coils. Problem solved

Gozza_11

thanks 4 the update?? does any1 wanna reply to my message ??

bulletproof21

^did you replace your coils like you said you were about to?

if your "check engine light" is on I would take it straight to the dealer. Looks like your car is even still under warranty.

Elara

oh for god's sake. Stop with the epeen waving.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

gozza: your intake idea is pretty terrible, sorry to have to say.
That aside: did you replace your coils? Are they the originals?
How old are your plugs? Wires?

mikko79

I have the same problem, loss of power under 4500 rpm. But my problem started after chancing new plugs, coils and plugwires. Just got 100 000km on it , or 60 000 miles so figured that chanching new coils would be a good thing to prevent other ignition problems.

So, the car starts just fine but trying to accelerate with 4-6th gear under 4500 rpm the car is jerking and and accelerating poorly. In steep hills i have to downshift.

I just checked the coils, wires and plugs. They work just fine... WTF?

Sorry my bad english...