I do still get the same cel (P0336) on the longer hard starts (8-10secs) but I found this after they put the new sensor in....http://www.finishlineperformance.com...17-05-1487.pdf . I would've thought the new battery would solve but it didn't. Maybe the cel I'm getting with the new battery is different but I'm not about to fork out another $100 for them to hook it up to the computer again (yes, I'm off warranty and have just paid the car off - perfect timing, eh?). I'm going to try coils (from the site you mentioned) as they're the next cheapest thing to do and they do seem as though they're a wear item.

I think I still have the old plugs. I'll post a picture later today if I can find them. The wife didn't seem to like them sitting on the desk by the computer ... lol.

 

Hard start solution -

1. Report the issue, get the dealer change the ignition (I changed it 2 times, not a signifiant improvement).
2. Buy the Optima red top / yellow top battery
3. Buy the Nology hot wires / Mazsport spark plug wires
4. Change spark plug (Denson)
5. Buy the HKS ignition amp

I still haven't got the HKS installed yet, but completed 1-3 will defintely eliminate the hard start issue.

Hope this helps.

 

Dude you are still totally welcome to try the extra set of coils I have.
I've got an extra set of plugs as well.

 

Thanks. I've already replaced the plugs and the coils are on order. But thanks again for the offer.

 

The issue's been reported many times already. We're working through some of the obvious things. Spark plugs were replaced first (it was time), then the crank shaft sensor (due to the CEL), then the battery. Others have said that new coils will do it , so they're on their way from Rosenthal ($30/each vs $100/each from the dealership here). Then I guess I'll try your other suggestions (#1, #3, #5). Thanks for your input.

 

Just a quick update to anyone that cares. I replaced the coils but still no effect. Still having the hard starts (up to 10secs). Took it to the dealer today and they've determined that it's the starter. It doesn't spin fast enough. It's spinning at 210. Does that make sense?

Anyway, starter from Cdn dealership is $655 + tax + install though they will know some $ off of this. OnlineMazdaParts.com has the same item for $355 + $25 shipping + tax + customs. This price difference drives me nuts!!

Seems to me that, had I flooded the engine during my warranty, I likely would've been given a new starter (and battery and plugs) free. Given that I've been very careful to never flood the engine, I end up having to pay for the starter out of my own pocket. This does not make sense to me.

What do you think of my chances of talking Mazda Canada into covering the starter given that I'd never reported any hard start issues prior to my warranty expiring b/c I never though 3-4sec starts back then was an issue? Nah , forget it , I'm not even going to waste my breath.

 

My friend I am not trying to scare you, my friend has a similar problems like you have. He got rebuilt his engine under warranty.

 

i bitched about having to pay for the starter, mazda didnt really care i ended up forgetting about it, its only money after all lol

 

Buy the scan gauge II so you can read your own codes. See this thread. https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-aftermarket-performance-modifications-23/scangaugeii-review-105834/

So typical!

 

I really can't see that being the issue. As soon as it starts up, I have no other issues - no loss of power, no rough idling, no stalling. It just purrs as it always has.

 

I had the starter replaced in my '04 just a few months ago.. The difference is quite noticeable. Night and day really. Mazda didn't put a powerful enough starter in the '04s but they only decided to replace some with a recall. Not sure why, but my VIN was not in the right range to get the starter replaced.

 

Problem resolved. The new starter did it!! The car fires up quicker than ever. US$380 with no customs/brokerage charges. And through all this I have a new battery, new plugs, and new coils (all of which are wear items anyway). Hopefully, now that I'm warranty-free and loan-free, I can also be worry-free for the foreseeable future.

Thanks to all who provided suggestions (and parts) above.