2006 RX8 engine light
 

Im about to pull out all my hair....Please help..
my car had a engine light on then it started loosing power, cat converter was glowing red replaced the cat but loss of power still a problem. codes read misfire, found burnt coil. tested and found the bad one, replaced it. now running great, but check engine light still on. mechanic said the cars computer needed to be reprogramed? took to mazda dealeship told them about problem they charged $125 for diagnostic test. they said coils need replacing along with plugs wires and SSV solenoid. is it me or are they full of crap? they said when replacing coils all 4 have to be replaced. is there such a thing as re setting or programing computer?

It's a good idea to replace 4 coils. The burnmarks mean nothing, the coils need to actually be tested. It could have a burnmark and be fine, or it could have no burnmark and be dead. And you don't want to drive on dead coils as they'll kill your cat, again. So.. get them coils, but maybe not at the dealer if they're asking for too much. Can get them online for a lot cheaper and the install is pretty straightforward.

Also don't drive until you get this sorted or it'll hurt your engine.

May be bad advice but unplug the battery and plug it back in. If the light comes back on than you know the problem still exists. It is smart to replace all the coils at the same time though but you can also go off the saying that if it aint broke than dont fix it, if your on a budget like me.

^ You think like me...ha, ha

Anyway, it would be better if you could replace the plugs and wires at the same time.

But, as I'm sure you know, most maintenance is best done BEFORE it's broken (or reached its absolute limit).

I'd say it's generally not a bad idea to just replace all the coils at once unless you recently replaced them or simply can't afford to do it all at once. Also, issues with coils also means potential issues with spark plugs. Not a bad idea to replace those too. The dealer will charge quite a bit for those. I'd look up a DIY or see if a local member can help you. It's very easy to do and does not require many tools.

Ignition related issues are not exactly rare with this car, so don't feel too bad or worry too much about their comments/recommendations.

For future reference, you can have your codes read at places like autozone for free. At least that would give you an idea of what it is or help us know more about the situation. Also, it's a cheaper start than going straight to the dealer.

The SSV may just be sticking and need a good cleaning. It is possible that it failed and needs replacing, but not necessarily the case if they just saw a CEL code for it and didn't inspect the part itself.

How about the oil light going off and on spiratically any suggestions reply to redsnapper63 thank u

I don't understand what you are really asking here?

If your oil light is just on sometimes, sometimes not, then you have a low oil level that is periodically going low enough to trigger the light.

If your oil light is actually flashing, then you have an OMP problem, possibly due to low oil level.

I don't really see how this is connected to the thread you replied to.