Recently acquired a 2004 rx8. Love the car. All fone was driving it when engine stalled and power went. After a few minutes the power restored. As I was driving it home suddenly the power steering light came on and the steering stiffened.

Upon opening the bonnet the first thing I noticed was very loose battery connectors (which I have changed). I have cleaned all connectors on the steering harness. The light is still on and the steering is still hard.

Any advice on what else could be and how to test to save me buying lots of parts that may not be required.

 

If you have a persistent light, get the codes checked.

 

If the battery connection was loose, then you'd have to reset the power steering. Do you see a flashing DSC light?

When you reconnect the battery, go into the car, turn the key to ON(don't start it yet), then turn the steering wheel all the way to the left once, then all the way to the right. The flashing DSC light should go off. It should be good afterward.

S1 RX-8s also have the overflow tube directly above the power steering connector. A common practice is to reroute that tube to somewhere else so you don't have hot coolant dripping on the connector.

 

The sad light did come on and I reset should have said the light I have is a steering with exclamation mark. I read somewhere about the overflow tube. (Great design) I have fitted a new longer piece and 3rd routed this.

 

Morning update.

So I decided to try the connectors again weirdly upon restarting the ps light disappeared....result...now when started it has been sat for a day I've noticed trace white smoke from exhaust and a burning smell?

 

Possibly a slight oil leak, and it's getting into your connectors - I've read in the service manual that there is a lot of emphasis given on cleaning electrical connectors.

 

Exactly same as mine. haha. i've almost given up. Send me some info if u found out what it is. Thanks!