Prefacing this, I dont know the ins and outs of a car, let alone a rotary. I bought my rx8, drove it for maybe 500km and had no issues with it. Snow started so I brought it into the garage for the winter as I dont have the proper tires. Took out the battery and let it sit for about 2 weeks. I go and plug the battery back in, try starting it and it cranks, but doesnt turn. Not sure if it's spark plugs, flooded, or maybe a starter problem? I'm sure this question gets asked a lot around this community, and with my small sample size of searching, I tried disengaging the fuel pump and attempting to start it multiple times that way, but to no success.

I dont need to drive it for the winter, as I have my Mazda 6 for that. I'm just looking to make sure its in a stable enough condition before I set it aside for the winter.

Any starting tips, along with winter storage upkeep tips would be helpful. I can answer questions to the best of my ability. I wont be around the car until tomorrow, but I can check tomorrow if there is something specific.

04 rx8 6 spd manual. It has been below 0 celcius the past 2 weeks as well.

 

Sounds like it flooded from being moved around and shut off a couple of times. It shouldn't happen but if the ignition isn't quite fresh, or the engine isn't quite happy, ir the starter is slow i​​​​t can. Look up the deflooding procedure, it takes many tries but it works.

 

it being the winter wont help you. However I would suggest keep attempting to get it deflooded and running.

Once your get it running, try to take note of any smoke that comes out of the exhaust. Ideally you shouldn't leave it flooded for long periods of time as in a worse case scenario you could get corrosion on a rotor, corner seal, or apex seal and potentially seize the seals.

Thick plumes of White smoke = coolant (keep in mind there may be moisture in the exhaust which may look white, but not as thick, if there is a coolant leak it will be as thick as a smoke bomb.)
Blue smoke = oil
Black smoke = fuel (although you may not see this, but you will smell alot of fuel)
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Also double check that your battery is still good and that your connections are not loose. Loose terminals can do funny things.

 

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Get the battery checked and be sure those terminals are clean and tight.
Even thought the terminal bolts are completely tight, they can stretch over time and still be loose
Parasitic draws on 8s can be a problem.
Batteries will drain after a time if not on a tender or started regularly.

I would get about 3 years out of a battery.
A couple of times I bought new ones even though the parts stores' folks told me they checked out because over the years I learned what a 100% battery sounded like and I knew it was causing my flooding issues.
If you're not sure how old it is and can afford a new one, look at it as preventative maintenance.