Ive been searching this place for a couple days for the answer but havent found it. So, ill ask. Went to go to work last thursday morning in my 04 rx8 manual shift, started it, backed up no more than 2 ft and boom, died deader than a doornail. A: (what does work) headlights (bright as when driving), interior and door lights (normal). Door adjar dashlight and dash car (red) icon. NOTHING else works, windows are stuck open position, turn ignition on w/key....dash is completely black... turn it..nothing. tried pulling and shorting out the connects where the ignition relay sits. Got power to show, but key still wont do anything thats with an assits depessing clutch & turning key. Any ideas please, could really use a solution, messing up my life since its daily driver not driving
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Are there any blown fuses? In the footwell and under the hood?

​​​​​​What does "got power to show" mean?
Is the security light ( red car with key) lit, flashing or rarely flashing?

 

red keycar light is flashing, i got the dash to light up by pulling the ignition relay and bypassing it, the with my gf in drivers seat/clutch & key, latest i tried was shorting outt the starter like this. I heard like the bindex??...(not sure my terminology or deciphering is exact) ...engage, but not the action of engaging flywheel, kinda like when a starter is going out...ziiiing, you know. I dont think. Starter is prob though, i do think i was simply incorrect thinking a few shortcuts "might" make it start. Wondering if i have to get my key reprogrammed. I also put a new neg battery post on it today and checked both the battrry fuse and the 120, both show continuity. Thank you for responding

 

Loki, thanks for your response. Before you responded i had pulled every fuse i could locate inside the car and under the hood and had thought they were all good. Looking back, it was dusk when i did this. Aftrr your reply i started with the engine compartment and a digital tester checking continuity. The little ignition fuse near the top of the middle run was out. Been bsck on the road a good week+ now. Just wanted to say thanks and i should have sent this back thenn :/ thx!!!

 

Glad you were able to get the issue solved and have had no more issues since. I wonder what caused the amperage spike on that circuit. Either way if the problem reoccurs, you'll know exactly where to look.