My RX8 engine turns on, it idles. When I clutch, I hear it engage. When I change into gear 1 it works (makes louder sound than idle even when disengaging clutch), when I accelerate the RPM goes up, but the car does not move at all. I feel like the wheels aren't turning but I would love any advice on this if possible.

Thanks!

 

It sounds as if the clutch disc has completely worn out or has shattered. Without seeing it in person, that's my best guess, but a completely worn or failed clutch disc will cause the issue you are having.

 

I can double check into this. Also, another thing to mention, the last time this car was driven was when a relative drove my car and I forgot to fill up the coolant and they were on the freeway(highway). The car had mist from the exhaust and overheated. They pulled over, whatever coolant was left leaked out, the car wouldn't move, and they towed it back.

I hope this helps with any more suggestions before I go to a mechanic, because seems mechanics don't wanna help the rx8 irl.

 

If your engine is turning, you're in gear and the wheels aren't turning, you have no clutch left. Any mechanic can change a clutch on an 8, it's not different from other cars.

But.. if it was overheated, I'm not sure it's worth changing the clutch? You should never need to add extra coolant in the first place, so that's a clue, and the fact that it was overheated, misting from the exhaust all points to the engine being toast. Pull the spark plugs, see if there coolant deposits on them. Are you getting bubbles in the overflow bottle while the car is running? If yes to any of the above, it's toast.

I wouldn't trust a random mechanic to know how to diagnose, never mind fix a rotary, but there are rotary specialists. Where are you located? Perhaps we can point one out.

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