So for about two weeks now, I have been randomly losing power while i'm driving. My car just slows down and struggles to go above 3k rpm. So far I have changed my spark plugs, wires, air filter but i'm still having the same issue. If i shut the car off for a minute and turn it back on, it drive fine for maybe a good 10-20 mins. Some days it just doesn't happen at all. I just had my check engine light Diagnosed today and nothing could be found. I'm currently waiting on my new Cat Converter to arrive in the mail, that's just my next guess. I don't know much about Rotary's so i'm really lost. Any help or suggestions?

 

Coil failure leading to cat failure.

 

The man.

+1

 

+1 RIWWP.

Coils before you install the cat. Autozone now has them. You might be able to return the cat if you are lucky. Then follow up with the best gas you can find and (personal reference) lucas gas treatment to try to clean out any crap from the unburned gas.

But, it would also be easier if new knew year and miles. If it is an older one, the $100 thread below might help. The new owner thread is even better.

 

You never mentioned the info about the rx8 (year, mileage, engine mods)...

I will get the coils replace first, then have that catalytic you ordered installed, then get a compression test on the engine, and see how it goes...good luck!

 

If it's coil failure, wouldn't he be getting misfire codes?

If he gets the compression tested, whoever tests that should be knowledgable enough to offer suggestions about what the problem is.

Ken

 

Hi guys, apologies as I am a bit of a car noob (and according to many of the posts I probably shouldn't even own an RX8) but here I am anyways.

I've searched many of these threads and it appears that the most likely culprit of my power loss is the catalytic converter.

I have a 2005 6sp that just hit 90000km (56000 miles) and it frequently (but not always) feels like there is no power between 4000 and 5000 rpm where it picks up. I have already taken it to 2 different Mazda dealers and they've checked/replaced everything they thought was the problem (plugs/coils etc.?)
I am not sure if this is related, but I thought I should mention it in case it might be relevant, but I had my battery replaced a few months back because the car wouldn't start, and since then the car still hasn't started up cleanly or quickly (sounds like the starter is struggling). Again the Mazda dealership said it was fine, but it certainly isn't starting up as smoothly as it used to.

They have suggested getting a carbon cleaning, but they couldn't figure out exactly what the culprit was. As I mentioned before, it seems like the other threads pointed towards a new catalytic converter. My question is, if this is the case should I bother taking this to Mazda again or will any import tuner/repair shop do, and what sort of money should I be spending on this? If there are any other suggestions as to what the culprit might be that would be great, as I have already spent more money than I can afford trying to figure the problem out to no avail. Thanks very much for your time.

 

I've had the same problem for about a year. First and foremost I replaced the plugs, coils, and ignition wires. They helped but not immensely. Three weeks ago I took it to mazda to get a compression test. Turns out my compression in my 06 shinka tested out with a 3.8 out of a minimum 7.1. It was still under warranty, they gave me a brand new engine and I'm sitting in it right now trying to replace the face plate on my stereo.

A compression test is worth a shot, mazda will charge 150$ if your compression is normal, if it is bad the service is free. I believe the engine train warranty goes as 100,000 mile/8 years. My 8 was under warranty, so the replacement was free. It's worth a shot and if your compression is bad, well god damnit the whole trip to mazda is worth it :smiley: good luck brother

 

Thanks very much for the feedback. I'll take it in for the compression test and hope that my 8 years isn't up if the engine needs to be replaced! Cheers.