What's up guys. I bought an 04 RX-8 last week. I had never driven one before test drive and was very impressed with handling. Car is running and driving well but it has a few issues that I will try to tackle (I'm pretty experienced DIYer, have owned a bunch of old cars of various makes and pulled engines a few times). One is ABS/stability control lights are on. I got a Mazda-specific scan tool and it said faults were right front speed sensor input and pump motor open circuit. I checked resistance on wheel RF speed sensor harness where it plugs in under the wheel well and it was normal (which tells me the sensor and wiring up to that harness plug are probably good). I am going to try to check the wiring the rest of the way to the abs brain. Second issue is check engine light is on for one of the 3 vacuum solenoids under the intake manifold. I found a DIY for replacing those so I will try that soon. I am looking forward to working on the car.

 

Welcome aboard.
The pump motor circuit open code: air pump? Oil pump? Fuel pump?
Some people remove the air pump, it's only important for warming your cat faster on startup. It's not exactly recommended to remove it or leave it inperational if you still have a cat, but it's all relatively simple to work on.

 

the pump code is abs related...abs pump.

 

Update, have done some work on the car. PO included new front/rear pads and rotors and rear shocks. Have replaced all that stuff (old bump stops were dust) and just had 3 recalls done at dealer (air bag, tie rods, and fuel pump gasket). If you haven't done those definitely have dealer do them. tie rod recall included alignment My next task is to replace the 3 solenoids under the intake manifold (one is throwing code but I'm going to replace all 3 to avoid doing work again).

 

Good luck! And have fun. History will show that you purchased a very special set of wheels. Enjoy it.

 

This thing is a blast to drive. May be the best bang for the buck of the 14 cars I've owned.