Last month my car was running fine. I had just changed plugs, wires, coils, and upgraded starter. New water pump and belts as well. It was running as good as ever, and then one morning I went to start it and it wouldn't start. I got it to run again from a rolling start, but it won't start, and I'm not sure what it could be. I tried to see if it was flooded, and everything. But it doesn't make sense that it would stop working overnight. So if there's anyone in the area that could maybe come take a look at it, I would be SUPER grateful. The closest rotary mechanic is 3 hours away and that'd be one hell of a tow.

 

So, it starts if you push start but not if you use the starter motor?

Does it crank at all when you use the key?

 

I'm in the area, but I don't think I'll have time until next month.
First thing I would do is ensure the battery terminals are clean and tight on the posts, they can stretch and be loose even if the bolts are tight.
Be sure you have a full charge on it and try deflooding it again.
Have it checked if It's more than a couple of years old, my last one lasted only 3 years.

 

Yeah. It cranks over, it just won't start. It gets very close to starting but won't. I hooked up to my dad's battery charger and tried deflooding it for like an hour. but when It was parked on a hill, I just threw it into gear and it started?? So I'm not sure.

I double checked the battery as well! I had just bought a new one in December so I'm not sure if it's that.

 

Starter would be my next guess.

 

That's what I thought but I installed the new upgraded starter and it spins faster but won't start up

 

If it starts fine when you roll it and it runs good, then I don't know.

 

Are you sure your battery is fully charged? Cranking a bad starter is definitely a fast way to kill it.

 

Yeah, I had it on a battery charger, and then checked with a multimeter I'm not sure what it could be either. I kinda went through everything I thought it could be. And nothing worked, so that's why I'm here asking for help now Hah a.

 

Any strange noises when cranking?

 

Nope! It sounds like it's about to start up! And then, sadness.

 

Maybe double check your terminal wires and ground wires for corrosion, be sure they're not loose.
If it runs fine after starting, it seems logical it's in the charging/starting system somewhere, and can rule out the usual suspects like dirty ESS & MAF sensors, vacuum leaks, & fuel pump.

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tro...t-here-222584/

 

I'll check it out again!

 

****. I never even thought about the alternator needing replaced. Would it even crank if the alternator was bad though??

 

It could with a strong battery, but it probably would drain quickly if you keep turning it over.
You said it sounded like it's spinning good enough, but it could be just slow enough to not start.
With a strong battery, and if you keep recharging it with a charger, or keep the charger on while deflooding, you might be compensating for a bad alternator.
There's a link in that thread on how to test it.
In the old days we'd just pull the terminal off the battery and if it was bad, it would die, but I wouldn't do it on a modern car with the sophisticated electronics, too risky.

 

It's not real hard to take the alternator off and have it bench tested at a parts store if you want to be sure, just be sure to disconnect your battery first, and remember to reset the NVRAM with the 20 brake stomp afterwards.

 

Worked just fine with my first S1 RX8. Also wouldn't recommend it, but it does work.

 

Okay. I'll test the alternator and get back to you guys soon. Thanks!

 

Testing a battery with a multimeter isn't good enough. It's possible for it to have adequate voltage but not be able to deliver enough current.

 

Oh, so what should I use to test it?? Or where should I take it to be tested?

 

edit: Oops, wrong thread. Brain no worky that early

Yah, what BC said, most parts stores can test your alternator and battery.

 

If you're talking about the battery, most any parts store does it, and if you're doing that, you may want to bring your alternator too.
*edit
The reason I say that is even if your battery is relatively new, if the alternator is bad, it may have been in a low charge state for a long time, and that could possibly affect the life of it.
If you're reasonably close to a parts store, you might want to get the battery checked first, then if it checks out, do your alternator.
My last battery was weak, I could tell, but the guy at the parts store said it was good after a brief test.
I had a prorated warranty so I insisted they give me a new battery, problem solved.

 

I have one I haven't used yet.

 

It happens.

 

Okay! I don't have a free day until Sunday, but I'll try to get them both tested.