New RX8 owner, Computer wiring question / issue
 

I just bought a 2004 RX8 Automatic with 129K on the mileage. It doesn't start as of yet (charging battery). I would like to see if anyone can help me identify what was done to the wiring on the computer in my car, it was crappily electrical taped at that, plus there are a few cut wires and such may be a missing sensor and unplugged stuff. I am sure that has something to do with why it stopped running for the previous owner. I am hoping the APEX seals are still ok, but have not run/obtained a compression test yet. I am going to try to post picture of the computer wiring if website will let me. So far I don't see any blown fuses or burnt wires. Just a horrible attempt at some sort of rewire. It looks like the O2 sensor may be rewired as well. Going to dig in to the manuals and see what is cut and what not. I would like to put it back close to factory standards if I can. Will post more pix and info after I charge the battery and see if I can get any codes / and see if it turns over.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...de80e4b35c.jpg
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...f09610b6a3.jpg

<~(CB)~>

First thing to do is figure out which wires have been disconnected and what they are supposed to do. If you can patch them properly give it a go. The shielded wires are more difficult to fix properly. Might be worth it to try and get a new engine (to you) harness if most of the problem wires are on it.

there are wiring diagrams around that should help...

An UpDatE! Ok so I went and got a new battery. Cranked it over and it try's to start or starts for a second then dies. I get a P0031 (Heater control circuit Low bank 1 sensor1) on the ODBII scanner that I am sure the O2 sensor has been rewired for some reason. The oil smells heavily like gas and is dirty black (Going to do an oil change tomorrow). Dannobre's recommendation of replacing the harness is a good idea and I will most likely attempt that since I want to return it to factory before I mod it at all. Could a modified oxygen sensor be a sign of a gutted cat? (since I live in an area where there are no smog laws/checks) I am thinking it could be flooded too, how long can a rotary engine stay flooded for? The car was sitting for about a month before I bought it. Any help & advice appreciated thanks.
<~(CB)~>

It will stay flooded until you fix it basically

it looks like the O2 sensor wiring is cut in the mess...so likely that won't go away

Don't waste too much time trying to deflood it the easy way. Pull the plugs...unplug the shaft sensor or the fuel pump relay and start trying to clean it.out. you might have.luck with some oil in the plug holes to help build the compression and a clean set of plugs. Charge the battery...or hook up a boost battery...

Autos can be a bitch to deflood. My favorite tow method wont work

Thank you for the clarification on that. Don't suppose I can suck the gas out with a shop vac? ;-D
It amazes me that the car actually used to run with all the stuff unplugged, chopped, and rewired.
So I will change the oil, perform the de-flood, and see what the rewiring and unplugged / chopped sensors were going to. I also noticed the bolts in the upper intake manifold were not tight and spin so I bet there is un metered air getting in as well. This is going to be fun!! I cant wait to drive her which will be the reward for fixing properly!!

<~(CB)~>

Got her running!!
 

Ok so I got new coils for her and replaced them and boom she starts and idles now after I de-flooded her. Test drive reveals she drives! I get misfires and hesitation below 3500 rpms, loud back fires here and there. And now I have a million more codes being thrown at me: U0100- Communications with ECM/PCM "a" lost, P0125- Excessive time to enter closed loop mode, P0300- Random misfire detected, P0455- EVAP Gross leak/no flow, and C0301-?? couldn't find definition for this one. I still have P0031- HO2s heater circuit low, but it was disconnected when I got it not sure why. Seems to have after market O2 sensors in it or different ones. The air box was all torn up so I fabricated my own "cold air" intake just to get her running well enough. I must say these cars are a riot to drive. So the CEL light flashes to warn of misfires while below 3500 rpm's. It has also had the air pump removed, not sure what else, going to check to see if the cat components are still there tomorrow. Any input would be nice. Seems to restart fine cold or hot, although is a little sluggish. The Idle wanders a bit too.
<~(CB)~>
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...2f2964b3d9.jpg
"Gojirin"
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...425941f3a3.jpg