The most common problem source when there are steering issues is the steering connector, namely being dirty. Don't need to disassemble the connectors though. Remove the intake air box, then the bottom tray of the air box, and the connectors are right below that on the cross brace, right above the fans.

A description of the issue would help determine if that is actually your problem or not.

 

None of the controls work, horn does not work but works when you turn the PATS on with the key fob and my air bag light on my dash is on.

 

That doesn't sound like a steering problem?

Disconnect the battery, both connectors, clean the posts and clamps. Dash, cluster, and random electrical issues are almost always from corrosion on the battery terminals.

 

Just the controls on steering wheel are the issue. As a side note, the control area for the navigation does not work; however, I do not have the latest disc to try it out.

The terminals are clean; however, it is the OEM battery which I plan to replace next week with a Optima Yellow Top if it will fit.

 

So after talking with a friend that drifts an RX8 professionally, he said my motor is going out on me. I have an email into Mazda to see if it is under warranty. If not my friend will sell me one of his back up motors.

 

if you get an answer from Mazda, would you please post it? Thanks!

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

I can post up what they say tomorrow. I am on call this week and was not home when I called earlier. The gentleman did say that mine was a 05 with a build date of 9/04. They need the VIN and mileage to go any further.

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

The warranty on my motor ran out Nov of last year. I am taking it to the dealership I bought it from to either A. have them fix what the problem is or B. get a new vehicle. I love my 8 hopefully they fix it.

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

Does the octane grade play that big of deal on how the motor runs?

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

Yes. A good engine can not run safely on 87 octane, and can easily blow the engine due to detonation shattering seals.

 

So I'm confused. I read through this thread don't recall anyone mentioning getting an actual compression test. Did I miss it? Have you had one done? If your friend is a pro drifter and familiar with the RX-8 I'm surprised he wouldn't recommend it since there are a myriad of things that can seem very much like a compression loss but actually be something entirely different.
The fact you may have been running 87 does not bode well in your favor, but did the actually do the test and if so what were the results?

 

I dropped it off at the dealership that I bought it from this morning. I told them I want a compression test done and the ignition system looked at. There was a few other minor things as well but those 2 things MUST be done.

 

FYI, the dealer won't be able to tell you anything about the ignition. The official Mazda ignition coil test will show a coil as passing when it's causing misfires. At least if it fails that test, you can be sure that it is actually dead

Also, be wary of getting charged for ignition. $800 or more is what you can typically expect for dealer prices to replace everything, vs $190-220 is what you can expect replacing it yourself, and it's pretty easy.

 

If they do not make it right I will not take it back under the Lemon Law.

 

Yeah well you might want to leave out the part about you putting 87octaine in the tank then...

 

I put mid grade in. I think they put in 87 octane. It now has a full tank of 93.

 

Due to the heat under the hood, how long would it take to 'cook' a coil? I know the prolonged exposure to high temps it drastically reduces the life of the electronic component. I am guessing that is why it is recommended that you change the coils every 30k miles.

 

The owner's manual says you can use 87, and just get reduced performance, so that should not be a deal killer if they're going to step up.

But there's no point in cluttering things with excess information.

Ken

 

It is at Mazda now. The dealership I bought it at does not have a damn clue about rotary engines apparently.

 

Welcome

 

Well I finally got news on my 8. The motor failed the compression test, 1 coil is bad and the cat is clogged. So basically a new motor and exhaust.

 

Are they replacing everything under warranty?

 

That is still up in the air. I bought it used; however, under the Lemon Law they either A. fix it and make it right or B. give me my truck back/put me in a new vehicle.

 

What year and how many miles are on it?

 

The Mazda warranty ran out last Nov.

It is a 05 with 78k miles.