RX-8 Symptoms and Causes
 

This is a list of symptoms and their causes that are discussed or reported here on RX8Club.

This list is going to be an on-going work in progress, any I encourage any and all members to contribute to it. This list is almost entirely from memory at the time of creation, so it certainly isn't comprehensive. I'm sure I am forgetting symptoms and/or related causes.


The first reply is a list of symptoms by general category.
The second reply is a list of causes and their related symptoms.

Issues are best identified by using one root symptom in the symptom list that you are experiencing to see the possible causes. Then going to the list of causes for each of those causes to see what other symptoms are related to that cause. Corss reference between the two lists to narrow down your list of things to start troubleshooting.

Keep in mind that a given failure may not have ALL of the symptoms listed. Often, failures will have just one symptom. So keep an open mind about the possibilities and realize that this is just intended to get you pointed in the right direction.

• Please do not post your own troubleshooting questions in this thread. Please create a new thread. I don't want future members having to wade through dozens or hundreds of pages trying to get their information.
• Please only reply if you have symptoms to add to a cause, or a cause to add to a symptom.
• Please use links or specific examples to support why the cause and symptom should be linked.

Troubleshooting posts deleted:

Create a new thread here for help: New Member Forum - RX8Club.com

RX-8 Symptoms and Causes
 

Why not add fan failure to "temperature gauge goes right off center"? I don't see anything related to fan failure here, and it's a major cause when it comes to overheating.

Speaking of which, I have made a legitimate suggestion to this thread. Why hasn't anyone got back to me? "Fan failure" should definitely be under "temperature gauge goes right off center" It's a major cause when it comes to overheating and a lot of people ignore it. Both fans can completely stop. One fan can stop. Fans can be spinning slowly. Plenty of reasons for overheating with faulty fans.

It's a good suggestion, I'm leaving the posts up because they are good to add. But I've got a lot going on in my life right now, so sinking lots of time into updating information threads isn't high on my priority list. I just happened to check new posts this morning, or I probably wouldn't even have noticed this question.

Don't worry, it will get added when I get the time. Until then, people reading this thread will still have your comments to aid them :)

My bad RIWWP. I had no idea. That's cool, you can take your time :) I just wanted it to be acknowledged. Apologies if I sounded rude.

Idling low then stalling out
 

I'm new to the rx8.
I just bought a manual 2004 rx8. When I bought the car the check engine Light was on. I got it read and the codes came up telling me I needed a new coil. Also it had a bad battery. So the battery was replaced. So was the spark plugs, spark plug wires and the coils.
After we got it all replaced we started the car. Happy to say it started. But the problem starts here. When it idles it's idling at like 700rpm and unless I'm giving it gas to be over 1500rpm it stalls out. Then it won't start back up until the engine cools.
Please help. What could be the problem. I'm don't have money to take it to the dealer to get it diagnosed.

And like I said I just got the car and who knows if the owner before me actually took care and kept up with taking care of the car.

Check the air filter. When my rx8 wouldnt stay idle, I removed the air filter and realized it was soaked with antifreeze or something.

Ok I'll look into that and I will keep you posted. Thank you. :fingersx:

As far as coils go, not all coils are equal, which ones did you install?

The case breather dumps into the air cleaner in the 2004, so your filter may well be soaked in engine oil. Definitely check the filter. After that, very carefully (it's fragile and pricey) check the MAF sensor, to make sure it's not filmed in oil. If it is, there are electronics cleaners that can safely clean it.

New owner question
 

Hey guys, i realised my rx8 is lower in the front then in the back... it scrapes sometimes. How can i know if i have ajustable suspension or if it comes stock like that. The back end is higher then the front. How can i know if i can ajust my suspension?

Hellooo.
This is not supposed to be a troubleshooting thread.

Please post your issues in the S1 or S2 Troubleshooting forums.

Checked the air filter. It has oil on it. We are going the check the MAF next. Thank you. Hopefully this brings us to the problem.:fingersx:

8's don't come as standard with adjustable shocks/suspension.
As I guess yours is purchased recently used see if there are coil-overs with an adjustable nut/spacer on shock body to compress spring/adjust ride height..

Or who knows?, perhaps you have difference rim size on wheels, front to rear.?
Even different shocks front to rear?

As for your overheating question, all the standards to any car applies.
1. Radiator, is it's core blocked, or coolant dirty.
2. Is thermostat working.
3. Coolant leak, low in coolant?
4. Engine.
5. Next time tell us how many miles car has done....more info.
5. Search.,,forum...read forum.

Oh yeah, don't post same question multiple times!

;) btw the battery wasn't dead. It probably just had a bad connection. In the future, a tiny screw will do the job.

Suggestion;

Addition to temp gauge right of center when stopped or slow, foam missing or failed around radiator.

Awesome idea BTW

While I'm driving it chugs at 4 k rpm then fine until I get to 7k rpm and won't go farther than that . I check my oil / add oil according and plugs, just changed my ignition coils about 5 k miles ago. ...I'm thinking it's my apex seals and or compression loss . .....""""Anyone have a answer to better help my situation"""....
I've got a 2004 manual, bought 4 years ago with 64,000 miles I now have 101,000 miles and no major mods

Chugs are mostly caused by bad ignition system, plugs, plug wires and coils. Only mostly it happens at lower rpm ranges (2k, 3k), maybe you have multiple not working?

@ Dillon,

Any codes? Those numbers line up with SSF and APV opening points... SSV will throw a CEL, APV you have to dig for.

I got a P0171 and they told me I need a new fuel pump so fingers crossed that solves it.

That's usually a vacuum leak.
I replaced 2 bad fuel pumps and never had a code.
IIrc, could be bad gas cap also.