So one day my 2006 6 speed rx8 just wouldnt start. I put new coils, plugs, and wires on, same issue. Haven't compression tested yet, but seemed to be good when it was running. Out of curiosity, I hooked up a timing light to the spark plug wires. From my research, only the front leading and rear leading spark plugs are supposed to fire when cranking. My timing light revealed that when I crank it, the rear leading AND the rear trailing are firing, but none of the front ones are. I swear to god i have checked 20 times that the wires arent mixed up, and have switched around the coils and they all work on the rear but not the front. Any insight to this issue? I can get it to start and run on one rotor with some patience. Any help would be appreciated

 

That's strange.
The only thing I can think of is maybe the ESS is dirty?

 

I'll give that a shot. Going to get a new battery tomorrow, because I know that's been known to cause weird issues like this. It cranks really slow, even when it's been charged. It's already got the upgraded starter in it. How would i go about cleaning the ESS? Wipe it off? or just clean the contacts?

 

Wow, the BHR man himself and I have the same issue. If you of all people can't figure this out, I guess i'm cooked lol. Is your car experiencing the same issues Charles? And do you have a link to the other posts that are related? Thanks

 

Oh dear. Sounds like we have got another issue on our hands that will once again deter people from purchasing RX8s. oh well, their loss i guess lol. I am about 45 minutes from Toronto, but don't know anyone named Marco. There are a set of BHR ignition coils for sale on Kijiji (Canadian craigslist) in Toronto, and I am tempted to pick them up. Then again, it would be nice if my car started before any more upgrades LOL

 

He said they're all new.

 

Yes, wipe it off.