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Washer fluid and Key warnings

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Old 03-16-2024, 05:26 PM
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Washer fluid and Key warnings

I'm still coming to grips with my new, to me, 2007 RX8 GT.

A couple annoyances on the dash so far.
  • Washer fluid low light in red. Level sensor appears to only come as part of the reservoir assembly, for $835CAD. According to the wiring diagram I've see, it's a simple switch, based on continuity. Any reason to not just disconnect it? I don't need it.
  • Solid red KEY indicator. The owner manual gives a bunch of scenarios, but eventually drops through to pay the dealer. Any suggestions as to why, and how to fix? I've seen some discussion around a sensor in the rear bumper.
I have a 3 button 'credit card fob' (Lock, Unlock, Panic). I assume it is not interchangeable with a 4 button? A remote trunk release would be handy.

Thanks in advance
Old 03-16-2024, 05:32 PM
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The washer fluid light is yellow, at least in the 2004-8s. What exactly is lighting up?

You can get a washer tank with sensor from any junkyard with an rx8 in it for less than 800 . I have an extra you can have free if you're local.

If your key light is on, I'm not sure how the car is even starting? Is it starting? There's not a ton you can do on your own with the antitheft system, for obvious reasons.
Old 03-16-2024, 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by Loki
The washer fluid light is yellow, at least in the 2004-8s. What exactly is lighting up?

You can get a washer tank with sensor from any junkyard with an rx8 in it for less than 800 . I have an extra you can have free if you're local.

If your key light is on, I'm not sure how the car is even starting? Is it starting? There's not a ton you can do on your own with the antitheft system, for obvious reasons.
I think I was misinformed. The symbol I thought was washer fluid turns out to be the coolant level warning. The coolant is right up to where it should be, but I will continue to diagnose the issue, now that I know the right place to look.

The KEY lamp comes on when you turn the **** in the steering wheel. The car starts and runs fine.

Would you consider Vancouver local?
Old 03-16-2024, 11:36 PM
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Yeah the coolant sensor can fail with age. It's integrated into the overflow bottle, and removing the bottle very often leads to a broken return nipple on the radiator. If the rad is original, that plastic is pretty fragile.

Sooooo. I'd plan for a rad, bottle and hoses replacement.
Old 03-17-2024, 11:03 AM
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@Loki - do you know if the coolant bottle is the same between 04-08 and 09-12 series?

(Edit)

Skip it Loki - I was obviously in brain fart mode
. Same coolant bottle.

@BC-RX8 - I’m in Surrey and have a coolant bottle with functioning sensor. It’s original to my 2010 and I’ve just bought a replacement. We can work something out if it works for you. I haven’t installed it yet, part of the plan today.

Very important, when you take the small hose off the radiator nipple cut it length ways and be very careful. The nipple will snap off the radiator if you put force to it (goodbye radiator if it snaps). Get a replacement hose prior to starting work. MazMart has a complete hose kit for the cooling system that is worth getting to replace the old hoses. Reasonable price (link if it works, I suck at links):
https://mazmartstore.mybigcommerce.c...-2004---2008-/

Not sure about the immobilizer issue but, if a dealership needs to be involved Wolfe Langley Mazda is good to work with. The owner has a Cosmo in the showroom so they appear to be another rotary nerd.

Last edited by Meat Head; 03-18-2024 at 11:18 AM.
Old 03-18-2024, 11:19 AM
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Edited yesterday’s post to fix poor brain function.
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