So instead of posting a badass thread about my new RX8 I get to post a pissed off one. I picked up a 2004 BB MT RX8 with 53000 miles on it on Saturday. I drove it alot on Sunday and had no issues. Of course it did a lot of turning on and off because i'm still learning stick, but it was never cold, so it shouldn't be flooded. So today when I went to start it, it made a quiet noise, not really even cranking and wouldn't start. The dash would illuminate but the car wouldn't start. It did this once or twice on Sunday, but would start right up the next time. So I have NO idea why this is happening, I'm going to check the battery in a bit, but if anyone has any other ideas please shoot them at me. Also, the car is still being opened manually, I haven't programmed the remotes. And this car has the upgraded starter. Please help!

 

might be something to do with the remote and the immobilizer (if our car has one) maybe since your opening it manually it doesnt immobilize the engine ive had this problem with other cars but never my 8 ... again im not sure but maybe it can be that ... did you get rid of your ss 8? also if its not cranking it might be the batter since you have the upgraded starter that should still be good ...

 

the battery looks old as ****. and has a sticker on it that says 02/08. and yeah i got rid of my SS. I may program the remote in a bit

 

did you keep the parts ... rims etc or sold it as is ... just wondering ...yea if the battery is old as fu*k then maybe thats it but i would program the remote too just to see coz i had that issue on my new 335 when my battery died the key wouldnt let the engine start so MAYBE that could be it or the battery ... good luck

 

bb is the way too go!!!!!!!!!!!!! i might b ur battery btw

 

yoooooooo post pics of your new ride

 

i will soon guys. Im trying to get this **** figured out first. i keep setting off the alarm and i can turn it off because i cant start the car, I feel bad for my neighbors haha. I'm gonna try to program the remote one more time

 

none of my remotes are programming. the keys arent starting the car. im so frustrated right now.

 

stop messing about and put a new battery in it ....

 

its not the battery...

 

are you 100% sure its not he battery? i had the same issue . y lights, dash everything worked, but it it was my battery. sometimes, its the little things that gets looked over.

 

I had the same exact problem. It was my battery as well.

The funny thing is that the dealer "tested" the battery and was found to be in good working order. I took the battery (out of my own suspicion) and took it over to Autozone for free testing. My battery was definitely on its last legs with the terminals very corroded.

Go out and get yourself the Odyssey battery recommeded on here.

 

how do you know its not the battery?

 

Agh, its at Mazda now. :/ I read those posts a little too late. I guess I'll find out tomorrow.

 

Apparently its the clutch. The dealer said the flywheel isn't catching or something (Its an ACT stage 2 racing clutch). And they have to take out the tranny, so its going to cost over a grand when all is said and done. I've had this car for 3 days. drove it for one. I can't believe it. Got it from a forum member too.

 

that sucks!! Warranty???????????

 

its an 04 man. :/

 

sounds like bs from the dealer to me

 

ohh sucks even more mine is an 04 n i havent have any problems wit it thank god..

 

wtf thats odd, never heard of the car not starting cus of the flywheel

 

WTF does the clutch have to do with starting? The starter motor engages the flywheel which turns over the engine and gets the whole combustion cycle going. Presuming you have a good electrical system (battery, alternator, coils, cables, 'pugs and ground), and a good fuel system (fuel pump and injectors) it should start.

btw: the only thing remotely related to the clutch is the starter interlock switch on the clutch pedal which demands you push in the clutch pedal as a don't start in gear safety item (it can be bypassed).

 

what's the bet they replace the clutch and "BTW" you needed a new battery as well so that'l be another x$

 

haha they want to replace the entire clutch system because apparently the flywheel is totaled. Its costing me A LOT of money, don't worry about it. This BETTER fix the problem or i don't know what I'll do.

But if the clutch was messed up wouldn't that prevent the car from starting? Because the clutch needs to be in for the car to start. I may be wrong since i'm new to MT. But yeah

 

there is your answer

 

I have seen this on a couple of 8's (including my own) the battery was just a bit low in juice and the car wouldn't even attempt to start. All the lights worked and radio but it seems like the 8 is finicky about it's battery power. Change the battery problem solved. $75 bucks at Walmart with a 3 year warranty.