I have taken my RX-8 to the dealer twice now for the check engine light coming on. He has reprogramed the computer twice and the light has came on again. This RX-8 is an AT '04 with only 9k miles. I've heard about recalls and I am wondering if that may be the problem. It is also shifting hard and it revs up pretty high before it shifts at a lower rpm. Could this be due to the timing being screwed up? I'm taking it back to the dealer tomorrow and hopefully they will find and fix the problem. I just need some other opinions in case the dealer trys to screw me.

 

Potential oxygen sensor problem. My mom's MPV does that when the oxygen sensor(s) go out and need replacing.

 

The CEL should throw an error that is stored in the ECU. The dealer should readout the DTC error code to determine the problem. If they are just "reprogramming" the ECU, they are not doing their job. When the CEL illuminates the next time, take it in and specifically ask them to tell you the DTC error code. They should then correct the problem causing that specific error. Better get to the bottom of this soon since there have been some engine failures, particularily in ATs operating in hot-dry climates.

BTW, their "reprogramming" is probably just clearing the ECU memory so that the CEL will go away--in your case temporarily since they have not corrected the underlying problem.

 

Go to a different dealership...your current dealership is obviously just taking the easy route by clearing the ECU. (you could do that yourself in your garage)

 

I took my RX-8 to the dealership today and it turns out that it was a bad Celenoid. Problem solved. Thanks for the advice.