The_Beast

Hello, I just bought a 2004 RX8 with the 6 speed transmission. The guy I bought it from told me that the o2 sensor was bad, and thats why the CEL was on. The car seemed to run fine, besides the bad mileage. A few days ago though, I started noticing that there didn't seem to be as much power, especially in the upper end. I paid more attention to the car and drove it easier, and noticed that sometimes at 4000-5000 rpm the car would surge, even giving it light constant throttle. Also, at about 6500-7000 rpm, its like a flat spot. At first, it would go back to normal after 7000 rpm. Now, I can't get it to rev past 7000 AT ALL, whether driving it or having it in neutral not moving.

Now, the easiest thing to do would be to get it scanned, right? Well, it kinda sucks because I'm stationed here in Germany, so finding a place that scans isn't very easy. I live in a tiny, rural part of the country; the nearest big Mazda dealership I know of is over an hour away. I was hoping I might be able to get some insight here before I take my car that far away.

I've read a few threads similar to this, but nothing was ever too definite. I'm hoping its just the o2 sensors throwing the ECU into a fit, but I have this feeling that its something a lot bigger. One of the threads I read ended with the guy getting a new engine...

So, if anyone can help, it would be very appreciated. Its hard to start the car sometimes, even after its been warmed up. Also, the clutch makes a kinda whiny sound in neutral if I don't push it in. The guy says its normal, and it feels fine, but I wanted to know for sure. Thanks again for any help!

exsequor

iTrader: (1)

It could be a clogged cat. Also check your ignition coils & spark plugs along with the o2 sensor. Might want to have this done under warranty at the dealer. If that doesn't fix it, then a compression test would determine whether or not your engines bad. In which case your engine core is covered for 100k miles.

lorryload

no 100,000 warranty in europe, 'good will' only after 4 years.
Cat, plugs, coils, compression test probably in that order. Make sure you ask mazda if they will pay for it (or at least contribute to cat and engine, they won't do anything for coils and plugs i'm sure) Worked for me with my 04 last month...70% of cat, 100% of engine.

Noise with transmission is normal. I'd also reccomend you ask mazda for the new starter system - there's loads about it on the forum but basically there's an upgrade which would have been done under warranty in the first four years for anyone experiencing hard starts. Mazda paid 70% for me on that too. Get the dealer on your side and to fight your battle for you

The_Beast

Hmmmm, thats scary about no warranty in Europe. I wonder if it matters that the car is US Spec? Maybe if it came to that I could talk to Mazda in the US, tell them the situation, and maybe work something out. Hopefully it won't come to that though.

Today, after getting gas, it wouldn't start for a good 5 minutes or so. I've read about the newer starter, and that sounds like a good idea.

So, you think it sounds mostly like the cat? It ran pretty good when I first got it; it just started acting up a few days ago. I'm thinking that since the car has been running so rich for a while, it might have killed the cat. I have some o2 sensors on the way, it just takes a while to get stuff here.

The previous owner says that the injectors, plugs, and wires were replaced about a year ago. If the car's been running rich for a while, do you think theres a chance the plugs have been fouled? I'm waiting until the sensors come before I pull the plugs.

I'm kinda hoping its the cat, that'll give me an excuse to buy a hi flow cat and cat back lol.