waterpolo101010

Alright i searched for some help for this problem in the forums but couldnt seem to find any. Every so often my 8 wont start on the first crank. Even if i take a long first crank it wont start and even sometimes on the second it wont either. ive brought it back to the dealership already they said they fixed it but it just happened again today when i tried to start it. i read the posts about engine flooding but that seems like it happened when people didnt let it warm up. has anyone encountered this problem before or is there any solutions? The car was definatly warmed up before i shut it off earlier in the day because i drove it around 50 miles. so i dont think it was flooded because after numerous tries it did start.

waterpolo101010

ok update to the last post when my dad drove it he said it took him 5 times to start it.....

zoomalot

What did the dealer do to fix the problem? Has your car had the M-flash?

waterpolo101010

Im not sure what he did i was just happy to get my car back after sitting at the dealership for a few hours... im not familiar with the m-flash.

Trx8

I had rough starts in particular weather (cold air and sun baked car), but never failure to start after 5-7 seconds. I took it to the dealer and they cleaned the plugs and gave it the "m-flash" (software that controls the car) upgrade. Lots of info here and elsewhere:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=25613

I also use the initialize method to start it, whereby the key is turned to the ON position, the indicator lights come on and then some start to go off (a few seconds), then turn the key one more notch to the crank position. This gives the engine time to prep (e.g. fuel pumping) before actually cranking the engine.

waterpolo101010

alright man thanks

zoom44

i also initialize my car the way you describe. i think if you check with the people who do this you will find they have way fewer problems(for me its 0) starting the car.

Trx8

Actually I learned from this from zoom44's post in:
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ght=initialize
At: 10-27-2003 09:03 PM

It gives a more thorough description.

zoom44

thanks Trx8! i hardly even look at the dash indicators now. i paid attention when going out for lunch and what i do now after becoming use to the timing is turn the key to ON then put on my seat belt. by the time i am done with that and fidgeting with my shirt/jacket and cell phone ear piece enough time has elapsed for me to start it. so i dont just sit there waiting/watching those few seconds but take those seconds to adjust.

Mr M

First thing to do, take it back to the dealer and tell them they didn't fix it.
There is a recalibration for the engine control module that improves the starting drastically. There are also hotter spark plugs. This is all old information that your dealer should know about. If they don't, they have wool in their ears and you should find another dealer. Take it back and have them fix it - PROPERLY.

Just as a footnote, even a normal 8 will crank a little longer sometimes when it is hot. This is related to exhaust gasses escaping through open ports to the intake, but it should only occur in one of 20 starts or so.

waterpolo101010

"Just as a footnote, even a normal 8 will crank a little longer sometimes when it is hot. This is related to exhaust gasses escaping through open ports to the intake, but it should only occur in one of 20 starts or so."

Wait I thought it only happened when you try to restart the car AFTER it wasnt warmed up properly. Its been starting well lately no long cranks at all but im still going to bring it in on friday.

Mr M

No, the long crank when it is hot is a different issue, not actually an issue, just something that happens on the rotary engine. It is NOT a problem, the engine starts, but every now and then the cranking time is a little longer than you might expect. As I said above, the cold starting issue, and starting in general has been greatly improved with the control module software update and new plugs.