GTF-RX-8

I know that there are quite a few threads on the CEL already but I thought that I would start another.
It seems that the most common reason for the CEL and subsequent limp mode is due to either misfire or loose gas cap.

I don't have a problem with the CEL (thanks for alerting me) but the "limp mode" is somewhat disturbing.

It has only happened to me once. I was on the expressway and had opened it up to drive around 90 MPH+ just to get a feel for the car. My last car was a Porsche 993 and 100 MPH+ was nothing.

The CEL light flashed at me around 85 MPH and the car immediately went into limp mode. The power was cut so severely that I felt as if I was riding a motorcycle sipping it's last drop of gas in order to keep the engine running.

This ECU reflex is actually pretty dangerous in my opinion.

Imagine that you are driving along on a 2 way highway out in the country...The car ahead of you is driving super-slow...You decide to pass the car with full knowledge that you can pass it before an on-coming semi in the oncoming lane can ever come close to you.
You try to pass and the car goes into limp mode because the gas cap is loose and end up losing power such that the semi is ready to turn you and your car into scrap metal and bloody guts!

This is a very dangerous situation! I don't like it one bit and hope that Mazda can correct it.

Any thoughts?

Gary

Master Tech

Are you confusing "limp in mode" with fule cut ?
A loose gas cap will set a evap code but no drivability problem.
Trust me if your 8 is in limp in mode it's from a senser failing or PCM not seeing proper inputs you'll be lucky if you can go 30 mph and unless key is turned off or input returns it will stay in limp in.
PCM will set code and MIL light will stay on . try shifting a little sooner .

GTF-RX-8

No,
I didn't experience a fuel cut-off from high rpm.
I thought that the loose gas cap would cause a limp mode?

As for the key turn off/ on situation. NOWAY! My power died for about 30 seconds until the situation cleared and then returned to normal.

The dealer suggested a "misfire" due to bad gas although I always use premium. I usually use Shell gas but filled up with Mobil prior to the "limp mode"

Only had it happen once but it was enough to alarm me. I'll be taking it in for the recalls shortly and hope that they find something. Otherwise...

Sort of scary!

Mr M

Doesn't sound like limp mode, it sounds like the mysterious 7,000rpm power loss issue to me (do a search on this forum, you will find multiple posts). What ever it is it does not sound normal, so you should take it to your dealer asap.

GTF-RX-8

So misfire does not cause "limp mode"???

Hmmmm........

I'm taking my car in for the recalls next Monday and to have then read the codes.

I'll update then.

Gary

Rx8Freehk

OK OK dude im with ya here, driving on the autobahn all the time sometimes forces this to occur on my 8.... It is a Missfire that your experencing. Next time it happens look behind you..... you'll see LOTZ of smoke (I dont have a CAT so mine I think is alittle exagrated) When this happens I look like Spy Hunter with the smoke screen on!!

Best thing to do is let off the gas..... give it 10-15 sec...(lets the unburned gas out the exhaust) and you should be good... at least thats what I gotta do Damn German Gas .. Expensive and crappy

Im attributing this whole thing to the fact that there is WAY to much gas being poured in at HIGH RPM's .... My only Hope is that my CZ stage 1/2 will alliviate this

Hope this helps

GTF-RX-8

Well- took it in to the dealer today to have the recalls done, along with an oil change, and investigation of the CEL.

Get this... No codes were stored!
Ok????????
They flashed the PCM anyway.

They did find an ABS-slip error in the computer???
What is that?


Gary

Literatii

Ok, I just got this today, and it sucks. It's the first time I've seen the CEL go on.

I wasn't even driving spiritedly... I was turning a corner in first gear! When I shifted into 2nd at about 6Krpm, I suddenly lost a ton of power. I thought I had accidentally shifted into 4, until it happened again a bit later. Then I noticed the CEL flashing.

After reading the OM, I redid the gas-cap (I had filled up the day before). But I don't think it was loose...

Anyway, losing that power is not good. It feels a bit like the gas cutting out at 6K when the engine is cold, except worse. Like someone else said, I certainly wouldn't want to be in a position where that power is needed.

I need to take my 8 in for the recall, so I'll get the dealer to check it.

snap-on

Any dealer with a WDS level higher than 29.2 will be able to address this issue.

It was in the update that included the P0420 and the P0128

murix

I had this happen to me twice on the track this past Wednesday with the CEL flashing. When it did happen I let off the gas for a few seconds and then got back into it slowly and I was fine. It went away and never happened again and no problems since. I thought it was limp mode myself? Not really sure now. I might have my dealer check for codes I guess.

Literatii

Murix,

The CEL eventually stopped flashing in my case as well. I took the 8 home, parked it for 10 mins, then took it out again and red-lined it in 2nd and 3rd without any problems.

Are you saying the 8 stores check-light codes?

snap-on

The car will store most codes until it see's at least 2 drive cycles without seeing the original problem

GTF-RX-8

Sort of scary when you consider that it could happen at a moment when you need the power!

It's almost as if these computers are getting too complicated and dangerous.

Fortunately it only happened to me once and I have not been able to duplicate it.

At this point, I'm going to chalk it up to filling an empty tank while the car was running.


Literati- Mine did not store a code!

Snap-on- what is WDS?

ranger4277

You were filling your tank while your engine was running? Isn't that illegal?

GTF-RX-8

Illegal????
Why would it be illegal?

snap-on

The RX8 will not check the fuel cap with the engine running.

The PCM tests the evap system AFTER the car is off.

The engine problem this thread started on was addressed about 10 WDS updates ago. 29.2 level.

30.6(P-4) is the latest

ranger4277

Well maybe it isn't illegal... I figured there was some sort of law behind turning the engine off before fueling.. Maybe it is just a safety guideline for filling stations.

I just found it unusual that your car was running is all.

rudy8

I limped on the track while driving pretty hard.
CEL went on but by the time i limped to track exit, all was well and no sign of trouble since.
i have a borla and RE intake but no other mods.
i was driving very hard and was not overly concerned about it all since it cleared up right away. no trouble before or since.
rudy8

GTF-RX-8

Yeah- they do have those warning signs at the pump don't they?
Never heard of any explosions from it though.

I guess I got in the habit of filling up while the car was running with my previous car. It was a Porsche 993 and the alarm system was somewhat of a pain in the butt. The immobilizer would enable when you turned the engine off and opened the door and you'd have to tap the alarm disable button lightly (sort of tricky) to shut it off. Heck- Maybe I was just lazy!!!

:D

Anyway, the primary reason that I filled up the tank with the car running the past few months was because it was so freaking cold out and I wanted to keep the heater running.
LOL!