brillo

I did some searching but I didn't see this issue brought up. For some reason, usually at low speeds or coming to a stop, the radio and interior electronics will temporarily dim/die only to come back on a second later. The engine doesn't seem to have any issues when this happens. My voltage seems to be ok per my scan guage. Any idea what could cause that? Battery should be good, its an optima and only 2 years old. Alternator? Any stock radio issues or shorting problems I'm not aware of? Many thanks,
]Alan

Silver06

Wow... you're the guy who wrote the FAQ (that new owners don't read)....

Anyways, I've got three thoughts...

1.) Poor wiring connections in charging system. (especially check alternator/chassis/battery grounds)
2.) A Bad Voltage Regulator.... (not sure about how 'filtered' the info that the ScanguageII gets), but you should be checking with a voltmeter at the battery terminals. PM me for testing procedure if unsure.
3.) Aftermarket stuff drawing more power that the alternator delivers at low rpm's. (Amp, cap, carputer, etc.)

swoope

iTrader: (5)

wow,

you are alive!!!

what flash are you on? best guess would be batt connections, but who knows. odd. i am assuming you have not had the radio area removed.

btw, if you need an alt or any motor components i have lots of stuff laying around..

beers

brillo

Very much alive, just real busy with the wall street meltdown

I don't have any major aftermarket parts drawing power, I do have the ipod adapter so I have pulled teh radio once to install that. I'm pretty sure the wires aren't lose in the back I didn't have to remove them and I made sure they were tight before I re-installed the unit.

I'll check the battery connections and look at the ground wires. Any chance a fuse could be the issue?

swoope

iTrader: (5)

did you guys just have a big swing in air temps?

i still would guess radio connections. but a couple of loose bat cables and optima failures have been seen lately..

beers

04RX8man

I would also check grounds on battery and stereo make sure all metal grounded wires are tight and rust/paint free!!!

brillo

Well, I had the momentary power loss again last night pulling into the garage and I noticed that this time I could feel the steering change which tells me its not the radio. As it appears to happen when stoped or slowing that sounds like an alternator or battery issue as it appear one or the other can keep up.

Any additional thoughts?

Icemark

sticking BAC (idle control) valve

brillo

It was suggested I also clean the throttle plate which I will do as well.

zoom44

you suck at RX-8 ^^

zoom44

oh and answer your phone

swoope

iTrader: (5)

check steering harness..

and if you need an alt. i have one for you. yea, and use the phone..!

beers

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Yes. Its right next to the camshaft and the valve covers.

Optimas are crap.

The OBD voltage report is usually optimistic and based on the alternator feedback.
Grab a multimeter and check the numbers at the lighter under failing conditions.

Razz1

I believe its the battery. Steering getting heavy means you are loosing power.

I would put ist on a charger.

Open up the pass way to the trunk. Make sure trunk light is not on.

Icemark

Hmm, I'll have to go and check the RX-8 manual tonight since every fuel injected rotary engine made between 1984 and 2002 had a BAC/ICV and I would be surprised if there was not one on the '8. And on those earlier rotary engines, if he gave that example; it would not be some lame *** battery issue.

MazdaManiac

iTrader: (3)

Prepare to be surprised.
The RX-8 is drive-by-wire.
The throttle is its own idle air control valve.

cjkim

same thing happened to me early on (first 10k miles? 2004). radio lights would flicker sometimes.
dealer swapped out radios, hasn't happened since.

Icemark

Yeah, call me a dumbshit I forgot all about that.

I guess I have been working on FC's and FDs too much lately (and fixed two of them this month with stuck BAC's) and forgot all about that the ECU/PCM treats the throttle body as a BAC on the FE.

brillo

Well, I cleaned the throttle body and the problem seemed to go away, this morning it returned while parking in my garage. This time I noticed that the lights dimmed, the radio die and the PS got heavy at low speeds pulling into a spot, so that tells me its not the radio, its must be the alternator or the battery. I need to check them again with a better multimeter as mine is suspect.

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Hello there .....how old is the battery

If it's over 3 yrs...save yourself the headache and throw a new one in

brillo

Battery is pushing 3 years, so I might get a new one then.

Jedi54

iTrader: (7)

have you tested the battery brillo? yellow or red?

04RX8man

yeah 3 years is probably close to replacement!!! speakign of that mine is the original i think it's time soon!!!!

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

What's the warranty on the Optimum batteries??..maybe take it in and get it tested

swoope

iTrader: (5)

funny,

i have one and dont know the answer, btw. god daxzn fuel pump!!!!!! ahhhggggggg!

beers