alphapenguin

I've searched the threads, and I am afaid that my car may be flooded? I havent driven the car for about a month, and tonight when I went home, to drive it around, it wouldnt start. What does a "flooding" rx8 sound like? Does it sound like it wants to start the engine, but nothing happens? It didnt seem like it was a dead battery, but I tried jumping it regardless (probably not very smart but I wanted to make sure). That didnt do anything, so I stopped that immediately. I doubt it's just the weather (its about 23deg in columbus I think). If my car is flooded (i dont know how it woudl have) what is the next step? I assume it is to call the dealer, and they will send someone to pick it up? Also is it covered under the warranty? Someone, anyone that can offer help... o please do. Or some words of comfort, because the fact that my 8 isnt running is killing me. Thanks in adv.

RX8_GT

When I flooded my RX-8, it was just after a day but I had just moved it into the garage COLD the night before. Do you recall the last time the car was run - flooding generally takes place after a short move of a cold car.

When you turn it over, it may seem like it is firing occassionally but as the flooding gets worse that stops.

Did you use the de-flooding procedure - if not I would try before calling the dealer. Recharge the battery for a hour or so - you can even leave the charger on during the attempts. Then try to re-start using the procdeure in the owner's manual. I would try several attempts - I got mine re-started on the fourth or fifth attempt. Open the garage door and be ready for lots of white smoke. If you get it re-started - let it smooth out and get warm and then give it a hard run.

John

neit_jnf

Check your owner's manual. There's an emergency starting procedure for flooded engines, I don't know the page though. It may take a while but all you do is try to start the car with the gas pedal to the floor, this cuts the gas supply so it clears the flood. Do it in 10-second bursts to give the starter motor a rest and keep in mind that you may run the battery down so the jump start is a good idea. When the car starts it will smoke a lot so don't be scared. If it takes too long and it won't start or you feel worried about doing this just call the dealer, it's covered under warranty.

CERAMICSEAL

Again if you can, charge the battery first. At least an hour.

alphapenguin

THANKS SO MUCH!! This forum is just great with all the help and what not. I am going back to try it now, and will post the outcome. THANK YOU ALL!
Alex (alphapenguin)

shebam

When mine was towed to a dealer, he got it started with the procedure these guys have described -- although it doesn't always work. If it doesn't, you're entitled to a free tow to a dealer by calling Mazda Roadside Assistance as per the stuff in your manual package, and MAKE SURE THEY SEND A FLATBED or truck that lifts all 4 tires off the ground -- the manual stipulates it, but MRA didn't in my case. And, Mazda has confirmed that the dealer's work on this is covered by the warranty. Even if you get it restarted, you'll want the dealer to check the oil for gas pollution and the plugs for fouling -- mine were replaced even though I'd driven it over 500 miles home from my flooding incident. Good luck!

alphapenguin

thanks for the info, I will make sure to take my car in. FOllowing the instructions in the manual, i still wasnt able to get the car started, but I called my brother who has a FD3s, and he told me to disable the fuel pump first. I did so by taking out the fuse. I assume that this would keep ANY fuel from entering the engine, allowing the excess engine to leave, which it was working, but I noticed I had to charge the battery first. Then my baby came alive followed by a LOT of smoke. So for those who also have a flooded car, I suggest to do what is in the manual, and if that doesnt work, deactivate your fuel pump, and jump the sucker. Worked like a charm. THANK YOU ALL FOR THE HELP.

I am so glad I can drive it around now, but I will take it in to get checked out regardless. Do I just tell them what happened and hope they wont charge me?

amartin

What jumper do you pull?? Can anyone post a pic please?

neit_jnf

You don't need to pull the fuel pump fuse out, flooring the gas effectivelly kills power to the pump during start up. You just need to keep trying. I don't think you need to have it checked, just change the oil and filter and clean the spark plugs.

kidsdo

My RX-8 MT flooded once, no short trip history, re-start procedure in the manual no help, tow truck ride into dealer. Has anyone had it happen multiple times? Couldn't find this answer in search, sorry.

RX8_GT

Alphapenguin - good idea to have dealer see it. Just tell them what happened. THIS IS A WARRANTY ISSUE !!! I did not take mine after the flooding - as I live about 80 miles from dealer - too much pain - but will address and record issue with them at first servcing there. I plan to do oil changes every 2500 miles with every second one at dealer - to reduce the frequency of all day trips to Indianapolis. John

alphapenguin

Its jumper 20 or a 20. It is listed under the cover for the fuse area. I tried flooring the accelerater with the fuse still in, but it jus twouldnt work. Once I took out the fuel pump fuse (with the charging on) it came to life without a problem. I hate going to the dealer, but I will have them check it out regardless. Since I am not skilled enough to clean and change the oil myself. I also need them to put back the plastic sticker thing that goes infront of the rear wheels. i only have one on, and people have told me that they have 2 (one on each side).

Sea Ray

If someone is concerned that they may have turned it off too cold, or if the battery is not strong enough, would it hurt then to just hold the pedal down from the start, then let up after a few seconds?

alphapenguin

not that I know anything, but I dnt see why it would hurt. from what I understand, pressing down the pedal just flushes the fuel out of the engine. if the battery isnt strong enough though, I dont think pressing the pedal down woudl fix anything.

neit_jnf

Rotarygod has repeatedly recommended flooring the pedal for EVERY start, it would significantly reduce if not eliminate flooding.

MEGAREDS

I'm confused about pulling the fuel pump fuse. I understand it should not be necessary, because starting the car with the accelerator down does the same thing, but that's not my question... my question is how do you get the car started with the fuel pump disconnected? I assume you crank it for a while with the pump disconnected, then reconnect it and try to turn the car over? Is that right?

alphapenguin

When I tried starting the car with just pressing the accelerator down, the engine still would not start. Only after i pulled the fuse did the car turn on.
I pulled the fuse
Jumed the car
Started the engine normally
---> engine came on (sounding in a not so good condition).
a lot of smoke came out, I shut it off after about 2 sec, cause I figured, if the pump i soff how is the engine going to continue running.
I put the fuse back in.
Re start the car, takes about 2-3 secs to crank and it starts again. Again with the bblack smoke coming out of the car. I let it sit for about 3 min. Black smoke clears. i go for a ride. All is good
I hope that clears up what I had to do. I dont know if actually pulling the fuel pump fuse out does anything different, but it worked for me.

Trx8

OK, anyone that knows, alphapenguin is reporting that pressing the accelerator down didn't help start the car, but the car did start after he pulled the fuel pump fuse. Is that a coincidence or some other effect?

JoeRX8ter

I think I have read every post on flooding and it looks like pulling the fuse is the only method that works every time.