So I was driving yesterday, looked down and had a flashing CEL.

Since then hasnt come back on or blinked again.

Trying to figure out what it could be?

 

Misfire most likely - esp if it went away...

Any other issues you noticed?

 

I got the flashing CEL under hard acceleration and high RPM in third gear.
After the plug change (to the new style) I never saw it again.

 

Yep, just recently had this too...spirited acceleration, high RPM, flashing CEL that then went off. Asked the guys at Advance Auto Parts to check for codes, but none were coming up. Took it to the dealer...was a misfire. Plugs replaced under warranty.

 

Ok cool. I have about 28k miles. The dealer swapped my leading plugs under warranty, but I ordered some plugs from sparkplugs.com yesterday right when I got home. I wasnt aware that spark plugs would be covered under warranty.

I wonder if my coils could be going out as well???

 

You're a bit low in mileage for coil failure but you never know... It never hurts to have a spare set around because you'll probably need them eventually.

You wouldn't get plugs under warranty unless the ECU code remained and could be read.

 

its pretty common for Rotary to throw a Misfire code. Thats why you'll need at least 2 before it becomes a steady CEL.(and it goes away by itself if it never happen again in the next 5 drive cycle)

if you experience a lost of power, thats another story.

 

Well I have noticed that on cold starts it is taking long to crank over, almost seems like it doesnt want to start.

So Im gonna grab some coils.

Would it be bad if I put the new plugs in and got the coils later if they turned out to be bad?

 

Once you look at the plugs you'll know if you have some bad coils or wires.
If you do have a bad coil or wire then replace it right away before you foul the new plug

 

I just had my trailing plugs replaced (not under warranty ). That was about 2 weeks ago. Today, I had the same issue with the flashing CEL under hard acceleration in 3rd gear... happened twice in one day. So what is the concensus of what I should do here? Thanks for the help!

 

Coils next me thinks...

 

Thanks! This is only the 3rd car I have ever owned. First was a '65 Mustang, 2nd was a '95 Wrangler, and now the 8. It's so much more advanced/technical that I have NO CLUE what I'm doing under her hood.
I haven't been able to find a Haynes manual for the 8; is there some type of book I can get?

 

NP, hope it helps.

PS - my first car was a 68 Mustang GT; duct tape and binding wire FTW!!!!! Plus you could crawl in the engine bay... HAHA

There is a service manual for the RX8 - but I don't know where to get it- I think it is on Jeffs site. www.mazdamaniac.com

 

I did the plugs, they were all black.

As for the coils, I checked them all and saw no burn spots or bubbling on the bottom.