Notices
Series I Tech Garage The place to discuss anything technical about the RX-8 that doesn't fit into any of the categories below.

Steering and DSC Mystery Problem.

Old Jun 4, 2009 | 09:11 PM
  #1  
Bindon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Fire-Spewing Maniac
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
Steering and DSC Mystery Problem.

So, I finished my turbo install, car is running great. Front mount turbo, battery relocated to the trunk.

Ever since my install, my DSC/Traction control has been permanently off. (little swerving car on the dash.)

Since then, I have disconnected the battery many times, and driven it for about 2 weeks, still no Traction.

Recently, my power steering has been flunking out on me, but in a weird way.

For example.

I get into my car after not driving it for a few days, power steering light on, no power steering. I decide to get gas, as I had none. So I drive to the gas station, get gas, turn on the car and BAM, power steering is back as if nothing happened.

I stopped at my friends house to drop something off, restart the car, no power steering again.

Either somethings loose, and if its not connecting on startup it throws a code and disables it, or something else.


When the PS is working, it works totally fine, like it has for the last 4 years.

Any ideas? With all the extra power, and not being used to it, driving in the rain is dangerous without DSC, and the power steering thing is just damn annoying.

-Bryan
Reply
Old Jun 7, 2009 | 03:00 AM
  #2  
Mawnee's Avatar
I divide by zero
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,192
Likes: 0
From: Spring Hill, FL
I am in the same boat as you.
https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/abs-skid-control-power-steering-lights-174366/
in my case at least it seems I accidentally cut some wires when running my 2ga wire through the firewall when doing my battery relocation.
Reply
Old Jun 7, 2009 | 04:12 AM
  #3  
ASH8's Avatar
Super Moderator
 
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,880
Likes: 340
From: Australia
The installer of your turbo may have dislodge a wiring loom connector which may not be pushed in properly.
You get more gas, more weight in the rear end, maybe enough to make the PS wiring loom connectors touch???

IMO something to do with the turbo installer..??
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 09:59 AM
  #4  
Nubo's Avatar
Lubricious
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,425
Likes: 4
From: SF Bay Area, California
Originally Posted by Bindon
...
I get into my car after not driving it for a few days, power steering light on, no power steering. I decide to get gas, as I had none. So I drive to the gas station, get gas, turn on the car and BAM, power steering is back as if nothing happened.

I stopped at my friends house to drop something off, restart the car, no power steering again.

Either somethings loose, and if its not connecting on startup it throws a code and disables it, or something else.
Yes, the PS is checking its inputs when you start the car. If something is outside the expected range, the PS will be disabled for the duration of the drive. The connectors of the PS sub-harness are fickle and the resistance values can fluctuate enough to cause this problem. This is a known problem and there is a new harness available. Or, you can fix it yourself by cutting out the connectors and soldering the wires directly. Check the following thread, which should probably be a sticky....

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/power-steering-failure-107481/

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=107481
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 05:50 PM
  #5  
Bindon's Avatar
Thread Starter
Fire-Spewing Maniac
 
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
Thanks, Ill try the fix.

I was the turbo installer, so I will check the connections as well.
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2009 | 05:53 PM
  #6  
angeljoelv's Avatar
angeljoelv
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 1
From: Florida
I wrote this omn another thread, hope it helps

I had the same problem. this is what I did...
first i did exactly what you did with no results
and then.... I found it.
There is a sensor where the steering "pole" conects to the rack. I called mazda and the wont sell it alone so I dismantelled it and cleaned it. Vuala, never had any problem again... the oil most probably went in there and its getting a faulty signal.
All it doea is tell the computer you are turning and activates the rack.
Check it and you will see it works. unless ofcourse your rack is no good.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Shankapotamus3
Series I Trouble Shooting
28
Mar 14, 2021 03:53 PM
D13
Series I Trouble Shooting
0
Oct 1, 2015 07:55 AM
tommy26Germany
Series I Trouble Shooting
11
Sep 29, 2015 10:33 AM
Stubbs
Series I Wheels, Tires, Brakes & Suspension
0
Sep 27, 2015 04:06 PM
Evan Gray
Series I Trouble Shooting
0
Sep 26, 2015 12:30 PM


Thread Tools
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:17 PM.