2004 Engine won't start
 

Hi All,

So I have been trying to troubleshoot my starting issues for the last couple of days. The starter will crank, but there seems to be no "bang", or feeling of ignition. I thought I had flooded it, as we had a cold snap right as I parked it. I have checked/tried

- uninstalled COBB AccessPort tune (this means I have no dash codes)
- Deflood procedure by pulling the Fuel pump fuse
- deflood procedure pulling the leading plugs and ESS
- changing the spark plugs (were very dirty and about 18months old)
- spark plug/coil tester (all plugs get spark)

Also, this may be incidental, but my key fob doesn't work. It stopped working months ago, but the key still worked so I just locked it using the key. Does the 2004 RX8 have an immobilizer that will shut down the fuel pump? Also, will it shut it down for all keys, even my spare key that the fob/remote was working?

I have conventional compression tester (I know it won't be as good as a rotary/dealership tester) that I'm going to try after work today. It may be able to point me in the right direction.

Anybody else have any thoughts?

*edit: I have also noticed in the weeks leading up to this that I get about 30km less mileage out of a tank. Went from 320km/tank to 290km/tank with no change in driving style. I didn't notice a lack of power or anything, cold or hot. Seemed to start fine when hot as well.

I would start with the simple stuff first before going to the more complicated bits. What does your dash do when you turn the key to the accessory position just before crank position? do all your lights come on or do you have something that looks out of place? I do not believe the physical key would cause the car not to crank, but do not quote me on that. Have you checked your battery level? clean the battery terminals? I have had problems in the past with the fuel pump not pumping after ignition but is your 8 priming the fuel when you put it to the accessory position?

The engine cranks, just doesn't fire. Starter spins, but no firing up. I haven't checked if I'm getting fuel, but it smells like fuel when I pulled the plugs to do the compression test. That's by no means an actual test, and I should probably find a way to test the fuel pump, but I'm probably going to just take it into the dealership.

I have it on a battery charger, and I just replaced the battery a few months ago and cleaned the terminals. I didn't check, but I can't imagine it has corroded too badly.

On a side note, the compression test was inconclusive. I'm not sure if I did it wrong, or if it was tool failure, or if it was actually less than 50 psi on both rotors. That seems unlikely, as it was running fine, and there was no sound of catastrophic failure when the issue started.

The only way you are going to know for sure if your fuel pump is pumping is to pop off the back seat just behind the drivers seat and have someone put their ear right next to the pump as you crank and have them tell you if the pump is making noise or sounding like its pumping. Someone on these forms told me of another way to tell if its pumping but it sounds like there is no fuel delivery into the chamber. this is also assuming that your spark plugs and coils are functioning correctly.

Just my two cents. but I would keep asking around.

Yeah, I finally bit the bullet and got it towed to the dealer. Hopefully it's something small like a flood that I just couldn't get sorted. If it's a pump, they'll find it and it'll be covered under warranty. Should know later today.

Well, my baby is pooched. Low compression. Engine is gone, so hopefully it's covered with my warranty. Fingers crossed.

If your extended warranty does cover it lucky you my rebuild was $4600.
Let me guess it's an automatic, my 04' is on it's 4th engine with only 65k on the clock. First 3 were Mazda remans, this time Banzai Racing rebuilt it hopefully it last longer than the first 3.
Good Luck!


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Actually a manual, but yeah 93k (kms) on it. I bought a extended warranty when I bought it in 2011. Tech said it doesn't look like anything I did, so here's hoping.

Update: It's covered under warranty! Brand new re-manufactured engine for me, for the cost of my deductible.

Good news, Everyone! I get my car back today! Total bill would have been close to $6500, instead it was $3300 (including my purchase of the original warranty). Plus I got my heater control fixed under the warranty. Just wanted to share.