2004 RX8 Starting Trouble
 

Let's give this one a shot...

2004 RX8 - @ 80K miles. Automatic. I believe I am the third owner. Just had the engine replaced this summer (under warranty).

The Texas summers have played havoc on the console. About 1 month ago the controls and lights went completely out. Tried diconnecting the battery hoping for a quick reset, but this only made it so I have no AC now (with 108 heat! - UGH!).

About a week later my wife was driving and stopped off at Wal-Mart to pick up a few things. She came out of the store and the Security Immobilizer light was on and the car did nothing but tick when she tried to start it. I suppose she didn't understand when I asked her to put the key in and turn it to the first setting and wait because she couldn't get it started. A day later I went out there to see if I could get the car running or to get a tow. I set the key in, turned it to the first setting, waited and after about 30 seconds the check engine light flashed several times. After a few minutes I went ahead and tried to turn her over. Rather than the tick, the dials began to dance around and after a few moments there was the sound of a gentle turn of the engine trying to start. I kept the key in, and it began to run faster and faster until it finally started. She drove home like nothing ever happened.

The next day she started a little rough, but not a real problem. Same with the day after. On the third day I drove to work fine, but when I came out there was not enough battery power to turn over. I grabbed a ride with a co-worker who was just getting ready to leave intending to come back and jump it later.

About three days later I brought my wife's car to try and jump the RX8. The dails danced for a moment and then she instantly jumped without a problem. I drove her around and she drove like a charm. After about 10 minutes of driving I stopped and then started her up again instantly without a problem. Went in to do some work, came out 3 1/2 hours later and...dead battery.

So, a week later I come back with my wife and her car. Once again, jump her and the dails dance, followed by and instant start. I drive her home and she drives perfectly fine. Get on, shut her down, start her again with no problem.

That was about 1 week ago. Since then I have gone out to start her twice. BOTH times when inserting the key I had to wait first for the check engine light to flash before holding down the key and she started that gentle repeated attempt to turn over where it sounds like the engine is turning faster and faster each time until it she finally starts.

So - any clue?

Thanks in advance!

Did I find a stumper?

have you had any of your CEL's read?
Had the battery tested? Alternator?
Is your starter the upgraded one?
Any mods to your car?
etc, etc??

See where I'm going with this? More info is needed ;)

Literally have no money right now - not even the $75 to simply get her look at. No mods.

She's back to starting fine the past couple of days, though the cosole is still dead and completely unresponsive. I'm actually thinking this is more of a wiring issue than a batter/alternator/starter one.