rx8cler8

Hello all -

I have a 2005 Mazda Rx8. Just had the battery replaced. Shortly thereafter, noticed my key FOB wasn't working. When I put the key into the ignition, the gauge lit up but when I turned it ON, seemed to kill the entire electrical system. The key fob doesn't work, the lights do not come on, cannot pop the trunk. It's becomes completely dead. I replaced the battery in each of the key fobs. The doors locked/unlocked and the trunk popped with new key fob. Tried again. Had the same issue. After a period of time (few hours) the key fob works again. I read on some other forums, it might be a fuse or the key fob might be going bad. What makes it interesting is the fact it started to work fine for a week and then again this morning, I had the same issue. My other key fob seems to need re-programming (have 2) because I see the red car light in the dash flash when I put the key in (it locks/unlocks the doors, trunks fine). There is no clicking, it seems to be completely dead. Perhaps its the immobilizer which I read about but don't know how to reset.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

Rexx

I have the same issue at the moment. It started not wanting to turn on, I made sure the engine was not flooded, no go. Got a new battery. Shortly after I have the same exact problem. It won't turn over, no electrical works besides the speedo. Any ideas?

rx8cler8

Hey there -

It happened to be a loose battery connection. I tightened them up and it's been good to go since then. I did replace the FOB batteries but like I said I think the jackasses who changed the batteries didn't tighten the battery connection enough.

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

It's always a loose terminal.

....and Rexx - if your lights don't work, your stereo don't work, and your trunk won't pop - it's not the key fob battery, it's not flooded, it's a loose terminal!

dgoutdoors

my daughters car will turn and turn as far as motor but will not fire over.... this problem just happened with no warning or indication. checked all the fuses, not sure how to check the relays.... but hooked up jumper cables and it acts stronger when trying to crank but will not fire over so i think this eliminates the battery? my buddy says maybe cam position sensor......is that a possibility? Was trying to eliminate the simple obvious things. One other thing i'm concerned about is it possible the chip in the key gone bad....is that possible and what are the symptoms, we only have one key so i can't just switch keys.

any advice would be so helpful and thanks in advance!

Rexx

I'll have to check the terminals but I'm almost sure they aren't loose.

Dgoutdoors, You try unflooding the engine?

StealthTL

iTrader: (1)

DG, yours sounds like it MAY be flooded, you'll need to take the bottom two (leading) plugs out and see if they are wet, then turn it over to clear any liquids.

Rexx, you still have no electrical power at all?

Rexx

I haven't checked it yet as the car is across town from me. But will the problem still be a loose terminal I all the electrical is down besides the speedometer gauges? Could it be in theft mode perhaps?

dgoutdoors

thanks to all for the help with the 04' rx8 as it was definitely a flooded issue, learned a valuable lesson about moving car short distance and turning off not realizing that it would leave motor flooded! I have the dealer checking compression while its there and also a possible clogged catalytic converter......my daughter tells me every so often car wants to act like it will stall and we have been looking for this problem which has been hard because it does it so intermittenily haven't been able to pinpoint! Dealer said was acting up and running rough after it was deflooded wanted to check couple things and i mentioned about the stalling and he said something about the cat being possibly clogged?

Rexx

Yea I gutted my cat and noticed a nice difference. I have replaced it but the stok cats have issues. As far as unflooding goes I take the fuel pump fuse out , turn it over a few times, then put the fuse back in. It beats a trip to the dealer although takes a few times to get it.

I8U

iTrader: (1)

If you still have no power, try checking the fuses under the hood. I had a similar issue a couple years ago and it ended up being the main ENG fuse under the hood. Just a thought...