RX8Club.com - Cranking but not firing

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- - Cranking but not firing - Ignition or Engine? (https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/cranking-but-not-firing-ignition-engine-258907/)

So you're positive it's not firing? If that's the case replace your ignition components. Plugs are easy to test, pull the plug, pull your fuel pump fuse so you're not pushing fuel, ground the plug on metal, turn the engine over, visualize for spark. If no spark, then replace ignition components.

Also if you think the starter is just sitting there spinning but not turning the engine over, tap on the starter with a wrench a few times. Sometimes the impeller can act weird. It make not be grabbing the flywheel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesD31 (Post 4709840)

BUMP:

So, the mechanic I took it too, said he got a used ECU and tried to "program it" but could not on a rotary engine (weird). He also said he took it to another guy to try to program it but he couldn't either (are these really that hard to "program?"). He finally said he could bring in a guy who might be able to, but that guy's rates are $180/hr and there was no guarantee.

I said forget it, i'll come on here and find what to do next.

SO, WITH THAT SAID.

Does anyone know what I should do to replace my ECU and what shop in Chicagoland area to take it to?! I really do not want to go to a dealership.

This is where I sent mine in to have it checked. If your computer is good, only $75 and they will return it in a shiny new painted case. If it's bad, they can rebuild it for $350 and there will NOT be a need for you to have it reprogrammed or go to the dealership.

autocomputerecm.com/2004-mazda-rx8-all-ecm-998.html

Very good service!

To be honest though, I'm leaning towards that the guys you took it to, do not know what they are doing and will only make things worse.

.

i have the same problem i have 29,000 miles on my 05 is it possible that when the engine gets warmed up the coils fail because if i wait about 10 min or so it will start up fine thanks Mike

Quote:

Originally Posted by yapakanichi (Post 4710465)

I'll second the good old red neck test. You'll be looking for a fat, blue spark. If it's small and orange (or absent), you are not generating enough voltage to spark your fuel off.

Additionally, you can crank your car over for a few seconds before pulling your spark plugs. If they smell like gas (and especially if they are wet), your fuel is fine.

It could be your ECU, depending on very odd circumstances. I had one burn out on me, and the only symptom it showed was inability to control the throttle body.

hard start after warm up

i called a friend that races his 04 rx8 and he told me to go to mazda and get my ecu updated with the newest software he said they did it to his

There's a lot of things that could be caused by a bad ECU, but sudden hot start issues are generally not one of them..

I'll be home today and hopefully have time to test it tonight/tomorrow. I am hoping it's the ignition system (probably the wires, since those were never replaced). Either way, will keep people updated!