For the past 2 weeks my 2004 MT 52000 miled 8's engine wants to cut out (and in fact cuts out) when i turn the steering wheel in idle.

I also noticed that I was at a street light in idle, when I turned the fog lights on and the engine almost died.

I don't know what's going on?? My theories are:

1. This is an alternator thing.

2. This is a battery thing

Thats all I have. I don't think my battery is keeping charge. But, it was just checked at the dealership as part of the oil change and it was registering ample voltage. I haven't a clue. Which is why I need your help guys! Please!!

 

Has the battery ever been changed ?
Are the battery terminals clean, free of corrosion?
Get the alternator checked.

 

would corrosion around the terminals cause this? battery has been changed about 10K miles ago. Should I spray that red stuff on my terminals??

Thanks for the thoughts.

 

A loose or bad battery connection can cause many strange things to happen. I had a loose batter cable and my car stall at a traffic light. And it started right back up. First start with the simple stuff like Expo1 said. Get you battery and alternator tested at you local auto parts store. Many do this for free. Also make sure that the battery terminals are clean and on tight.

Also when they checked your battery at the dealership or course it is going to pass since you just drove the car there and the battery would be charged and be it the passing range.

 

thanks guys...will try all you recommended first

 

If your battery warning light on?

 

okay, so one of the terminals was loose. I cleaned the terminal leads and sprayed the red anti-corrosive on. I tightened the loose lead.

I still don't understand why turning the steering wheel would cause the engine to die.

I'll let you know if I still have problems....

 

A loose battery connection can cause very strange issues

 

The RX-8 uses electric power steering, not hydraulic, and it takes a bit of power to turn the wheels when you're not moving forward - so the draw of current is high, and may even take some battery because the alternator isn't being spun very quickly at idle. If the battery connection is loose, you can't get enough juice to do that (too much resistance, I think?) and so you might not have enough power to keep the spark plugs firing.

Just be glad she didn't flood!

 

You don't really want the red goop in between the terminal and post, just on the outside once it's tightened up. In fact, Vaseline works just as well, is cheaper, and has other uses.

Also, it's important to keep the top of the battery clean. Accumulated dirt/dust/acid/schmutz can form a conductive path which will cause the battey to drain.

When it's time for a new battery, consider AGM type. No corrosion, no schmutz, no need for goop.

 

thanks for all the info....everyone! No problems anymore.