Flooded- DIY or take to dealer?
 

I washed my car this weekend, and apparently I flooded it putting it back in the garage. I did the rev to 3K before shutdown thing, but this morning it won't start. Did the deflood procedure, and it caught a few times, but it died and never came back.

I'm fine with de-flooding it myself, but I'm wondering if it's worth taking to a dealer to have the starter/battery/plugs replaced. It's an '04 that I bought used from a Mazda dealer, so I'm not sure if it has these things done yet. Is there an easy way to check the history of the warranty repairs on a car?

So - are the new plugs and starter worth it? I'd prefer to de-flood it myself at home just in the interest of speed, but getting free, better stuff is cool too ;)

What would you do?

Your best bet is to let Mazda fix it for free under warranty and hopefully get new parts in the process so it doesn't happen again in the future.

it's totally worth getting the new plugs, starter, and battery. sounds cool on start up now too.

It's a no-brainer - take it to the dealer and get the free replacement parts.

Is the tow to the dealer free or do you generally have to pay for that?

Dealer tow should be free

I have an '04 and it is definitely worth getting the new plugs, battery and starter!

Call Roadside Assistance at 800-866-1998. They'll tow it for free and the dealership will most likely replace the parts under warranty. ( for free)

I'm actually hoping to not get the battery- that new battery weighs 15# more than the original one, and my current one works fine.

I called my dealer and then Mazda roadside assitance to get it picked up. I'm at work now (rode my motorcycle in), and it sucks cause MRA won't schedule a pickup- I have to call back tomorrow morning and then wait.

You guys better be right that it's worth it! :)

Thanks for all the help.

15 pounds heavier or not (is that really the case???), you'll be happier getting the new battery instead of the old one crapping out on you. Trust me on this.

15.9 lbs more if you want to be accurate:

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ht=battery+lbs

If it makes your car start every morning, it's worth every ounce of the 15.9 lbs.

the new starter is amazing, just FYI, definitely a must-have upgrade for '04s.

Just go on a diet and lose 15.9 lbs!

I read this thread because i saw that RG was the last poster and figured there would be an eloquent technical discussion.. but no... it's lifestyle advice :wink2:

Thanks for all the help guys. I had the car towed to a dealer yesterday who did the plugs, starter, and battery.

You are right. That starter is totally different! It starts in way less time now, and does sound much cooler.

Still hating the huge battery, especially with all that weight up high and front, but I can live with it. I'll start my 15.9lb diet tomorrow.

I'd go with the starter. Mine is an 04 and was having these same issues as well. Now, it cranks every time, which is a good thing, and I'm running colder Denso Plugs. I'd reccomend the new free crap!