every once in a while maybe 1 in 20 starts, the car seems like it has a hard time starting....is this a problem i should be worried about?...seems like a recall going on so i will have it checked by then. But anyone has this problem too? (yes the engine is warmed before turning off)

thanks for advice in advance!

 

Yes most RX-8 owners experience the same problem. It's more likely to happen when your car's warm than when it's cold. I had to take my car into the dealership twice so far for it, and both times all they attempted to do was just reflash the PCM. The general belief is that the hard starts are being caused by the weak stock battery, so I've been trying to get my dealership to get me the newer 640cca battery that Mazda released, but no luck to date. I even gave them a TSB stating that there is an updated battery to correct the problem the first time I took the car in for it, but they seem so reluctant to order it. After the 2nd trip they finally told me that they had some part on order, I'm hoping its a new battery. Or something that will fix this problem. It's pretty irritating to have people look at you funny in a public parking lot when your brand new car exotic looking sports car is choking like some 15 year old beater car.

In the meantime the best thing that I've found that helps is to just turn the key to the On position, and wait about 30 seconds before cranking. Usually that'll ensure a smooth startup. But even this is annoying to do when somebody else gets in the car with you, and then they give you a funny look when you sit there silently counting to 30.

 

Yes, me too. Happens every once in a while, always after the car has been warmed up. And I do have the new, 640 CCA battery, so I don't think you can blame it that.

 

Turn the ignition on and wait until the chimes stop before engaging the starter -- this only takes a few seconds and allows the fuel pump to fully pressurize the line. Might make a difference for you. Hard start when hot can be due to vapor lock. Allowing the fuel pressure to fully rise can help combat this.

A stronger battery helps. I have had quicker starts since I replaced mine with an Optima yellow-top (group 35). If nothing else, it will hold up better if/when there is a starting problem.

The newer starter motors are supposed to increase cranking RPM, which is a plus. I don't know if your Shinka would necessarily have the updated starter or not.

Check the owners' guide instructions. IIRC, On the first attempt don't give up right away, keep cranking for up to 7 seconds. This might seem like an eternity, but even when I've had slow starts it has got going in this timeframe. If the first long crank fails, then there are instructions on how to proceed further...

 

Mine does the same thing. It seems that it MAY occur after driving for a while and letting it set for about 1hr to 90min. It does a very long crank but always starts. I've been flashed several times but it still occurs occassionally but I don't think as often. I think I am on N or P. Just got my recall notice....

Mike

 

The best way to prevent hard starts is to rev the engine to 3k in neutral, and as you take your foot off the throttle, cut the ignition. The extra few revs without fuel helps clear the engine. I have never had a hard start condition using this method to turn off the car.