I've got an 04 Rx8 with 66,000 miles and I've owned it for about 6 months with no problems. All of a sudden I went to start it and it's cranking but it won't start completely. The last thing I want to do is take it directly to a dealership and pay big bucks for something that might not even solve the problem. The battery seems solid but the spark plugs should have been replaced 6,000 miles ago and I've heard it should still start. What should I do... please give me some good advice!

 

sounds like it's flooded.
there is a deflooding procedure in your manual or you could try the method some use here. (let me see if I can find a link)

 

If it is flooded.... how would I know for sure? and would the deflooding procedure cause harm if it wasn't flooded?

 

im in a vveeerrry similar situation as you. same year and mileage. i had my car towed to dealership, and they said i needed new engine. since it was <100K miles, the warranty covered it.

 

Thank god for Mazda Motor Warranties huh? I also heard it could be a fuel pump problem.... but I guess I should let the professionals figure that out.

 

Did you start your car, move it 5 feet and shut it down without warming it up?

 

It's probably either flooded or lost compression. I had my engine replaced just 2 weeks ago, I lost compression in the front rotor. It's the same symptoms as a flooded engine, cranks but won't start. if the deflood procedures don't work for you have the dealer do a compression check. If it comes back bad then you get a new engine.

 

The car was not started and then turned off right away....I do understand thats good for the Rx8's. I think it must go to the dealership for further evaluation. Thanks much for the feedback so far.

 

*I meant not good...

 

Take it to the dealer and tell them you have the "crank no start" problem, print this out and take it with you in case they give you any trouble
http://www.finishlineperformance.com...5-08-1883f.pdf
it states the work is covered under warranty if you need a new engine.

 

Awesome...nice work JTtheDude and thanks!

 

I've got same year, same mileage, same problem. Cost me 180$ to have the dealership fix it, it was flooded.
The dealership gave me two pieces of advaice:

before cutting off the engine (every time) to rev to at least 5000 rpm and cut it.
and
always drive it like you stole it.

 

Revving the motor to 5,000 RPM while cold is NOT good. Do not REV over 3500RPM until it's warm.

Should be fine if you drive the car around the block and get the temp gauge up to 1/2 way (normal temp).

 

i have a similar problem to mine,
i have an 04 automatic with 130K and i just started having problems with mine.
battery is good and so is the alternater. no blown fuses
but when i try to start the car , it only makes clicking sounds it wont crank.
i need help trying to figure this out.

 

New starter.
Make sure to buy the upgrade model that came with the SII

 

Holy bump. But hes right sounds like a starter problem.