I bought a used 04 RX8 with 17k miles back in July and never had a problem with the car. About 2 weeks ago, I started to get the car ready for winter because I am not driving it. I have no Mazda dealers near me so I drove it 45 miles to the dealer closet to me to get the oil changed. They changed my oil and I drove it back 45 miles, stopped at the gas station...filled up the tank, and then drove it another 10 miles home (the long way) and put it in the garage. I haven't touched it since. Now, today, I went to move the car out of the garage to wash it for storage and it won't start. I tried everyhting....holding the accelerator in and cranking it for 10-15 secs and nothing. I put the battery on a tender thinking the battery was low and tried it again...still nothing. It won't even begin to fire. This can't be a flooding issue cause I drove the car over 50 miles before putting it away. I don't know what to do cause the nearest Mazda dealer is 45 miles away!

 

Personally... I'd call them or something. Just a thought.

 

Call Mazda Roadside Assistance. Remember to tell them that you need a *Flat Bed* tow truck. and they'll tow it to 45 Miles away.

 

Um, I would probably have already called Mazda Roadside Assistance and already had that bad boy picked up. Probably wouldn't be asking that question here....

 

It does seem an unlikely flood scenario but it sure sounds like a flood. Since its is pre-owned, do you know if the 04 factory starter/battery was replaced with the newer version per TSB yet? A flood condition with the newer and more powerful starter would sound like an even more remote possibility. Other than getting it carted back to the dealer, there are a couple of other de-flood techniques in circulation. You'll find most of these in the Engine Flooding Info sticky thread at the top of the Issues & Problems section of the site. Good Luck!

 

Well....the Mazda dealers in my area are apparently not on the same page as other dealers. They acted like I'm crazy when I called and told them my Rx-8 wouldn't start. I asked if they could instruct me how to get it started to avoid the tow and they said there was no way in hell I could get it started. They said the plugs were fouled and it would not start without new ones. I asked if everything would be covered under warranty and they said some things but not all of it sice it was most likley my fault it flooded even though I just drove the car 50 miles. I then asked if they could run my VIN to see it the battery/ starter was recalled or if there was an emissions recall with new plugs and a flash and they told me they never heard of any of those issues. So....I guess I'm on my own. I pulled the fuel pump fuse and cranked it over and over then let it sit for a week with the battery charging since I drained it. Went down today to fire it up and it finally did on the fourth try. I couldn't believe the smoke my beautiful looking new sports car was making! What a pain...I'm glad I have reliable Mazda dealers in my area that know their product and provide great customer support!

 

Um, your dealer sucks. Mine loves me. Call the head honchos and complain.