How do I receive my CEL codes
 

easy question that i just dont know. How do i get my CEL code/s without using an OBD reader. i know some cars by turning the key in a certain sequence blah blah blah.. can anyone help!?:SHOCKED::Wconfused

There is no such method for the RX-8. You have to get another piece of equipment/electronics. One option that a member here developed is the GOODBox, which basically creates a 2nd ODB2 channel to the head unit display, and you can get all the readouts and codes there. Other than that, a standard plug-in is your cheapest bet.

Yeah, what he said..............and www.scanguage.com isn't too bad. I used to have one until I upgraded and now the scanguage is in the daughters car.

There are places that read it for free....Autozone and such, but I see you are in Cali and I believe you may no longer be able to get it read free?
Someone out there in Cali correct me if wrong.

+1
My Scan-gauge is in my winter car and it works great; It's a great value. :)

alright so i got the codes and they read.
P0420
P0455

I was told evap and cats are now bad. The part about the cats being bad is self explanitory with the evap problem. Only things is now that i know this I dont know where to start looking. Any common issues with the rx8's that might explain this?

An evap problem can be as simple as a poor sealing gascap, and they have been known to go bad on this vehicle.

The O2 sensors are prone to go bad on many vehicles, the RX-8 not being an exception.

What conditions preceded the CEL? Long road trip? Gas stops?

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/p0455-evap-system-leak-detected-112250/
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ighlight=po455

Right! The Evap is probably your gas cap. Take it off, clean it and the tube. When putting it on, make sure it clicks about 4-5 times.

Other code is definetely the CAT or o2 sensor.
If it happens to be the CAT itself, you have an 8 year 80k mile warranty on that, so take it to the dealer!

+1
DO NOT clear the code for the CAT. Mazda won't touch it without the code.

That said, mine threw a P0420 code after stopping for fuel on a long trip but the cat is fine, the sensor is fine. Sometimes the sensors are a bit twitchy.