tjcook07

Hello everyone, I was hoping that I wouldnt have to post another problem again but it seems my luck with vehicles are quite bad.


My RX-8 has started shaking badly today and the check engine light is flashing. When I rev the car it smokes rather bad from the exhaust and smells like oil. It also will not get up to speed at all.. (I figured it was condensation in the exhaust) I havent drove it in several days and decided to start it today to go to the gym and well this happened.. Very depressing since it ran fine on monday.

What could this be? I need to figure out the problem and solve it by Saturday. Please help me!

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Flashing cel is always a misfire. Sounds like completely failed ignition and/or compression loss.

tjcook07

Would it hurt the engine to drive it 30-40 miles to the closest dealer? Or would it be advised to have it hauled?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

How old (time and miles both) are the coils, plug wires and plugs? If it's your ignition, a dealer is your worst option and driving it is just damaging your cat, sensors, etc.... If it's compression, a dealer is your only option (for testing), and there is little harm in driving i, but might be rough.

Im betting it's ignition though. Not igniting the fuel, misfiring like crazy.

tjcook07

Im not sure about the plugs and wires but the coil has about 15-20k on it. It was last replaced with the new engine that Mazda put in it. How do you recommend I fix it?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

If you do not have verification that they changed the coils, then they didn't. It is not part of an engine change, and too many people assume it is.

Im guessing plugs and wires are even older. Check for a loose or disconnected plug wire first, but order new ignition parts from advance auto for about $200 and take the 45 mins to replace yourself. Dealers will charge you $600 to $1100 to do this.

tjcook07

Are there any instructions on how to do this?

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

Yes, DIYs in the DIY section. 45min because you havent done it. I can replace all 12 components in under 15mins. Plug socket (larger size), a few extensions, 10mm socket, a ratchet, and a guide to make sure you run the plug wires correctly.

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

I understand that you're under stress to figure this out, but this is a common problem. You should have done some research before making a purchase for a car as "complex" as a rotary.

You should take some time to read the stickies (posted at the top of each sub forum) so that you are prepared for the next time issues arise. After reading, you'll find that the rotary isn't really too complex at all

tjcook07

Figured it out. It was actually not the plugs, wires or coils. It was a wire that completely burnt apart to coil 3

RIWWP

iTrader: (2)

There you go! Bad ignition, in whatever manifestation, wrecks havok.

tjcook07

Thanks for all the help mates! Glad to be mobile again!