frontier

Greetings all,

At the beginning of last month we left my Rx8 home for a week while we went to the beach. After returning, my car appears to be in limp mode.

Over the past month I tried replacing all coils, plugs and wires with no improvement. I finally purchased an OBD II sensor and pulled code P0037, but I didn't think that would cause a limp mode.

I have 104k miles on the car, and was wondering what my options were. The dealership quoted me $600 to replace the coils, which I was able to do myself for under $100. Whats my least expensive option of at least getting the car out of limp mode so I can drive it to a proper mechanic I know? Should I gut my cat and see if that helps?

Dj-Trippwire

Could be a clogged cat, fouled plugs, Dirty MAF, Arcing plugs. What does it feel like, Sluggish?

Also some info on the car would be good. Year, Trans, habit of driving

frontier

2004 MT. I can't get above 3000rpms, and I barely make it up the hill near my house in 1st or 2nd gear. I can get up to 50 mph in 4th on a good downhill, but it takes forever to accelerate

From searching the forums, it feels like what people describe as limp mode.

Like I said, I just replaced all the coils, spark plugs and plug wires. Looking for what to look at next.

EDIT: Also, would there be any recalls/warranties I might still fall under at 104k?

RX8Soldier

iTrader: (24)

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/limp-mode-causes-215040/

frontier

that post references a bad O2 sensor, but I didn't think that would cause Limp Mode.

the only other items listed are blown seals or a clogged cat

Which is the easiest to diagnose and put a macguyver band-aid on so I can drive it to a mechanic to get it properly fixed?

frontier

Update: I've replaced the catalytic converter, but I still pull a P0037 rear O2 sensor code. I've cleaned the MAF sensor, replaced the air filter, coils, plug wires and spark plugs. I've checked the plugs after everything and they don't appear to have any extra oil on them.

What else can cause limp mode after a week of sitting idle? It was working 100% before I went on vacation and is limping afterward.

zoom44

you need to plug in a scanner/diagnostic tool and access the freeze frame data to tell you what is wrong.

frontier

I had a local mechanic try to diagnose, but they told me there was an issue with the front O2 sensor and wanted to charge me $600 to fix that and continue diagnostics.

I have the car back home and tried a seafoam treatment last night. I looked at my spark plugs again, and they look fouled already. I cleaned them with some carb cleaner and an old toothbrush back to a decent shine.

When I first crank the engine, I'm able to rev to redline, but it falls down to 5k after 10seconds every time.

Researching this forum, I found the OMP does a diag check between 5-8seconds after cranking. What other diags are done that would cause limp mode after 10s?

For the freeze frame data, what kind of diagnostic scanner am I looking for? I'm assuming this isn't something I can just pick up from Autozone

ShinkaEvo

iTrader: (3)

A P0037 rear O2 sensor code, and local mechanic told you there was an issue with the front O2 sensor....hum...

Get a compression test at local rotary shop? Just to make sure?

frontier

Ok, so I replaced the 2nd o2 sensor and my codes are gone but my CEL is still on. Got a new scanner this morning to grab freeze frame data, but it can't detect a freeze frame event. I can see the live data from the PCM, but not sure where the values should be.

I've timed it and the CEL and Limp mode both start 10s after starting my car, whether I'm revving or not.

I'm looking for a good place to perform the compression test without charging me lots of cash.

Any ideas?

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Check the MOP connectors....the MOP is the most likely thing that will cause limp mode without a CEL

You could also try loosening the position switch and moving it carefully a bit back and forth and try that. mark the original position with a scribe line so you know where it was set...

frontier

I think we have a winner. Looking at my OMP, I found some fresh oil residue on several neighboring components.

I have the battery, battery box, water pulley and alternator arm pulled out. What else do I need to pull to get to where I can work on the OMP easily? I searched, but couldn't find a diy for replacing the OMP.

frontier

Here's the problem. Looks like I had a rodent eat through one of the OMP stepper motor wires while I was on vacation.

Now, anyone know how where I can pick up a new connector or splice this wire?

iceman52191

I would just call ur local Mazda dealer to se if they can order that part for u.

RedSkydiver

Did you make any progress? Is your car still in limp mode?

wcs

iTrader: (2)

The OP hasn't logged in since
Last Activity: 06-03-2014 04:20 PM

So I don't know if you'll get an answer.
Also it looked like the wires were eaten by a rodent, I think that was the issue