NEW OWNER Flashing CEL, limp mode and overheating NO Codes.
 

Where to start...

I bought 2 weeks ago my RX8 120k miles. I DID NOT do my proper home work before buying it and im sorry (no need to repeated thx lol)

I bought it at lets call it not very honest dealership.

However I have done research now and I how some of you guys could help me.

Anyaway, first day out of dealership limp mode, First I had P0456 of course was my gas cap and after that I got Misfire P0301 like 3 times then it went off. So I was driving it in limp mode and f*up my clutch. Replaced with with OEM clutch + new battery. (After this my budget became a lil limited)


After disconnecting the battery drove well for 2 DC then went back again into limp mode. My CEL flashes about 7 times then goes solid. NO CODES

After about 3 DC more and then just started overheating, my coolant just evaporated.

it was not very well maintained,

My guess was extrematelly bad CAT but, I guess that will give me a code.

Dont think that Bad coils/ plugs/ wires will overheat the engine like that

I read that the OMP could cause limp mode w/o a code, but don't know if it could overheat that much

I appreciate experienced people giving me some advice.

I apologize for my noobness in advanced.

Bad Plugs, Coils, Wires will destroy the catalytic converter. The amount of fuel these cars use plus bad spark equals clogged catalytic. What year, mileage does the car have? Mazda changed my cat under warranty at the time I had about 110,000kms.

Federal cat warranty expires after 80K miles and he has 120k miles.

Did you continue to drive the car after the temp gauge started moving?

What year is the car?

Do you have any records from the previous owner(s)?

Edit: After buying a used car you should ALWAYS change plugs/coils/wires and fluids unless you have paperwork stating it was recently done. (depending on miles of course, but with 120K you can't be too careful...)

120k miles, no records of previous owners. Is an 04

I'm thinking of doing the plugs, coils and wires on Saturday,

I was thinking about removing my CAT (Florida no issues with the law) to see if overheating continues.

I wanted to see if doing this will probably fix my problem before getting it diagnosed by the mazda ($$$) Im out of warranty. could it??

ALSO: this is the first time I am going to work on a car, it does not seem that complicated.

it was a 10min drive to drop my friend but some some reason the temp gauge started did not move until I turned off the engine and put the switch back to on. :dunno:


EDIT: Does my black Exhaust pipe tell you guys something? (looks like it has been black for quite a while)

The first thing I would do is call Mazda USA and find out if/when the engine was replaced and at what mileage.

After that remove cat and inspect it (search through DIY section on how to do that).

Definitely replace plugs/coils/wires as soon as possible.

Coils will not cause it to overheat :(

Sounds like you have multiple issues here if it is overheating and Limp Mode....

Possible ECT failure..that could cause limp mode...and could cause the fans to malfunction and not turn on enough and cause it to overheat..but you usually will get a CEL

Likely you need coils wires and plugs for the missfires.....if the car wasn't looked after then they likely aren't new enough

You need to figure out why it is overheating ( if it is :) ) That should be your first priority....then see if the Limp Mode goes away....if not look at the MOP for the Limp Mode issue and then do the ign to get rid of the missfires

+1, if you have a bad coolant seal then there is no point throwing parts at it. Pressure test the cooling system and check the coolant sensor and fans before you worry about anything else.