Power loss, then it died...
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Riverview FL
Sorry to hear so many folks are having problems with their dealers. We bought both our 8s from the same dealer and while it is out of the way to drive back there for service, they have done a great job taking car of us.
We have always told them that we are active consumers and openly report good and bad service to all our friends, and they have worked hard to keep us happy. I have developed a good relationship with the head of the maintenance department and it has paid off. Hell, they gave us Acura TLs as our loaners while this is being worked out.
We will continue to work with Ferman (on Florida Ave) in Tampa. We may be forced to look at other offerings (Acura, etc) if this motor issue continues. Hopefully, the replacement motor will address the group 1 shortfalls.
Good luck to all.
We have always told them that we are active consumers and openly report good and bad service to all our friends, and they have worked hard to keep us happy. I have developed a good relationship with the head of the maintenance department and it has paid off. Hell, they gave us Acura TLs as our loaners while this is being worked out.
We will continue to work with Ferman (on Florida Ave) in Tampa. We may be forced to look at other offerings (Acura, etc) if this motor issue continues. Hopefully, the replacement motor will address the group 1 shortfalls.
Good luck to all.
Last edited by Twin 8s!; Feb 18, 2006 at 07:37 AM.
***** Vendor
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Poway, CA
I have been reading the entire thread, and wow i must admit that my RX-8 is not the only one having problems. I took my RX-8 to the dealership for the 2 recalls, ball joint and gas tank heat shield, and told them about the engine stall/CEL problems..they told me my warranty void because of the intake and simple bolt one like after market exhaust installed. From what I've read and learned here, I don't think Mazda could fix the "BUG" even if my RX-8 wasn't moded. Any idea of quick fix beside better gas, carbon flush, new spark plugs, cat inspection, better intake system, or ECU flash?
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FX8TED on my RX-8
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From: San Antonio
Originally Posted by khoney
That just blows my mind. Some dealers are ordering a new engine, even if it may not be warranted? I can't even got my dealership to run any tests, because they couldn't duplicate my problem...
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From: FLORIDA
Your Vibration Issues Are Caused By Weak Or Broken Motor Mounts, The Lack
Premium Fuel Long Term Will Result In A Mystery Stall At High Temps Because The Apex Seals Will Lose Compression That Will Be Very Difficult To Diagnose And Will Require Engine Replacement
Premium Fuel Long Term Will Result In A Mystery Stall At High Temps Because The Apex Seals Will Lose Compression That Will Be Very Difficult To Diagnose And Will Require Engine Replacement
Spinning round and round
Joined: May 2005
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From: E of the 100th Meridian
Originally Posted by khoney
Update to this thread - posted elsewhere, but I went to a different dealership, and they replaced my engine. They said there was a coolant leak from the rear rotor housing.
Originally Posted by RX99
Your Vibration Issues Are Caused By Weak Or Broken Motor Mounts, The Lack
Premium Fuel Long Term Will Result In A Mystery Stall At High Temps Because The Apex Seals Will Lose Compression That Will Be Very Difficult To Diagnose And Will Require Engine Replacement
Premium Fuel Long Term Will Result In A Mystery Stall At High Temps Because The Apex Seals Will Lose Compression That Will Be Very Difficult To Diagnose And Will Require Engine Replacement
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From: Riverview FL
New engine status
Well, we have 8,000 on both of the new engines. We have run them hard, based on service manager's recommendation, and they seem to thrive on it. We ran my wife's to 1,000 miles hard, to Atlanta and back, and it seems to run better every time we pound out some fast miles.
Ran mine to Miami and back.... mostly above 5 grand... and I got 20.47 mpg. Strange....
Ran mine to Miami and back.... mostly above 5 grand... and I got 20.47 mpg. Strange....
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FX8TED on my RX-8
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: San Antonio
Originally Posted by Flop
How are you liking your new engine? Any problems with it? I wonder how long it takes for them (once they have the engine in stock) to change it out...
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Originally Posted by khoney
This is the first time I've had a problem with the car. It's a pretty hot day today (>90), and I was driving home. Car was warm, A/C on, about 30 minutes into my trip. I took off from a light (not real hard), and heard what almost sounded like a misfire or predetonation. I drove a few miles farther and was in my subdivision going up a hill, when I hear what almost sounded like a grating noise at around 4000 RPM. I turned the corner and came to a stop sign, and when I stopped, it died and won't start again. Seems like it's flooded. I'm going to let is sit for a while and cool off, and I'll try to start it again. Any idea what this might be?
Ironically, I called the dealership today to schedule an appointment for plug/filter change. I told him I'd also like them to fix my idle vibration problem, which I've been complaining about since 18K miles (I have 37K now). He asked what octane gas I've been using. I've used either 89 or 93 octane, but almost always 89. He said that will cause carbon build-up, rough idle, and stalls. The car has run well since I've had it, and I've never had it stall on me unitl today. I routinely take it to 9K rpm to avoid any carbon build-up problem. Is it possible that this problem is related to gas? Sorry if this has been addressed elsewhere, but the unsophisticated search engine didn't help.
I'm going out to check on it, but will look for advice when I get back. Thanks, all.
Ironically, I called the dealership today to schedule an appointment for plug/filter change. I told him I'd also like them to fix my idle vibration problem, which I've been complaining about since 18K miles (I have 37K now). He asked what octane gas I've been using. I've used either 89 or 93 octane, but almost always 89. He said that will cause carbon build-up, rough idle, and stalls. The car has run well since I've had it, and I've never had it stall on me unitl today. I routinely take it to 9K rpm to avoid any carbon build-up problem. Is it possible that this problem is related to gas? Sorry if this has been addressed elsewhere, but the unsophisticated search engine didn't help.
I'm going out to check on it, but will look for advice when I get back. Thanks, all.
I have the same problem Just dropped it off 2 days ago AGAIN! They are sending the PCM to California to get reprogrammed.
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From: Dhaka, Bangladesh
yesterday my car stalled and died at in the highway while i was doing 90mph on 4th. First came a ping sound from exhaust and then check engine light along with no throttle after 3000rpm and eventually no throttle at all. I got help from a friend who reset my ecu by disconnecting the battery and its was fine. Then again the CEL came on today when my wife tried to back up the car and stalled a few times(NOT GOOD AT MT) and same thing repeated. I reset again and it was gone. its about 90 degres outside and i never had any problem like this in all my 18000 miles. I am thinking if this is a pure coninsidence or its the same thing happening again? should the car act like this if some one stalls it 3-4 times?
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I'm having similar issues, threw codes P0172 and P2097, CEL is still on, I'll probably try to reset it. The car stalled twice on my wife, I'm trying to figure out where the source might be. I'm hoping my cat only died.
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My story
Allow me to share my experience. This summer has been insanely hot; afternoon temps have been over 100 routinely, with high humidity. On a few occasions in these conditions, I've had power loss that manifests itself on even slightly positive slopes (I'm talking about VERY slight grades!) that has compelled me to shift to 5th and do 55 or so until the road levels out. I have not heard unusual sounds.
Last Tuesday, I I was driving my 8 on the highway on my way to go biking after work when this began again. I kept going, then had to stop at a light. Before I knew it, the engine died and I had to get towed.
The Mazda service tech was able to get it to the point of having some trouble and I was told that they will be replacing the engine!!!
My question to you guys: this thread is a couple of years old, so Mazda has had lots of time to work on this problem. Is there any reason to worry that I'm just going to have this problem again with the new engine? My warranty ends very soon.
Last Tuesday, I I was driving my 8 on the highway on my way to go biking after work when this began again. I kept going, then had to stop at a light. Before I knew it, the engine died and I had to get towed.
The Mazda service tech was able to get it to the point of having some trouble and I was told that they will be replacing the engine!!!
My question to you guys: this thread is a couple of years old, so Mazda has had lots of time to work on this problem. Is there any reason to worry that I'm just going to have this problem again with the new engine? My warranty ends very soon.
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From: Riverview FL
Engine failure
Kerisman,
Sorry to hear you lost an engine. We have had rebuilts put in both cars and then had to have the front seal replaced on BOTH cars. Seal failure happened at 75k on my wife's and 78K on mine. Dealer paid all costs.
When the engine failed the first time in the Blue 8, we did not note a slight power loss. She was on an interstate exit ramp and it just shut down. In the Black 8, I notices that starting and idling had gotten difficult. I asked the dealer to test it and they replaced the engine.
Dave
Sorry to hear you lost an engine. We have had rebuilts put in both cars and then had to have the front seal replaced on BOTH cars. Seal failure happened at 75k on my wife's and 78K on mine. Dealer paid all costs.
When the engine failed the first time in the Blue 8, we did not note a slight power loss. She was on an interstate exit ramp and it just shut down. In the Black 8, I notices that starting and idling had gotten difficult. I asked the dealer to test it and they replaced the engine.
Dave
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From: Kansas
New to group
Hello everyone. Just joined the group after I had my 2004 RX8 (25,000 miles) towed to the dealer last night. My problem sounds a little different than the others. We had been driving for 3 hours in 100+ degree weather with the cruise set on 75 when the engine just died. We coasted to the shoulder and tried to restart but it wouldn't even try to fire. The engine would still crank and there was no unusual smells. Talked to the dealer today and they said there were broken coils. I haven't ever had a rotary before but is there more than one coil? After hearing some of the horror stories I don't want to take any chances. My warrantee expires in less than 2 weeks.
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From: So Cal
Pophoh,
Yest, there are 4 coils. Also, the warrantee has been extended 1yr on powertrain. Others outside of that extension for milage have had their's replaced by Mazda as well. So, you've got some time yet.
Mike
Yest, there are 4 coils. Also, the warrantee has been extended 1yr on powertrain. Others outside of that extension for milage have had their's replaced by Mazda as well. So, you've got some time yet.
Mike
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From: Kansas
Looks like I have a lot to learn about this rotary. Do the coils serve the same purpose as in a piston engine? What would cause multiple coils to go bad at the same time? Does anyone know where to get a good service manual on the RX8?
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
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From: So Cal
Pophoh,
Coils serve same function. Problem is that Mazda located them in a hot area of the engine and then to a metal plate. They ground themselves to the plate and burn. Some have shown pictures of the bottom of the coils and you can see a discoloration/burn mark.
I bought a CD version on Ebay for a couple of bucks. Its OK, not like a Bentley manual I have for my Triumph, but then I am not doing a ground up restoration either. Look around this sight, you can find some unscroupulus versions as well, but you didn't hear it from me.
Coils serve same function. Problem is that Mazda located them in a hot area of the engine and then to a metal plate. They ground themselves to the plate and burn. Some have shown pictures of the bottom of the coils and you can see a discoloration/burn mark.
I bought a CD version on Ebay for a couple of bucks. Its OK, not like a Bentley manual I have for my Triumph, but then I am not doing a ground up restoration either. Look around this sight, you can find some unscroupulus versions as well, but you didn't hear it from me.
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Learned a lot from tech...
I just picked up my revived 8 with its replacement engine. A conversation with the tech revealed a lot. Many questions answered...
* Carbon build-up on rotors is the heart of the problem. '04 models had the most problems. '06 engines have chrome-plated rotors that are less likely to accumulate carbon build-up. Drivers who are less aggressive tend to have the problem the most (they don't blow out the carbon). The automatic versions of this car are seen to have this problem especially often. Drive your 8 like the sports car that it is -- that's what it's built for.
* The replacement engine I received (originally called a "new" engine by customer service manager) is actually remanufactured, assembled in Japan. It has the chrome-plated rotors. This is probably what others receive when they have this service.
* My warranty period was not affected by this service, but recall #4206 may have extended the powertrain warranty...still need to check the letter sent by Mazda when I had this done.
I hope this info will be helpful to others. I'm still trying to decide whether it's wise (for me personally) to own the car beyond warranty period.
* Carbon build-up on rotors is the heart of the problem. '04 models had the most problems. '06 engines have chrome-plated rotors that are less likely to accumulate carbon build-up. Drivers who are less aggressive tend to have the problem the most (they don't blow out the carbon). The automatic versions of this car are seen to have this problem especially often. Drive your 8 like the sports car that it is -- that's what it's built for.
* The replacement engine I received (originally called a "new" engine by customer service manager) is actually remanufactured, assembled in Japan. It has the chrome-plated rotors. This is probably what others receive when they have this service.
* My warranty period was not affected by this service, but recall #4206 may have extended the powertrain warranty...still need to check the letter sent by Mazda when I had this done.
I hope this info will be helpful to others. I'm still trying to decide whether it's wise (for me personally) to own the car beyond warranty period.
I just picked up my revived 8 with its replacement engine. A conversation with the tech revealed a lot. Many questions answered...
* Carbon build-up on rotors is the heart of the problem. '04 models had the most problems. '06 engines have chrome-plated rotors that are less likely to accumulate carbon build-up. Drivers who are less aggressive tend to have the problem the most (they don't blow out the carbon). The automatic versions of this car are seen to have this problem especially often. Drive your 8 like the sports car that it is -- that's what it's built for.
* The replacement engine I received (originally called a "new" engine by customer service manager) is actually remanufactured, assembled in Japan. It has the chrome-plated rotors. This is probably what others receive when they have this service.
* My warranty period was not affected by this service, but recall #4206 may have extended the powertrain warranty...still need to check the letter sent by Mazda when I had this done.
I hope this info will be helpful to others. I'm still trying to decide whether it's wise (for me personally) to own the car beyond warranty period.
* Carbon build-up on rotors is the heart of the problem. '04 models had the most problems. '06 engines have chrome-plated rotors that are less likely to accumulate carbon build-up. Drivers who are less aggressive tend to have the problem the most (they don't blow out the carbon). The automatic versions of this car are seen to have this problem especially often. Drive your 8 like the sports car that it is -- that's what it's built for.
* The replacement engine I received (originally called a "new" engine by customer service manager) is actually remanufactured, assembled in Japan. It has the chrome-plated rotors. This is probably what others receive when they have this service.
* My warranty period was not affected by this service, but recall #4206 may have extended the powertrain warranty...still need to check the letter sent by Mazda when I had this done.
I hope this info will be helpful to others. I'm still trying to decide whether it's wise (for me personally) to own the car beyond warranty period.
beers
