My 2004 Mazda Rx-8 started having problems with power/acceleration, then began low idling & sometimes stalling when I came to a stop, or pulled into a parking spot. It started hesitating when I started it, and eventually stopped starting. I had the spark plugs placed less than 6mths ago when the engine flooded. A friend checked my ignition coils & wires, & 3 of the 4 coils were bad, but the wires were ok. I replaced all 4, and the car still won't start. It cranks & almost sounds like it wants to start, or fire, & it won't. I've been told that the computer may need to be reset due to the new coils, or it could be the catalytic converter, & that the spark plugs could be fouled. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

 

You can try resetting the ECU, turn the key to the ON position and press the brake pedal about 20 times within 8 seconds and you should see the oil pressure gauge sweep from left to right and back to indicate complete. I would probably check starter/battery next if you know the ignition is good. Take the battery out to Autozone and they'll tell you if it's bad. Mine recently died on me and wouldn't start, my ignition was replaced at the beginning of this year. It would try to start but it was very weak, turned out it was just the battery.

 

Yep. Just got a call from the guy checking it out for me & he said the battery's not holding a charge... Whew. Thanks