I have 2006 RX-8 Automatic and it has some power-train issues.

When engine is cold, RPM drops during accelerating. It is stable on idle. After engine is warmed up, RPM drop disappears but I feel loss of engine power, especially when I accelerate from stop. And it's getting harder to start the engine when it's cold.

Since the warranty has been expired, I brought my car to local shop yesterday, and the mechanic said it is engine problem but it's gonna take time to find the exact problem. They recommended me to go to Mazda dealership.


I have 2 questions,

1. Anyone recognize this symptom and what the cause is?

2. I booked a service appointment at a local dealership on Jan 2nd. Is it okay if I drive the car a couple more days under this condition?

 

Cold power loss and stumbling can be several things, but the worst possibility is a coolant seal failure, and coolant is leaking into the engine, causing burn problems. However, it could still be several other issues. A compression test at the dealer will probably get you a diagnosis.

 

Thanks for reply.

I just called the mechanic and he said he did detect coolant leaking.

1. Why is coolant leaking the worst possibility?
2. Can this be covered under 8 year/100k miles Rotary Engine warranty?
3. Does coolant leaking cause slow engine start?

 

Just take the car to a dealer and have them do a compression test. You should be getting a replacement engine due to the 8 year/100,000 miles warranty. I would personally tow the car to the dealer and complaint about start problems and loss of power. If you drive the car be extra cautious with coolant level and temperature. You do not want to overheat and destroy your engine completely. Best luck to you!

 

1. Coolant leaking is the worst possibility because it means you need your engine rebuilt.

2. If you are still covered and have low compression and can show your oil change receipts(or they have them if it was dealer maintained) then yes.

3. RIWWP covered this.

 

Thanks for replies

I use regular 5w20 and do oil change every 3 months / 3000 miles, but I don't keep the receipts. I went several shops that had discounts at the time I needed oil change. Do dealerships ask oil change receipts even if the problem is not related to oil change?

 

More than likely they will. You could gather statements from credit cards or banks in case you did not pay cash.

 

I kept track of my service that I did on my 8 on MazdaUSA.com, owner's section. Everything maintenance related. When my engine failed it's compression test, I pulled up the site on my tablet, handed it across the desk to the service adviser, who said that was sufficient, and asked me to email that to him. I took the tablet back, downloaded the HTML, attached it to an email and sent it right there.

Zero problems.

 

Thanks for replies. I really regret that I haven't kept the service records of my car.

Got more questions,
1. Do dealerships accept the statements from credit cards or banks as a proof of oil change?
2. Do oil change shops usually keep the service records of each customer?

 

1) Generally no, but it's possible
2) Generally yes, though there is usually a time limit on how long they keep records

 

So, I took the car to a dealer and got the diagnostic test. The problem wasn't coolant leaking but spark plugs.

This is what the test result said:
PERFORMED IDS TEST AND NO CODES, ROAD TESTED AND STUMBLES ON LIGHT ACCEL. VEHICLE NEEDS SPARK PLUGS, SPARK PLUG WIRES AND COILS AND DECARBORN ENGINE.

This stealership asked $1220 for repair job and I just declined repairs and picked up the car. What else can I do to reduce costs other than let them fix it for $1220?

 

Do it yourself for $300.00.

 

Are these parts that I need?
I don't think I can DIY it. What's the usual cost in labor to install these at local shops?

 

Yes, those are correct.

Though it's possible to knock another $80 off that total, which includes free shipping.



And trust me, you CAN DIY it. You may not have the confidence, but you really really can. It's very simple and you will gain confidence from doing it yourself.

2 clamps, lift the air box out, each of the 4 coils has a 10mm nut, remove that with a socket wrench, remove the old coil, replace with the new. Many ways to get at the spark plug, but the easiest way is to lift up the driver's front side, remove the wheel, and you can see the spark plugs right through the wheel well. spark plug socket and a couple extensions is all you need.

Plug wire order is simple, just follow this pic:



A dealer will charge you $400-$600 in labor. A smaller more local shop will probably be more reasonable, but still, something this simple you can do yourself for free. Why spend the money when the rewards of doing it yourself are so good?

 

Thank you RIWWP
I decided to DIY it. At least I will try
These are what I ordered.

 

Where do you live? I am sure some other locals could help, there has to be some rotary heads near you.