Tough to start/rough idle
 

Hey guys Im new to the forum and to the world of rotary engines. I just bought my 04' m/t rx8 a week ago. It has 30,000 miles on it and still has warranty left on it. I was wondering if I could get some help. Everytime I start the car it takes like 3 seconds before it turns over, it always turns over it just seems like it struggles to do so. Also after it gets warmed up and at idle it seems to stumble a little bit. As soon as I come to a complete stop it idles fine but in about 5 secs. or so it stumbles a little not much though just feels weird. I have read about making sure I drive it hard every now and the then and I have been. Are these normal for the rotary engine and are they something I can cure myselft or do I need to make an appointment with Mazda. Thanks, guys any info would be greatly appreciated.

that doesn't sound normal. take your car to a mazda dealership and verify that your car has the latest recall done to it, if not, tell them to do it.

I called Mazda before I bought the car and they said that there were no open recalls on the vehicle, that they have been all taken care of.???

I bought my car with the same mileage and had issues starting when the issue was already warm. I put in a new battery (Optima red top) and Mazda put in the updated starter. Helped but two months later my engine died and was replaced. I would make sure it has a proper tune up. Do the 35/37K service a little early - trans/diff fluids, new plugs, air filter, oil change, etc.

Your first stop should be the dealer though. It's under warranty so they'll fix and replace stuff for free while you putz around in a loaner. I got VERY used to this arrangement.

then just take the car in, state EXACTLY the symptons you stated in this thread, and tell them to take care of it. that's what your warranty is for right lol :spank:

Thanks Ill go to the dealer then. One more question how is Mazda at honoring the warranty for those of us who bought the car used. Do I need anything special to bring into the dealership to make sure all the work gets done that is my right to get done? Thanks again for any info.

your '04 has a 4 year/50,000 miles bumper to bumper warranty AND a 5 year/60,000 miles powertrain warranty, and is transferrable from one owner to the next. Just bring it in and you should be good to go.

Dude, I recently bought an 04 with about 1 month left on the warranty. I was having the same type issues. I just took it into a dealership and bitched about it. They put in an updated starter, new spark plugs, and a high performance battery. I didn't pay a dime! I dunno if I just lucked out and found a good dealership or what. My car runs great now. Get to your dealership ASAP.

I have an appointment tomorrow at a local dealer. I hope all goes as smooth as it went for you LoGic.

They are replacing plugs, plug wires, and starter. Hopefully that does the trick. I get it back tomorrow!