Btvslayer

I have a 2004 Rx8 with 32,330 miles on it. I bought it used two years ago when it only had 9100 miles. It had about 25,000 miles on it in June when I took it for a trip from San Francisco to Chicago to New Mexico to Las Vegas to Los Angeles back to San Francisco. It ran really well the whole trip with no mechnical issues.

ANNOYING PROBLEM first... The engine undercover got damaged when in Vegas and the front of it fell down. I rigged it up to make it home but it looks awful and I need a new one. It looks like it will fall again very soon so I need to know the downside of removing it for a few weeks until I get the new one.

One friend told me it would cause the engine to overheat because of the airflow and another told me the aerodynamics would make the car drive poorly without it. I would think the only danger would be debris causing damage to the engine or radiator.



Big Problem...It's a starting issue of course! I have searched and read alot of posts on the subject but being horribly unmechnical I'm still not sure.

First of all, the car runs great. No stalling, no weird noises, no loss in gas mileage, idles fine and no loss of any power. The problem is when I stop and shut off the engine it doesn't want to start right away. It has happened every time I've driven the car the last three days. This happened twice last year and than not again until a few days ago. It happened three times yesterday and it driving me crazy!

I left the house drove on the highway for about twenty minutes, stopped at Target came out twenty minutes later and it wouldn't start. It cranks over and over with no battery power loss. It usually takes about five to ten minutes of taking the key out of the ignition putting it back in and cranking it over and over till it starts. I usually wait about 30 seconds or so between each try. I than drove about 15 minutes, stopped to fill the tank and same thing happened again.

I than drove about 30 minutes got stopped by the Police for talking on my cell phone (gave me a warning) went to start it and the same thing happened. It always seems to happen when the car is warm instead of the problems other people have from starting it cold and quickly shutting it off like you hear about all the time.

This has happened about ten times in the last few days so any input I can get on the subject would be appreciated. BTW, there are no mods to the engine except a K&N air filter. Thanks!

Bluerenesis

the 04 starter is garbage, if you havent replaced it yet than that is probably your problem. You will need to get the upgrade but plan on spending $600 plus.

Bluerenesis

oh by the way, make sure you get the newer version battery to go with it.

Krazed_Rx8

iTrader: (5)

^$600+ for a starter? I think not.

PeteInLongBeach

For the early cars there was a TSB on the starter and battery upgrade, among other important TSBs and recall. You should check with your dealer to verify whether any of these have been performed. Several of these are rather important for reliability and durability.

Also, at your current mileage, it's about time for new coils and plugs. These may be contributing to your starting problem.

Bluerenesis

I had the early version 04 and had to pay for everything and yes, a starter with labor since he doesnt sound like a do it yourselfer is going to be $600+

ShinkaEvo

iTrader: (3)

The new TSB would cover the starter, depends on the VIN# and starter model.

Btvslayer

If I call the dealer and give them the VIN will they know which starter I have and if any of the TSB and recalls have been performed? It's a 2004 Manual drive. Do they have to do all the TSBs free of charge? Do most of you think it's the starter? Here are a few pictures of the car. I've also added a picture of the undercover wired up.

Bluerenesis

What TSb are you talking about and what date did it go into affect? I had to pay for a new starter last year and I have had my car since July of 04 so I am sure that it one of the earliest productions. I have been looking through the TSBs' and cant find it but maybe I am dislexic or something.

Bluerenesis

sorry, July of 03

Bluerenesis

Found my reciept. It was $484.26. I also checked the TSB, I believe its from 07' and my vin number falls into the replacement.

Junirol

iTrader: (24)

TSB is not a recall, it will not be covered unless under warranty.. go buy a used starter from a junkyard 06+ (most online yards will also state milage, lower the better) and buy an optima redtop and you'll spend less than 300 if you stall it urself. you'll definitely notice a difference in startup time and the way it sounds when it cracks, youtube it . gogo LY . Also i would check coils/wires/spark plugs just incase.

Btvslayer

I thought that Mazda extended the warranty to eight years or 100,000 miles? Wouldn't the starter be covered under that?

Can you let me know where you found the TSB for the starter so I can print it and bring it and bring it to the dealer? Thanks!

Should I try to replace the plugs and coils first because it may not be the starter?

Does anybody know if I can drive without the engine undercover on the car for any reason besides potential damage from debris?

ShinkaEvo

iTrader: (3)

Here is the thread:

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-tech-garage-22/old-starter-may-covered-206159/

Hope it helps, there are still debate on the TSB whether if it's cover under 8yr 100k mile warranty...

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

Take it to the dealer...tell them it won[t start.....they will likely look at the motor and see if it's OK..and they will often replace the starter as a courtesy if it is the old one. The starter is a lot cheaper to them than the motor