Warning Lights
 

Hi All. I'm Rud, 31, and just bought a second hand RX-8 a few days ago. I'm from Mauritius and there are not many 8s on the road, maybe a dozen. My car is a 2003 model, MT, and it cost me nearly as much as a new Mazda 3!

My problems:
1. The engine coolant warning sign on the dashboard remains on. I've checked coolant level and temperature gauge does not show anything abnormal.

2. Quite a few time the Brake warning sign, ABS and TCS/DSC signs lights up on the dashboard. I called the previous owner and he told me a story I didn't buy in. However, if i turn off the engine and switch back on, the lights don't light again.
They usually light after 10-15 mins of driving. Sometimes they don't light on at all.

Guys I will really appreciate some help. Otherwise this car is a real blast, a real pleasure to drive. I just wish i could go on driving forever!

P.S: The local Mazda dealer does not 'service' the 8. All 8s in Mauritius are second-hand from Japan or Singapore.

1. you may have a faulty coolant sensor

2. you might wanna check the battery post and make sure they're on tight.

Are the tyres the same size on all 4 corners,if they are not,this will induce the symptoms you describe.

I'm thinking a "faulty coolant sensor" too
i had the same problem for a while but had stopped after a few drives,poss water was in the sensor an now has dried up

PS: Mauritius is a beautiful country,i been there in 1995 for a holiday,nice beaches :)

Yeah, its a faulty coolant sensor in your coolant tank... other than the annoying light, just check it every so often to make sure you have enough.

TCS/DSC lights, could be battery connection or mismatched wheels/tire sizes... if it only does every so often, I would so loose battery connection or poor connection.

Dear All,
Thanks a ton for your posts.

You are right, my rear tyres are 245/45/R18 and front tyres are 225/45/R18.
Do you think that might be the problem? What do you guys recommend, 225 for all four?

I'll check the battery connections.

Mauritius is indeed a cool country. I work for Starwood Resorts and Hotels by the way, any RX 8 enthusiast who want to come to Mauritius, feel free to contact me, I'll be glad to help!

^you have a staggered fitment, that shoudnt be the problem...have you checked your battery connections?

Yeah, the tire sizes would need to be a different diameter to cause any issues. Your ti... Tyres are just wider in the rear I assume. Shouldn't be any issue at all.

The same 45 ratio with two different tire widths means your tires are different overall diameters. I would make sure they are the same size all the way around. 245 is fine all the way around.

The tyres should mess with the DSC/TC system, not the coolant. For the coolant, I would start with the sensor and check connections and that it is working properly.

Mazda in Maurtius sucks for not looking after 8 drivers.

Dear All,

Thanks for all your help. I changed all four tyres(apologies for my use of British English) last Saturday and guess what!? No more lights on the dash since then!

For the coolant, i finally got an answer from the local dealer, they say I need to change the expansion tank. I really don't understand why, because it's not leaking. Don't ask about the price, it's next to stealing.

Cheers.

The coolant tank issue is actually part of warranty TSB in most places.

I know you said it was full but have you tried adding a little bit ?

the deal is the little float switch can stick. they dont sell the little float switch separately just the whole container. you might want to see how much the container is from a place like Mazmart here in the states. That plus USPS shipping in a priority flat rate box might just be cheaper than sourcing it locally