Went "drifting"...now CEL.
 

So it wasn't really what I'd call drifting, but I went playing around in an abandoned parking lot tonight after a light rain. Turned off the DSC and slid a few corners.

I overpowered one turn and went about 225* in 2nd gear (clutch in). The car stalled. I tried to start it as I was still moving backwards...she wouldn't start (which I figured is the speed sensor saying "no"). So I start the car back up (from a stop), and took off again...but I noticed I had a pretty orange engine-shaped light on... There are no noticeable problems, I had about 1/4 tank of gas.

Any ideas? Does this car get angry when you mess up a good drift, haha?

maybe there's a code for "used tried to crank while going reverse and engine off" ?
I personally don't think the speed sensor will prevent cranking. Cranking is such an important part of the car that they wouldn't do that... imagine your engine shutting off at highway speeds, you'd want to fire it back up.

Go get the CEL scanned at a local autozone or advance auto parts...It's free and will tell you what caused the CEL light... If you're not noticing any problems it's probably something minor, alot of stupid things can cause a CEL. For example my CEL was on recently cause of an issue with my gas cap reset it and it's been fine since.

That's what I meant...I'm sure the speed sensor can detect forward/backwards motion.

Good point, just wanted to see if others had the same issue.

You guys get free scans? Here they charge 70-80 bucks to do it... i'd just buy my own reader for that price!

no problem. been doing drifting in the rain alot. spun many times.

long shot: all the sharp turning could have loosened the gas cap; that would throw a cel

Yeah a lot of the major auto parts stores do them for free, but if we were to go to an auto shop or dealer they definitely charge. From what I've seen $80-100, like you said you'd be better off buying your own scanner.

It fixed itself...probably something stupid. Still interesting to know what it could've been...

the gas cap throws a CEL?!? wtf

yup! it was why I had to take my brand new rx8 back two weeks after i drove it out of the lot. Make sure the guy pumping you gas clicks it all the way (im in NJ so we get serviced =P)

ahh... poor baby...............

You went into limp mode for a while and you also musfired.

Re-set the ECU

It's well known when the RX8 goes backwards the ECU shuts the car down

This makes it very dangerous for HDPE

Mazda dealer and service acting like 2 different entities
 

This is my version. I just got a dealer certified (2005 with 30,000miles) rx-8 on April 20, 2010. I was told I would get a bumper to bumper warranty. The warranty expires on the 20th of July. I took the car to the Mazda dealer to find out the I need a PCM calibration, DSC switch replacement, a fuel tank cap, and a tank replacement to stop an coolant leak around the the engine oil tank. Now they want me to pay the bill if they do the work which I haven't authorized. :mad:WTF kind of bussiness is that. I want to write to Mazda and any local news channel that may considered my story. Any input will be appreciated.

uh thread-jack? Did you go drifting too and get a CEL?

Yes a gas cap will throw a CEL. Reads something about mass emissions leak or something like that. Bought a replacement cap online for $10 and installed. Problem solved.

Not to be a party pooper but drifting is a bad idea unless your car has been pretty modified. Regardless of what anyone may tell you, no car was "made" to drift from the factory. Some cars can do it easier than others (limited slip diff, RWD, etc) but drifting is a very unnatural thing for a car to do.

a gas cap leak on my speed6 threw a CEL too. wouldn't be surprised if this is more than just mazdas too.