So I bought an 2005 RX8 a week ago, and on Thursday night the engine light came on. It blinks when starting the engine, then stays on while running. No loss of power or any problems at all, but yes, I did get that chirp when starting the engine. I retightened the gas cap yesterday to see if that'll help.
Since my car is out of general warrantee, or so the service rep told me (bought new in Feb 2006), the Mazda service department said diagnosis will cost me anywhere from $130-$250.

Any cheaper way of getting a diagnosis done? Should I purchase one of those diagnosis tools from Autozone? They range from $50-$150. Autozone no longer does diagnosis for free anymore, at least in the bay area. Perhaps visit an independent rotary shop?

However, for all you experienced RX8 owners out there, does this seem like a very clear case of ignition coil failure? Car has 26.4K miles. Coils might cost me less than the diagnosis it seems like.

Thanks.

 

It will be a good idea to buy a cheap scanner from autozone. I did that a couple years ago and i got me money worth..

 

I got a 50$ walmart one and it tell/resets the codes no problem.

 

Thanks guys. Looks like I'm going to Autozone tomorrow to buy one of these scanners. And from your recommendations, it looks like the base model scanners should be sufficient. In the meantime, am I supposed to baby it until the light goes off? Manual says to not hit high speeds when engine light is on. However, some commments on some threads mention taking it for a good high rev run to clear the system, and that may clear the light?

Additional thoughts?
Thanks.

 

We wont know until you read the code. Let us know as soon as you read the code, so we can tell you what you need to fix.

 

OK, so I went to Autozone and bought a scanner for $130. Decided to spend a little more since the cheaper ones do not read European codes. Wife has a V40.
Anyway, the code came out to be P0456. That's the gas cap, right? Anyway, I cleaned out the gas cap, and oiled the rubber gasket a little, just in case it's a little dried out after 6 years. Codes are cleared. Now hopefully it doesn't come back on.

Thanks for all the help folks.
Of course, do let me know if my diagnosis of the code above is incorrect!

 

Your correct, It is the gas cap most likely.. If what you did doesnt fix it. A new gas cap should cost $20-$30 at the dealership.

 

Wipe off the filler neck and the gas cap where it makes contact. Then when you tighten the gas cap......each time, give it about 4-5 clicks and see if that helps. You can try this before spending the money on a new cap.

 

So far so good!

Been only a day though. We'll see how it goes.

 

ive been to Advance Auto Parts 2 times to clear that stupid 420 code from my car..... you just give them your drivers license and borrow it for 2 mins... do you have AAP in Cali.?????

 

sorry to thread jack, but my CEL just came one too for no reason. i'm thinking about getting one of these readers from autozone, but i'm not sure which one. like OP said above, they range from 50-150. what brand would you guys recommend?? i'm not looking for the cheapest of the cheap, but i'm also not looking for the best of the best either.

 

^.........dlum125............then I would order www.scanguage.com and just have it come to the house.