Hi i need some help please... i have a 2004 rx8 automatic and it wont start.. i mean sometimes will start right up but sometimes wont start.... the problem is it doesnt have spark in the first coil...

we put the computer on and said was the ESS sensor. i replaced it and still the same... i replaced the coils, spark plug wires, the ecu, i had an aftermarket alarm i took it out. still the same... when i replaced the ecu i had to send it to the dealer to get it flashed with the key...after i got it back from the dealer now it says is the cluster from the dash...

i dont know what to do... i love my car and is driving me crazy... please some help..

 

Sounds like you've had a work over from your dealer.

Get a compression test before wasting more money on parts you don't need.
Did you replace the plugs as well when you did the coils?
Have you checked the catalytic converter?

 

We checked the compressure and is fine...
I havent change the spark plugs because i dont want to spend more money...
And wen we put the computer on doenst say nothing about the catalytic converter......

 

You changed your coils and wires...Why not your spark plugs? You can get spark plugs for about $80 from a vendor here in the forum. Spark plugs are a basic component of your ignition system so I would suggest you changing them. It is possible that the catalytic converter is clogged and the computer finds no cel. A visual inspection could tell more. Just pull out the cat and look inside. Also have you checked your battery? Did you flood the car while trying to start it? If the car is flooded then it won't start.

 

The problem is the first coil has no spark when i crank it... and im going to buy tye spark plugs tomorrow becquse everything is closed for the hurricane....

 

Andi replaced the battery too... and i try to deflooded it by pulling out the fuel pump relay.... when i put the computer it says is the ess sensor and i already replaced it..... i also checked the plate and it looks ok... what the catalytic has to do with the spark???....

 

this is what happens when plugs go bad from flooding...
https://www.rx8club.com/tech-garage-...search-238466/
importance of good spark plugs, and how spark plugs can be affected by flooding (even once)

 

I might be wrong, but before buying new plugs, would moving the fronts to the back and backs to the front prove that it is a plug and not something else. After switching, it should be number three not getting spark right? I agree though, getting new coils and wires, plugs should be changed too. Good luck.

 

Have you tried swapping the coils around?
If the Lead coil on the front rotor is not sparking, swap it out with the Trailing Coil and retry.

And make sure you are testing the Lead Coils because the Trailing Coils do not fire during cranking.

Catalytic has nothing to do with .. why you may or may not be getting spark on the Lead Coil. I was curious as it can be the root cause to many issues. Like fouled plugs. Catalytic failure is common especially in the 2004-5 models.

So what does the Alarm system have to do with coil #1 not firing? You took that apart?

Post your compression results please.

Oh and remember if you unplug the ESS sensor and crank the engine .. odds are you will register a CEL. This is normal.

 

Swapping coils would be a lot easier than plugs

 

Why not both?

 

The coils are new im gonna try swiching the plugs

 

If the coils are new why do you keep saying you are not getting spark from Coils #1

You are not getting spark in the Leading Ignition on the Front Rotor

Post your compression results please

 

OH oh oh OH I thought you said the coils are new?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

You said the coil has no spark!



You need to actually describe/show in detail how you are actually determining whether there is spark or not ...

Youtube or it didn't happen

 

Hey guys i found the problem but still needing help.... the crank sensor plug have ground but no power...