This doesn't happen in the morning when I first turn the car on but only if I make a quick stop and come back to turn it on, i will post a video in a few mins for you guys to see.

 

 

It finally starts after almost 10 tries

 

So when it's warm, it's hard to start?
Think you might need to get ready for a new engine.

 

When it happens, try to pump gas pedal 3-4 or maybe even 5 times while you're trying to start it. Might help

 

I don't think this looks like "new engine time" already, but rather the starter sounds incredibly weak and slow, you can hear it build up revolutions second by second until the engine finally fires.

What year is your car? Did you ever get the starter replaced?

Edit: Basically go to this thread and work yourself from top to bottom.

 

I never tried the gas pedal thing and I never replaced the starter, I bought the car at 97k and now it's at 110k. I didn't ask the guy if he replaced the starter or not.

 

It could either be low compression
or a weak starter
Get the upgraded starter from Mazda and get the compression test. Most likely you'll need the starter even if your compression is low, as the upgraded starter sort of masks the hot hard start for some time.

On another note, my friend's rx8 had similar symptoms when his coolant and oil was really low.

Hope this helps.

 

Ok thanks K, what about the blinking engine light? Does that usually mean that it's a starter issue or warning.

 

Blinking engine light = misfire. You may have an ignition issue as well then. How old are the coils/wires/spark plugs?

 

The ignition coils are a year old, spark plugs I just replaced last month and the wires I haven't replaced since I bought it almost 2 years ago. I noticed that there are a lot of options as far as the starter, which one would you guys recommend? And how much of a difference doest it make.

 

Check this thread out pertaining to upgraded starters and how to install them.

I'd say only buy the starter from Mazda.

 

hey man, my car's doing the same thing now!!! i'm not sure if the cold weather is exacerbating it, it didn't seem to be like this in summer/fall.

do you only get the flashing CEL at your point in that video, or on a regular basis? i'll check mine tonight, see if i get that CEL like you do. but normally, i don't get any lights. i did for a while, but i just changed my plugs and wires about a month ago and they went the way of the dodo...

 

Which thread Khurram? It blinks only when the car fails to start, and even once it finally starts, but yeah I didnt have this problem in the summer time neither.

 

So I took it to the Mazda dealer and they told me that I have low compression and that I need a new engine :-( He said even a new starter wont do anything. The flashing CEL was caused of low compression on both rotors which is causing the misfire.

 

Do you know the compression numbers? Not that this is unexpected, but to make sure. It should be 6 numbers and an rpm reading.

 

No they didnt give me the results for the test, just the results of what they did. Should I get it from them and post it on here?

 

that sucks. what are you going to do? buy new engine? i fear hearing this for my own car...
but i don't get CEL's with mine. is that weird?
anyways, definitely try the BG 44K engine cleaning method. at this point, the few extra $$$ will seem like a drop in the bucket.
(btw, if all of our RX-8's are dying after ~80-100k miles, are they just disposable cars? i don't get it...)

 

this has happened twice now first when i had a new battery put on then was told it was a bad connection so had it fixed has been fine for 5 months then put it in the body shop and they took the battery terminal off , and now again its doing the same checked the terminals tightened them but still no joy ,,, just a click and i can not even jump the car ??? any ideas please

 

I'm selling it, I don't want to spend money on a starter only to have the same problem. Although someone did say that getting a new starter would mask it for a while

 

Check the cable where it connects to the starter, clean both battery terminals, ensure they are tightly secured,check fuses ,more than likely it's a small electrical problem easily repaired.

 

dont hit the gas pedal....that works on a regular piston engine....on an 8, it will flood it fast...then.it wont start unless you deflood it...

i have this same problem myself...car is warm go to gas station cut it off...run inside and boom wont start, sounds the same i dont get a misfire however....im leaning toward the starter myself...but its funny, i can get it to start go to work...get off work and it starts perfect...

its kinda weird....

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

yea get the numbers because they maybe just trying to get you to get an engine....

i dont think its compression issues to be honest...if it was it wouldnt drive perfect every other time...

Posted From RX8Club.com Android App

 

Same thing here, I can take it to work and it'll be off for hours I come back and turn it on and it starts. Its just when the engine is warm. Here's something a little interesting, I havent been getting the CEL flashing in a few days, but there is smoke and gas smell from the exhaust in the first few mins when I turn it on.

 

Can low oil cause the starting problem? I just went and added a quart of oil and drove it until the engine warmed up, turned it off and turned it on and it started fine.