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Mazda RX-8 Problems and Solutions
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Flooding...I'm beginning to think this is an issue that's affecting many cars. My neighbor's '03 Accord LX just did the same thing this morning ...stalled and wouldn't restart after starting breifly and then shutting it down after a few seconds(he had it flat bedded to his Honda dealer). Perhaps the winter formulation in the fuel?
Personally, I've not had any sort of starting/flooding issues with mine...and I live in an area where the temps have dropped to the mid-30s. I don't do any sort of "warming" up procedures other than to wait a minute for the RPMs to level off after starting my car. I've also started it cold and driven for short jaunts (less than 2 miles) without running into any problems.
The only thing that is the real variable is the fuel in different parts of the country.
gkouris - I don't know if I would have done the same experiment with my own car, but try to continue posting your experiences so owners can be informed about possible solutions to this flooding if you can. Too many people post problems here and never return to explain if there really ever was one. Thus, the problems can't be taken as seriously.
Is the RX8 more susceptible to flooding? Not enough information to really say. I would bet that there are a lot more people that don't have the same issue as those that do.
What I do know, around my area, where the temps have dropped, I've noticed a lot of people, with all sorts of different makes of cars, having the same problems. That's what has caused me to think that the cause may be more "reformulated winter fuel" related than anything else.
Point is, regardless of the brand of car you drive, it's not a good idea to start the car for 15 seconds, turn it off, start it again for 15 seconds and turn it off. So, let your cars idle for a couple of minutes when you start it cold and you're going to drive it for less than a mile.
Problem fixed.
(1) Before going anywhere with the RX-8, let the engine run for about 4 minutes, atleast till the RPM level falls below 1000 to about 800....then go off.
(2) Most importantly, if you plan on going short distances do #1, PLUS take her out for a short little 5 minute ride around the block and only then turn her off. If you follow those two rules, you will NEVER flood the engine.
By the way, the MAZDA Dealership did NOT charge me anything for the Flooding (they had to reset the engine indicator and clean the combustion chamber)...I think they are getting the hint.
Flooding the car once will not cause any damage to your vehicle, just DONT DO IT consistently....take care of her cause she is extremely sensitive
PS: Apparently the Tire Pressure indicator that was beeping at me WAS CORRECT....my right front tire was 1/2 pound under inflated....those damn sensors are very sensitive
If i can be of more service please ask
Thnaks!
I had originally pre-ordered a red RX8. As chance would have it, about a month before my RX8 was scheduled to be delivered, I was in my dealership trying to get a VIN # so I could do some "insurance shopping". Delivery for a newly arrived, pre-ordered winning blue RX8 was scuttled because the guy who ordered it couldn't get financed. They had the car all sparkling sitting in the "new car delivery driveway" and I fell in love with the color. Sales Manager saw me "oggling" it and tells me that it was now available due to the financing issue for the other fellow. While it had NAV on it which I didn't originally want, the dealer said he'd split the difference with me on the invoice cost of the NAV (about $1,000 off MSRP). I went to my bank, got a check and drove it home that night.
In direct answer to your question, I've owned "arrest me red" cars before and have heard that they draw undue attention from the men/women in blue. I don't know if that's really the case, just that I've gotten tickets because I was driving well in excess of the speed limit. I don't think it would have mattered whether I was driving a white Crown Vic since I usually travel at least 10 MPH above the speed limit.
All I do know is that anytime you are going a lot faster than the posted speed limit, you will draw attention to yourself, regardless of the color of your car. In fact, I can't seem to keep my car anywhere near the speed limit. I can't imagine anyone getting pulled over for a speeding ticket just because they were driving a red car.
Rightfully or wrongfully, I do see the police in my 'burg hassle the young'uns who have the "tricked out" cars and "thumping stereos". As a matter of fact, the police are real diligent about pulling over those with the loud stereos. My 17 year old has told me about several of his friends who have been "fined" ticketed and fined $250 for playing their stereos too loud.
As I've told him, I personally don't care how loud he plays his car stereo (and yes, he's got the big subs in the trunk). As long as he's not bothering other people on the road who may not like his choice of music (me included), he can make his ears bleed. However, first ticket he gets nets him having his license lifted by me for a month. That seems to have sent the right message. Of course, that also means the only time he gets to crank his stereo is in unpopulated areas (which isn't anywhere near anyone else's listening distance or within 10 miles of our home). He tells me that's the "fun of it"...having someone else hear his stereo.
As I've impressed upon him, I can play Tony Bennett loud in my stereo, too. He agrees he doesn't like it. So my point was made.
I really think that Mazda should address this issue. Personally when I bought the car I didn't think I was buying a tempermental type of car. Since I bought my first car (1969 Mustang Mach I) I never had a car that flooded on me before. Of course, this is my first experience with a rotary engine. I'm not a car expert (just like to drive them) and am not sure what the benefit is of the rotary engine. Certainly not better gas mileage. Are they supposed to last longer or be cheaper to maintain? Maybe someone can enlighten me.
I'm confused!
http://rx7.voodoobox.net/infofaq/images/Rotary.gif
--Lots of power from a small, lightweight power plant (1.3L produces 238 HP). This, in turn, allows engine placement flexibility, better weight distribution, better handling...
--astronomically high reving power plant
--great visceral sound and feel
--very wide power band
--fewer moving parts than a traditional piston engine
Last question....will you adopt me?
http://www.rotaryengineillustrated.com/index.html
rotors are fun!....and very popular for light aircraft as well!!.....
And, cold pressure is what matters -- if the warning goes off after you drive a few miles, it's because the tires have warmed up. It's not a malfunctioning sensor or another problem. If you get a low-pressure warning when the tires are cold, definitely add some air! That's when the reading is accurate!
Craig
As I've told more than a few people, if the RX8 isn't fast enough for you, then I doubt the 350Z will be fast enough either, as it's only marginally quicker...and that's only in a straight line. If your desire to move into significantly faster iron, move to a Cobra or a Corvette.
The flooding issue seems to be isolated to just a few. And to those who are conciously trying to "flood" their vehicles. As I've mentioned before, this isn't the sole province of the RX8. Given the same circumstances, you can get just about any car to "flood".
My RX8 warms up quickly....usually within 3/4 of a mile of driving from a stone cold start. I've experienced no flooding in 20-30 degree weather...even driving short distances (3 miles or so).
As other's have mentioned, if it's a concern, warm up the car for a few minutes before driving off or shutting down.
Have fun in your new 8....you're going to love it.
He said that Mazda was soon to come out with a hotter spark plug. How definitive an answer this would prove to be remains to be seen, but it sounds like something that none of you have been made privy to.
I've had the RX-8 long enough to fill the tank a couple of times, and I'm seeing the kind of mpg that most of you have lamented. At best I'm about 13.5 mpg, and that's all highway mileage. Admittedly, it's at an average speed of 70 mph+, so that might have some bearing. I hope it gets better soon.
I got beat bad recently in an impromptu race with a 350Z. Straight off of the line at a traffic light. Two points -- I was light on the gas on take off as I'm getting used to the new car, and its requisite slightly greater gas pedal pressure when pulling out. No telling which package he got for that car, and in any case, his price tag would have been about $5,000 higher. For that much more money, I'll give him the one or two seconds it takes to get to 60 mph. And I don't think he would have faired so well in the slaloms.
Truthfully, has this been an issue to any of you RX-8 owners? Do front passengers feel twisted with that hump taking up their legroom? Or is this her imagination in dealing with being in the car for the first time?
yosarian...get some miles on your 8 druing break-in. MPG and performance should get better. I find the best RPM for launch in a straight line stop light war without burning the clutch is about 4K and running it to the 9K redline. I'd give up maybe a bumper's width to 350Zs by doing that. If I did an 8K RPM launch (which I won't do), I'd probably get even closer. Get them into a "bend" in the road, and you'll lose them.
Of course, this is all hearsay...not that I do any street racing nor would have any personal experience with any of that sort of thing.....;-)
My 17 year old drove the car yesterday and could feel the better grip on the road with the new tires compared to the original performance tires.
I think the 50-50 weight distribution is a plus, too, on bad road conditions.
Also, I thought I'd add my two cents worth on the flooding issue. It did happen to me during October. I had backed the car out of the garage on a Saturday to clean it , and put it back without driving anywhere else. Of course, the next day it had to be towed.
No trouble since then, however, because (I think) I've never shut it off without being sure the engine gauge shows it is warm.
I don't really let it warm up for 4 or 5 minutes before driving off as some have recommended. I have reved it up to over 3,000rpms for a minute or two if the engine temp is iffy.
It has been cold here at night since the beginning of the month and no problems at all.
I agree, Mazda should do something so drivers don't have to worry about cold engine flooding though. I've had many cars in the 35 years I've been driving and never had that problem with any other.
Still..... I love my Rx8. Everything else about it is fantastic!!
I'm not sure there is anything Mazda CAN do about it. It seems to me its an inherent property of a rotary engine.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
but where the heck are they getting the rebuilt unit from anyway??? This is a new car with a new engine. I can't imagine that there are remanufactured units even available (or not many, at least). And where is it leaking from? Is it just a gasket? Why don't they just replace the gasket on your car? None of this makes any sense at all.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Did you buy the car new? Why did you buy it for $40K? Which package did you get? Is or was the car modified? Did you buy it new from a Mazda dealer?
There aren't any remanufactured engines out there since the car is so new. Where are they getting the engine from?
Did you notice any fluids around the radiator?
Something ain't right.......
As for remanufactured engine, his is not the only one getting replaced. It makes complete sense that the ones getting pulled are sent back to Japan and potentially rebuilt. It's not what I'd prefer...but certainly plausible.
I quit posting after graphic insisted my run rich problem was only a very isolated issue. It's not. Have been to 4 different dealers in two months, and each time they tell me the number of owners suffering thru this and waiting for Mazda's official reflash mid-January is growing. It's part of buying on the leading edge, and I'm over it...albeit a bit tarnished.
I admire the car and the owner enthusiasm surrounding it. Just don't let that enthusiasm blind you to the adverse realities other owners might be experiencing.
Flooding problems are pretty much isolated incidences. I'd be surprized of there were more than 20 such incidences in the almost 12,000 that Mazda has sold in NA. And some of those were because more than a few owners actually tried to flood their engines. If yours was one that flooded or was running rich, I'm sure it was an ordeal for you, but please don't charactorize it as an epidemic.
If you've been to 4 different dealers, and they are all inept at fixing your problem, then there's something more amiss than just engine flooding.
As far as engines being replaced, I know of two of them. Of those two, one was modded (and I have a sneaky suspicion the other one was, too)...a definite "no-no" with any car manufacturer. The one reported here sounds suspicious, also. There aren't any "remanufactured" engines available yet, so how a dealer can get one is beyond me.
My opinion of anyone who pays $40,000 for an RX8, no matter what the circumstance, is something that simply makes no sense.
Most of us do get weary, however. The RX8 has received almost unanimous accolades from the automotive press throughout the world. As soon as another "test" is done (like the one here at Edmunds) crowning the RX8 as the winner, a slew of misinformation ensues by non-owners trying to berate a great car. Within 12 hours of some simple problem (like flooding) shows up at other RX8 sites, all of a sudden it shows up here at Edmunds, too. More than just a little coincidental in my opinion.
My car's issue(s) has never been flooding...haven't had that dreaded occurrence. My wife drives it occasionally and I remind her everytime what NOT to do so we don't have to deal with that.
My problem has been the cutting out above 6,000 and knocking/pinging in mid-range. I don't have the highest regard for dealers' service depts, but I also don't think all 4 are inept. Possible, but I get the sense that if I saw a 5th and a 6th you'd say they're inept too. That's what I meant by blind enthusiasm.
I've talked with several owners while at the various dealers who have brought their cars in for the same run rich/cut out problems...multiple times such as myself. Trust me, they are real people with real problems. And if Mazda is indeed stepping up with a reflash fix mid-Jan, then they've obviously validated the problem too.
I'll get back off the board now, but had to speak up regarding the dismissive judgments here. It's not your place, or anyone else's, to care what someone's final bill for a car was. Maybe they dropped in to bash...maybe they overpaid...or generalized in their number, whatever. But given the reception you guys gave him I'd be surprised to see them care to offer anything further.
That's a shame.
I'm not pulling any stunts here on this board or to anyone of you folks here. I loved the car and was willing to pay $1500 below MSRP for it. But now this problem came up and I dont know what I can do I just dont think its fair.
Have you tried calling Mazda about this? Even going beyond the fact that you will have a new car with a rebuilt engine, the engine and chassis will now have mismatched VIN numbers. I would consider this completely unacceptable if this were my problem.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
HOWEVER, you have to admit that there have been quite a few posts here and the other RX8 boards where its some new member, with no other posting history, who claims they are having all kinds of problems, then disappears and never is heard from again. This is why some regulars are so dismissive.
BUT, in vtlc's case, he has come back and clarified his problem a bit and, hopefully, will continue to post updates until a resolution is reached. This is something that is unfortunately missing from many of these boards - closure. Without closure, the problems/stories/issues/events amount to no more than rumors.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Now, let's get to the problems.
vtlc....thanks for the info and the breakdown of your deal. It makes more sense, now. Sounds like your dealer has diagnosed the problem correctly....leaking seal. SO, they are sending you a new engine (not remanufactured) from Mazda in Hiroshima. That's a good thing. Don't know why they just don't replace the seal, but a new engine is a good thing, too.
As far as rental cars are concerned, I think I'd make it an issue with the dealer that you bought a new car and expect a new "loaner" (not some beat up raggedy set of wheels they had on the back lot). Of course, the only thing Mazda promises is that they'd give you a loaner...they never stipulate what kind of car it will be. That said, I would think your dealer would bend over backwards for you given the circumstances.
redrpm....I'm not aware of any ECU re-flash in January. I've heard bits and pieces of rumors that some needed a reflash, but nothing definitive. It still sounds like a fuel issue to me...a clogged fuel filter, perhaps? If it's cutting out at higher RPMs, it could be the computer won't let the car go to any higher RPMs because the pinging (or detonation) can be harmful to the engine. Could be just one go round with bad fuel. One tankful of bad fuel (probably less) can "muck up" a lot of things in any car.
Honestly, if 4 or 5, or 6 dealers can't figure it out, then, yes, I'd say they are inept. What have they done to solve the detonation problem? What are they telling you? Have they checked the EVAP unit? Have they pulled and checked the plugs to see if they are fouled? Are there any cracks in the plug wires?
It sounds like the fuel supply is being "cut-off" at some point (5K RPM, you say) to save the engine. The computer codes should tell your dealer(s) exactly what's going on. Does your CEL come on?
The ECU can be re-flashed at any time by the dealer.
You also may want to tell your dealer to disconnect the battery for an hour or two so the ECU re-sets itself. IF the ECU was bad, I doubt you'd even be able to start your car.
Those would be the things I'd check.
redrpm - Although some us (like me) might be quick to judge a post, that doesn't mean we're wrong. If a poster is going to state a price they paid or problem they have, you bet I have the right to question it when it seems unusual. That's why we post!
With that said, I do agree that the RX-8 may have some problems and not everyone of them can be dismissed as an isolated incident or untrue. It's awfully paranoid to think that the car has so many enemies that would make this stuff up.
But here's my problem. The dealer told me the first time I drove it that it was a very deep clutch, and it is. When first depressing the pedal, the first half of the travel seems to be taking up slack, or engaging the master cylinder. Then more resistance is felt to the floor. Not a huge amount, but noticeable if you're looking for it. And when you put it in gear and start to release the clutch, it engages very close to the floor. And it doesn't seem to shift as smoothly as I think it should. It doesn't grind, just doesn't seem as "snicky" as I think it should. Leads me to believe that the linkage is not adjusted properly. So what's the word? Where do your clutches engage?
Thanks in advance for the help