Mazda RX-8 Problems and Solutions

donalds · March 2005

There has been a new service bulletin issued about the "no start" thing, the owners manual is also being updated, if I understand the bulletin correctly there is a new flash to replace the M I get the impression Mazda is making changes on the fly to try and correct what should have been in the R&D phase.
I suppose you can tell I am not a satisfied RX8 owner and I believe even the die hard supporters will eventually realize they are junk.

qbrozen · March 2005

making changes after a car is released is VERY common. mazda is certainly not the only company that follows this practice.

mazda04rx8 · March 2005

Hi donalds,
Sorry to hear you are a dissatisfied RX8 owner.
I have had three RX8's and none could be classified as junk. The handling of the vehicle is excellent, fit and finish of the body and interior IMO are excellent. The two things that I find upsetting is the gas mileage. I average 18 MPG. Not terrible but certainly less than I had hoped based on EPA numbers. I also resent having to spend $1,000 to be able to drive the vehicle on snow. The car is not drive able at least in New england without a good set of snow tires. With snows I have no problems, other than I have to worry about the height of the snow I drive over. I have used mid range gas and found no difference in performance with the gas mileage.
Hopefully as with any new car the glitches will get taken care of and you will be pleased with your car. This car appears to hold its value fairly well. Good luck getting your problems resolved. If you don't get your issues with the car resolved I would try another dealership.

graphicguy · March 2005

Preface by saying I had owned my RX8 since July of '03. Previous to the RX8 was a couple of BMWs (as well as numerous other cars that my family owned).

I'm trying to put myself into the shoes of the owners I've seen post here.

If I compared my RX8 to the BMWs regarding my service or alleged issues, I'd say they are about equal regarding their alleged issues or service. The RX8 and the BMWs were "high performance" cars. They are more "on the edge" regarding what they would do from a driving satisfaction perspective. Matter of fact, the RX8 is probably the closest I'll ever come to tasting "exotic car" type of performance (that's not to say the RX8 will compete with a Lambo, but it will offer a "taste" of what that would be like).

I travel a lot. I had a 6 year old Honda Civic which I used to run back and forth to the airport. I didn't even think of that car as having any performance credentials. As long as it started and ran safely, I didn't think about it much more than a transportation module.

The Civic did exactly what I expected it to do. It started and ran, in all types of weather, while giving me good fuel economy.

While I'm certain the RX8 (or my previous BMWs) would certainly be capable of such duty, I had no expectations that they would. I bought the RX8 for it's tremendous capabilities and versatility, not for its fuel economy, not for its winter weather capabilities, etc.

I bought the Civic for its start and go capabilities and for its fuel economy. That's it.

My RX8 (previous to its untimely demise) was subject to the Mazda "buy back" program. I decided to keep it. Glad I did. But, I had the oil pan replaced, the "M" reflash done and "hot" plugs installed, and numerous other TSBs done whenever I had the car in for maintenance.....all under warranty. I'd be hard pressed to get it to flood today. I'd have to try really hard. Since I had the car, I got to know some of the noises it makes (as pathstar has explained). I expect them. I also know that there is nothing "untaward" happening with my car with these "noises". Matter of fact, I likee the "noises" the car made.

MPG isn't a sports car's strong suits. The RX8 is no different. Yes, the engine is tiny. But, it's still a high performance sports car.

So, the Civic did exactly what I expected and what I wanted it to do. The RX8 did exactly what I expected (including service routines) and what I wanted it to do. The Civic can't do what the RX8 can do on the road. Further, the RX8 won't do what the Civic can do.

Both cars met or exceeded expectations.

You can plug any car in to replace either the RX8 or the Civic. The expectations would be similar.

donalds · March 2005

Changes no doubt are somewhat normal, what I am saying is Mazda really has no idea why the "no start" condition exists, my car idles as if it is going to die, Mazda says that is normal, the service manager says it is not normal but there is NO fix and it does missfire.
I have a suite pending and will get rid of this junk once the I find out if Mazda has to buy it back or fix it?? but the service manager says it cannot be, I have taken it to three other service centers and all say the computer does not give an error code so there is nothing wrong, even though it is shaking as they tell me that.
Mazda will not give approval to take anything apart on the engine, it must be indicated with an error code!

graphicguy · March 2005

What RPM is your RX8 idling at? Are you getting a bang out of your exhaust like you would during a normal misfire?

If it's misfiring, the computer will note it.

When you say it's shaking, in what way? The gear shift will shake a bit. Did your dealer check for a broken motor mount? That will cause it to feel like it's shaking, too. That also won't show up in the computer.

donalds · March 2005

At normal temp it runs near 850 but bounces between 800 and 850, not stable, which the Mazda rep. noted, shaking as the entire car not just the gear shift, which the judge also noted.
I have no idea if the motor mounts were looked at or not, nor do I care,that is what technicians are for, the car ran so smooth for the first 2000 miles you had to look at the tach to make sure it was running.
This is not my first rotary, I have a 1985 rx7 which I have had since new and it has never acted like the the 8
The bottom line Mazda would not allow any work to be done without a trouble code.
That is why we are in a lemon law litigation.

graphicguy · March 2005

RPMs sound about right.

I'd make a bet it's the motor mounts.

Don't know what stage you're in with the Lemon Law, but if it's already gone to hearing, my guess is the arbitrator will give Mazda one more chance to fix it. If they don't and Mazda service doesn't respond, I would imagine there will be some type of settlement offered.

This is all a guess. I've only done one Lemon Law claim in my many years of car ownership. And I did it several years ago against Honda. They were vehement about not wanting to do anything about what was a fairly serious engine problem (burned about 1 quart of oil every 300 miles). Dealer didn't want to tear the engine down because Honda wouldn't reimburse them to do it.

Honda eventually bought the car back. I blamed both the dealer and Honda coporate. Neither seemed to care one way or the other about the issue.

Good luck and keep us posted on the outcome.

cheezeboy · March 2005

just my 2 cents here to thank both Pathstar and GGuy for their info/advice/comments....this message board is a much better place with you two around!!!

Thanks..

and in no way, shape, or form is my RX8 a piece of 'junk'......best damn car I've owned.

graphicguy · March 2005

cheeze...thanks guy! I loved my RX8 too much to stray very far away. You and pathstar are the true "stars", however. You bring the experience of the "automatic" customer. Pathstar has way more insight than I do as to the inner workings of the car. I learn more from you guys than most others.

donalds....I was thinking about your dilema last night. If your dealer and other dealer technicians admit there is an issue, why don't they tell you what they think the problem is.

I'm not saying it's a "motor mount" issue as I suspect, but since your car is shaking so bad, what's their diagnosis? It should be fairly simple for them to do some cursory checks and be reimbursed by Mazda for their efforts. IF the computer isn't giving them any codes, then my guess is it's not engine related. It must be something else (like broken motor mounts).

I certianly understand that all you want is a car that is working the way it's supposed to work. I also know that the last thing Mazda wants to do is to become embroiled in a "lemon" law suit. It behooves them to fix it for you rather than to fight about it.

jlarx8 · March 2005

I just got my new RX8 has to drive it 200 miles home (I purchased from a dealership far away). Some things I noticed: Having the automatic, I've noticed a hesitation when accelerating before the speed starts to pick up - is this a rotary engine thing? Sometimes I also hear "clicks" when it is idling, almost reminds me of what is sounds like when the a/c compressor is running. Also, if I cut the wheel, it seems as though the tires are rubbing. This is my first brand new car and I just want to make sure everything is okay.

rxrick · March 2005

I too am disgusted with my gas mileage. I have a std 2004 and I'm getting 11.5-14mpg on mine. I've tried driving in different rpm ranges, with little or no change. I have had the car back to the dealership for service and received a flash upgrade on the computer and the new hot plugs, but no change. I also have oil that looks like yogurt! I've had them look at this as well and I was told it is normal, but that Mazda has recently come up with a "fix" just so owners won't be driven crazy by seeing foamy oil on the dipstick. It is some sort of tube that fits into the engine somewhere, somehow...I plan on being there to see this installed! If I can't find some owners who are getting at least 17mpg, I'm thinking of finding an attorney who will file a class-action suit.

lemmer · March 2005

What are your damages? A couple of gallons a gas per week? $4 a week maybe? Is it not really more of an annoyance than something that requires a huge lawsuit?

Will an attorney actually take a class action suit from the seven people in the country who bought a rotary without realizing that they get bad mileage? The last RX7 was not known for its reliability or fuel mileage. In fact, rotary mileage has always been pretty miserable. Poor reliability and fuel mileage almost did in the rotary back in the 70s. The reliability has gotten better, but not the fuel mileage. How much of an increase in fuel economy do you expect out of that dirty little power keg of an engine as its output has nearly tripled over the years?

Not to be mean, but maybe you should just suck it up and buy a Civic and get 30mpg. Or you could just realize you have a really cool car and enjoy it.

qbrozen · March 2005

The class-action suit would have to be against the EPA, since they are the ones who came up with the estimated mileage numbers on the car's window sticker. And all I can say is "good luck suing them." Of course, if you read that sticker, they have already covered themselves by stating that your real-world results may differ from those estimates.

rxrick · March 2005

"Thanks" for your replies, guys. I did further reading of the postings on this site...actually got thru the first ten pages last night, I'll withdraw my comments about a class-action suit, however, you cannot tell me 11.5 mpg vs. 18 is just a few gallons per week. As a matter-of-fact, it adds up to $20 per week! Don't get me wrong, I do love the car, I read the complaints about mileage on RX sites before buying, but 11.5! The reason I posted to this site was because I have spoken with, and seen postings on this site of owners claiming 18-21mpg. All I want to know is why not me? Is there something wrong with my car. If there is, I want it fixed, or one that works properly, I don't want to go buy a Civic! Many of the postings on this site are helpful, and that is what I was looking for, but comments like, "go buy a Civic" are just stupid. enuff on that subject.
ALSO, can anyone give some insight into the Yogurt on the dipstick issue? I'm assuming that could be part of the mileage issue. I have 2400 miles on the car in 9 weeks, and I'm not talking air bubbles in the oil, I'm talking YO-GURT! Anyone know anything about the "fix" i mentioned being told by my tech? I appreciate any HELPFUL responses. Sorry if I hit a sensitive nerve with rotary-engine buffs and the gas mileage thing! - Rick

lemmer · March 2005

I drove an automatic for about a month and averaged a little over 14 mpg. It is my father-in-law's car. He says the mileage has improved over time. He gets around 17 mpg now.

Maybe the engine has to loosen up a little.

mazda04rx8 · March 2005

I have had three RX8's they all averaged between 17 and 20 mpg. Not great but I can live with it. Of course if I push it or get stuck in bumper to bumper traffic mileage does drop like a stone. 11.5 certainly sounds unreasonable. Try turning off the traction control after you start and see what happens. I noticed an increase in mileage doing this. I am curious on the yogurt dipstick comments. Condensation causes the dip stick to get foamy but it usually does not impact the viscosity of the oil. Are you telling me if you drained the oil it would be thick like yogurt? I am curious. Also I saw someone mention a fix to the foamy dipstick issue. If anyone knows of the tech issuance that covers it, I would appreciate a post. Good luck with your problems. Let me know the answer on the yogurt thing.
TB

qbrozen · March 2005

my best suggestion is to try a different dealer. You will most likely get a different response. If it is as bad as you are stating (both mileage and the yogurt comment), I would have to think something is wrong.

nojets · March 2005

Everyone on this board is whining abut their RX8's gas mileage, but for a dose of reality, read the following news item from MSNBC:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7128017/

See? EVERYONE is complaining about the EPA's testing method. For instance a BMW Z4 has a sticker mileage of 21/29 and a real-world mileage of 14. My suggestion is that you enjoy the car and leave your calculator at home when you go to the gas station!

fraz · March 2005

I have a six month old RX8 in the UK that has now been back to the garage 4 times with the same problems. The car from time to time refuses to start. This is not exclusively in cold weather. Mazda say they have run all the tests they can and find nothing wrong with the car. It has had all the upgrades currently avaliable. They also give me the impression that no one else has had this issue and I must be pumping gasm which i am not. Has anyone else encountered this issues? Thanks

qbrozen · March 2005

just a tip: never use the word "everyone."

You just threw alot of people into that group who have been here defending the RX8.

graphicguy · March 2005

I've never relied on those EPA estimates for MPG assessments. Probably the biggest uproar regarding the MPG numbers on the sticker have been the hybrid buyers. They bought a hybrid based on their figures from the sticker for fuel economy. In real life, they aren't much better than their gasoline only counterparts.

My RX8 would fluctuate depending on the time of year (gas formulations changed during the winter, and again, during the summer. In the Spring/summer, my RX8 got pretty much what the EPA estimate was. But, during the winter (different gas formulation), it would drop. My MPG also improved as I got more miles on the car. Stop & go driving, idle time, etc. also affected my MPG.

When I put my RX8 on the highway and set the cruise control at a reasonable speed, I would indeed get close, and most times, exactly what the EPA said I should get (right around 24 MPG).

tomatnavy · March 2005

This website shows all the updates done to the rx8:http://www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/docs/

pathstar1 · March 2005

A few tips to improve mileage.
1. The RX-8 mileage will decrease very rapidly if you let it idle a lot. When you start it up I recommend letting it idle no more than 1/2 minute. Just don't use full throttle until you see the temp. gauge start to move up.
2. I've used a "driving computer" which calculates mileage from fuel flow and distance travelled (from sensors placed on the drive shaft and in the fuel system). Mileage is greatly affected by RPM. The lower you can keep the RPM, the better your mileage will be. Of course, if you "lug" the engine, you will shorten its' life, so you have to use reasonable RPM ranges. I suggest normal cruise operation for the RX-8 would be in the 3-5K range, while attempting to keep it in the lower area on long distance cruising. You should also let it rev. up close to redline from time to time to keep it cleaned out. Just don't cruise for long periods above 4,500 RPM if you want to get best mileage.

Some cars still have problems with flooding. It may be the car (perhaps a faulty valve or bad injector), or it may be the way the owner operates the car. If your car does not start within four seconds of starting cranking, press the accel. pedal to the floor and continue to crank until it fires up, 10 - 15 seconds of cranking interspersed with 30 seconds of cool down for the starter (keep the pedal to the floor until it starts). This shuts off the injectors and that makes sure the flooding doesn't get worse. My four second figure may not apply to some cars, but in my experience it is a reasonable figure.

The white oil foam seen on dipsticks is unfortunately normal. Be careful with this stuff, it is quite acidic. You can get rid of most of it by removing the oil filler cap when you shut off a hot engine (the moisture is in vapour form and will escape when the engine is hot). Do this once a week. Don't operate the car with the cap removed! Leave the hood open or put the cap on the dash to remind yourself you removed it! The cause is poor "crankcase" venting - a rotary engine "feature".
If you get white foam oil when you drain it, there is a failed coolant seal in the engine. The only way to correct this is to change/rebuild the engine. There are "O" rings between the engine sandwich parts that seal the coolant passages and they can fail or even be faulty from the beginning. It's rare, but there have been a few RX-8s with this problem. It's more common in older rotaries, where the aluminum actually fails and allows the "O" ring to move causing the leak. The failure in older cars is probably caused by the heating/cooling cycle fatiguing the metal. In new cars it's usually either a faulty "O" ring or a faulty casting.

nojets · March 2005

"Everyone" was just a term. There are lots of RX8 fans on this board, myself included!

I have had zip, nada, nothing go wrong with my RX8. It has been running like clockwork. I just hope all those considering an RX8 don't get the impression from this board that they are a headache to own. As long as you follow a few simple ground rules they are as reliable as any other Japanese car.

tomatnavy · March 2005

I just received a video from mazda about the rx8--it contains a number of things,amongst them how to start a flooded rx8.It differs a bit from pathstar's account. It might be worth the try:when flooded hold the accelerator to the floor and turn the ignition over for 7 seconds.Turn it off and take your foot off the accelerator,wait a short time and restart the car with you foot off the accelerator.If this doesn't work and pathstar's doesn't seem to be working--then have it jumped with another car with continuous cranking and the accelerator held to the floor. This has always worked for me on my 1986 rx7[which also was a new generation model].Here you just crank until it starts.

rx8craze · March 2005

before i start whining about the new problems..thanks pathway for all the answers!, was really helpfull and allowed me to have a good night sleep

ok, so i just noticed another noise whith my 8
I heard this loud noise...similar to a what POS car whith a bad belts make..you know, a loud screeching noise. I heard it this morning when i first started the car in my garage. and i think i smelled some kinda of burning smell..not oil, but somehting else.
anyways..heard the same noise again after work when i started the car again
the noise starts about .5 - 1 second after i let go of the clutch..continues about 5-7 seconds..and stops..and starts again for another 1-2 seconds..and stops (maybe bad air pump?)
i turned off the engine..and started again..not this time..guess it happens only @ initial cold start up. wtf is this..im scheduled to go into dealer tomorrow morning..and im afraid they cannot catch this noise..cuz it only happends during a cold start up.
-also, noticed slight hissing noise while im speeding up between 2500 - 3000 rpm is this comming from my air intake??...probably it is..but is this normal? i just realized this cuz i decdied to drive with my windows down.
-another noise is that when im backing up..and use the brake..it makes this "pin drop" noise...think its comming from the calipers (this im not too worried about as i can duplicate it whenever i can - taking it to the dealer)
-i also heard from people that this pinging noise comming from the trans @ lower rpm is normal..it just means that the trans wants to be in a lower gear. but i get this although im @ around 2800 rpm range in 2-5th gears...now..is this normal?????,,oh and i was not goin up hill or nething..just on aflat road, it makes pining noise sometimes up until 3500 rpm in 3rd.
-and one more thing..specailly to you pathstar..if u are reading this..
i know u said that slight rough idle and vibration is normal..but i can swear there was not as much vibration for the first few hundred miles..last time i read somthing was that 8s have programs to engine behave like this after certain miles or something
and is it true that 8's computer can "learn" the driver's style and change its settings?
-------------------
oh and for the guy who asked about the tire rubbing noise..i get that also when im making a sharp turn in my cul de sac or where ever i do this.
-

rx8craze · March 2005

yes this car makes Tons of noises..just look at my old Qs and pathway's answers..
-everytimr i notice a new noise..my hair falls out
-but once i take it upto 9000 rpm..it grows back

rx8craze · March 2005

I can only count 7 speaker in my 8..
2 on both front doors, 1 on consol, and 2 in rear...where are the 8th and 9th speaker??..is it in the front doors??..3 on each doors?

donalds · March 2005

I had the 8 out and was washing it, left it running while I was doing it and was watching the exhaust pipes shake, you cold feel it anywhere on the car, just for the heck of it I put a board between the side support and put pressure on the motor, would you believe the shake went away, had the wife sit in the car and did it again and not even the shift lever moved.
Not sure if this supports you theory of motor mounts or not.
On my way home last week I was sitting with my right front tire on a speed bump and the left side not on the bump and the car started running so smooth I thought it had died.
And by the way just got word that the judge has ordered Mazda to fix not buy back.

cleeks · March 2005

I just had my first problem in more than a year of RX 8 ownership. I was in a hard corner when the DSC light came on, then my throtle felt dead, and then the check engine lght came on. When I stopped and restarted only the check engine light stayed on. Car performs fine, but the light won't go off. Is there a way to turn the light off or do I need to visit the dealer?

pathstar1 · March 2005

You can reset it by removing the battery -ve terminal for a few seconds. You will then have to reset the power steering as per the manual. If the light comes back on, you need to visit your dealer.

mugster1 · March 2005

before you unhook things, i know the Honda i had you pushed in the Trip switch in for about 30 sec. That would reset the computer.

chet2 · March 2005

I've had my RX-8 auto tans since August 04 with 6,100 miles on it. I love it, but I am experiencing a problem which has happened twice. The car loss power when going up a 6% grade in auto drive at freeway speed, I slowed down because of traffic to about 45 mph, then when traffic cleared I tried to accelerate, but the transmission got stuck wouldn't kick into a lower gear. As I attempted to accelerate I loss power, when I realized that I was only going 23 mph on the freeway, Yeks!!, I kicked it into manual mode. Of course, I took it to the dealer and they test drove it and couldn't make it happen again. The service depart. told me that according to the problem hotline no one has experienced this problem before. Is there anyone out there that has experienced this same problem? I welcome your input.

cheezeboy · March 2005

chet2 - I also have the auto tran and have not experienced that. I have 25,000 miles on mine. Did you have cruise control or hit the cruise button by chance? I will be on the lookout for this. I have a long drive coming up and want to make sure all is working right!

good luck and keep us informed if this happens again!

chet2 · March 2005

Hi Cheezeboy, I wasn't using cruise control at the time because the traffic was very heavy. I don't remember hitting the cruise button, but I do remember the big diesel truck coming up fast behind me.... Thanks for the response I will let you know if it happens again. Enjoy your trip.

eternalpal · March 2005

Hey everyone. I've been reading about all of the problems that you guys have been experiencing. I plan on buying a 2005 Sport AT RX-8 really soon. Is everyone with the problems driving a 2004 or 2005 model? Are there a lot of people having problems with the 2005 model of the RX-8? Your input is much appreciated!

pathstar1 · March 2005

You have to realize about 80% of the messages on here about problems are "concentrated". Those without problems will not post for the most part. It seems to me there are very few real problems with the 2004 or 2005 car (they are virtually identical). There are lots of complaints about fuel economy, there are complaints about the oil foam caused by poor "crankcase" ventilation. Both these "problems" are normal and not really problems - some owners just take exception to them. Once Mazda introduced the "M" flash, most owners were relatively happy. In fact, most were happy before that flash. There are a few things on the car that can be broken, perhaps too easily. Taillamp lens cover leaking, a few dash parts. That's about it. Only a few cars have had these problems, from what I've heard. I haven't seen them on our car.

If you want to see real problems, check out a GM or Ford board.

eternalpal · March 2005

That's what I figured pathstar. To be honest here, I'm totally new to the rotary engine and its quirks. Hell, I don't much about cars period. I'm extremely interested in the engine and the car though. FYI, I plan on getting an automatic. So far, do most of these problems pertain to manual or automatic transmissions?

Fuel consumption is not an issue with me. Is there a way to prevent the oil foam situation? When you use the word "crankcase", is that when a person trys to turn the car on with the key? I apologize for asking these simple questions. I don't know all the car terms that is being used on these forums.

And what about the cover that goes over the engine, I've read around here that you're supposed to remove it every night or something. What does that help prevent?

pathstar1 · March 2005

The problems some have experienced are not correlated with the type of transmission. Note that if you get an automatic, you will get the "low power" renesis rotary engine, not the "high power" one. I strongly advise you to test drive both. If you are happy with the auto then fine. Some of us wouldn't be, and some like the auto just fine.

The oil foam can be delt with as I have posted on these forums a few times:
Remove the oil filler cap once a week when you return for the night (warm engine) and make sure you set it up so you will not drive without the cap on - leave the hood open if you park in a garage, or put the cap on the dash to remind yourself to put it back on before driving.

The "crankcase" name refers to the part of the engine that the crankshaft turns in and usually the oil is stored in (oilpan covers the bottom of it). In the case of the rotary, the two are separate, in that the crankshaft (actually called the eccentric shaft on a rotary engine) is in the centre of the engine, not below the pistons as in a piston engine. So the oil is stored at the bottom of the engine, again above an "oil pan".

The engine cover is supposed to enhance the cooling/airflow over the engine and should be left on. It is quick and easy to remove it - it just pulls off. Removing it every night wouldn't do anything I can think of, other than over excersizing the hood release.

yellowrx8 · March 2005

I bought my RX8 in October 2004. Have had zero problems with it. It has about 4000 miles right now, but that is mainly due to me not wanting to drive it in Wisconsin winter weather (have a beater SUV for that). No issues at this point. I do get the foamy dipstick, and have had to add oil only once (very near the point for an oil change), and then added about 3/4 of a quart. Had my dealer check the foamy oil situation, which they again replied is normal, and they seemed ahead of the game and tested to make sure no anti-freeze was in the drained oil upon the oil change. I also did tell them about this website (which gave me some extra questions when I did bring the car in)

. thanks for the postings everyone. and i agree, those not having issues, will rarely post (as i am one of them).

eternalpal · March 2005

So if I were to remove the oil filler cap once a week, would that fully prevent the oil foaming incident to happen, or only less foaming? And you also mentioned (warm engine) in there, are you saying to remove the oil filler cap after it has been driven and the engine is warm?

What about revving the engine before I shot off the car? On an automatic, would that mean I set the car on park and rev the engine to a certain RPM and shut off once it reaches that number? Or simply rev it to that number and let it go down before turning the car off?

I'm sorry if you've already answered these questions numerous amounts of time. I've tried searching for the answer but there are way too many posts to look through. Thanks again!

pathstar1 · March 2005

The purpose of removing the oil filler cap is to allow the water vapour to escape. The engine does have to be warm (hot, actually). The water evaporates, as does some of the acid (a combustion byproduct).

It's not clear if reving the engine before shutting it off actually clears out excess fuel, but that is the idea. I rev. it to 3K or so and shut off the ignition switch, allowing the engine to coast down to 0. You would do this in park or neutral with an automatic. When you shut off the ignition switch it shuts off the injectors, and the engine still turning over might pump out any fuel still inside the combustion chambers. I only do this if shutting off a cold engine. I've never had a flooding problem in my 3rd gen, but the RX-8 has flooded several times. Each time it was cold (once it flooded when we tried to start it at -30C. We didn't get it started again until it warmed up close to freezing - two weeks). We didn't want to tow it to a warm garage. It was just too cold to drive it anyway. We do use it all winter - and to do that in snow you will need different tires. The tires it comes with are summer performance tires - useless in ice and snow.
The 3rd gen RX-7 hibernates all winter, and that may be the main reason it's never flooded.

eternalpal · March 2005

So the RX-8 has a higher chance of flooding if it's cold? I live in sunny California, would that mean my chances of flooding are slim?

Are there any other routines I should familiarize myself with in regards to the RX-8 and its quirks?

pathstar1 · March 2005

The only thing you have to do is resist starting it up and shutting it off before it starts to warm up (temp gauge moves to normal position). Example - you move the car out of the garage to wash it. If you do this enough you will eventually flood it. When I want to wash my car I drive to a gas station and fill it with gas or drive around the block etc. to warm it up first.

Well, there is one other thing. The car is sneaky. You will find yourself attaining very high speeds without noticing how high the speed is getting. The local constabulary will not take pity on you just because your car is sneaky if they catch you at high speed. ;-)

eternalpal · March 2005

HAHAHA!!! While I was taking the test drive, I actually caught myself driving way too fast. Thank you so much for all the answers pathstar. I feel much more confident about buying the RX-8 now.

eternalpal · March 2005

As long as the engine is warm or hot, I could turn the car on and off without worry of it flooding?

For example, let's say I came home from a long day of driving, I shut the car off but parked in the wrong spot. Would I be able to turn the car back on, re-park my car and shut it off again without the car flooding; or would I still have to wait a few minutes before doing so?

pathstar1 · March 2005

Flooding is related to the "choke" function - where a cold internal combustion gasoline engine requires more gasoline in the mixture than when warm. So no, when warm this function is not engaged by the PCM - the cars computer, and it wouldn't be very suceptable to flooding, so you don't have to warm it up any further.

More information - the early cars flooded very easily because the PCM began injecting lots of fuel as soon as the engine was turned over (or perhaps as soon as the starter was disengaged). If the engine didn't really start (for many reasons such as fouled plugs, too cold to vapourize the fuel etc) you would end up with too much liquid fuel in the combustion chambers when you again tried to start it - the fuel would soak the plugs - and you would have a flooded car. The "M" flash (which all cars got starting in June or earlier last year) delayed the choke mode for a second or two and went a long way to preventing flooding.

I'm told we got a new flash in January of this year - "N" flash. It doesn't change the air/fuel this time, it fixes a few "bugs" that were found in the "M" flash. Not sure exactly what they were that they fixed.

act3 · March 2005

I have had loss of power several times. Car will start to choke up, die, run rough, not shift correctly (automatic), engine light, won't start. Had it do this 7-8 times in 10 months. each time take to dealer, they do downloads, replace parts, every time with in 6-8 week later it does it again. I use premiim gas 92 or higher. Running out of patience...

pathstar1 · March 2005

You may be having a problem with fouling spark plugs. Ask your dealer to try installing hotter plugs. The automatic equipped car doesn't exert the engine very much.

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