Automotive Forums

I too have a Mazda RX8 shinka edition,(which I love) and it only has 18,000 miles on it, purchase it last July, and it is now at the Dealership because it won't start.
They told me it was flooded, and they are now re-programming the computer.  They stated that it is considered a Sport Car, and the computer does have to be "reprogrammed" for it to start..
I am now waiting to hear back from the Dealership.  
I hope that this isn't a start to a bad trend on this car.  

Hi there,

I wish you luck on your RX8, I was pondering purchasing this car; however I did the research, unfortunately this car has been know to have MAJOR issues.  Please read up on this forum here on this website :2004 Mazda RX 8 stalling/not starting problems.  There is a helpful post that will help you on your flooding issue.  There is a way to unflood your Rotary engine without taking it to the dealer each time.  The method was commonly used for the Rotary RX-7 engine.  Please read it.  Good luck on your Car..I am so I hope you have a Rare quality Rotary that doesn't give you any issues.  Take Care!!

Mike  

2005rx8shinkachick:
I too have a Mazda RX8 shinka edition,(which I love) and it only has 18,000 miles on it, purchase it last July, and it is now at the Dealership because it won't start. <br>They told me it was flooded, and they are now re-programming the computer.  They stated that it is considered a Sport Car, and the computer does have to be "reprogrammed" for it to start..<br>I am now waiting to hear back from the Dealership.  <br>I hope that this isn't a start to a bad trend on this car.

I have been reading all of the messages hoping that I would'nt c our version of the Rx8. I also have the "shinka", that i purchased in may of 05, that i love also, but am not going to deal with all of the headache's that i have been reading about!! Same exact situation with me, mine's an 2005 that has 17,000 miles on it, bought it new, it is at the dealership now bcuz it wont start, for the second time since August of 06. I'm a girl so i dont know much about the repairs they have done, well dont understand them. They said that I dont "redline" the car enough, and I think they had to change the spark plugs? I know that wasnt the problem!  We should'nt have to deal with this crap, not to mention all the factory recall's that there's been! I am not sure of the laws governing the car here in Louisiana, but i'm gonna find out! What has come of yours? So much for buying the "top of the line" edition!!  

2005rx8shinkachick:
I too have a Mazda RX8 shinka edition,(which I love) and it only has 18,000 miles on it, purchase it last July, and it is now at the Dealership because it won't start. <br>They told me it was flooded, and they are now re-programming the computer.  They stated that it is considered a Sport Car, and the computer does have to be "reprogrammed" for it to start..<br>I am now waiting to hear back from the Dealership.  <br>I hope that this isn't a start to a bad trend on this car.

I have been reading all of the messages hoping that I would'nt c our version of the Rx8. I also have the "shinka", that i purchased in may of 05, that i love also, but am not going to deal with all of the headache's that i have been reading about!! Same exact situation with me, mine's an 2005 that has 17,000 miles on it, bought it new, it is at the dealership now bcuz it wont start, for the second time since August of 06. I'm a girl so i dont know much about the repairs they have done, well dont understand them. They said that I dont "redline" the car enough, and I think they had to change the spark plugs? I know that wasnt the problem!  We should'nt have to deal with this crap, not to mention all the factory recall's that there's been! I am not sure of the laws governing the car here in Louisiana, but i'm gonna find out! What has come of yours? So much for buying the "top of the line" edition!!  

I too have an RX8.  I love the appearance.  However, I have had it in the shop (dealership) 3 times because it stalled or wouldn't start.  They did the recall repairs and it still isn't reliable.  I don't like to stall on the highway and subject myself to a rear-end collision.  The dealer called today and said they can't find anything wrong.  I guess I will park it in the garage and keep paying the monthly payments.  Is there anything else I can do?
Help.  

Take your RX8 in for recall 4206F. Make sure you tell your dealer of the problems you have been experiencing. (Although they should have asked as part of the recall procedure) This recall will address problems related to the oil injection that can cause abnormal engine ware, catalytic converter failures...(in extreme cases, the car will have a sever lack of power and/or low idle conditions) the recall can cover as much as an engine replacement as long as the dealer has completed the proper diagnostic / repair procedure. I would recommend that you take a copy of the repair proc to the dealer and tell them this is what you expect them to follow. Ask them to also provide you with documentation of the results of each test. You can find a copy of all recalls and their repair procedures @ www.finishlineperformance.com/rx8/bulletins_index.html. I recently took my RX8 in for the recall, the dealer told me they just had to change 2 sparkplugs. When I handed them the recall repair procedure, the guy didn't know what to say. Based on your description of the problems you have been experiencing, you have the right to have the entire repair procedure completed. If your dealer will not provide proof the recall was completed as per the procedure, I would file a complaint with Mazda, and look for another dealer. If all else fails file for arbitration. (See the documents in your manual; taking a vehicle in more than 3 times for the same problem, with in a years time, still under warranty, with no real fix is a good example of a winning case for arbitration)

As far as the comment about the need to “redline” the car to solve problems this is ridiculous. Have the dealer give you that in writing; if they are stating this is the solution to your problems, they should have no problem giving you that in writing. If it is truly not fixed, keep taking it back until they either fix it or you have clear documentation of at least three attempts, then file for arbitration  

The problem you all have experienced is normal for the rx8.. When you start the car, let it warm up for a minute and don't go beyond 3000 rpm until it is fully warmed up. If you move a short distance, rev the engine and turn it off around 4000 rpm so that the engine burns all the fuel that was injected.. This should solve your flooding problem.
Also, the 'not red lining it enough' is about carbon build up in your engine if you don't rev high enough normally. Don't be afraid to red line on a regular basis as this helps remove the carbon the engine generates.  

I have had my 2006 shinka for a year and I have NEVER experienced any of the problems described in this thread. I has been a dream to drive.  My neighbor has a 2004 RX8 and she hasn't had these issues either.
I read the manual front to back before I drove it. The helpful hints mentioned and given to me by the dealership are.
*When you start it up let it warm up for a minute then touch the gas just a little before driving away.
*Don't push the gas pedal when you start it.
*Don't put the engine up cold. (make sure the temp gage is above the C before you turn it off)
I have NEVER redlined it.
If you leave the Smart Card in the car when it's not running for a length of time it will not start.  I was trying to find out the amount of time when I found this site.  

I've owned an RX8 for over 4 years. Twice under warranty I had it towed back to the dealer because it wouldn't start. It was problem free for a couple of years until it again wouldn't start due to flooding. The service people pulled the fuse for the fuel pump and after about half an hour got it going. I believe it all comes back to carbon buildup. Now if I start the car, I don't turn it off unless the idle revs have dropped below 1,500 - takes a couple of minutes. This is the only problem I've had since purchase - otherwise a great car to drive.  

I am in flordia i dont know much about the RX-8 but I think if you do red line it they say it runs better i dont know i am trying to find a junked on or one some one doesnt want any more so i can test different therys and accually take it a part so i could help people out when it comes to there problems so if any one is in that boat with there old 02 or 03 e-mail me at nly78621@eccwireless.com and we can talk about some deals maybe.