Engine - Cranks/No Start: Overview
01-011/04RX-8
ENGINE CRANKS NO START
BULLETIN NOTE
^ This bulletin supersedes last issued 03/11/2004. The APPLICABLE MODEL(S) / VINS and REPAIR PROCEDURE "A" - DECHOKE / ENGINE STARTING sections have been changed.
APPLICABLE MODEL(S) / VINS
RX-8
DESCRIPTION
Some vehicles may experience difficulty starting (cranks no start). This occurs after driving the vehicle a short distance without engine reaching normal operating temperature. Examples: starting a vehicle and moving it to wash it, engine stall due to mis-application of clutch then restart.
A cranks, no start condition may be caused either by flooded spark plugs or lower than normal compression due to fuel flooding.
NOTE:
Before attempting to recalibrate the PCM, make sure to check the VIN & production date of the vehicle. Vehicles produced on or after 3/12/04 and VIN is JM1FE17**40135537 or later, contain the "M" calibration & do not require an updated calibration.
It is important to update the PCM to at least "M" calibration if the vehicle's PCM currently contains an earlier version. The "M" calibration contains software logic to prevent possible no start concerns. Because of this revision, all vehicles with previous calibrations should be updated to at least the "M" calibration level. This includes vehicles coming to the dealer for repairs unrelated to the no start concern, or normal scheduled maintenance.
NOTE:
After repairs, provide customers with DE-CHOKING PROCEDURE WHEN ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT START information on page 12 (for customers to try after a "CRANKS, NO START" condition, before towing to dealership).
PART(S) INFORMATION
WARRANTY INFORMATION
NOTE:
^ This information applies to verified customer complaints on vehicles covered under normal warranty.
^ Refer to the SRT microfiche for warranty term information.
^ Additional diagnostic time cannot be claimed for this repair.
^ Complete Required Repairs must be entered on a Single Warranty Claim.
WARMING THE ENGINE
NOTE:
After repairs, provide customers with a copy of this page to try during a "CRANKS, NO START" condition. If necessary, fax this page to customers who are experiencing a crank/no start condition in the field, before towing to dealership.
The Mazda RENESIS Rotary Engine provides exceptional performance dynamics and reduces exhaust emissions, allowing the RX-8 to meet the strict Tier 2 emissions classification in the U.S. Mazda achieved this in part by the design of the engine ports and adopting a sequential dynamic air intake system.) Because of its unique design, it is important to warm up the engine before shutting it off. Ideally, the engine coolant temperature gauge needle should reach the middle of the normal operating range before shutting off the engine.
DE-CHOKING PROCEDURE WHEN ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT START
If the engine does not start, try the following procedure to start the engine using the de-choke mode. Failure to do so may aggravate the no start condition.
1. Depress and hold the accelerator pedal to the floor and crank the engine for 7-8 seconds. (This will clean out any unburned fuel from the combustion chamber)
2. Release the ignition switch.
3. Release the accelerator pedal and start the engine. If the engine starts while performing Step 1, the engine will rev up. Immediately release the ignition key and remove your foot from the accelerator pedal.
^ Do not keep holding the ignition switch in the START position over 10 seconds if the engine does not start. This may result in a weakened or dead battery.
^ Avoid racing the engine or sudden take off right after starting the engine.
^ If the engine still fails to start following the De-choking procedure, have your vehicle inspected by your Mazda Dealer.