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Engine Controls - Lack of Engine Power: Overview

Bulletin.: 01-014/08

Last Issued: 3/17/2008

Subject:
ENGINE LACK OF POWER

BULLETIN NOTE
This bulletin supersedes the previous bulletin 01-014/08, issued 3/14/2008. The DESCRIPTION has been revised.

APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINs
2004-2008 RX-8

DESCRIPTION

Some customers may experience a lack of engine power and an low engine idle speed during high ambient temperatures. This may be caused by poor sealing of rotor chambers due to an accumulation of carbon on the rotor housing trocoid surface. This is caused by a lack of metering oil lubrication during engine start or insufficient ignition timing under high ambient temperature condition. A revised PCM calibration is available which increases metering oil lubrication amount during engine start. Ignition timing under high ambient temperature is recalibrated as well.

Customers who are currently experiencing a lack of engine power and low engine idle speed should have their vehicle repaired using the following repair procedure.

IMPORTANT:
^ BEFORE PERFORMING THE REPAIR PROCEDURE, ENSURE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEFORE PERFORMING THE REPAIR PROCEDURE, ENSURE THE FOLLOWING ITEMS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED:

- EMISSION RECALL 4206F

- MAZDA SPECIAL PROGRAM (MSP16) ENGINE LACK OF POWER

REPAIR PROCEDURE

There are many possible concerns which may cause lack of power symptoms. The focus of this Service Bulletin is assisting diagnosis of concerns related to the Rotary Engine internal components. While it is impractical to list all possible causes in this Service Bulletin, please inspect the following common concerns which may cause lack of power symptoms before proceeding to "Engine Inspection".

^ CATALYTIC CONVERTER - Restriction of the exhaust system due to catalyst failure may cause lack of power symptoms. Check MODE 6 ON BOARD TEST RESULTS and verify catalyst efficiency is within specification.

^ IGNITION COILS - Non-functioning ignition coils may cause lack of power symptoms. Inspect ignition coils using Service Bulletin 01-016/07 "IGNITION COIL INSPECTION". Replace non-functioning ignition coils and test drive the vehicle to confirm lack of power symptom has been repaired.





Is the measured test result "VALUE" number MORE or LESS than 4.60:1?

- LESS THAN 4.60:1 - Catalytic converter OK, replacement is NOT necessary.

- MORE THAN 4.60:1 - Catalytic converter failed, replace catalytic converter and check exhaust system for restriction by broken material. Test drive the vehicle to confirm lack of power symptom has been repaired.

^ SECONDARY SHUTTER VALVE (SSV) - Lack of power may be caused by a stuck-closed Secondary Shutter Valve (SSV). This condition prevents intake airflow into the engine during mid and high RPM. Confirm the SSV moves freely and is not stuck in the closed position. The vehicle may also have P2070 (SSV stuck open) stored in PCM memory. Review Electronic Service Information for the latest Service Bulletins and / or consult workshop manual for current repair procedures.

Lack of power symptoms typically occur during hot ambient temperature conditions. Please perform the following engine diagnostics tests when the customer has a current lack of power complaint and / or during hot ambient temperatures for accurate results AFTER inspecting the above listed components.

- A - CARBON REMOVAL PROCEDURE

- B - TEST DRIVE

- C - ENGINE VACUUM VOLTAGE TEST

NOTE:
Procedure C - ENGINE VACUUM VOLTAGE TEST will only be performed if instructed to in B - TEST DRIVE.





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