Starting a Mazda RX-8 with a flooded engine
Mazda RX-8
I knew it was a mistake, but I was in a hurry!
I’ve only had this happen once before and, as then, I couldn’t get the engine restarted using the manufacturer’s technique of fully depressing the throttle (should cut the fuel), cranking the engine for 10 seconds (should clear the flood) and then cranking as normal. Having tried this a couple of times, I soon ran the battery flat and so had to recharge it overnight.
Next day, I tried the tips from this excellent blog post. It describes how to unplug the air pump and remove the fuel pump fuse to assist with starting. I tried this but again failed, mainly due to lack of charge in the battery even though it was fully recharged. The same technique was used by the RAC chap who got me going the first time this happened – it took him about 20 minutes and of course he had access to a much better power source on his van.
Now out of options, I called the AA. The chap they sent out took a rather different approach which I’ll attempt to describe here in case anyone would like to try it:
RX-8 fuel pump cover under seat
RX-8 fuel pump cover without screws
Underneath RX-8 fuel pump cover
4. If possible, connect an additional power source to the battery (another battery or another car via jump leads).
5. Position yourself in the driver’s seat with your left hand stretched behind you (assuming you have a right-hand drive vehicle) ready to connect/disconnect the fuel pump. Keep it in the disconnected position.
6. Apply around 1/3 throttle on the accelerator pedal. Use your right hand to turn the ignition key.
7. The engine will turn but not start. After around 10 seconds, connect the fuel pump for a few seconds then disconnect.
8. You may need to repeat this a few times. Don’t crank for more than about 30 seconds at a time though to save your starter motor!
9. After a few tries, hopefully you’ll hear the engine getting close to starting. The point of connecting and disconnecting is that you are trying to clear the engine and then reconnect at just the right time to get the fuel pumping again (see Andy’s comment, 8 below).
The AA chap said that using this technique he can usually get RX-8s restarted in around half the time it takes using the fuse removal, etc. Apparently he learnt this from a chance conversation with an engineer from Mazda. I suspect it’s the sort of thing you need to try a few times to get it right, but it certainly seems to offer more control over the process as you can access and change all inputs at the same time (fuel pump, throttle and ignition).
Let me know if you try it. As always though, it’s at your own risk – I don’t want any repair bills for a knackered fuel pump or catalytic converter 
If you leave a comment below, it would be great if you could add which country you are in, there are quite a few here already!
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136 Responses to “Starting a Mazda RX-8 with a flooded engine”
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Thanks a million for sharing that. Like you I’d been in a hurry, moved the car and switched off the engine. The annoying thing was that the first time it happened (a couple of years ago) the AA man came round and fiddled around in the back of the car but I couldn’t remember what he’d done. I’d tried all the fuse cutting, cranking, throttling etc. but no joy. As soon as I saw your article it all came back to me. I followed your instructions (definitely needed the jump leads) and it started at the second attempt. Brilliant. Looks like the AA must have passed the tip around! Cheers.
Thanks for that Al, glad it helped you get up and running again!
Bro, THANK YOU SO DAMN MUCH!!!!!! This trick saved me a 500 dollar bill from my local mazda dealership! Cheers!
Cheers mate, I’m having massive problems with my 2004 RX8 flooding over winter – Didn’t drive it for a month, then when I came to start it the battery was knackered.
Now been through loads of things on RX8Club.com starting with the simple foot to the floor, progressing to removing the plugs, removing the fuel pump fuse, cranking like crazy… allsorts!
This is the next thing I’m going to try – though I’m just worried I’ll re-flood it again by reconnecting the fuel pump.
Hi Karl. Should be OK if you’re careful when reconnecting the pump. The beauty of this method is that if you sense it’s not going well, you can instantly disconnect it.
Just got it started – I didn’t have to use this method in the end, but I reckon it would have been a LOT quicker – it’s taken me 3 days of de-flooding, re-flooding, tears, tantrums, and hope, but it finally sprung to life.
Here’s the video I hastily made when it sprung to life: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIdK3nyMSow
Great, well done for getting it going again! I like the video, that’s just how mine was too – loads of blue/grey exhaust
just followed this guide and BINGO! the trick is to turn with it disconnected until you get a splutter (i think it was 2-3 tries) then leave it connected and turn as normal. thanks to the OP.
Thanks for the further tips Andy – glad it worked well for you!
Thank you very much. I couldn’t be happier right now. This was my second flood and this one was a whole hell of alot harder than the first. But with your tip I got her started up. Ok back to dancing for joy.
Glad this post has helped out a couple of fellow rotary drivers over in the USA so far. It’s great hear all the feedback so please do comment and let me know if you’re UK or non-UK too.
Many thanks. Used your method and needed about 6-10 bursts of 10 seconds without fuel before engine caught. Really weird to have it run for 2-3 secs with no fuel. Had to have 2 or 3 complete cycles doing this before got engine started with fuel on – need to keep starter cranking until revs get above about 1500.
I think it works the same as taking out the fuse – just quicker once you’ve got access to the pump. The electrical connector has a top-hinged flap facing the door which interlocks with the body – it takes quite a bit of force to depress this and get the connector off.
Did anybody mention the smell – it’s terrible!
Thanks for the extra details John! Yes I remember the smell now you mention it
For the second time in five years this happened to our RX8, however the fix was different than above.
Couldn’t get it to start – no way, nada. Whirred but wouldn’t fire. Couldn’t hear the petrol pump prime and every crank I could hear the smell of money leaving our account at the thought of repair costs.
The car sits nose up on our drive which is slightly on an incline. So, the petrol gauge reading 1/4 full I added, from a petrol can, more petrol. Still whirring but no starting.
Next came the blue fuse method – nada. In the same fuse box within the engine bay and in the same area as the blue fuse, you’ll find the diagram for the breakers. One of them, a 20, is set aside for the pump. I took that out, clean the contacts with my shirt and replaced. Result? Car started, no smoke just purred like normal.
In reality this was likely a lack of fuel and the meter being fooled given the incline of our drive. Cranking before all this sounded very much like a flooding issue but wasn’t.
Thanks Paul, another situation to look out for.
Tried this method but still no joy. disconneted the fuel pump and it start edbut would’nt keep going. should i be reconnecting the fuel pump at this stage and trying to restart?
James, sounds like you need to reconnect when you get it going.
My dad flooded my 04 rx8 while i was on holidays, ill give this method a go tomorrow when the jet lag wears off
thnx
well man thanx for the tip it realty worked ty!!
I have nothing but the highest praise for this technique! I flooded my RX, tried throttle to the floor, nothing, pulled the fuel pump fuse, nothing, took the plugs out, cleaned and dried, span the engine over with them out, replaced them, nothing. Finally, disconnected fuel pump as above, span it over a few times, reconnected pump, started first time! Superb! Holding the throttle at about 1/3 open seems to be the trick when going for the restart.
Thanks Tony, great to hear that feedback from you. I notice you’re from New Zealand, great country and I remember rotary engines are popular there.
Tanks man ur technic saved me lots of money
Thanks!
Before trying this method I tried both the method outlined in the owners manual and pulling the fuel pump fuse. Didn’t get anywhere with either method. I had the car hooked up to a battery charger with a 275amp engine start mode so battery power wasn’t the problem. just couldn’t get it to fire up.
Removing the rear seat took a lot more effort that I expected. I was afraid i was going to break something. Once I did get the seat out it took me about an hour to get the car started. However, I let it sit for 5-10 minutes between attempts.
The guys at the local dealership told me that if I am going to shut off the car before it has warmed up that I need to rev it up and turn it off with the engine turning 6K+ RPMs.
YMMV
Great to hear from you John, and thanks for the extra information.
Thank you thank you! it works!!!
My car flooded yesterday. Pulled out of an up hill junction, engine bogged down when cold. FLOODED – WON’T START. Towed back to house.
Will try this method when I get home & let you know.
Cheers GP
Thanks so much for all this info. I have a 2004 RX* beauty. She has flooded 3 times since I have owned her (4/2009 @ 55,000 miles) and has had the coils and plugs replaced by dealer twice. I also had $800 worth of some new replacement valve in Jan 2011. She has 116,000 miles on her now and I am once again finding her not starting. She sat for about a week without being driven. I tried to jump her started at first thinking it was the battery from sitting. No luck. I then tried the de-flood technique involving disconnecting the air pump, and fuel pump fuse, cranking 4s, idle 2 sec-a full minute cycle followed by the same again. Then fuse back in and hope for a start. After 3 failed attempts and a weakened battery, I replaced the battery and still no luck this morning. I have know went out to yank up my backseat to find fuel pump and when I get someone to come hook up some jumper cables for battery power, I am hoping your technique works like a charm. I love my car, but the unreliability is hard on the wallet and my stress levels. Wish me luck please!!
Hi pyschedshell, thanks for your comment. Good luck, and let us know how you get on!
I have just tried this way of starting a severely flooded rx8,and it worked,everything else I tried did not work and I also fitted a new set of plugs at £120 for 4,luckily the car is not mine but a friends
Hi Mark, thanks for the comment. Glad you could get your friend up and running again.
Thanks for this, helped me get over my PANIC of a non starter after moving it from the drive to a parking bay after I had cleaned it. 20 seconds of driving, and a day of PAIN. The procedure worked without issue, but I think the starter smoked for a little while and I think there is a noise coming from the exhaust, which maybe the cat? Also, I see people have invested in these NGK Laser Irdidium plugs, is it worth the mega money? Found them for ab out £80 + vat
Great to hear that, Malc. Interesting tip about the plugs.
My 2005 RX8 has been sitting for 2 weeks now due to flooding. I tried the accelerator to the floor method in the user manual, didn’t work. Tried the method from the Mazda Technical Service Bulletin of removing plugs, air pump regulator connector, fuel pump fuse and disconnected the fuel pump connector, I cranked it for couple days, left it sitting to dry out for nearly 3 days cranking it occasionally and that didn’t work either. I’ve tried the washer fluid into the service ports trick, that didn’t work at all. The plugs were an hour old when I flooded the car and I get spark to the plugs when I checked them after the flooding. I have no idea how to get my 8 started and I’m way past the point of shelling out cash to the worthless evil Mazda dealership. Guess I’ll give this a try tonight, put the charger on the battery when I get home and I’m gonna crank the piss out of her till she starts or blows the frick up. I’m over it lol
Good luck, Joe!
I leave my car last night -20degree outside morning dont start what should i do is this help me soling my prob.
Hi, great to hear from you over there in Mongolia! -20 is pretty cold, perhaps you could use an engine warmer and check the battery before using this technique.
Worked like a charm! I dried cranked it with the fuel pump off for about 6 to 10 times 10 secs each. Lots of exhaust smoke. Once it cleared and I thought I burnt out everything in the engine, I cranked it dry for 3 secs and then hooked up the fuel pump until the engine caught. Took a couple tries but it spun up, thanks!
Great, glad to hear that Matt!
Cheers, been pulling my hair out trying to start my RX8 for days. Fuel pump fuse in and then out, jump starting, booster packs. Nightmare.
Then came arcoss this blog and hey presto, running again within minutes. Just as compression starts back on with the plug and wuh hey shes running.
Love you man !
Thanks Mark, that’s great to hear.
Sitting in my rx-8 now in the outer Hebrides Scotland. Not a Mazda garage on the islands, I’m flooded after my battery went flat, blowing a gale and pitch black just now. So will try this tomorrow. I have taken the fuse out but no compression yet….
Great page Spinage!!
I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you! Let us know how it goes.
Used this method when my sons RX8 which he had moved off the driveway then turned off, failed to start a few hours later. Tried the Mazda recommended system with the accelerator pedal settings but probably this method may need some considerable time like the above system we eventually used. It worked and after a good half hour of trying we eventually got the engine started and running normally. Whether the persistence with the accelerator settings would also work will only be decided if someone tries. However, it is essential to have another vehicle with jump leads because it is doubtful the RX8 will have enough battery life for the amount of time required. Did find the Traction control system was flashing after all this and would not reset, but no doubt that will be a small problem to resolve later.
Further to my previous post #43. Traction control appears to have reset itself without any further involvement. Also, car now appears to be running slightly better than it was before. Almost like a decoke has cleared the system. Strange but not complaining.
Worked like a treat, although after re connecting the fuel pump, i reverted back to the owners manual advice of fully depressing the gas pedal to start up to stop from re flooding.
Instructions are fab even me, a girl, can do this….
Thanks Spinage.
Hayley (UK)
Thanks Hayley!
Perfect, Thanks for this!
do you crank the engine when you connect or do you connect the fuel pump and dont turn the engine on, if so whats the purpose of that… thanks
Fabian, see comments from Matt and Tony. Hope it works for you!
This works perfect use the Andy tip am chuffed to bits it has saved the costs from the dealers who told me they have there own quick way of doing it but wouldn’t tell me
Thanks Colin, great to hear that it worked for you!
I too have had flooding problems, twice now! Wish I had found this blog sooner as it would have saved me quite a few £s this time I tried the method of disconnecting fuel pump from under the rear seat, worked a treat.
Thank you.
Trevor.
hi,i ran my RX8 out of feul but was not aware of this and she had been stood fot over a week without bein started and when i came to startin her up she would not start and i can hear the feul pump startin up but she is not turnin over properly and it is like there is no feul gettin to her and now my battery is very low,i had heard about some kind of feul sock in with the feul pump,could this be the problem and it just needs cleanin ??? thanks
I left my RX 8 on the drive for a week while I was on holiday. On the morning that I left I moved the car further down the drive so that my daughter would be able to put the bins out for collection, it was about 04:30; so I was reluctant to leave it running to allow it to get up to temperature as it would upset the neighbours.
Returned from holiday a week later and the RX 8 wouldn’t start. This is the first time that I’ve had any trouble with the car in the 12 months that I’ve owned it.
I tried everything to no avail. I came across this posting and gave it a try and after about 8 attempts it worked.
I had originally run the battery flat so during the rest of my attempts the RX 8 was hooked up to my Mazda 6 with jump leads.
Thank you for sharing this advice.
Great to hear, Dave. Pain when that happens but glad you got going again!
hi guys ,, thanks greatly. came across all this whilst waiting for my mate to come and tow me,, so cancelled him and did this and car now running ,, took an hour ish and a hose pipe on the starter motor as i believe the smoke means help me im hot ,,, not long had an RX so not yet used to all the quirks like dont just shuffle cars round on the drive as next time the RX wont start ..
cheers Ralph
Really glad I found this blog.
I had the same flooding issue after reversing the car up the drive before going away on holiday. When we returned and encountered the non-starting/flooding problem, so I replaced the battery (last service a couple of months ago had advised it was getting low).
Still no joy.
I had noticed on other forums about removing the fuel pump fuse, but then I came upon this thread and thought it seemed like an easier option.
Once I had gingerly removed the seat cushion (wasn’t too sure how it came away, but you just give a firm upwards tug at the front of the cushion) and then followed the instructions.
At first, after several attempts it just turned over, as per previously attemped flooded starts, but then it fired-up before cutting out again.
I persevered with the instructions and sure enough she then fired-up.
The whole process took me about 30 minutes, but has certainly saved me a lot of grief(and money) in getting the local dealership involved. They had quoted approx. £150 to recover the car and undertake a de-flood, so thank you very much for this excellent solution to this issue.
I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this solution to other RX-8 owners who encounter this problem.
Cheers,
Ken.
Thanks Ken. Great to hear it worked and thanks for the extra info (post updated).
Hey thanks for this, as we stay just out of city limits couldn’t get anyone to come look at it. Been trying to get our RX8 going for 3 weeks now. Kind of last resort really. Gave it a shot, nek minnit, life roared back into our wheels. Redemption!!. It did take a wee while and a lot of faith. But it does work and this kiwi at the bottom of the world gets to fly again. Many thanks.
Thanks Clint, glad you got going again!
A big thank you for this. I recently fitted an uprated starter to my RX8, which works so well, that I had become complacent with starting and stopping the car. I foolishly drove it a few yards, stopped it and went on holiday. Came back and realised (when the car failed to start), with a sense of dread what I had done.
I followed your guide, but couldn’t quite get the plug back in the fuel pump to make it fire. After recharging the battery, lol, I turned the engine over 4 or 5 times (without trying to reconnect the fuel pump), then reconnected it and tried to start as normal and it fired up instantly.
Again, thank you.
GREAT !!
Tried the fuse method, after an hour looked up the net & found this.
10 minutes & she goes !!
Thanks
hi going to try this method today after three days using the other methods and draining my battery 3 times. borrowed a large lesure battery hope it works if all else fails gallon of fuel and a match lol.
Let us know how you get on Dan. Hopefully you won’t need such drastic action!
Brilliant, worked like a charm on my R3 edition. Took 10 mins, 8 turns disconnected, 1/3 open, reconnect, fired up 1st time. No need for a 2nd car, battery was strong enough on its own.
I so wish I’d known this when my previous RX8 flooded instead of having the AA out (TWICE!)
Thankyou very much
hi all i have to say is a maz ing started first time smoked like hell stank out my garage but most important i have a smile on my face again many thanks you are a legend
Genius. Thanks a lot for this tip. My 2005 RX8 flooded for 2nd time ever. Usual story, had backed it out after not driving it for about a week. First flooding time about 4yrs ago, I called for assistance as I had no idea – they did the fuse method which worked after about 20 tries.
This time however, I tried that already and with dwindling battery power, I called the roadside assistance in and the fuse method still did not work. He was ready to give up, so I asked him to help me try this method (did some research while waiting for him) which he had never heard of – 2nd attempt – success. Really helped having a second person. Waited few seconds until heard the engine trying to start and replaced the connector. Almost worked. Tried again – success. So much quicker this method!
Thanks again. Will try prevention instead of cure from now on though!
In my RX8, the back passenger side seat has 2 clips you have to undo at the front of the seat, and it comes straight up. Then after unscrewing, there is a little plug connected to the metal plate, just have to push that through.
Thanks Mark for the extra details about the rear seat. Glad you got going again! Sounds like we taught the breakdown guy a new trick
Thanks spinage you are a superstar , after a few very patient days of trying and re-trying the mazda approach i was 2 minutes off calling the flat bed to pick up my VERY drunk little RX8 , then i saw your suggestion , tried it and after about 10 mins, off she goes,
absolutly by far the best suggestion yet to solve this problem,
if this problem happens again i will simply put a toggle swith under the dash, so no tools required….
thank you again LEGEND,
Shane
NSW Australia
Thanks Shane, and that’s a great idea to put a toggle switch somewhere more convenient!
Worked like a charm cheers. Tried the fuse method with little joy. Used this technique n got going in minutes!!
Awesome!!! Car been stood for nearly a year with a flooded engine!!! Took around 8 tries and another charge with a new battery & jumper car but got it going with this technique, many thanks, didnt think it would go but after running it at arount 4000rpm for around 20mins the engine sounded on song again….even with the old fuel in the tank!!!!
Hi Darren, glad you got it going after so long out of action!
Flooded my RX 8 on sunday, moving her to let the mother in law get out. (Prob need to get a slimmer mother in law). Tried the foot to the floor method, no good. Tried this method tonight (great simple to follow instructions) but although it started to sound like she was going to catch still no good. Battery back on charge and try again 2m.
Hope it works Ken!
Mate, thanks for this finally worked after about 20-30 minutes and saved me a few hundred pounds I’m sure. There is a knack to this and would def recommend
1. Resist the urge to reconnect the fuel pump too early (I think I reflooded it a couple of times). See post 37 about cranking it dry before reconnecting pump.
2. Get a supplementary power supply (another battery, jump leads to another car etc) when you do this as usually you’re going to need it.
Reset the Traction Control by following the manuals instructions, now all that’s left is the ‘Check Engine Light’ which stays on.
Any ideas anyone?
This post is the gift that keeps on giving!
After about half an hour of perseverance, pretty much following the initial instructions word for word, my poorly RX8 fired back into life.
Many many thanks
Stuart
Thanks Stuart, pleased to hear that!
I moved my car a few feet to move it from a 24 hour parking space and flooded it. IT won’t start i’ve tried everything. Now im sending my dad to go look at it and try your mehtod i hope it works.. hes not a fan of my car because he doesn’t know how to work on them. *fingers crossed thanks for the help!
Flooded my Shinka for the 2nd time this weekend. First time the dealership fixed it free (Years ago). Found this article and it worked great! Thanks for the easy step by step instructions for a guy who is admittedly terrible at anything related to car repairs.
Andy in Oregon
SOOOO glad I found this! It’s the third time I’ve flooded her, I should know better by now. The first time, I had her towed away and fixed at the dealership. The second time I managed to get her started using the instructions in the owner’s manual.
This time, she is well and truly flooded and nothing’s working. I followed your instructions (no mean feat for a girl who can barely locate the petrol cap!) but I’m not very tall and my arms/legs just aren’t quite long enough for me to do this on my own.
I’m now waiting for a friend to come round with jump leads and an extra pair of hands. Fingers crossed …
Thanks Gill, hope it works out!
Whoop, whoop! My baby has just coughed and spluttered back into action!! Spinage, you are now officially my new best friend.
Due to various time constraints, we weren’t able to try this until just now. Timing seemed to be the key for us, it took about 8 attempts but I think I was reconnecting the fuse too soon.
If you listen, you can ‘hear’ when it needs to be reconnected.
First couple of times the engine caught, it died again almost straight away, but the third time worked like a charm.
Neither OH nor I have any real clue about cars but we managed to get her going thanks to your wonderful instructions.
Many, many thanks.
Oh and we are in Cyprus BTW. Looks like you are turning into a world-wide hero!
Great tip am a mechanic of 30 years tried everything no go first try with your suggestion bingo
Robert Evans
Edinburgh
Thanks for the follow up comments Gill. I’m really pleased to have helped you all the way over in Cyprus!
Thanks Robert, great news!
last night i ressurected a rx8 that i have just bought of a chap at work. “so what ?” you ask. well…. how about the fact that it hasnt started in 3 years!! bearing in mind the fuel in the tank is three years old and the car has been sitting outside growing moss since 2009, i wasnt expecting it to work. but after 18 minutes it started. shocked doesnt begin to describe my reaction. SPinage, thank you!!
i still have to replace the rusty brakes and all the fluids and i’ll prob replace the coils/leads/plugs too but at least i know that my gamble paid off and it wasnt a lemon.
What a great story! Thanks Martin.
i have my rx-8 2004 and its been flooded for 6 days now, its been towed and in the repair shop now but they said it will cost so much price to pay and time to repair, so i decided to bring my rx back home, i hope this work
i tried the full accelerator and fuel pump puse method but ddnt work, im thinking of selling my rx because of this problem, but i hope this works and no other problem in the car, thanks!
Thank you so much. after 7 years I made the boob of moving the RX8 out of the drive and stopped her.
I bought a new battery and linked up jump leads, it took about 30 min, but it worked.
Mazda in Northern Ireland wanted £380 to do it, it cost me £78 for the battery and 30 min of time.
Thanks again.
Thanks Steve, interesting cost comparison too!
it works spinage !! life of my rx-8 ressurected, it only took maybe 20 minutes! thank you so much !
Excellent news Kei.
Worked like a charm mate! Excellent job! Saved me a ton of heartache!
Hello
With regard to removing the seat, does it make a difference if seat is leather?
Thanks
Alan
MALTA
Alan, leather seats are just the same (my seats were leather).
Thanks for that.
Away from home at the moment and will give it a try. Hope the 3 week delay won’t make things worse?
All the best.
Alan
Thank you for the information. After about 7 tries, and a good deal of exhuast fumes, it started. Thanks again.
SUCCESS!
Thanks for the tip.
I was having no joy with fuse removal procedure. It would catch a little but could not get it started.
I had it running within five minutes using this method. The secret is catching the initial firing and supplying fuel at the right time. The engine will crack faster when flodded and when it slows and sounds like it may catch reconnect the fuel pump. I had to disconnect and reconnect 3 times but it caught. Pressing the accelerator is very important it seems. Instead of depressing a 3rd of the way down I started with the pedal fully to the floor and bringing it up as it fired. I found it necessary to modulated the pedal in order to keep the engine running.
This method is easier than it sounds when reading and once you try it you soon get the hang of it. The seat bolster was very easy to remove for people with concerns. Just pull it up hard from the front edge.
Thanks again!
Thanks Paul, that’s really helpful extra detail.
Firstly thanks a million just got my rx8 restarted after i flooded it took a bit of effort but shes purring again only problem is engine management light is on is this because my battery died whilst trying to start? is it an easy fix thanks a lot!!!
Hi Robbie, I seem to recall that the engine light stays on until you’ve started then stopped the engine a few times. After that, it goes out if there is no longer a problem.
Hey guys. In the uk here .. i have runflat tyres on my baby and i drove a few yards last week n noticed one of the tyres had burst so i just reversed back into my driveway a left it … about a week later i went to take it down to get the tyre fixed and BOOOM nothing .. so i charged the battery … now im getting that sound that is on youtube that means the engine is flooded … tried the fuses method and all that .. well nonsense
.. ive not took the spark plugs out yet .. i think ill try this method first !!! im really worried ive totally fooked the car 
… ill give it a blast tomorrow then ill let you know !!! cheers in advance !!!!
sorry to be a pain mate but also … al lot of fourms say wait till it sounds like theres compression back … what does compression sound like lol?
and def the last thing … when i crank it with no fuse for fuel in .. theres no white smoke ??? should there be?
Thought I would post my experience of this issue…I had the RAC out to my flooded RX8 last night. The mechanic said that the procedure of starting the car with the accelerator pedal fully depressed has the same affect as disconnecting the fuel pump. He said he been dealing with rx8 floods for 6 years, he said you just need jump leads as battery will flatten pretty quickly otherwise.
He basically connected jump leads and turned the car over 10 seconds at a time with pedal depressed, he repeated this several times, resting the starter motor for a couple of minutes each time. Finally he cranked the car without pressing the pedal at all. Car spluttered but didn’t start. He just repeated above 3 times, each time engine sounding better, with more and more smoke coming from exhaust.
In my case it took about 20 minutes, but he said it can take much much longer. I showed him this blog, but he said effectively what he did was the same thing without the additional hassle. Cranking the engine on the starter motor WILL eventually unflood the cylinder – it just can take some time. He also mentioned some older rx8 had less powerful starter motors and that can have a bearing on how long it can take.
Hi Andrew, try looking through some of the comments here, there’s some really good extra tips. Hope it gets you going again!
Hi Mark. I’ve had that experience too, as you say it can take 20-30 minutes, which is often more than the battery can bear (unaided by a spare power source). This technique is often quicker therefore handy when you don’t have long
Like several of the above owners, my 05 RX-8 flooded due to my father-in-law starting it while we were on a family vacation and not properly shutting off. The last 3 days were stressful to decide what to do, as we live in rural Ohio and the closest dealership is 50 mi. After purchasing a new battery and trying the pedal-to-the-metal approach, I was close to throwing in the towel and calling for a tow. I decided to do a bit more searching, found the idea about the #22 fuel pump fuse removal, but repeated attempts didn’t pan out. Finally I stumbled across this crazy idea of a back seat fix. I initially thought it can’t be any better than the other methods, but after reading all the success stories, I had to give it a go. I stuck my wife in the back seat to control the fuel pump connection while I worked the ignition and gas pedal. I tried about 6-8 attempts with the pump disconnected, each about 10 seconds long and resting the starter 10-30 seconds between each try. Then we tried 3 seconds, connected it, and had some good sputtering noise. We followed the same approach another 2 times, and finally got it. From the time we got the access plate off, the it took 15-20 minutes until the engine turned over. It was great to hear that purr once again! I agree that a strong battery, a 2nd person, and depressing the gas pedal 1/3 to 1/2 are keys to success.
Anyone reading this blog and wondering if it works, I’m proof positive. Spinage, a huge thanks to you and for everyone else helping out your fellow RX8ers.
Thanks Brad, that’s a great story and hopefully the extra detail should help others too!
Started it in about 30 minutes!! Didn’t want to mess with the rear seat/fuel pump scenario, so I fabricated a jumper from the fuel pump fuse. Really simple and works like a charm. Gonna keep it in the car in case I need it again. Just remove the fuse and install the jumper. Then crank the car with the circuit open to stop the pump and get rid of the excess fuel. Rest the starter a bit, then try again while listening for signs of engine life. When you hear the engine firing, close the circuit very briefly and repeat until it improves. May have to stay on the starter a few seconds until the engine smooths out. Took a couple of tries but no big deal really. Enjoy!!
Thanks Jon, great idea to make a jumper that you can keep for future use.
Hi, I tried this method and got the car to initially fire up but it wouldnt catch properly and died. Couldnt get it restarted again so had to succumb to the dreaded Mazda garage. They took out and dried the plugs and then checked the coil packs and found 2 of them faulty along with 2 dodgy plugs guess there was little chance of starting it with those probs!!. Car had been for a service about 6000 miles ago and they hadnt found any issues, makes you think huh. Anyway, I’ve ordered a new coil pack which will be delivered tomorrow and hopefully they can get her started. Didnt buy the Chinese ones!! but was able to buy 4 for the price that Mazda wanted to charge me for 2, got them from RBMotorsport. Anybody tried the Volo VP12 chip upgrade yet?
I’ve never shut down my RX8 while cold due to it flooding the engine, but unfortunately I didn’t tell my dad this when he moved it off the drive while I was away. It’s pretty worrying when you come back and find it won’t start but this technique came to the rescue.
Just wanted to say thanks to the owner of this blog and other posters, this technique worked a treat and was realtively simple to do.
Thanks David!
You are literally my hero! My girlfriend’s Dad moved my car 10 metres and turned it off in the cold weather without leaving it to warm up. Went to start it the next day and got nothing but starter motor! Got myself some jump leads and put your technique into practice and with a big cloud of black smoke she spluttered into life… Took a fair few attempts but it all worked in the end so just keep at it. Good luck!!!
Thanks Jack, that’s great to hear!
Wicked, worked a treat, took about 20 mins but only coz the leads I was using were Kak, left the pump disconnected turned it 3 to 4 times for ten seconds each then connected the pump, turned it over again with NO throttle twice then half throttle 2 more times and it went, when it did I went to about 5000 rpm for 20 secs then left it to idle for a further 5 mins and then took it out for a good hammering, running sweet again, thanks a lot !
We had some building work done and I had my leg srapped up with torn ligaments so the builder moved my 2005 RX8 and lo and behold wouldn’t start a few days later (his ears must have been burning )After much cursing I came across this thread and gave it a go.To cut a long story short this worked a treat and I’m truely grateful.
Great to hear Andy – hope your leg is better too!
I hope this works. I was moving cars around on my drive because I needed to do some work on one of the others cars. Tried to start the 8 after I moved it but no go. Tried all but to no avail, will try yours after I charge the battery up.
Cheers…..U.K
Just read through all the success stories and was also put off initially by the description of the process despite being an engineer who used to change his big ends regularly (30 years ago mind)
Process is actually a doddle but watch for the sharp edges on the fuel pump cover – added a little blood to my sweat from the previous day!
Engine fired up immediately – didn’t have to wait at all. Probably helped by trickle charging battery overnight and having first day of sun in London for many months….
Great one Slipage!
This is a life saver. Flooded my wifes RX8 this morning moving it so I could get my car out. She was not a happy bunny
Get the jump leads out and persevere with this method it works !!
Thanks so much
Damo
The advise on here has really helped.. It took a bit of time to get going but after taking both the fuses out you could feel that my rx8 really wanted to start up again.. 3 more cranks and we were off… Honestly couldn’t of got my car going again with out the tips on here…. Cheers
Flooded the car for the third time, (first time coz i was stupid and second time by a mechanic who didnt know his rotary- cost over $6000 all up for a new starter motor and labour so very upset)
def shouldve known better but was in a rush to move the car out of the way for the brother to get his car out and go back to sleep.
I really didnt think this method would work after seeing no change in engine sound using the fuse in fuse out method, it was hopeless. but after reading how many successes there was on here i gave it a last ditch effort before calling mazda to tow it
pleasantly surprised to find that we got it purring within 15 mins! AMAZING! THANKYOU SO SO MUCH you saved me lots of money!
having a friend in the back helped alot, i recommend this to everyone! <3
You rock. This is the third time I stalled it after a short move. First time $300 or so for the dealership to drain it. Second time $1500 for drain and eventual plug/wire changes and maintenance. Third time was a Sunday so I had time to try this. 30 minutes later the car was purring like a kitten. Note that the check engine light may come on, but after a day and a few starts it cleared. Thank you from Milton, Ontario, Canada.
Wow. This was my 3rd time to flood my 2004 Rx8 – the first time cleared quickly with the pedal-to-the-metal trick, but the 2nd time happened away from home and resulted in the costly trip to the dealer, fresh plugs and a drained bank account. This time happened in my garage, and so I wasn’t about to call for a tow. Disabling the fuel pump wasn’t much help.
Since I’m in the US, the position to get the clutch down, the accelerator pressedr and the key turned was pretty awkward, but it worked after awhile. It’s straightforward, once you get the hang of it……
THANKS!!!!!!
Thanks Bruce, that’s interesting. I can imagine how it would be a more awkward stretch from the driver’s seat on the left rather than the right. Glad it still worked though!
Once I had the seat back, it wasn’t as painful as i had expected. I’m feeling pretty good today. But it would be much more difficult if that connector wasn’t within reach. Thanks again!
Just about to give up and list my rx8 on eBay as a non runner and stumbled upon this post and thought I’d give it a go.
Waited for the wife to come home with her car for the extra power from her battery, got seat out practiced removing plug and went for it! Took around 10mins and the rx8 spluttered into life like a swimmer having CPR after drowning in a pool. Gave it some gas then let it settle on tickover whilst the street filled with smoke.
Took her for a blast and couldn’t believe I did it! Awesome. Thanks for taking the time to write this info, so chuffed to have my car back on the road. Thanks a lot man.
Thanks Anthony, great story and pleased you’re up and running again!
Spinage, you’re amazing, thanks so much for this blog. Here’s what happened to me…
I moved to Northern Ireland back in November ’12 and I’d been here just 2 weeks when the Rexy died on me. I suspected the coil packs, as I’d had everything else done a few months earlier. Trouble was, I couldn’t afford the fix at the time. £350 for the coils and the leads was just too much as I was still looking for work.
So my beloved RX8 has been sitting on the drive for 6 months while I had to suffer using the Wife’s car. Recently I was finally able to get the kit I needed and did the work.
When my car was first recovered to a local garage they decided it would be a good idea to keep on turning the engine over with the fuel pump fuse removed. It didn’t start, obviously, and they advised me that she’d probably need a re-build. Anyway, I had no idea if they’d flooded it, or even done more damage.
After re-fitting new coils and leads I came to stat her up and – nothing.
Did a quick online search and found your blog here and followed the instructions and, after a lot of patient turning over – finally I hear the sweet sound of the Renesis once more.
At one point, towards the end, I was thinking ‘this is never going to work’ and that’s when it did.
If I could I’d buy you a good few beers, you deserve it. Thanks once again and I hope this blog will help many more people who, like me, were close to spending a bunch of cash on a mobile mechanic or giving up all together.
I love you Spinage!
Thanks Tim, what a great story and outcome. You’re most welcome!
Btw: as a post-script to my post above, I’d just like to add this:
If anyone suffers cat damage as a result of flooding I can highly recommend cats2u. They only do cats but their customer service is brilliant.
I bought one off them last year coz mine had the dreaded rattle and they sent me one out by courier. A couple of weeks after fitting the new one was rattling as well. I called them up and they sent out another one (more expensive type than the first) at no cost.
All they asked for was an emissions read-out to prove the cat was broken.
Hope this may be of help.
Flooded my 2005 RX8 – bad coils and carbon buildup requiring an engine rebuild (paid by Mazda under warranty) but now I have this terrible feeling that the thing isn’t going to start. Love the RX but the reliability issue is a drag. Does anyone know why this method works? By turning the engine dry for 10 seconds repeated several times, I understand that the engine spins out the accumulated fuel. But once the accumulated fuel is out, why doesn’t the engine start? Some of the posts suggest to reconnect the fuel pump when you “hear” the engine sputter – is this sputter the plugs (now drying) beginning to fire again? I understand that one of the reasons the rotary will not restart is loss of compression. What causes the loss of compression and how does the engine regain compression? Any insights?