Electrical, Battery & StartingQuestionCommunity Starter

2006 Mazda RX-8 — no crank with full dash power, then it starts later

TowDailyCommunity StarterApr 5, 20262006 Mazda RX-8 SportNew Jersey
2006 Mazda RX-8 Sport, about 114,000 miles. Twice I have had full lights and accessories but no crank. After waiting a few minutes it starts normally. Battery terminals look clean. What would you want to measure during the actual failure?
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11 replies

TowDailyCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 5, 2026permalink
OP update: scanned the 2006 Mazda RX-8 again and still only have the one pending code, no new lights. If this is nothing, great. I want that in data.
LongMilesCamper654Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 5, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2006 Mazda RX-8 does it — then decide on parts. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. That's the whole play. That's my plan before I call anyone.
EVMechanicishCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 6, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2006 Mazda RX-8, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “8 — no crank with full dash,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
ProjectNomad264Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 6, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Move a coil or plug on the 2006 Mazda RX-8 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Save the big job until that test fails. Time, temperature, and whether it's in gear are the notes that actually help a shop. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
ManualDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 6, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Two 2006 Mazda RX-8s can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Did the worksheet show tax yet? Not interested in a five-hour wait for a shrug.
LongMilesCamper654Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 6, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2006 Mazda RX-8, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “8 — no crank with full dash,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the whole play. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
ProjectGeekCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 6, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2006 Mazda RX-8, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. If that fails I'll eat the diagnostic fee.
RoadBuilder189Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 6, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Capture voltage while the 2006 Mazda RX-8 is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Stop there until you know. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
LongMilesCamper654Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 6, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, a pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2006 Mazda RX-8 is losing coolant with no puddle. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Do that first. I'd rather be boring and correct. Checking again after work.
ShopHauler710Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 7, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2006 Mazda RX-8 and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. No need to make it theatrical. Make the next action something you can finish this week. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
TowDailyCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 7, 2026permalink
It did 8 — no crank with full dash twice this week, both times after sitting. No change in mileage feel. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
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