I am wondering if old spark plugs can keep a car from starting. My RX8 hasn't been started in 5 weeks, thanks to my roomate forgetting to do so for me while I was away on a work trip. It has rained A LOT here while I was away, and I suppose that could have some effect. Does anyone have any ideas? The car turns over, so i know the battery is just fine. It just wont start. Old gas? is there an additive I can get perhaps? Thanks

 

You probably have a flooded engine. You can put the PCM in deflood mode by pressing gas pedal all the way to the floor and cranking over engine for 15 seconds. The PCM will not pulse injectors in this mode. Try that three times with a 30 second break between cranking to allow the starter to cool. Then try to start normally with gas pedal released. If it is too flooded the spark plugs will need to be removed and cleaned or replaced and engine deflooded. There are some updated spark plugs available with a higher heat range. Mazda part #N3Y9-18-110. If you are still under regular warranty then call roadside assistance and they will tow to your Mazda dealer free of charge. There are multiple updates that can be performed that will help to reduce or eliminate the flooding. Updated spark plugs. PCM recalibration, stronger battery. new starter that will crank engine over faster. Any or all of these updates can be done depending upon when your 8 was built and the parts and current calibrations installed.