Code for ABS and idiot lights fixed with a flush.

[twistedwankel]

The last couple events were pretty 3rd gearish so the brakes on the RX8 got pretty hot. Mid event the idiot lights for ABS and Traction Control locked on and wouldn't reset until I did the Hokey Pokey key on key off drive 5mph 150ft...do the Hokey Pokey....that's what it's all about. That was disturbing.

My mechanic thought it might be a wheel sensor (as did I). No it was an open circuit in the ABS motor stored in the ECU.

After only 3-4 years my stock DOT 3 brake fluid/clutch reservoir wet itself apparently. It is discoloured and due for a change based on appearance anyhow. One can actually see a line of clear water laying on top of the darker fluid if that is possible? Looks like it to me.

The solution for me is to (have Sean with special tool) flush all the traditional DOT 3 H20 with full synthetic DOT 4 as suggested by Mazda Medic Sean. This needs to include the slave cylinders for the clutch too with a common reservoir. My braking has been less than stellar when really pulling the car down from 3rd with less engine braking. Now that I have a clutch that is wicked sticky the car goes faster. I never used to get to 3rd gear other than an occasional Vette event of 55mph so never really had issues before. A relatively inexpensive fix and should solve the water issue in the brakes for a much longer time. Provided I don't linger.

I was impressed after 25k how clean my 4 spark plugs are. Purty. Will change them anyhow since I have a set sitting on my bench for years now and they will be the last titanium tipped ones I ever put into the car the little I drive it like I stole it. Good thing as they are expensive. Ouch. Maybe because they fire 3x each per revolution for each side of the triangle. Coils only last about 30k too for the same reason.

My front Koni bump stops are dust again after only 2 years or so. Oh well. It's a Mazda thing. Probably need stiffer springs or better quality stops? Or Bilsteins:)

There is always something to do even on a trailer queen that is beaten rather than stirred.