So, I just started getting into my 1987 rx-7 n/a that my step-bro gave me. I don't know anything about rotaries so I'm gonna need some help.

Problem 1: Engine won't start unless I jump it with cables and right after I take it off it would still run but when I turn off the car, it won't turn back on. Also, the light would eventually die out and the alarm on it resets and gets weaker and weaker.

Problem 2: The engine idles at 1.5k rpm....don't know whats up with that.

Problem 3: I noticed my headlights are powered by a wire that connects to my battery, I noticed many cars didn't have that.

Thats all I can think of right now but yeah, if ya dont get what im talkin bout just tell me Ill get some pics or try to.

 

that wire running from the batt to the headlights is prob wuts causing the batt to drain. dissconnect that and see if its the problem...

 

A high idle is a not-so-uncommon problem found; I'm dealing with it myself. It's covered in the FAQ, which is stickied.

 

just tried that, erm...i turned the ignition and it made some crackin noises. WUT COULD IT BE!

 

Does it happen to have an aftermarket stereo and if so, was it installed right? I had a stereo installed a longtime ago into one of my vehicles, it shorted out the whole system and leeched it to death. It mysteriously never recovered after that no matter what i fixed

 

i got a aftermarket stereo but it works, i just recently dced it but its so confusin. i dont know wuts what in this car.

 

lets say this was the problem, wut would be able to fix this?

 

I never actually figured it out man, to be honest I wouldn't really lean on that being what the problem was. I think in my case part of the problem is the fuse that goes to the stereo kept blowing, so the dummy that installed it without telling me, cut the fuse section out of the wire harness and hardwired it to the line for the cigarette lighter, so figuratively it gets all the power it needs. I think your case is probably different than my scenario although it was just an idea incase that is what happened to you

 

It's an engine like any other. Very few problems discussed here are rotary specific.

Sounds like a bad battery, caused by a bad alternator. Could also be a parasitic draw of power after the car is switched off.

Stuck or disabled cold start thermowax and cam.

Sounds like someone hacked the wiring due to a burned out headlight switch (or harness). Both these are common problems. Remove the wiring, and then inspect the switch and look for burned contacts where it plugs into the harnes.

 

What could be causing this parasitic draw of power after the car is switched off?

 

Could be anything such as a crappily installed aftermarket alarm or stereo, minor short in the wiring, bad alternator, etc.

The way to test for this is to fully charge the battery and then turn everything in the car off. Close both doors, keep the engine off. Disconnect the + wire from the battery and connect an ammeter in series. If you read more then 50mA or so, the you have a leak...Try to isolate it by pulling fuses in the fuse panel until it goes away. Whichever circuit is running off of the fuse that stops the draw, that's the circuit that needs to be checked.

It's also very common for a bad alternator to drag down the battery after the car is shut off.

 

I'll try to look into these things right now. Thanks.

 

^ +1

Also, more on the battery. If it's not holding a charge - this could also be just from age if it's old enough or the car wasn't driven frequently - do the following.

1. Charge the battery fully, until it reads at least 12.6V.
2.a) Make sure your (-) post is disconnected from the car and leave off for a day, then reconnect and go to step 3.
or
2.b) Turn on the headlights for 5 min.
3. Start the car. If it's completely weak, the battery will need to be replaced because it won't hold a charge, but fix the problem first.

Oh, and check cables and connections also. More stuff comes to mind - a lot of parts places/chains will test your battery, alternator, and starter.

The high idle could even be just a vaccum leak, loose/missing/damaged/switched vacuum hose, other than what's mentioned above.

** Pictures of the wire and anything connected in between**

 

That idle problem happens to me but then gous to normal after it warms up.

 

JW what is this part in the under the hood to the left?

 

Boost sensor.

 

You can download a copy of the Factory Service Manual from this forum. It's location is in the FAQ thread. It has...pictures.