Mazda rx8 has been lying in the garage for over a year. The oil cap was missing off the top, and very little oil in it, but OK. Battery was dead, so I replaced it. The steering is really stiff and I can not turn around corners. What is wrong with the steering?

The RX 8 engine burns oil pretty bad. Majority of time the oil light coming on is due to the oil level being just a little low. When the engine is cold check the oil level if its full then is another issue but if a little low just add a little oil at a time till full then light should stay off.

Since the car is automatic, it becomes quite difficult to shift gears with a dead battery. Plus, if parked in a garage, there is no room to jump start the car by using another vehicle. If you face such a dilemma, do the following:
1. The gear or shifter has a cap on its bottom - you have to wedge it open (it can possibly break)
2. Now you will see a small hole, put a screwdriver or any slim object in it, and press and hold the button within
3. You will hear a click-now the gearbox has been unlocked
4. Shift to neutral
5. If the shifter cap has broken, get a new one from the aftermarket.

NEVER take a vehicle to the dealership for repairs , unless it is FREE waranty work.
Sounds like this particular garage are a bunch of thieve's , however , if the car won't start because the entire engine is destroyed................ I am guessing that the problem runs a little deeper than a dead battery.

I had the same problem last year with my rx8, I smelt gas inside the cabin, and every time I parked in the garage it would smell strongly of gas. I tried injector cleaner and everything, but nothing helped. About 4 months after i started to notice the smell, one of my fuel injectors blew, I believe the small was coming from the crack in it, I would suggest you get you injectors checked, After the blow, I got it fixed, they rebuilt the injector for about $300 cad. and it runs great now,

Hoped this helps

2004 mazda rx8 burning oil every 1500mile is normal? i never used a car that burns oil. do i just add oil in the eng and it will b ok?.

Check for loose clamps on the fuel lines leading out of the fuel tank. Don't be afraid to stick your hands where you can't see. You might be able to find a leak. Or your fuel tank is releasing pressure from the gas cap.

Replace the Positive Battery Cable end. Pay attention to the white wire that has an inline fuse that connects to the battery cable end. My Rx8 was doing the same thing. I replaced the battery cable end and have had no problems since.

does it have the right grade of oil in the pump ,has or it have been topped up with the wrong grade oil??if anything i would say the pump??

Check to see if you are getting fuel to the engine.If not replace the pump relay.Then change the pump if still not working.Check for spark at the wires if you have no spark then change the crank sansor.If still no spark then change the coil pack.

you dont have heads on this motor,its a rotary engine the water seals on the engine are gone,sorry you need to rebeuild or just put a sealer it may help for a few months