2004 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 dashboard

5-26
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Vehicles with optional temporary spare
tire
If you have bought the optional temporary
spare tire, replace the punctured tire with
the temporary spare tire . Refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions.
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

System Error Activation
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in the
following cases:
•When there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
•When a metallic device such as a non-
genuine navigation system is equipped
near the center of the dashboard, which
may block radio signals from the tire
pressure sensor to the receiver unit.
•When using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.
A digital device such as a personal
computer.
A current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.
•When excess snow or ice adheres to the
vehicle, especially around the wheels.
•When the tire pressure sensor batteries
are exhausted.
•When using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
•When using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls.
•When using tire chains Do not use non-genuine tire sealant. It
may damage the tire pressure sensor.
NOTE
A tire pressure sensor is not installed
to the temporary spare tire. The
warning light will flash continuously
while the temporary spare tire is being
used.
CAUTION
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 26 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

5-29
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the dashboard gauges illuminate.
1 Speedometer ..............................................................................................................5-30
2 Speed Unit Selector ...................................................................................................5-30
3 Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector .........................................................5-30
4 Tachometer ................................................................................................................5-31
5 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge......................................................................... 5-32
6 Fuel Gauge.................................................................................................................5-33
7 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge........................................................................................5-33
Meters and Gauges
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 29 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Dashboard Illumination
Rotate the thumb wheel to adjust the
brightness of the instrument cluster and
other illuminations in the dashboard.
Canceling the illumination dimmer
When the headlight switch is in the or
position, the illumination of the
instrument cluster and the information
display dims (the instrument cluster
illumination color turns to red).
When driving on snowy or foggy roads, or
in other situations when the instrument
cluster or information display’s visibility
is reduced due to glare from surrounding
brightness, cancel the illumination
dimmer and increase the illumination
intensity.To cancel the illumination dimmer, rotate
the thumb wheel upward fully. You may
hear a click sound and the illumination
dimmer will be canceled (instrument
cluster illumination color turns to white).
NOTE
•The brightness of dashboard
illuminations (except instrument
cluster) can be adjusted when the
headlight switch is in the or
position.
•The brightness of the instrument
cluster illumination can be adjusted
when the headlight switch is in any
position.
Bright
Dim
NOTE
If the dashboard illumination switch is
kept at the illumination dimmer cancel
position, the instrument cluster and the
information display will not dim when
the headlight switch is turned to the
or position again.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 34 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

5-50
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Turn Signal
Move the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.
If the indicator light continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to
its original position.
Green indicators on the dashboard show
which signal is working.
Lane-change signals
Move the lever slightly toward the
direction of the change —until the
indicator flashes— and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.Use this switch to turn on the fog lights.
They help you to see as well as to be seen.
To turn the front fog lights on, rotate the
fog light switch to the position.
The headlight switch must be in the
position to turn on the front fog lights.
To turn them off, rotate the fog light
switch to the or OFF position or turn
the headlight switch to the OFF position.
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, the
turn signal bulb may be burned out.
Right turn
Left turn Right lane
change
Left lane
changeOFF
Fog Lights*
NOTE
The fog lights will turn off when the
headlights are set at high beam.
Fog light switch
*Some models.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 50 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

6-4
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Selecting the Airflow Mode
Dashboard and Floor Vents Defroster Vents
Floor Vents Dashboard Vents Defroster and Floor Vents
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6-34
Interior Comfort
Au di o S ys t em
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Adjusting the Volume
To increase the volume, press volume
button ( ).
To decrease the volume, press volume
button ( ).

Changing the Source
Press the mode switch ( ) to change
the audio source (FM1 radio>FM2
radio>AM radio>Cassette tape player or
MD player>CD player or CD
changer>cyclical).
Audio Control Switch
Operation
NOTE
Mazda installed this system to help
you avoid being too distracted using
audio controls on the dashboard.
Always make safe driving your first
priority.
NOTE
Cassette tape, MD, CD and CD
changer modes cannot be selected in
the following cases:
•A cassette deck, MD, CD, or CD
changer are not equipped on the
audio system.
•A cassette tape, MD or CD have not
been inserted.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 34 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

8-44
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.

Dashboard Precautions
Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume
and cosmetic oils from contacting the
dashboard. They’ll damage and discolor
it. If these solutions get on the dashboard,
wipe them off immediately.

Cleaning the Upholstery and
Interior Trim
Vinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl
cleaner.
Leather*
Real leather isn’t uniform and may have
scars, scratches, and wrinkles. Clean it
with a leather cleaner or mild soap.
If the leather gets wet from rain, remove
the moisture as soon as possible and dry
in a shaded area.
If the seats get wet, promptly remove
moisture with a dry cloth and allow it to
further dry in a shaded area.
If moisture is not removed, it will cause
hardening and shrinkage of the leather.
Do not leave vinyl products on the seats
for long periods as they may affect the
leather quality and coloring.
NOTE
•Don’t use a wire brush or any
abrasive cleaner, polishing
compound, or solvent on aluminum
wheels. They may damage the
coating.
•Only use a mild soap or neutral
detergent and always use a sponge
or soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean
the wheels after driving on dusty or
salted roads. This helps prevent
corrosion.
•Avoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.
•If your aluminum wheels lose
luster, wax the wheels.
Interior Care
Do not use glazing agents.
Glazing agents contain ingredients
which may cause discoloration,
wrinkling, cracks and peeling.
CAUTION
*Some models.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 44 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

10-2
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Identification Numbers

Vehicle Identification Number
The vehicle identification number legally
identifies your vehicle. The number is on
a plate attached to the left top side of the
dashboard. This plate can easily be seen
through the windshield.

Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
Label
Chassis Number

Vehicle Emission Control
Information Label

Tire Pressure Label
Vehicle Information Labels
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 2 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM