2004 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 fuel pressure

3-16
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Open or close a swing-out rear quarter
window by releasing the latch and moving
the window.

Opening a Window
Pull the latch inward and then push the
window outward.

Closing a Window
Pull the latch inward and then push it
backward until it snaps shut. Make sure
the window is securely closed.
Rear Quarter Windows
NOTE
When parked in public areas, it is best
to keep the rear quarter windows
closed for security.
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap
Fuel Spray:
Fuel spray is dangerous. Fuel can
burn skin and eyes and cause illness
when ingested. Fuel spray is released
when there is pressure in the fuel
tank and the fuel cap is removed too
quickly. When removing the fuel cap,
loosen the cap slightly and wait for
any hissing to stop. Then remove it.
Fuel Vapor:
Fuel vapor is dangerous. It could be
ignited by sparks or flames causing
serious burns and injuries. Before
refueling, stop the engine, and always
keep sparks and flames away from the
filler neck. Additionally, use of the
incorrect fuel filler cap or not using a
fuel filler cap may result in fuel leak,
which could result in serious burns or
death in an accident.
Always use only a genuine Mazda fuel
cap or an approved equivalent,
available at Authorized Mazda
Dealers. The wrong cap can result in a
serious malfunction of the fuel and
emission control systems. It may also
cause the check engine light in the
instrument cluster to illuminate.
WARNING
CAUTION
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4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
•Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
•Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
•If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way.•Are all doors closed and locked?
•Is the seat adjusted properly?
•Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
•Is everyone’s seat belt fastened?
•Do all the lights work?
•Check all gauges.
•Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
•Release the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch fluid, washer fluid, and other
fluid levels should be inspected daily,
weekly, or at refueling, depending on
the fluid. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
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5-24
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) monitors the pressure for each
tire.
If tire pressure is too low or too high in
one or more tires, the system will inform
the driver via the warning light in the
instrument panel and the warning beep.
The tire pressure sensors installed on each
wheel send tire pressure data by radio
signal to the receiver unit in the vehicle.
TPMS does not alleviate your need to
check the pressure and condition of all
four tires before you drive each day.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System*
Tire pressure sensors
•When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. You should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the
vehicle’s tire information placard.
Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability. Each tire,
including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and set
to the recommended inflation
pressure as specified in the vehicle
placard and owner’s manual.
•To avoid false readings, the system
samples for a little while before
indicating a problem. As a result it
will not instantaneously register a
rapid tire deflation or blow out.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CAUTION
*Some models.
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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
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5-33
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is in the tank. We recommend
keeping the tank over 1/4 full. When the
low fuel warning light illuminates or
when the needle is near E, refuel as soon
as possible.
37

Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Engine oil pressure is normal when the
engine oil pressure gauge needle points
halfway between L and H with the engine
running.
If the needle on the gauge doesn’t move
after starting the engine, follow steps 1
through 3.If the engine oil pressure gauge moves to
L (low) while you are driving, drive to the
side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Set the parking brake. Then follow
steps 1 through 3.
1. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-10). If it’s low,
add oil.
2. Start the engine.
3. If the needle still doesn’t move, have
your vehicle checked at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Low fuel warning lightDon’t run the engine if the oil pressure
is low. It could result in extensive
engine damage.
NOTE
The Mazda RX-8 requires regular
inspection of the engine oil level. The
compact, high performance RENESIS
rotary engine in your vehicle consumes
a small amount of engine oil due to its
structural design.
Although your vehicle is equipped
with an engine oil level warning light
and an engine oil pressure gauge, it is
best to keep the engine oil level in the
range between full and low by
checking the oil dipstick regularly.
Inspect the level when refueling.
CAUTION
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5-36
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Signal Warning/Indicator Lights Page
Low Fuel Warning Light 5-41
Seat Belt Warning Light 5-41
Door-Ajar Warning Light 5-41
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light 5-41
Automatic Transmission Warning Light 5-42
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light 5-42
Security Indicator Light 5-43
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light 5-43
Shift Position Indicator Light 5-44
TCS/DSC Indicator Light 5-44
DSC OFF Indicator Light 5-44
Cruise Main Indicator Light 5-45
Cruise Set Indicator Light 5-45
Light-On Indicator Light 5-45
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light 5-45
Headlight Auto-Leveling Malfunction Indicator Light 5-46
Turn-Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights 5-46
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5-39
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Engine Coolant Level Warning
Light
This warning light indicates low engine
coolant level.
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way.
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine coolant level (page 8-12). If it’s
low, add engine coolant.
3. Check the light.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add engine coolant, have your vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Check Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
•The fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
•The engine’s electrical system has a
problem.
•The emission control system has a
problem.
•The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
The Mazda RX-8 requires regular
inspection of the engine oil level. The
compact, high performance RENESIS
rotary engine in your vehicle consumes
a small amount of engine oil due to its
structural design.
Although your vehicle is equipped
with an engine oil level warning light
and an engine oil pressure gauge, it is
best to keep the engine oil level in the
range between full and low by
checking the oil dipstick regularly.
Inspect the level when refueling.Don’t run the engine if the engine
coolant level is low. It could result in
extensive engine damage.
CAUTION
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8-6
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Owner Maintenance
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.

When Refueling
•Brake and clutch fluid level (page 8-14)
•Engine coolant level (page 8-12)
•Engine oil level (page 8-10)
•Washer fluid level (page 8-17)

At Least Monthly
•Tire inflation pressures (page 8-23)

At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
•Automatic transmission fluid level (page 8-15)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
•Air filter (page 8-18)
•Engine coolant (page 8-12)
•Engine oil (page 8-10)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 6 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM