2004 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 instrument cluster

1-2
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Dashboard Overview
Climate control system
Glove box
Shift lever Parking brakeAudio system
Passenger-side air bag Hazard warning flasher switch Wiper and washer lever
Ashtray/Lighter Information display
Fog lights switch*
Power window lock switch Lighting control/Turn signals Instrument cluster
Power window switches Driver-side air bag
Ignition switch Hood release handle
Audio control switchCup holder
Steering column release lever
(page 5-51)
(page 2-27)
(page 5-29)
(page 5-48)
(page 5-50)
(page 3-15)
(page 3-14)
(page 3-18)
(page 6-34)
(page 3-25)(page 6-40)
(page 5-5)
(page 5-8)/(page 5-10)
(page 6-43)/(page 6-42)(page 6-44)
(page 5-2) (page 5-55)
(page 6-10)
(page 6-2)
(page 2-27)
(page 6-45)
*Some models.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 2 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

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
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 16 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

5-1
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving
..................................................................... 5-2
Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-3
Brake System ............................................................................. 5-4
Manual Transmission Operation ............................................... 5-8
Automatic Transmission Controls ........................................... 5-10
Power Steering ......................................................................... 5-16
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-17
Traction Control System (TCS)* ............................................. 5-20
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)* ......................................... 5-21
Tire Pressure Monitoring System* .......................................... 5-24
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
............................................ 5-29
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-29
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
........................................ 5-35
Warning/Indicator Lights ......................................................... 5-35
Beeps ....................................................................................... 5-47
Switches and Controls
................................................................. 5-48
Lighting Control ...................................................................... 5-48
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-50
Fog Lights* .............................................................................. 5-50
Windshield Wipers and Washer ............................................... 5-51
Headlight Washer* .................................................................. 5-53
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-53
Horn ......................................................................................... 5-54
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-55
HomeLink Wireless Control System* ..................................... 5-55
*Some models.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 1 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

5-30
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Speedometer
The speedometer indicates the speed of
the vehicle.

Speed Unit Selector
In some countries, you may have to
change the speed units between km/h and
mph.
Press the speed unit selector for 2 second
or more.
The speed units for the speedometer will
change between km/h and mph.

Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip
Meter Selector
The display mode can be changed
between trip meter A and trip meter B by
pressing the selector while they are
displayed. The selected mode will be
displayed.
NOTE
Odometer and trip meter distance units
will change between kilometers and
miles in accordance with the speed
unit.
Speedometer
Speed unit selector
Trip meter
Trip meter selector
Odometer
Odometer
OdometerTrip meter A
Press the selector
Press the selector Trip meter B
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 30 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

5-31
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Odometer
The odometer records the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.
Tr i p m e t e r
The trip meter can record the total
distance of two trips. One is recorded in
trip meter A, and the other is recorded in
trip meter B.
For instance, trip meter A can record the
distance from the point of origin, and trip
meter B can record the distance from
where the fuel tank is filled.
When trip meter A is selected, pressing
the selector again within one second will
change to trip meter B mode.
When trip meter A is selected, TRIP A
will be displayed. When trip meter B is
selected, TRIP B will be displayed.The trip meter records the total
distance the vehicle is driven until the
meter is again reset. Return it to "0.0"
by holding the selector depressed for
more than 1 second. Use this meter to
measure trip distances and to compute
fuel consumption.
Tachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
NOTE
When the ignition switch is in the ACC
or LOCK position, the odometer or trip
meters cannot be displayed, however,
pressing the selector button can
inadvertently switch the trip meters or
reset them during an approximate ten-
minute period in the following cases:
•After the ignition switch is turned to
the ACC or LOCK position from
the ON position.
•After any door is opened.
NOTE
•Only the trip meters record tenths of
kilometers (miles).
•The trip record will be erased when:
The power supply is interrupted
(blown fuse or the battery is
disconnected).
The vehicle is driven over
999.9 km (mile).
Red zone Striped zone
Automatic
transmission
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 31 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

5-32
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.
If the needle exceeds normal range toward
H, it indicates overheating. Don’t run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine damage.
NOTE
•The beep sounds to indicate engine
overrev when the tachometer needle
enters the striped zone.
•To protect the engine, when the
engine coolant temperature is low,
the engine does not run at high
speeds. The fuel supply will be cut
at an rpm lower than the red zone.
Red zone Striped zone
Manual transmission
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine
can cause serious engine damage
(page 7-18).
CAUTION
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 32 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

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
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 33 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM