2004 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 power steering

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

3-1
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
3Knowing Your Mazda
Explanation of basic operations and controls; opening/closing and adjustment
of various parts.
Doors and Locks
............................................................................ 3-2
Keys ........................................................................................... 3-2
Keyless Entry System ................................................................ 3-3
Door Locks ................................................................................ 3-7
Trunk Lid ................................................................................. 3-11
Trunk Release Slide Lever ....................................................... 3-13
Power Windows ....................................................................... 3-14
Rear Quarter Windows ............................................................ 3-16
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap ........................................................... 3-16
Hood ........................................................................................ 3-18
Sunroof* .................................................................................. 3-19
Security System
........................................................................... 3-21
Immobilizer System ................................................................ 3-21
Theft-Deterrent System* ......................................................... 3-23
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
...................................................... 3-25
Steering Wheel ........................................................................ 3-25
Mirrors ..................................................................................... 3-25
*Some models.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 1 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

3-2
Knowing Your Mazda
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Doors and Locks
Your Mazda has two kinds of keys.
Here’s what the keys are used for:
If you must leave your vehicle with
another person, such as a parking
attendant, protect items by locking the
glove box, storage box and trunk lid with
the master key. Keep that key and give the
other person only the valet key.
A code number is stamped on the plate
attached to the key set; detach this plate
and store it in a safe place (not in the
vehicle) for use if you need to make a
replacement key.
Also write down the code number and
keep it in another safe and handy place,
but not in the vehicle.
If your key is lost, consult your
Authorized Mazda Dealer with the code
number ready.Keys
Keys and Children:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous. This could
result in someone being badly injured
or even killed. They could play with
power windows or other controls, or
even make the vehicle move. Don’t
leave the keys in your vehicle with
children.
•To avoid damage to the key, do not:
Drop the key.
Get the key wet.
Expose the key to any kind of
magnetic field.
Expose the key to high
temperatures on places such as
the dashboard or hood, under
direct sunlight.
•When starting the engine, do not let
the following materials touch or
come near the key grip. The engine
may not start:
Spare keys.
Keys for other vehicles equipped
with an immobilizer system.
Metal objects that touch or pass
through the hole in the key.
Devices for electronic purchases,
and security passage.
WARNING
CAUTION
Lock Operates Master key
Va l e t k e y
Ignition switch
and steering
column lockYe s Ye s
Doors Yes Yes
Glove box Yes No
Storage box Yes No
Trunk lid Yes No
Key code number plate
Master key
(Black)
Valet key
(Gray)
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 2 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

3-25
Knowing Your Mazda
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Steering Wheel and Mirrors

Tilt Steering Wheel
To change the angle of the steering wheel,
stop the vehicle, pull the tilt wheel release
lever under the steering column down,
adjust the wheel, then push the release
lever up to lock the column.
After adjusting, push the wheel up and
down to be certain it’s locked before
driving.

Outside Mirrors
Check the mirrors’ angles before driving.
Power control mirror
The ignition switch must be in the ACC or
ON position.
To a d j u s t :
1. Press the left or right side of the
selector switch to choose the mirror.
2. Depress the mirror switch in the
appropriate direction.
Steering Wheel
Adjusting the Steering Wheel:
Adjusting the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control
or an accident. Never adjust the
steering wheel while the vehicle is
moving.
WARNING
Tilt wheel release
lever
Mirrors
Convex Mirror (Passenger Side):
Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears. Be
sure to look over your shoulder or to
check your inside mirror before
changing lanes.
WARNING
Selector switch
Mirror switchOutside mirror
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 25 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

4-7
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Driving Tips
No special break-in is necessary, but a
few precautions in the first 1,000 km
(600 miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
•Don’t race the engine.
•Don’t maintain one constant speed for
long.
•Don’t drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm (over 7,000 rpm) for
extended periods of time.
•Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
•Avoid full-throttle starts.How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
•Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
•Avoid fast starts.
•Keep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
•Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
•Slow down on rough roads.
•Keep the tires properly inflated.
•Don’t carry unnecessary weight.
•Don’t rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
•Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
•Keep windows closed at high speeds.
•Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
Break-In PeriodMoney-Saving Suggestions
Coasting:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident. Never stop the engine when
going down a hill.
WARNING
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 7 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

5-16
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels rigid during normal
driving, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.

Power Steering Malfunction
Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and goes off when the engine is
started.
If this light illuminates while driving, it
indicates a malfunction of the power
steering system. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Power Steering
NOTE
The steering may feel rigid if you
continuously attempt to steer when the
vehicle is stopped or moving
extremely slowly. This has been
designed to protect the system and
doesn’t indicate a malfunction. If you
don’t attempt to steer for a minute,
power steering will be restored.
NOTE
The power steering system is
inoperable when the malfunction
indicator light illuminates. Manual
steering is possible, but requires more
physical effort.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 16 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

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
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 36 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM