2004 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 service

A Word to Mazda Owners
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Thank you for choosing a Mazda. We at Mazda design and build vehicles with complete
customer satisfaction in mind.
To help ensure enjoyable and trouble-free operation of your Mazda, read this manual
carefully and follow its recommendations.
An Authorized Mazda Dealer knows your vehicle best. So when maintenance or service is
necessary, that’s the place to go.
Our nationwide network of Mazda professionals is dedicated to providing you with the best
possible service.
We assure you that all of us at Mazda have an ongoing interest in your motoring pleasure
and in your full satisfaction with your Mazda product.
Mazda Motor Corporation

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN
©2003 Mazda Motor Corporation
Printed in Japan July 2003 (Print3)
Important Notes About This Manual

Keep this manual in the glove box as a handy reference for the safe and enjoyable use of your Mazda. Should
you resell the vehicle, leave this manual with it for the next owner.
All specifications and descriptions are accurate at the time of printing. Because improvement is a constant goal
at Mazda, we reserve the right to make changes in specifications at any time without notice and without
obligation.
Air Conditioning and the Environment

Your Mazda’s genuine air conditioner is filled with HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that has been found not to
damage the earth’s ozone layer. If the air conditioner does not operate properly, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Please be aware that this manual applies to all models, equipment and options. As a result, you may find
some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.

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3-6
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Replacing the transmitter battery
1. Insert a small screwdriver into the slot
and gently pry open the transmitter.
2. Press the portion of the battery
indicated by A and remove the battery.3. Install a new battery (CR2025 or the
equivalent) into the front portion of the
holder with the positive pole ( )
facing up. Press on the B portion of the
battery to set the battery.
4. Align the front and back covers and
snap the transmitter shut.

Service
If you have a problem with the keyless
entry system, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
If your transmitter is lost or stolen, bring
all remaining transmitters to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible for a replacement and to make
the lost or stolen transmitter inoperative.
Slot
Back cover
A
Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void
the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
BBack cover
Front
coverFront o
f
holder
CAUTION
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5-25
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the warning light illuminates
when tire pressure is too low or too high
in one or more tires, and flashes when
there is a system malfunction.Warning light illuminates/Warning
beep sounds
When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sounds (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low or too
high in one or more tires.
Adjust the tire pressure to the correct tire
pressure at an Authorized Mazda Dealer
or the nearest service station. Refer to the
specification charts (page 10-7).
If the warning light illuminates again even
after the tire pressures are adjusted, there
may be a tire puncture.
Vehicles with Instant Mobility System
(IMS) emergency flat tire repair kit
If an emergency tire repair is needed,
repair the punctured tire with the
emergency flat tire repair kit (page 7-5).
Vehicle Handling When Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light
Illuminates/Flashes:
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sounds, it is dangerous to drive
the vehicle at high speeds, or perform
sudden maneuvering or braking.
Vehicle drivability could worsen and
result in an accident.
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sounds, decrease vehicle speed
immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking. Have the
system and tires checked or perform
the appropriate repair as soon as
possible.
WARNING
Ignoring the Warning Light:
Ignoring the warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken
care of as soon as possible before it
develops into a more serious situation
that could lead to tire failure and a
dangerous accident.
When replacing/repairing the tires or
wheels or both, have the work done by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or the
tire pressure sensors may be damaged.
WARNING
CAUTION
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5-42
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Automatic Transmission
Wa r n i n g L i g h t
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
The light illuminates when the
transmission has a problem.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light*
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the warning light illuminates
when tire pressure is too low or too high
in one or more tires, and flashes when
there is a system malfunction.Warning light illuminates/Warning
beep sounds
When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sounds (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low or too
high in one or more tires.
Adjust the tire pressure to the correct tire
pressure at an Authorized Mazda Dealer
or the nearest service station. Refer to the
specification charts (page 10-7). If the automatic transmission warning
light illuminates, the transmission has
an electrical problem. Continuing to
drive your Mazda in this condition
could cause damage to your
transmission. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
CAUTION
Vehicle Handling When Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light
Illuminates/Flashes:
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sounds, it is dangerous to drive
the vehicle at high speeds, or perform
sudden maneuvering or braking.
Vehicle drivability could worsen and
result in an accident.
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sounds, decrease vehicle speed
immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking. Have the
system and tires checked or perform
the appropriate repair as soon as
possible.
Ignoring the Warning Light:
Ignoring the warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken
care of as soon as possible before it
develops into a more serious situation
that could lead to tire failure and a
dangerous accident.
WARNING
*Some models.
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6-36
Interior Comfort
Au di o S ys t em
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
This CD player is made and tested to meet exacting safety standards. It meets FCC
requirements and complies with safety performance standards of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services.
Safety Certification
•This CD player should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except qualified service
personnel.
If servicing is required, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
•Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous laser exposure. Never operate the CD player
with the top case of the unit removed.
•Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
NOTE
For CD player section:
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.
NOTE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.
CAUTION
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7-20
In Case of an Emergency
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Emergency Starting
If the engine fails to start, it may be
flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).
Follow this procedure:
1. Depress the accelerator all the way and
hold it there.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the START
position and hold it there—for up to
10 seconds. If the engine starts,
release the key and accelerator
immediately because the engine will
suddenly rev up.
3. If the engine fails to start, crank it
without using the accelerator—for up
to 10 seconds.Jump-starting is dangerous if done
incorrectly. So follow the procedure
carefully. If you feel unsure about jump-
starting, we strongly recommend that you
have a competent service technician do
the work.
Starting a Flooded EngineJump-Starting
Battery-Related Explosion:
Flames and sparks near open battery
cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas,
produced during normal battery
operation, could ignite and cause the
battery to explode. An exploding
battery can cause serious burns and
injuries. Keep all flames, including
cigarettes, and sparks away from
open battery cells.
Low Fluid Level or Frozen Battery:
Jump-starting a frozen battery or one
with a low fluid level is dangerous. It
may rupture or explode, causing
serious injury.
Don’t jump-start a frozen battery or
one with a low fluid level.
Use only a 12 V booster system. You
can damage a 12 V starter, ignition
system, and other electrical parts
beyond repair with a 24 V power
supply (two 12 V batteries in series or
a 24 V motor generator set).
WARNING
CAUTION
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7-23
In Case of an Emergency
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Emergency Towing
We recommend that towing be done only
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a
commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
rear wheels off the ground. If excessive
damage or other conditions prevent this,
use wheel dollies.
Towing Description
Wheel dollies
Don’t tow the vehicle pointed forward
with driving wheels on the ground.
This may cause internal damage to the
transmission.
Don’t tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
CAUTION
CAUTION
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8-2
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Introduction
Be extremely careful and prevent injury to yourself and others or damage to your vehicle
when using this manual for inspection and maintenance.
If you’re unsure about any procedure it describes, we strongly urge you to have a reliable
and qualified service shop perform the work, preferably an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Factory-trained Mazda technicians and genuine Mazda parts are best for your vehicle.
Without this expertise and the parts that have been designed and made especially for your
Mazda, inadequate, incomplete, and insufficient servicing may result in problems. This
could lead to vehicle damage or an accident and injuries.
For expert advice and quality service, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The owner should retain evidence that proper maintenance has been performed as
prescribed.
Claims against the warranty resulting from lack of maintenance, as opposed to defective
materials or authorized Mazda workmanship, will not be honored.
Any auto repair shop using parts equivalent to your Mazda’s original equipment may
perform maintenance. But we recommend that it always be done by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer using genuine Mazda parts.
Introduction
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 2 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM