2004 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 wiper blades

1-4
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Exterior Overview
Doors and keys
Outside mirrorsFuel-filler lidTires
Front turn signal lightsRear turn signal lights Brake lights/TaillightsPower windows
Sunroof*
Front side marker lightsRear side marker lights
Headlights Reverse lights
Windshield wiper blades
Hood
Fog lights*Trunk lid
High-mount brake light
License plate lightsAntenn
a
Parking lights Rear window defroster
(page 5-53)(page 6-10)
(page 8-32) (page 3-11)
(page 8-32)
(page 8-32)
(page 8-32)
(page 8-19)
(page 3-18)
(page 8-30)
(page 8-30)
(page 8-28)(page 3-14)
(page 8-23)
(page 8-32)
(page 8-32)
(page 3-19)
(page 3-16)
(page 3-2)
(page 3-25)
(page 8-30)
(page 8-30)
*Some models.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 4 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

5-51
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.

Windshield Wipers
Turn the wipers on by pulling the lever
down.
INT
— Intermittent
1
— Normal
2
— Fast
Variable-speed intermittent wipers
Set the lever to INT and choose the
interval timing by rotating the ring.
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
Frozen Washer Fluid:
Using windshield washer fluid in
freezing temperatures is dangerous.
The washer fluid could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision.
You could have an accident. Don’t use
the washer without first warming the
windshield.
NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam
the wiper blades, the wiper motor is
protected from motor breakdown,
overheating and possible fire by a
circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the
blades, but only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper
switch and park off the right-of-way,
and remove the snow and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and
the blades should operate normally. If
they don’t resume functioning, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon
as possible.
WARNING
OFF
INT
1
2
OFF
INT
INT ring
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 51 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

8-1
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction
................................................................................... 8-2
Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance
................................................................ 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance ............................................................. 8-3
Owner Maintenance
...................................................................... 8-6
Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................... 8-6
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................... 8-7
Engine Compartment Overview ................................................ 8-8
Engine Oil .................................................................................. 8-9
Engine Coolant ........................................................................ 8-12
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-14
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ...................................... 8-15
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-17
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-18
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-18
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-19
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-21
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-23
Light Bulbs .............................................................................. 8-27
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-33
Appearance Care
......................................................................... 8-39
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-39
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-41
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-44
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 1 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

8-19
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
3. Unfasten the clamps.
4. Lift off the air filter cover and remove
the filter.
5. Wipe inside the air cleaner housing
with a damp cloth.
6. Clean or replace the filter.
7. Install in the reverse order of removal.
Replace the filter according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).Contamination of either the windshield or
the blades with foreign matter can reduce
wiper effectiveness. Common sources are
insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments
used by some commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly,
clean the window and blades with a good
cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse
thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if
necessary.

Replacing Windshield Wiper
Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well, the
blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.
NOTE
After installing the air filter cover,
make sure the electrical connector is
securely connected.
Clamp
Air filter cover
Air filter
Wiper Blades
•Hot waxes applied by automatic car
washers have been known to affect
the cleanability of windows.
•To prevent damage to the wiper
blades, don’t use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.
To prevent damage to the wiper arms
and other components, don’t move the
wipers by hand.
CAUTION
CAUTION
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 19 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

8-20
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
1. Raise the wiper arm and turn the blade
assembly to expose the plastic locking
clip.
Compress the clip and slide the
assembly downward; then lift it off the
arm.2. Hold the end of the rubber and pull
until the tabs are free of the metal
support.
3. Remove the metal stiffeners from the
blade rubber and install them in new
blades.
NOTE
To prevent damage to the wiper arm
blades when raising both the driver and
passenger side wiper arms, raise the
driver side wiper arm first. Conversely,
when setting down the wiper arms, set
the passenger side wiper arm down
first.
To prevent damage to the windshield,
don’t let the wiper arm fall on it.
Push
Plastic locking clip
CAUTION
Pull out Ta bMetal support
Stiffeners
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 20 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

11-7
Index
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
W
Windshield Wipers ........................... 5-51
Blades replacement
................... 8-19
Winter Driving
................................... 4-9
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 7 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM