
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
Instrument
Cluster
Instrument
Cluster
Quick Tips 2004 Mazda Mazda RX-8 page 6
page 7
H C
F
EHP
R
N
D
MLOIL-P
4
0 1 2 3 5678
9
10
x1000r/min
TRIPAO.O8
1
21103645789
• Power steering
malfunction
Dealer inspection required
if light remains on
• Air bag readiness
Front, side and curtain air bag
malfunction; warning light
constantly flashes or stays on
or never comes on with ignition
on, dealer inspection required
• Door ajar
• Always fasten
safety belts
• Low washer fluid level*
• Engine coolant level
• Headlight auto
leveling malfunction
9. Engine oil pressure gauge,
Indicates normal engine oil
pressure when needle is
halfway between L and H
with engine running
10. Manual mode gear
indicator (A/T only)*
Displays current gear of Sport AT
during manual shift mode
• Lights on
Traction Control
System (TCS)*/Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC)*,
see Getting Started
• Traction Control
System* off,
System turned off manually
• Cruise control main
power on, see Driver Controls
• Brake system
Parking brake on/low fluid level
• Check engine
Dealer inspection required
• Immobilizer system,
see Locks
Engine oil level
warning light,
see Getting Started
CRUISE
MAIN
DSC
6. Speedometer
7. Odometer/trip odometer
selector
Press to select among trip A,
trip B, and odometer
Press and hold to reset
selected trip meter
8. Odometer/trip odometer
WARNING LIGHTS
• Low fuel
• Turn signals/hazard
warning on
• Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS)*
ABS malfunction, normal brakes
only, dealer inspection required
• Cruise set,
see Driver Controls
• Automatic transaxle
indicator
Dealer inspection required
if light remains on
• High beams on
• Charging system
warning light
Dealer inspection required
Tire pressure
monitoring system,
see Getting Started
GAUGES
1. Fuel gauge
2. Engine coolant
temperature gauge
If above normal range, stop
vehicle and turn off engine,
check coolant level when safe
3. Speed unit selector
Select km/h or mph
4. Tachometer
5. Engine over-rev
warning buzzer
The rotary engine design
allows RPM ranges of up to
7000 RPM (A/T) and 9000
RPM (M/T), if you exceed a
given RPM, a warning buzzer
will remind you to up-shift
to the next higher gear
Always obey all local speed
limits and traffic signs
*Denotes optional equipment

CONSOLE/TRANSMISSION
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
Console/
Transmission
Transmission
Quick Tips 2004 Mazda Mazda RX-8 page 14
page 15
Automatic transmission*
P =Park
To move gearshift from Park:Press
firmly on brake pedal, then move
gearshift to gear selection
R =Reverse
N =Neutral No gear engaged
D (Overdrive)
For normal driving: Shifts
through four forward
gears automaticallyTip: Torque converter lock-up
improves fuel economy and can
feel like an additional gear change
WARNING: Placing shift lever
in P position without setting
parking brake may not hold
vehicle, always set parking brake
Sport AT manual
shift mode*
Move shift lever
return from D to M;
then M to D for
automatic mode
M (Manual)
Manual gear selection is achieved
by moving shifter back to upshift
and forward to downshift
Shift and gear position indicator
located in the instrument panel,
M will be illuminated for manual
mode, numeral for gear position
will be shown next to shift
position indicatorSteering shift switches
(A/T only)*
Upshift/downshift; pull
either switch up/down,
see Owner’s Manual
1. Console
Press button (6) and slide
cover rearward until it clicks
2. Parking-brake lever
To engage: Pull up
To release: Pull up slightly while
depressing button at front of
lever, lower hand brake lever3. Cup holders
4. Seat warmer*
Press on/off switch; indicator
light on when activated
5. Accessory socket
Manual transmission*
Depress clutch pedal to start
engine and change gears,
push shifter downward when
selecting reverse gearWARNINGS: Do not shift into
1st above 20 mph or clutch
failure could occur
Resting your foot on clutch
pedal while driving and using
the clutch to hold your vehicle
at a stand still while waiting
on a hill may reduce clutch life
P
R
N
D M
M
O
D
EVOLON
OFF
SET
ACCEL
CANCEL
SET
COAST
*Denotes optional equipment
2
4
1
5
36

CLIMATE CONTROLS
Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features
Climate
Controls
Trunk
Quick Tips 2004 Mazda Mazda RX-8 page 18
page 19
Trunk
To open: Use key, remote
trunk-lid release or remote
keyless entry fob
Remote trunk-lid release,
see Driver’s View
Remote trunk-lid
release lock-out
Switch in ON position,
remote trunk release
functions normal; OFF position
disables system; located in glove box
1. Instant Mobility System
emergency flat tire
repair kit (IMS)
†,
see Getting Started2. Jack/jack handle
3. Lug wrench
Tire economy and tips
Check pressure regularly when
tires are cold, maintain correct
front-end alignment and tire
balance; rotate tires at the mileage
shown in the Maintenance
Guide; see Owner’s Manual
for rotation chart
Tire pressure
P225/55R16 94V,
P225/45R18 91W
Front/rear: 32psi cold
Tips: Correct tire pressure ensures
safe handling and ride comfort
If you experience pull/drift while
driving, possible causes may
be road crown, tire pressure,
or wheel alignment
The suspension is sport-tuned
with firmer ride for optimum
handling and responseTire chains*
†Tire chains can damage
aluminum wheels; use on
steel wheels only
Tips: Use only SAE class “S”
chains, install only on rear
tires; install as tightly as
possible and retighten
after driving 1/4 -1/2 miles;
chains may affect handling
Never exceed 30 mph with
tire chains
132
1. Air flow selections
= air to dash
= air to dash and floor
= air to floor
= air to floor and
windshield
2. Fan control
Rotate knob between 0 (OFF)
and 4 (HIGH)
3. Temperature control
Cooler/warmer = rotate knob
counterclockwise/clockwise
4. A/C= air conditioner
Press to turn on/off
5. Air intake control
= recirculate inside air;
use for maximum cooling
= fresh air
WARNING: Do not use
position in cold
weather, windows may
fog and hamper vision
6. Rear window defogger
Press on/off; shuts off with
ignition; also operates heated
side mirrors*
Control positions for
maximum defrost
Fan to maximum, temperature to
maximum hot, selectedTips: To help prevent windshield
fogging in humid weather,
select before starting engine
To prevent moisture buildup,
never drive with system off
Objects placed under the
front seats may interfere
with air flow to the rear
7. Front windshield
defogger
A/C switches ON and air
intake switches to fresh air
A/C01
2
3
4MODE
4231
756
*Denotes optional equipment†See Owner’s Manual
Luggage
compartment
internal safety
release
Allows you to escape
should you become locked in trunk
Slide illuminated release lever in
direction of arrow; lever will glow
if it has been exposed to light
Located on interior trunk lid
OFF ONTRUNK OPENER