2005 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 oil level

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Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch
fluid, washer fluid, and other fluid
levels should be inspected. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?
lIs the seat adjusted properly?
lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?
lCheck all gauges.
lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
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qFuel 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.
Low fuel warning light
qEngine 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 8-13). 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.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the oil pressure
is low. It could result in extensive
engine damage.
NOTE
The Mazda RX-8 requires regular
checking 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. An oil pump
optimizes the amount of oil injected to
lubricate the rotor seals in the
combustion cycle. 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. Mazda recommends
checking the oil level at every second
fuel filling. The oil consumption of the
engine depends on engine speed and
engine load. Under extreme driving
conditions, oil consumption can be
higher.
5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
Signal Warning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-38
Charging System Warning Light 5-39
Engine Oil Level Warning Light 5-39
Engine Coolant Level Warning Light 5-40
Check Engine Light 5-40
ABS Warning Light 5-41
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light 5-41
Low Fuel Warning Light 5-42
Seat Belt Warning Light 5-42
5-36
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G

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qCharging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.
qEngine Oil Level Warning Light
This warning light indicates low engine
oil level.
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way.2. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-13). If it's low,
add oil.
3. Check the light.
If the engine oil level warning light is
illuminated and you are unable to
immediately add engine oil, do not drive
at high speed, keep the engine speed low
and get to a location where oil can be
added as soon as possible. We recommend
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, have your vehicle checked at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the oil level is
low. It could result in extensive engine
damage.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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NOTE
The Mazda RX-8 requires regular
checking 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. An oil pump
optimizes the amount of oil injected to
lubricate the rotor seals in the
combustion cycle. 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. Mazda recommends
checking the oil level at every second
fuel filling. The oil consumption of the
engine depends on engine speed and
engine load. Under extreme driving
conditions, oil consumption can be
higher.
qEngine Coolant Level Warning
Light
This warning light indicates low engine
coolant level.
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way.
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine coolant level (page 8-15). If it's
low, add engine coolant.3. Check the light.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add engine coolant, have your vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the engine
coolant level is low. It could result in
extensive engine damage.
qCheck Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
lThe fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
lThe engine's electrical system has a
problem.
lThe emission control system has a
problem.
lThe fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
5-40
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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qSchedule 2
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Engine oilPuerto Rico Replace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months
Others R R R R R R RRRRRR
Engine oil filter R R R R R R RRRRRR
Drive belt I I
AIR FILTER
Air filter C C R C
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs R
FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel filter Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
Fuel lines, hoses and connections
*1II
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I
Engine coolantReplace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 48 months;
after that, every 24 months
Engine coolant level I I I I I I IIIIII
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I I I I IIIIII
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake line, hoses and connection I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I IIIII
Brake fluid R R
Disk brakesIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear I I I I I I IIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I
Front and rear suspension and ball joints I I
Manual transmission oil R R
Rear differential oil R R
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges L L L L L LLLLLLL
Washer fluid level I I I I I I IIIIII
Flat tire repair kit
*2Inspect every year
8-6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
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Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
qWhen Refueling
lBrake and clutch fluid level (page 8-18)
lEngine coolant level (page 8-15)
lEngine oil level (page 8-13)
lWasher fluid level (page 8-21)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-28)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
lAutomatic transmission fluid level (page 8-19)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
lAir filter (page 8-22)
lEngine coolant (page 8-15)
lEngine oil (page 8-14)
8-8
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G

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Engine Compartment Overview
BatteryEngine oil dipstick Engine oil-filler cap
Air filter Engine coolant reservoir Cooling system cap
Brake/Clutch fluid
reservoir Automatic transmission fluid-level dipstick
(only for automatic transmission)
Windshield washer
fluid reservoir
Fuse block (next
to air filter)
Fuse block
(near battery)
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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