Black plate (211,1)
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the temporary
spare or to the vehicle, observe the
following precautions:
lDon't exceed 80 km/h (50 mph).
lAvoid driving over obstacles.
Also, don't drive through an
automatic car wash. This tire's
diameter is smaller than a
conventional tire's, so the ground
clearance is reduced about 25 mm (1
in).
lDon't use a tire chain on this tire
because it won't fit properly.
lDon't use your temporary spare on
any other vehicle; it has been
designed only for your Mazda.
lUse only one temporary spare tire on
your vehicle at the same time.
(With limited slip differential)
When using the temporary spare tire on
the rear axle, replace it with a standard
tire as soon as possible. The size
difference between the spare and the
standard tire will cause the limited slip
differential to malfunction.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to
the temporary spare tire. The warning
light will flash continuously while the
temporary spare tire is being used (page
5-26).
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat
Tire Repair Kit
The IMS emergency flat tire repair kit
included with your Mazda is for a
temporary repair of a slightly damaged
flat tire resulting from running over nails
or similar sharp objects on the road
surface.
NOTE
Your vehicle is not equipped with a
spare tire. In the event of a flat tire, use
the emergency flat tire repair kit to
repair the tire temporarily. When doing
the repair, refer to the instructions
included in the emergency flat tire
repair kit. After temporarily repairing a
tire with the emergency flat tire repair
kit, take your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the tire replaced.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-5
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page211
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (212,1)
qAbout the IMS Emergency Flat
Tire Repair Kit
The IMS emergency flat tire repair kit
includes the following items.
Tire sealant
Injection hoseCompressor
CaseInstruction
Repaired tire
stickerValve core
tool Spare valve
core
Speed restriction
sticker
WARNING
Ingestion of Tire Sealant:
Ingestion of tire sealant is dangerous.
In the event tire sealant is accidentally
swallowed, drink large amounts of
water immediately and seek medical
assistance. Do not allow children to
touch the tire sealant.
Tire Sealant Contacting Eyes and
Skin:
Tire sealant that comes into contact
with the eyes and skin is dangerous. If
tire sealant enters the eyes or contacts
the skin, flush immediately with large
amounts of water and seek medical
assistance. Do not allow children to
touch the tire sealant.
7-6
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page212
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (221,1)
qLocking Lug Nuts
If your vehicle has optional antitheft
wheel lug nuts, one on each wheel will
lock the tires and you must use a special
key to unlock them. This key is attached
to the lug wrench and is stored with the
spare tire. Register them with the lock
manufacturer by filling out the card
provided in the glove box and mailing it
in the accompanying envelope. If you lose
your key, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer or use the lock manufacturer's
order form, which is with the registration
card.
Special key Antitheft lug nut
To remove an antitheft lug nut
1. Get the key for the locking lug nut.
2. Place it on top of the nut, and be sure
to hold the key square to it. If you hold
the key at an angle, you may damage
both key and nut. Don't use a power
impact wrench.
3. Place the lug wrench on top of the key
and apply pressure. Turn the wrench
counterclockwise.
To replace the nut
1. Place the key on top of the nut.
2. Place the lug wrench on top of the key,
apply pressure, and turn it clockwise.
qMounting the Tire
1. Remove dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel and
hub, including the hub bolts, with a
cloth.
WARNING
Removing Dirt and Grime from
Wheels, Hubs and Hub Bolts:
When changing or replacing a tire,
not removing dirt and grime from the
mounting surfaces of the wheel, hub
and hub bolts is dangerous. The lug
nuts could loosen while driving and
cause the tire to come off, resulting in
an accident. Make sure the mounting
surfaces of the wheel, hub and lug
nuts are clean before changing or
replacing tires.
2. Mount the tire.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-15
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page221
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (263,1)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí
does not alleviate the need to check the
tire condition every day, including
whether the tires all look inflated properly.
Inspect all tire pressure monthly
(including the spare
í) when the tires are
cold. Maintain recommended pressures
for the best ride, top handling, and
minimum tire wear.
Refer to the specification charts (page
10-6).
NOTE
lAlways check tire pressure when
tires are cold.
lWarm tires normally exceed
recommended pressures. Don't
release air from warm tires to adjust
the pressure.
lUnderinflation can cause reduced
fuel economy and poor sealing of the
tire bead, which will deform the
wheel and cause separation of tire
from rim.
lOverinflation can produce a harsh
ride and a greater possibility of
damage from road hazards.
Keep your tire pressure at the correct
levels. If one frequently needs
inflating, have it inspected.
qTire Rotation
To equalize tread wear, rotate the tires
every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)/8,000
km
*(5,000 miles) or sooner if irregular
wear develops. During rotation, inspect
them for correct balance.
* Unique driving conditions for U.S.A.,
Canada and Puerto Rico
NOTE
Because your vehicle is not equipped
with a spare tire, you cannot do a tire
rotation safely with the jack that comes
with your vehicle. Have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer perform tire rotation.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-29íSome models. RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page263
Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:13 PM
Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (265,1)
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lWhen tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the sidewalls are
used, the system may not function
correctly even with a genuine wheel.
Refer to System Error Activation on
page 5-27.
lBe sure to install the tire pressure
sensors whenever tires or wheels are
replaced. Refer to Tires and Wheels
on page 5-28.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace it before the band is
across the entire tread.
qTemporary Spare Tire
Your Mazda is not equipped with a spare
tire. If you require a spare tire, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Inspect the temporary spare tire at least
monthly to make sure it's properly inflated
and stored.
The temporary spare tire is easier to
handle because of its construction. It is
lighter and smaller than a conventional
tire and should be used only for an
emergency and only for a short distance.
Use the temporary only until the
conventional tire is repaired, which should
be as soon as possible.
Maintain its pressure at 420 kPa (4.2 kgf/
cm
2or bar, 60 psi).
CAUTION
lDon't use your temporary spare tire
rim with a snow tire or a
conventional tire. Neither will
properly fit and could damage both
tire and rim.
lThe temporary spare tire has a tread
life of up to 5,000 km (3,000 miles),
depending on road conditions and
driving habits.
lThe temporary spare tire is for
limited use, however, if the tread
wear solid-band indicator appears,
replace the tire with the same type of
temporary spare (page 8-30).
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-31
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page265
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (317,1)
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-35
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-50
Defroster
Rear window .............................. 5-54
Dimensions ....................................... 10-5
Door Locks ......................................... 3-8
Driving In Flooded Area ................... 4-11
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-7
Automatic transmission .............. 5-16
Break-in period ............................ 4-7
Driving in flooded area .............. 4-11
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-8
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-7
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-8
Winter driving .............................. 4-9
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ..... 5-22
DSC OFF indicator light ............ 5-23
DSC OFF switch ........................ 5-24
TCS/DSC Indicator light ............ 5-23
E
Emergency Starting ........................... 7-20
Flooded engine ........................... 7-20
Jump-starting .............................. 7-21
Push-starting .............................. 7-24
Emergency Towing ........................... 7-25
Emission Control System .................... 4-3
Engine
Coolant ....................................... 8-15
Exhaust gas .................................. 4-5
Hood release .............................. 3-21
Oil .............................................. 8-12
Overheating ................................ 7-18
Starting ......................................... 5-3
Engine Compartment Overview ........ 8-11
Engine Coolant
Overheating ................................ 7-18
E
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-33
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-5
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-47
F
Flasher
Hazard warning .......................... 5-56
Headlights .................................. 5-49
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3
Changing .................................... 7-12
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat Tire Repair
Kit ................................................ 7-5
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Fluids
Classification .............................. 10-4
Owner maintenance ..................... 8-8
Fog Lights ......................................... 5-51
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-4
Front Seats
(Electrically Operated Seats) ............... 2-5
Front Seats
(Manually Operated Seats) ................. 2-2
Fuel
Filler lid and cap ........................ 3-19
Gauge ......................................... 5-34
Requirements ............................... 4-2
Tank capacity ............................. 10-5
Fuses ................................................. 8-40
Panel description ........................ 8-42
Replacement ............................... 8-40
G
Gauges .............................................. 5-30
Glove Box ......................................... 6-47
Index
11-3
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page317
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (319,1)
M
Manual Transmission Operation ......... 5-8
Recommendations for shifting ..... 5-9
Map Lights ........................................ 6-40
Meters and Gauges ........................... 5-30
Mirrors
Outside mirrors .......................... 3-29
Rearview mirror ......................... 3-30
Money-Saving Suggestions ................ 4-7
Moonroof .......................................... 3-22
O
Odometer and Trip Meter .................. 5-31
Outside Mirrors ................................. 3-29
Overhead Console ............................. 6-47
Overhead Lights ................................ 6-40
Overheating ....................................... 7-18
Overloading ...................................... 4-11
P
Paint Damage .................................... 8-45
Parking Brake ..................................... 5-5
Parking in an Emergency .................... 7-2
Power Door Locks .............................. 3-9
Power Steering .................................. 5-16
Power steering malfunction indicator
light ............................................ 5-16
Power Windows ................................ 3-16
Push-Starting ..................................... 7-24
R
Rear Quarter Windows ..................... 3-18
Rear Seat ............................................. 2-8
Rear Window Defroster .................... 5-54
Rearview Mirror ................................ 3-30
Recreational Towing ......................... 7-27
R
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country ............................................. 9-12
Rocking the Vehicle ............................ 4-8
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................. 9-18
Seat Belt System
3-point type ................................ 2-14
Automatic locking ...................... 2-12
Emergency locking .................... 2-12
Extender ..................................... 2-17
Location of seat belt ................... 2-13
Pregnant women ........................ 2-12
Pretensioner and load limiting .... 2-15
Seat belt precautions .................. 2-10
Warning beep ............................. 2-19
Warning light ............................. 2-18
Seats
Front seat
(Electrically operated seats) ......... 2-5
Front seat
(Manually operated seats) ............ 2-2
Rear seat ....................................... 2-8
Security System
Immobilizer system .................... 3-24
Theft-deterrent system ............... 3-27
Service Publications .......................... 9-19
Spare Tire and Tool Storage ................ 7-3
Specifications .................................... 10-4
Speed Unit Selector ........................... 5-31
Speedometer ...................................... 5-31
SRS Air Bags
Air bag system description ......... 2-34
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions ................................. 2-29
Warning light ............................. 2-38
Starting the Engine .............................. 5-3
Index
11-5
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page319
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (320,1)
S
Steering Wheel .................................. 3-29
Horn ........................................... 5-55
Storage Box ...................................... 6-48
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-47
Center console ............................ 6-48
Coin box ..................................... 6-47
Glove box ................................... 6-47
Overhead console ....................... 6-47
Storage box ................................ 6-48
Sunshade ........................................... 3-23
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-39
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-32
Temporary Spare Tire ....................... 8-31
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-27
Tiedown
Hook .......................................... 7-26
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-25
System error activation .............. 5-27
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light .............................. 5-26
Tires and wheels ......................... 5-28
Tires
Flat tire ......................................... 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-28
Replacement ............................... 8-30
Rotation ...................................... 8-29
Snow tires .................................... 4-9
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Specifications ............................. 10-6
Tire chains .................................. 4-10
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-16
Tool ..................................................... 7-3
T
Towing
Description ................................. 7-25
Emergency towing ..................... 7-25
Recreational towing ................... 7-27
Trailer towing ............................. 4-12
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-21
TCS/DSC indicator light ............ 5-22
Trailer Towing .................................. 4-12
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-31
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-12
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-14
Trunk Release Slide Lever ................ 3-15
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-51
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-39
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................. 5-36
ABS ............................................ 5-41
Air bag system ........................... 5-41
Automatic transmission .............. 5-42
Brake system .............................. 5-38
Charging system ......................... 5-39
Check engine .............................. 5-40
Door-ajar .................................... 5-42
Engine coolant level ................... 5-40
Engine oil level .......................... 5-39
Front seat belt pretensioner
system ........................................ 5-41
Low fuel ..................................... 5-42
Low washer fluid level ............... 5-42
Seat belt ...................................... 5-42
Tire pressure monitoring
system ........................................ 5-43
11-6
Index
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page320
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G