Black plate (134,1)
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning/
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
Low brake fluid level warning
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-18).
2. After adding fluid, check the light
again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.Even if the light goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light on.
In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-41).
WARNING
Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. It indicates that
your brakes may not work at all or
that they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains on, after
checking that the parking brake is
fully released, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don't drive
with this light on, and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don't drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
5-38
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page134
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (137,1)
qABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you're driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function normally
as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don't drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to
charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs
and the ABS warning light comes on.
This is due to a weak battery, not a
malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
qAir Bag/Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner System Warning
Light
If the air bag/front seat belt pretensioner
system is normal, the warning light
illuminates when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position or after the
engine is cranked. After about 6 seconds
it goes out.
A system malfunction is indicated when
the warning light constantly flashes,
illuminates or doesn't illuminate at all
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position. If any of these occur, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible. The system may not work in an
accident.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-41
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (146,1)
qFlashing the Headlights
To flash the headlights, pull the lever fully
toward you. The headlight switch need
not be on, and the lever will return to the
normal position when released.
qHeadlight Levelingí
The number of riders and weight of cargo
in the luggage compartment change the
angle of the headlights.
The angle of the headlights will be
automatically adjusted when turning on
the headlights.
Headlight auto-leveling malfunction
indicator light
This indicator light stays on far a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the indicator light will
illuminate when the headlight auto-
leveling system has a malfunction.If the indicator light illuminates, contact
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qDaytime Running Lights
(Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
NOTE
The Daytime Running Lights turn off
when the parking brake is applied.
5-50
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (235,1)
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 ..................................................................... 8-8
Owner Maintenance Schedule .................................................. 8-8
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................... 8-9
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-11
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-12
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-15
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-18
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ..................................... 8-19
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-21
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-22
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-22
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-23
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-26
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-28
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-33
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-40
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-45
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-45
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-47
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-50
8-1
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (240,1)
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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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (267,1)
Light Bulbs
Headlights (High-beam)Front side-marker lights
Front turn signal lights
Headlights (Low-beam)
Fog lights
Parking lights Overhead light/Map lights (Front)
Vanity mirror lights
Courtesy lights
Overhead light (Rear)
Trunk light
High-mount brake light
License plate light
Brake lights/Taillights
Reverse lights
Rear side-marker lights
Rear turn signal lights
Some models.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-33
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (272,1)
Vanity mirror lights
Edge
3. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
Trunk light
1. Press both sides of the lens cap to
remove it.
2. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.
3. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
qReplacing a Bulb (Rear)
Rear turn signal lights, Brake lights/
Taillights, Reverse lights
1. Pull the center section of the plastic
retainer and remove the retainers and
partially open the trunk side trim.
Removal
Installation
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Brake lights/Taillights Rear turn signal lights
Reverse lights
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
Rear side-marker lights
Due to the complexity and difficulty of
the procedure, the bulbs should be
replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
8-38
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Black plate (273,1)
High-mount brake light
1. Turn the center section of the plastic
retainer counterclockwise and remove
the retainers and trunk rear trim.
Removal
Installation
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
License plate light
1. Press the front of the lens to detach the
front tabs.2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver with a soft
cloth to prevent damage to the lens and
remove the lens by carefully prying on
the edge of the lens with a flathead
screwdriver.
3. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.
Edge
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-39
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G