2005 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 warning light

Black plate (217,1)
NOTE
lCheck the tire inflation pressure label
(driver's door) for the correct tire
inflation pressure.
lDo not use the compressor for longer
than 10 minutes because using the
compressor for long periods could
damage it.
lIf the tire does not inflate, repair of
the tire may not be possible. If the
tire does not reach the correct
inflation pressure within a 10-minute
period, it probably has received more
extensive damage. When this
happens, the emergency flat tire
repair kit cannot be used to repair the
tire. Contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
lIf the tire has been over-inflated,
loosen the screw cap on the
compressor and bleed some of the air
out.
17. When the tire has been inflated to the
proper inflation pressure, turn the
compressor switch off and remove the
compressor hose from the tire valve.
18. Install the tire valve cap.
19. Put the emergency flat tire repair kit
in the trunk and continue driving.
CAUTION
lDrive carefully to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and keep the vehicle
speed below 80 km/h (50 mph).
lIf the vehicle is driven 80 km/h (50
mph) or higher, the vehicle might
begin to vibrate.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
If the tire is not properly inflated, the
tire pressure monitoring system warning
light will illuminate (page 5-26).
20. After driving the vehicle for 10
minutes or 5 km (3 miles), check the
tire pressure with the tire pressure
gauge equipped with the compressor.
If the tire pressure has fallen below
the correct tire pressure, inflate the
tire to the correct pressure again
following the steps from number 15.
CAUTION
lIf the tire inflation pressure falls
below 130 kPa (1.3 kgf/cm2or bar,
18.9 psi), repair cannot be done with
the repair kit. Park the vehicle on a
level surface off the right-of-way and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the tire inflation pressure
continues to remain low after
repeating steps 14 to 21, park the
vehicle on a level surface off the
right-of-way and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
When checking the tire inflation
pressure with the tire pressure gauge on
the compressor unit, make sure the
compressor switch is turned off.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-11
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page217
Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:12 PM
Form No.8T69-EA-04G

Black plate (246,1)
Engine Oil
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.
qRecommended Oil
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Oil container labels provide important
information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes
to fuel economy is reducing the amount of
fuel necessary to overcome engine
friction.
U.S.A. and CANADA
(ILSAC)
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline
Engines”by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). An oil with this trademark
symbol conforms to the current engine
and emission system protection standards
and fuel economy requirements of the
International Lubricant Standardization
and Approval Committee (ILSAC),
comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
5W-20
120 100 80
60 40
20
0 –20
50 40 30
20 10
0 –10
–20 –30
8-12
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page246
Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:13 PM
Form No.8T69-EA-04G

Black plate (251,1)
For mixture percentage:
ProtectionVolume
Antifreeze
solutionDemineralized
water
Above–16°C
(3°F)35% 65%
Above–26°C
(–15°F)45% 55%
Above–40°C
(–40°F)55% 45%
To change coolant
WARNING
Removing the Cooling System Cap:
Removing the cooling system cap
while the engine is running or hot is
dangerous. This might lead to cooling
system and engine damage and could
result in serious injury from escaping
hot coolant or steam. Turn off the
engine and wait until it's cool. Even
then, be very careful when removing
the cap. Wrap a thick cloth around the
cap and slowly turn it
counterclockwise to the first stop.
Step back while the pressure escapes.
When you're sure all the pressure is
gone, press down on the cap―still
using a cloth―turn the cap, and
remove it.
1. Remove the cooling system cap.
2. Only when the engine is cool, loosen
the radiator drain plug and drain the
coolant into a suitable container.
Properly dispose of the used coolant.3. With the drain plug loose but not fully
removed, flush out the system with
running water.
Tighten Loosen Loosen
Tighten
4. Drain the system completely and
retighten the plug. Add as much
ethylene-glycol-based coolant mixture
and water as necessary to provide
freezing and corrosion protection.
5. In extremely cold climates, add the
mixture percentage recommended in
the coolant mixture percentage table.
6. Reinstall the cooling system cap.
7. Run the engine at idle for about 10
minutes, then turn it off. If the coolant
level warning light comes on during
this time, turn the engine off.
After turning off the engine, inspect the
drain plug and the water hoses for
leaks.
8. After the engine has cooled, remove
the cooling system cap and inspect the
coolant level. If it's low, repeat steps 5
to 7.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-17
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page251
Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:13 PM
Form No.8T69-EA-04G

Black plate (266,1)
qReplacing a Wheel
WARNING
Using a Wrong-Sized Wheel:
Using a wrong-sized wheel is
dangerous. Braking and handling
could be affected, leading to loss of
control and an accident. Always use
wheels of the correct size on your
vehicle.
CAUTION
lA wrong-sized wheel may adversely
affect:
lTire fitlWheel and bearing lifelGround clearancelSnow-chain clearancelSpeedometer calibrationlHeadlight aimlBumper heightlTire Pressure Monitoring SystemlLimited-Slip Differential System
l(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lWhen replacing/repairing the tires
or wheels or both, have the work
done by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer, or the tire pressure sensors
may be damaged.
lThe wheels equipped on your
Mazda are specially designed for
installation the tire pressure
sensors. Do not use non-genuine
wheels, otherwise it may not be
possible to install the tire pressure
sensors.
NOTE
Be sure to install the tire pressure
sensors whenever tires or wheels are
replaced. Refer to Tires and Wheels on
page 5-28.
When replacing a wheel, make sure the
new one is the same as the original factory
wheel in diameter, rim width, and offset.
Proper tire balancing provides the best
riding comfort and helps reduce tread
wear. Out-of-balance tires can cause
vibration and uneven wear, such as
cupping and flat spots.
8-32
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page266
Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:13 PM
Form No.8T69-EA-04G

Black plate (268,1)
Your Mazda's headlights and fog lights
have replaceable halogen bulbs.
WARNING
Xenon Fusion Bulb Replacement:
Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs by
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Do not replace the xenon
fusion bulbs by yourself. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer when the
replacement is necessary.
Handling Halogen Bulbs:
When a halogen bulb breaks, it is
dangerous. These bulbs contain
pressurized gas. If one is broken, it
will explode and serious injuries could
be caused by the flying glass.
If the glass portion is touched with
bare hands, body oil could cause the
bulb to overheat and explode when lit.
Never touch the glass portion of the
bulb with your bare hands and always
wear eye protection when handling or
working around halogen bulbs.
Children and Halogen Bulbs:
Playing with a halogen bulb is
dangerous. Serious injuries could be
caused by dropping a halogen bulb or
breaking it some other way.
Always keep halogen bulbs out of the
reach of children.
qReplacing a Headlight Bulb
1. Make sure the ignition switch is turned
off and the headlight switch is off.
2. Lift the hood and find the high and low
beam bulbs in the rear of the headlight
unit.
The outboard bulb is the LOW beam,
and the inboard one is the HIGH beam.
Refer to Light Bulbs on page 8-33.
3. If you are changing the right headlight
bulb, start the engine, turn the steering
wheel all the way to the right, and turn
off engine. If you are changing the left
headlight bulb, turn the steering wheel
to the left.
4. Turn the center section of the plastic
retainer counterclockwise and remove
the retainers and partially peel back the
mudguard.
Removal
Installation
8-34
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page268
Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:13 PM
Form No.8T69-EA-04G

Black plate (277,1)
DESCRIPTIONFUSE
RATINGPROTECTED COMPONENT
17 FOG 15A Fog lights
í
18 A/C MAG 10A Air conditioner
19 IG 30A For protection of various circuits
20 IG KEY 15A For protection of various circuits
21 STOP 15A Brake lights
22 FUEL PUMP 20A Fuel pump
23 HORN 15A Horn
24 HAZARD 15A Hazard warning flashers, Turn signals
25 ETV 15A Electric throttle valve
26 WIPER 20A Windshield wiper and washer
27 P.WIND 20A Power windows
28 ENGINE 15AEngine control system, Supplemental restraint system, ABS,
Power steering
29 TAIL 10ATaillights, License plate light, Parking lights, Front side-maker
lights, Rear side-marker lights
30 ILLUMI 10A Illuminated entry system
31 EGI COMP1 10A Engine control system
32 EGI COMP2 10A Engine control system
33 EGI INJ 15A Fuel injector
34 EPS 60A Power steering
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-43íSome models. RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page277
Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:13 PM
Form No.8T69-EA-04G

Black plate (282,1)
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Dry the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.
Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for
metallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take
off the wax. Rewax these areas even if
the rest of the vehicle doesn't need it.
qRepairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced, make
sure the body shop applies anti-
corrosion materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive cleaners,
or strong detergents containing highly
alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-
plated or anodized aluminum parts.
This may result in damage to the
protective coating and cause
discoloration or paint deterioration.
8-48
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page282
Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:13 PM
Form No.8T69-EA-04G

Black plate (283,1)
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt.It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Dry the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDon't use a wire brush or any
abrasive cleaner, polishing
compound, or solvent on aluminum
wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral
detergent and always use a sponge or
soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on dusty or
salted roads. This helps prevent
corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster,
wax the wheels.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-49
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page283
Wednesday, June 9 2004 2:13 PM
Form No.8T69-EA-04G