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WARNING
One Belt, One Passenger:
Using one seat belt for more than one person at a time is dangerous. A seat belt used
in this way can't spread the impact forces properly and the two passengers could be
crushed together and seriously injured or even killed. Never use one belt for more
than one person at a time.
Seat Belt Caught or Pinched in the Door:
Wearing a seat belt that is caught or pinched in the door is dangerous. The seat belt
could become loose and not provide adequate protection in a sudden stop or collision.
Always make sure the seat belt is not caught or pinched in the door.
Seat Belt with Seat Belt Slide Bar:
Placing your foot or other objects such as an umbrella on the seat belt slide bar is
dangerous. The front seat belt is built in the rear door and the lower part of the seat
belt slides forward or backward along the seat belt slide bar as the rear door opens or
closes. If the seat belt slider is blocked, the seat belt could be improperly positioned
and would provide little or no protection in a collision. Always make sure nothing is
placed on the seat belt slide bar.
CAUTION
Belt retraction may become difficult if the belts and rings are soiled, so try to keep them
clean.
Ring
Essential Safety Equipment
Seat Belt Systems
2-11
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
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qTransmitter Maintenance
CAUTION
lMake sure the battery is installed
with the correct pole facing upward.
Battery leakage could occur if it is
not installed correctly.
lWhen replacing the battery, be
careful not to bend the electrical
terminals or get oil on them. Also be
careful not to get dirt in the
transmitter as it could damage it.
lDanger of battery explosion if it is
incorrectly replaced.
lReplace only with the same type
battery (CR1620 or equivalent).
lDispose of used batteries according
to the following instructions.
lInsulate the plus and minus
terminals of the battery using
cellophane or equivalent tape.
lNever disassemble.lNever throw the battery into fire
and/or water.
lNever deform or crush.
Replacing the transmitter battery
1. Insert a small screwdriver into the slot
and push the tab to remove the key
from the transmitter.
Ta b
2. Insert a small screwdriver into the slot
and gently pry open the transmitter.
3-6
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8T69-EA-04G_Edition1 Page58
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Hood
WARNING
Closed and Securely Locked Hood:
A hood that is not closed and securely
locked is dangerous as it could fly
open while the vehicle is moving and
block the driver's vision which could
result in a serious accident. Always
check that the hood is closed and
securely locked.
qOpening the Hood
1. With the vehicle parked, pull the
release handle to unlock the hood.
Release handle
2. Slide the hood latch to the right and lift
the hood.
3. Use the support rod to hold the hood
open.
Clip
Support rod
qClosing the Hood
1. Check under the hood area to make
certain all filler caps are in place and
all loose items (e.g. tools, oil
containers, etc.) have been removed.
2. Insert the support rod in its clip while
holding up the hood. Verify that the
support rod is secured in the clip before
closing the hood.
3. Close the hood so that it locks securely.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-21
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Page 90 of 364
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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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Meters and Gauges
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the dashboard gauges illuminate.
Speedometer ...................................................................................................... page 5-31
Speed Unit Selector ........................................................................................... page 5-31
Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector .................................................. page 5-31
Tachometer ........................................................................................................ page 5-32
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge .................................................................. page 5-33
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................................................ page 5-34
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge ................................................................................ page 5-34
5-30
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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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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Form No.8T69-EA-04G
Page 132 of 364
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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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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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