Black plate (317,1)
Fuse panel (Driver's side)
DESCRIPTIONFUSE
RATINGPROTECTED COMPONENT
1 CIGAR 15A Lighter
2 ACC 7.5A Audio system, Power control mirror
3 AUX PWR 20A Accessory socket
4 A/C 7.5A Air conditioner
5 METER 10A Instrument cluster
6 TCM 10A Transmission control system
7 SPARE 7.5A―
8 SPARE 20A―
9 M.DEF 10A Mirror defroster
í
10 DSC 7.5A DSCí
11 AUDIO 20A Audio systemí
12 D.LOCK 30A Power door locks, Moonroofí
13 P.WIND 30A Power windows
14 ROOM 15A Interior lights
15 SPARE 15A―
16 SPARE 10A―
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-43íSome models. RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page317
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (321,1)
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.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-47
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page321
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (322,1)
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.
8-48
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page322
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (343,1)
11. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
12. Max. permissible inflation pressure
13. SAFETY WARNING
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation
of the various components of that tire size and load index rating. Note that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
P
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
NOTE
If your tire size does not begin with a letter this may mean it is designated by either
ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire
Manufacturing Association).
215
“215”is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
65
“65”is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
R
“R”is the tire construction symbol. R indicates“Radial ply construction”.
15
“15”is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
95
“95”is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each
tire can support.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-19
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page343
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (346,1)
qInformation on Temporary Tires
Please refer to the diagram below.
1. Temporary tires
2. Nominal width of tire in millimeters
3. Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
4. Diagonal
5. Rim diameter code
T115/70D 16 is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation of
the various components of that tire size and load index rating. Note that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
T
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
11 5
“115”is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
70
“70”is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
9-22
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page346
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (370,1)
qLight Bulbs
Exterior light
Light bulbCategory
Wattage ECE R SAE
HeadlightsHigh beam 65 H9―
Low beamHalogen 55 H7―
Xenon fusion 35 D2S―
Front turn signal lights 21 WY21W―
Parking lights 5 W5W―
Fog lights
í55 H11―
Front side-marker lights 3.8―#194
High-mount brake light 21 W21W #7440
Rear turn signal lights 21 WY21W―
Brake lights/Taillights 21/5 W21/5W #7443
Reverse lights 21 W21W #7440
License plate light 5 W5W―
Rear side-marker lights 0.57――
The rear side-marker light bulbs cannot be replaced because they are an LED-type bulb. The rear combination
component must be replaced.
Interior light
Light bulbCategory
Wattage ECE R
Trunk light 5 W5W
Overhead light/Map lights (Front) 5 W5W
Overhead light (Rear) 10―
Courtesy lights 5 W5W
Vanity mirror lights 2―
qTires
NOTE
The tires have been optimally matched with the chassis of your vehicle.
When replacing tires, Mazda recommends that you replace tires of the same type
originally fitted to your vehicle. For details, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
10-6íSome models.
Specifications
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page370
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (374,1)
A
Accessory Socket .............................. 6-49
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-13
Advanced Key ..................................... 3-2
Advanced key maintenance ......... 3-5
Advanced key suspend
function ...................................... 3-17
Auxiliary key .............................. 3-16
Locking, unlocking with request
switch ........................................... 3-8
Opening the trunk lid with request
switch ......................................... 3-10
Operational range ......................... 3-7
Remote control function ............. 3-14
Service ......................................... 3-6
Air Bag Systems ............................... 2-30
Air Filter ............................................ 8-21
Ambient Temperature Display .......... 6-42
Antenna ............................................. 6-10
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ......... 5-7
Warning light ............................... 5-7
Appearance Care ............................... 8-44
Ashtray .............................................. 6-44
Audio System ................................... 6-10
Audio control switch .................. 6-34
Audio set .................................... 6-17
Operating tips for audio
system ........................................ 6-10
Safety certification ..................... 6-37
Automatic Transmission
Driving tips ................................ 5-17
Manual shift mode ..................... 5-13
Shift-lock system ....................... 5-12
Transmission ranges ................... 5-11
B
Battery
Emergency starting .................... 7-20
Maintenance ............................... 8-24
Specifications ............................. 10-4
Beep Sounds
Engine overrev warning beep .... 5-53
Ignition key reminder ................. 5-52
Lights-on reminder ..................... 5-52
Seat belt warning beep ............... 5-52
Tire inflation pressure warning
beep ............................................ 5-53
Before Starting the Engine .................. 4-6
After getting in ............................. 4-6
Before getting in .......................... 4-6
Body Lubrication .............................. 8-20
Brake/Clutch
Fluid ........................................... 8-18
Brakes
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..... 5-7
Foot brake .................................... 5-5
Pad wear indicator ........................ 5-8
Parking brake ............................... 5-5
Warning light ............................... 5-6
Break-In Period ................................... 4-7
Bulb Replacement ............................. 8-32
C
Capacities .......................................... 10-5
Carbon Monoxide ............................... 4-5
Catalytic Converter ............................. 4-3
Cell Phones ....................................... 9-14
Center Console .................................. 6-47
11-2
Index
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page374
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (375,1)
C
Child Restraint
Child restraint precautions ......... 2-19
Installing child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-23
LATCH child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-28
Cigarette Lighter ............................... 6-43
Climate Control System ...................... 6-2
Gas specifications ...................... 10-5
Clock ................................................. 6-42
Coin Box ........................................... 6-46
Courtesy Lights ................................. 6-40
Cruise Control ................................... 5-19
Cup Holder ........................................ 6-45
Customer Assistance ........................... 9-2
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-37
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-55
Defroster
Rear window .............................. 5-59
Dimensions ....................................... 10-5
Door Locks ....................................... 3-28
Driving In Flooded Area ................... 4-11
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-7
Automatic transmission .............. 5-17
Break-in period ............................ 4-7
Driving in flooded area .............. 4-11
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-8
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-7
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-9
Winter driving .............................. 4-9
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ..... 5-23
DSC OFF indicator light ............ 5-24
DSC OFF switch ........................ 5-25
TCS/DSC Indicator light ............ 5-24
E
Emergency Starting ........................... 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 .............................. 3-42
Oil .............................................. 8-12
Overheating ................................ 7-18
Starting ......................................... 5-4
Engine Compartment Overview ........ 8-11
Engine Coolant
Overheating ................................ 7-18
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-35
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-5
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-46
F
Flasher
Hazard warning .......................... 5-61
Headlights .................................. 5-54
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 ......................................... 5-56
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-5
Front Seats
(Electrically Operated Seats) ............... 2-5
Index
11-3
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page375
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J