Black plate (86,1)
Turning on the alarm
Pressing the panic button for 1 second or
more will trigger the alarm for about 2
minutes and 30 seconds, and the
following will occur:
lThe horn sounds intermittently.
lThe hazard warning lights flash.
Turning off the alarm
Press any button on the transmitter.
qTransmitter Maintenance
If the buttons on the transmitter are
inoperable and the operation indicator
light does not flash, the battery may be
dead.
Replace with a new battery before the
transmitter becomes unusable.
CAUTION
lInstall the battery with the positive
pole (
) facing down. 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 be damaged.
lThere is the danger of explosion if
the battery is not correctly 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. Unfold the key (page 3-22).
3-26
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page86
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (111,1)
Theft-Deterrent Systemí
The optional theft-deterrent system is
designed to prevent your vehicle or its
contents from being stolen when all doors,
hood, and trunk lid are locked.
If forcible entry is attempted, the system
sounds the horn and flashes the hazard
warning lights.
NOTE
lThe theft-deterrent system operates
with the key or the keyless entry
system transmitter.
l(With advanced key)
The theft-deterrent system can also
be operated using a request switch or
the start knob.
The system operates only when the
driver is in the vehicle or within
operational range while the advanced
key is being carried.
lThe system will not function unless
it is properly armed. To properly
secure the vehicle, always make sure
all windows are completely closed
and all doors and the trunk lid are
locked before leaving the vehicle.
Remember to take your key and
transmitter.
qOperation
System triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights flash for about 3
minutes when the system is triggered by
any one of the following:
lForcing open a door, the hood or the
trunk lid.
lUnlocking a door with the inside door-
lock knob.
lOpening the hood by operating the
hood release handle.
lOpening the trunk lid by operating the
trunk lid release button.
If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until a door is
unlocked or the trunk lid is opened with
the key or with the transmitter.
(With advanced key)
The lights and horn can also be
deactivated by pressing a request switch.
qHow to Arm the System
1. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
(With advanced key)
Turn the start knob to the LOCK
position.
2. Make sure the hood and the trunk lid
are closed. Close and lock all doors
from the outside using the key or press
the lock button on your keyless entry
system transmitter.
(With advanced key)
Press a request switch or the lock
button on the transmitter.
The hazard warning lights will flash
once to indicate that the system is
armed.
(Without advanced key)
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
Close the hood and the trunk lid . Press
the area on the door-lock switch
marked“LOCK”once. Close all doors.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
3-51íSome models. RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page111
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (112,1)
NOTE
Locking the doors with the inside door-
lock knob will not arm the system.
qTo Turn off an Armed System
An armed system can be turned off by any
one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door with the key.
lPress the unlock button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.
lInsert the key into the ignition switch
and turn it to the ON position.
l(With advanced key)
lPress a request switch or the unlock
button on the transmitter.
lTurn the start knob to the ON
position.
The hazard warning lights will flash twice
to indicate that the system is turned off.
NOTE
The trunk lid can be opened with the
key or the transmitter even when the
system is armed. The alarm will not
come on and the system will remain
armed.
qTo Stop an Alarm
A triggered alarm can be turned off by
any one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door with the key.
lOpen the trunk lid with the key.
lPress the unlock button or press and
hold the trunk button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.
l(With advanced key)
lPress a request switch.lPress the unlock button or press and
hold the trunk button on the
transmitter.
NOTE
If you have any problem with the theft-
deterrent system, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
qTheft-Deterrent Labels
A label indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System is
in the glove box.
Mazda recommends that you affix it to the
lower rear corner of a front door window.
3-52
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page112
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (122,1)
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 is 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
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page122
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (131,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2
Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transmission Operation ............................................... 5-9
Automatic Transmission Controls ........................................... 5-11
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-18
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-19
Traction Control System (TCS)
í........................................... 5-22
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)í........................................ 5-23
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-26
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-32
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-32
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-38
Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-38
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-52
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-54
Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-54
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-56
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-56
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-57
Headlight Washer
í................................................................. 5-59
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-59
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-60
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-61
HomeLink Wireless Control System
í.................................... 5-61
5-1íSome models.
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page131
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (133,1)
Automatic transmission
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, the shift lever must be in
the P position.
Shift lever
engaged in P
(park)
WARNING
Removing the Key:
It's dangerous to remove the key from
the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving. Removing the key allows the
steering wheel to lock. You will lose
steering control and a serious accident
could occur.
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked.
Not Setting the Parking Brake:
Leaving the driver's seat without
setting the parking brake is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur if the parking
brake is not set. This could cause an
accident. Before leaving the driver's
seat, always set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P with
an automatic transmission or in 1 or R
with a manual transmission.
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-38).
NOTE
(With headlight auto-leveling)
When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the
headlight leveling motors operating at
the front of the engine compartment can
be heard. This does not indicate an
abnormality.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-38).
qIgnition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position with the key inserted, a
continuous beep sound will be heard
when the driver's door is opened.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-3
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page133
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (138,1)
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.
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.
qElectronic 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 and the ABS warning light
on at the same time. The problem is likely
to be an electronic brake force distribution
system.
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, have
the vehicle towed to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the brakes
inspected as soon as possible.
qBrake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become worn,
the built-in wear indicators contact the
disc plates. This causes a screeching noise
to warn that the pads should be replaced.
When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
5-8
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page138
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (156,1)
NOTE
lIf the DSC OFF switch is pressed
and held for a second or more, the
TCS/DSC system may become
inoperative due to the system
detecting switch trouble. If the TCS/
DSC system becomes inoperative,
the TCS/DSC and the DSC OFF
indicator lights illuminate
simultaneously. In this case, turn off
the engine and restart it to restore the
TCS/DSC.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System
í
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) monitors the pressure for each
tire.
If tire pressure is too low in one or more
tires, the system will inform the driver via
the warning light in the instrument panel
and by the warning beep sound.
The tire pressure sensors installed on each
wheel send tire pressure data by radio
signal to the receiver unit in the vehicle.
Tire pressure sensors
NOTE
When the ambient temperature is low
due to seasonal changes, tire
temperatures are also lower. If the tire
temperature lowers, the air pressure
lowers as well, and the TPMS warning
light illuminates more frequently.
Inspect the tire pressure dailybefore
driving, and check the tire pressures
monthly with a tire pressure gauge.
When checking the tire pressures, use
of a digital tire pressure gauge is
recommended.
5-26
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page156
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J