Black plate (160,1)
qTires and Wheels
CAUTION
When inspecting or adjusting the tire air
pressures, do not apply excessive force
to the stem part of the wheel unit. The
stem part could be damaged.
Changing tires and wheels
The following procedure allows the
TPMS to recognize a tire pressure sensor's
unique ID signal code whenever tires or
wheels are changed, such as changing to
and from winter tires.
NOTE
Each tire pressure sensor has a unique
ID signal code. The signal code must be
registered with the TPMS before it can
work. The easiest way to do it is to have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer change
your tire and complete ID signal code
registration.
When having tires changed at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer
Tire pressure sensor ID signal code
registration is completed when an
Authorized Mazda Dealer changes your
vehicle's tires.When changing tires yourself
If you or someone else changes tires, you
or someone else can also undertake the
steps for the TPMS to complete the ID
signal code registration.
1. After tires have been changed, turn the
ignition switch to the ON position, then
turn it back to the ACC or LOCK
position.
2. Wait for about 15 minutes.
3. After about 15 minutes, drive the
vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h
(16 mph) for 10 minutes and the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code will be
registered automatically.NOTE
If the vehicle is driven within about 15
minutes of changing tires, the tire
pressure monitoring system warning
light will flash because the sensor ID
signal code would not have been
registered. If this happens, park the
vehicle for about 15 minutes, after
which the sensor ID signal code will
register upon driving the vehicle for 10
minutes.
5-30
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page160
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (161,1)
Replacing tires and wheels
CAUTION
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
of the tire pressure sensors. Do not
use non-genuine wheels, otherwise it
may not be possible to install the tire
pressure sensors.
Be sure to have the tire pressure sensors
installed whenever tires or wheels are
replaced.
When having a tire or wheel or both
replaced, the following types of tire
pressure sensor installation are possible.
lThe tire pressure sensor is removed
from the old wheel and installed to the
new one.
lThe same tire pressure sensor is used
with the same wheel. Only the tire is
replaced.
lA new tire pressure sensor is installed
to a new wheel.
NOTE
lThe tire pressure sensor ID signal
code must be registered when a new
tire pressure sensor is purchased. For
purchase of a tire pressure sensor and
registration of the tire pressure
sensor ID signal code, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lWhen reinstalling a previously
removed tire pressure sensor to a
wheel, replace the grommet for the
tire pressure sensor.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-31
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page161
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (176,1)
WARNING
Vehicle Handling When Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light
Illuminates/Flashes:
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to
drive the vehicle at high speeds, or
perform sudden maneuvering or
braking. Vehicle drivability could
worsen and result in an accident.
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle
speed immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking. Have the
system and tires checked or perform
the appropriate repair as soon as
possible by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Ignoring the Warning Light:
Ignoring the warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken
care of as soon as possible before it
develops into a more serious situation
that could lead to tire failure and a
dangerous accident.
Warning light illuminates/Warning
beep sounds
When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sound is heard (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires.Adjust the tire pressure to the correct tire
pressure. Refer to the specification charts
(page 10-6).
CAUTION
When 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.
NOTE
lPerform tire pressure adjustment
when the tires are cold. Tire pressure
will vary according to the tire
temperature, therefore let the vehicle
stand for 1 hour or only drive it 1.6
km (1 mile) or less before adjusting
the tire pressures. When pressure is
adjusted on hot tires to the cold
inflation pressure, the TPMS
warning light/beep may turn on after
the tires cool and pressure drops
below specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning
light, resulting from the tire air
pressure dropping due to cold
ambient temperature, may go out if
the ambient temperature rises. In this
case, it will also be necessary to
adjust the tire air pressures. If the
TPMS warning light illuminates due
to a drop in tire air pressure, make
sure to check and adjust the tire air
pressures.
5-46
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page176
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:56 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (177,1)
NOTE
lAfter adjusting the tire air pressures,
it may require some time for the
TPMS warning light to go out. If the
TPMS warning light remains
illuminated, drive the vehicle at a
speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph)
for 10 minutes, and then verify that it
goes out.
If the warning light illuminates again even
after the tire pressures are adjusted, there
may be a tire puncture.
Vehicles with Instant Mobility System
(IMS) emergency flat tire repair kit
If an emergency tire repair is needed,
repair the punctured tire with the
emergency flat tire repair kit (page 7-5).
CAUTION
Do not use non-genuine tire sealant. It
may damage the tire pressure sensor.
Vehicles with optional temporary spare
tire
If you have bought the optional temporary
spare tire, replace the punctured tire with
the temporary spare tire . Refer to the
manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to
the temporary spare tire. The warning
light will flash continuously while the
temporary spare tire is being used.
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qKEY Warning Light (Red)/KEY
Indicator Light (Green) (with
Advanced Key)
This indicator has two colors.
KEY Warning Light (Red)
When illuminated
lWhen the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, it illuminates
momentarily and then goes out.
lIf any malfunction occurs in the
advanced keyless system, it illuminates
continuously.
WARNING
KEY Warning Light:
If the KEY warning light remains
illuminated, do not continue to drive
using the advanced key system. Park
the vehicle in a safe place and use the
auxiliary key to continue driving the
vehicle. Have the vehicle inspected at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon
as possible.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-47
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page177
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:56 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (251,1)
CAUTION
lTo avoid damage to the temporary
spare or to the vehicle, observe the
following precautions:
lDon't exceed 80 km/h (50 mph).lAvoid driving over obstacles.
Also, don't drive through an
automatic car wash. This tire's
diameter is smaller than a
conventional tire's, so the ground
clearance is reduced about 25 mm
(1 in).
lDon't use a tire chain on this tire
because it won't fit properly.
lDon't use your temporary spare
on any other vehicle; it has been
designed only for your Mazda.
lUse only one temporary spare tire
on your vehicle at the same time.
(With limited slip differential)
When using the temporary spare tire on
the rear axle, replace it with a standard
tire as soon as possible. The size
difference between the spare and the
standard tire will cause the limited slip
differential to malfunction.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to
the temporary spare tire. The warning
light will flash continuously while the
temporary spare tire is being used (page
5-27).
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat
Tire Repair Kit
The IMS emergency flat tire repair kit
included with your Mazda is for a
temporary repair of a slightly damaged
flat tire resulting from running over nails
or similar sharp objects on the road
surface.
NOTE
Your vehicle is not equipped with a
spare tire. In the event of a flat tire, use
the emergency flat tire repair kit to
repair the tire temporarily. When doing
the repair, refer to the instructions
included in the emergency flat tire
repair kit. After temporarily repairing a
tire with the emergency flat tire repair
kit, take your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the tire replaced.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-5
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page251
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:58 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (258,1)
21. If the tire inflation pressure remains
stable, the tire repair is complete.
Drive the vehicle with care to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
tire replaced.
CAUTION
lA tire that has been temporarily
repaired with the tire sealant cannot
be reused. Mazda recommends
replacing the tire with a new one.
lThe wheel can be reused after any
sealant adhering to it is wiped off
and carefully inspected. However,
replace the tire valve with a new one.
qInspecting the IMS Emergency
Flat Tire Repair Kit
Inspect the emergency tire repair kit at
regular intervals.
lCheck the tire sealant period of
effective use.
lCheck the operation of the tire
compressor.
NOTE
The tire sealant has a period of effective
use. Check the period of effective use
indicated on the bottle label and do not
use it if it has expired. Have the tire
sealant replaced at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer before the period of
effective use has expired.
Changing the Tire
WARNING
Jacking a Vehicle:
Changing a tire is dangerous if not
done properly. The vehicle can slip off
the jack and seriously injure someone.
Be sure to follow the directions for
changing a tire, and never get under a
vehicle that is supported only by a
jack.
Passenger in Vehicle Supported by a
Jack:
Allowing someone to remain in a
vehicle supported by a jack is
dangerous. The occupant could cause
the vehicle to fall resulting in serious
injury. Never allow anyone inside a
vehicle supported by a jack.
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
The wheels equipped on your Mazda
are specially designed for installation of
the tire pressure sensors. Do not use
non-genuine wheels, otherwise it may
not be possible to install the tire
pressure sensors.
7-12
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page258
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:58 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (259,1)
NOTE
lMake sure the jack is well lubricated
before using it.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lBe sure to register the tire pressure
sensor ID signal code whenever tires
or wheels are changed (page 5-30).
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-
way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle
and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, and tool (page 7-3).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite
the tire to be changed. When blocking
a wheel, place a tire block both in front
and behind the tire.
NOTE
When blocking a tire, use rocks or
wood blocks of sufficient size to hold
the tire in place.
qRemoving the Tire
1. Loosen the lug nuts by turning them
counterclockwise one turn each, but
don't remove any until the tire has been
raised off the ground.
2. Place the jack under the jacking
position closest to the tire being
changed.
Jacking position
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-13
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page259
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (303,1)
CAUTION
Limited-Slip Differential system;
don't use the following:
lTires not of the designated size
lTires of different sizes or types at the
same time
lTires not sufficiently inflated
If these instructions aren't followed, the
rotation of the left and right wheels will
be different and will thus apply a
constant load on the limited-slip
differential.
This will cause a malfunction.
qReplacing a Tire
WARNING
Worn Tires:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
Always use tires that are in good
condition.
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
When 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.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lWhen tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the sidewalls are
used, the system may not function
correctly even with a genuine wheel.
Refer to System Error Activation on
page 5-29.
lBe sure to install the tire pressure
sensors whenever tires or wheels are
replaced.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page
5-30.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace it before the band is
across the entire tread.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-29
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page303
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J