Black plate (65,1)
qAdvanced Key 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 be damaged.
lThere is the danger of explosion if
the battery is not correctly replaced.
lReplace only with the same type
battery (CR2025 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
or water.
lNever deform or crush.
The following conditions indicate that the
battery power is low:
lThe KEY indicator light (green) flashes
in the instrument cluster when the
engine is turned off.
lThe system does not operate and the
operation indicator light does not flash
when the buttons are pressed.
lThe system's operational range is
reduced.Replacing the battery at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer is recommended to prevent
damage to the advanced key. If replacing
the battery by yourself, follow the
instruction below.
Replacing the advanced key battery
1. Pull out the auxiliary key.
2. Release the cap using a flathead
screwdriver, then rotate and remove the
cap.
Cap
CAUTION
Do not turn the cap excessively. The
cap may be damaged.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-5
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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 (162,1)
Meters and Gauges
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the dashboard gauges illuminate.
Speedometer ...................................................................................................... page 5-33
Speed Unit Selector ........................................................................................... page 5-33
Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector .................................................. page 5-33
Tachometer ........................................................................................................ page 5-34
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge .................................................................. page 5-35
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................................................ page 5-36
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge ................................................................................ page 5-36
5-32
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page162
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (166,1)
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
NOTE
The direction of the arrow () shown
that the fuel-filler lid is on the left side
of the vehicle.
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.
5-36
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page166
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (167,1)
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.
qDashboard Illumination
Rotate the thumb wheel to adjust the
brightness of the instrument cluster and
other illuminations in the dashboard.
NOTE
lThe brightness of dashboard
illuminations (except instrument
cluster) can be adjusted when the
headlight switch is in the
or
position.
lThe brightness of the instrument
cluster illumination can be adjusted
when the headlight switch is in any
position.
Bright
Dim
Canceling the illumination dimmer
When the headlight switch is in the
or
position, the illumination of the
instrument cluster and the information
display dims (the instrument cluster
illumination color turns to red).
When driving on snowy or foggy roads,
or in other situations when the instrument
cluster or information display's visibility
is reduced due to glare from surrounding
brightness, cancel the illumination
dimmer and increase the illumination
intensity.
To cancel the illumination dimmer, rotate
the thumb wheel upward fully. You may
hear a click sound and the illumination
dimmer will be canceled (instrument
cluster illumination color turns to white).
NOTE
If the dashboard illumination switch is
kept at the illumination dimmer cancel
position, the instrument cluster and the
information display will not dim when
the headlight switch is turned to the
orposition again.
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
5-37
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page167
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (168,1)
Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
Signal Warning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-40
Charging System Warning Light 5-41
Engine Oil Level Warning Light 5-42
Engine Coolant Level Warning Light 5-42
Check Engine Light 5-43
ABS Warning Light 5-40
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light 5-43
Low Fuel Warning Light 5-44
Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep 5-44
5-38
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page168
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (172,1)
CAUTION
Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated because the engine could
stop unexpectedly.
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.
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.
qEngine Coolant Level Warning Light
This warning light indicates low engine
coolant level.
5-42
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page172
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (275,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2
Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance ............................................................ 8-3
Owner Maintenance ..................................................................... 8-8
Owner Maintenance Schedule .................................................. 8-8
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................... 8-9
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-11
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-12
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-15
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-18
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-19
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-20
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-21
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-22
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-24
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-27
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-32
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-39
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-44
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-44
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-46
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-49
8-1
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Form No.8U58-EA-05J