Black plate (71,1)
NOTE
The Advanced Keyless Entry System
does not function in the ACC position,
and the doors will not lock/unlock even
if they have been locked manually or
the advanced key is carried away from
the vehicle.
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
When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the fuel
pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the start knob;
then it returns to the ON position. The
brake warning light can be checked after
the engine is started (page 5-38).
Starting the Engine
NOTE
lEngine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
lThe advanced key must be carried
because the advanced key carries an
immobilizer chip that must
communicate with the engine
controls at short range.
lWhen starting the engine, be sure the
start knob is securely attached before
trying to operate it. If the knob
becomes detached from the ignition
switch, re-attach it by pushing it on
to the ignition switch.
1. Make sure the advanced key is being
carried.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-11
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page71
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (118,1)
Fuel Requirements
Vehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL,
which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
Fuel Octane Rating*(Anti-knock index)
Premium unleaded fuel 91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
You may use a regular unleaded fuel with an Octane Rating from 87 to 90 (91 to 95 RON)
but this will slightly reduce performance.
Fuel with a rating lower than 87 octane (91 RON) could cause the emission control system
to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.
CAUTION
lUSE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter or the oxygen sensor. The lead will
accumulate on the oxygen sensor and the catalyst inside the converter. This will result
in a malfunction of the emission control system, causing poor performance.
lYour vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10% ethanol by
volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of any
kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.
lNever add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those specified
by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10%. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name“Gasohol”.
Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.
lGasohol containing more than 10% ethanol.
lGasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
lLeaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
4-2
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page118
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
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
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
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
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:55 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (286,1)
Engine Oil
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.
qRecommended Oil
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Oil container labels provide important
information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes
to fuel economy is reducing the amount of
fuel necessary to overcome engine
friction.
U.S.A. and CANADA
(ILSAC)
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline
Engines”by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). An oil with this trademark
symbol conforms to the current engine
and emission system protection standards
and fuel economy requirements of the
International Lubricant Standardization
and Approval Committee (ILSAC),
comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
5W-20
120 100 80
60 40
20
0 –20
50 40 30
20 10
0 –10
–20 –30
8-12
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page286
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J
Black plate (316,1)
DESCRIPTIONFUSE
RATINGPROTECTED COMPONENT
17 FOG 15A Fog lights
í
18 A/C MAG 10A Air conditioner
19 IG 30A For protection of various circuits
20 IG KEY 15A For protection of various circuits
21 STOP 15A Brake lights
22 FUEL PUMP 20A Fuel pump
23 HORN 15A Horn
24 HAZARD 15A Hazard warning flashers, Turn signals
25 ETV 15A Electric throttle valve
26 WIPER 20A Windshield wiper and washer
27 P.WIND 20A Power windows
28 ENGINE 15AEngine control system, Supplemental restraint system, ABS,
Power steering
29 TAIL 10ATaillights, License plate light, Parking lights, Front side-maker
lights, Rear side-marker lights
30 ILLUMI 10A Illuminated entry system
31 EGI COMP1 10A Engine control system
32 EGI COMP2 10A Engine control system
33 EGI INJ 15A Fuel injector
34 EPS 60A Power steering
8-42
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page316
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J