Black plate (112,1)
Immobilizer System
(without Advanced Key)
The immobilizer system allows the engine
to start only with a key the system
recognizes.
If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized key, the engine will
not start, thereby helping to prevent the
theft of your vehicle.
CAUTION
lRadio equipment like this is
governed by laws in the United
States.
Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.
lTo avoid damage to the key, do not:
lDrop the key.lGet the key wet.lExpose the key to any kind of
magnetic field.
lExpose the key to high
temperatures on places such as the
dashboard or hood, under direct
sunlight.
CAUTION
When starting the engine do not allow
the following, as the engine may not
start due to the electronic signal from
the ignition key not being transmitted
correctly.
lA key ring rests on the key grip.
lMetal parts of other keys or metal
objects touch the key grip.
lSpare keys or keys for other vehicles
equipped with an immobilizer
system touch or come near the key
grip.
lDevices for electronic purchases, or
security passage touch or come near
the key.
3-48
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page112
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (141,1)
NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes
an indicator of leakage. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible even if the brake light is no
longer illuminated.
WARNING
Do not drive with the brake system
warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible:
Driving with the brake system warning
light illuminated is dangerous. It
indicates that your brakes may not
work at all or that they could
completely fail at any time. If this light
remains illuminated, after checking
that the parking brake is fully
released, have the brakes inspected
immediately.
qAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
is about to lock up, the ABS responds by
automatically releasing and reapplying
that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal when the ABS operates. Don't
pump the brakes, continue to press down
on the brake pedal.
WARNING
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
NOTE
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
qABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-7
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page141
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (161,1)
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.TPMS does not alleviate your need to
check the pressure and condition of all
four tires before you drive each day.
CAUTION
lEach tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-27íSome models. RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page161
Friday, May 19 2006 9:51 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (164,1)
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.
qSystem Error Activation
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in
the following cases:
lWhen there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
lWhen a metallic device such as a non-
genuine navigation system is equipped
near the center of the dashboard, which
may block radio signals from the tire
pressure sensor to the receiver unit.
lWhen using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.
lA digital device such as a personal
computer.
lA current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.
lWhen excess snow or ice adheres to
the vehicle, especially around the
wheels.
lWhen the tire pressure sensor batteries
are exhausted.
lWhen using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
lWhen using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls.
lWhen using tire chains.
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.
5-30
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page164
Friday, May 19 2006 9:51 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (197,1)
WARNING
Do not use the HomeLink system with
any garage door opener that lacks the
safety stop and reverse feature:
Using the HomeLink system with any
garage door opener that lacks the
safety stop and reverse feature as
required by federal safety standards is
dangerous. (This includes garage
doors manufactured before April 1,
1982.)
Using these garage door openers can
increase the risk of serious injury or
death. For further information,
contact HomeLink at 1-800-355-3515
or www.homelink.com or your
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Always check the areas surrounding
garage doors and gates for people or
obstructions before programming or
during operation of the HomeLimk
system:
Programming or operating the
HomeLink system without verifying
the safety of areas surrounding garage
doors and gates is dangerous and
could result in an unexpected accident
and serious injury if someone were to
be hit.
CAUTION
HomeLink has been tested and
complies with FCC and Industry
Canada rules. Changes or modifications
not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the
device.
NOTE
FCC ID: NZLSTDHL3
CANADA:4112104541A
This device complies with FCC rules
part 15. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1- This device may not cause any
harmful interference and
2- This device must accept any
interference that may be received
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
NOTE
The programming will not be erased
even if the battery is disconnected.
qPre-programming the HomeLink
System
NOTE
It is recommended that a new battery be
placed in the hand-held transmitter of
the device being programmed to
HomeLink for quicker training and
accurate transmission of the radio-
frequency signal.
lVerify that there is a remote control
transmitter available for the device you
would like to program.
lDisconnect the power to the device.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-63
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page197
Friday, May 19 2006 9:51 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (227,1)
Seek tuning
Pressing the seek tuning button (
,)
will cause the tuner to seek a higher or
lower frequency automatically.
NOTE
If you continue to press and hold the
button, the frequency will continue
changing without stopping.
Scan tuning
Press the scan button (
,)to
automatically sample strong stations.
Scanning stops at each station for about 5
seconds. To hold a station, press the scan
button (
,) again during this interval.
Preset channel tuning
The 6 preset channels can be used to store
6 AM and 12 FM stations.
1. To set a channel first select AM, FM1,
or FM2. Tune to the desired station.
2. Depress a channel preset button for
about 2 seconds until a beep sound is
heard. The preset channel number and
station frequency will be displayed.
The station is now held in the memory.
3. Repeat this operation for the other
stations and bands you want to store.
To tune one in the memory, select AM,
FM1, or FM2 and then press its
channel preset button. The station
frequency and the channel number will
be displayed.
NOTE
If the power supply is interrupted (fuse
blows or the battery is disconnected),
the preset channels will be canceled.Auto memory tuning
This is especially useful when driving in
an area where the local stations are not
known. Additional AM/FM stations can
be stored without disturbing the
previously set channels.
Press and hold the auto memory button
(
) for about 2 seconds until a beep
sound is heard; the system will
automatically scan and temporarily store
up to 6 stations with the strongest
frequencies in each selected band in that
area.
After scanning is completed, the station
with the strongest frequency will be tuned
and its frequency displayed.
Press and release the auto memory button
(
) to recall stations from the auto-
stored stations. One stored station will be
selected each time; its frequency and
channel number will be displayed.
NOTE
If no stations can be tuned after
scanning operations,“A”will be
displayed.
Interior Comfort
Audio System
6-27
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page227
Friday, May 19 2006 9:51 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (243,1)
Safety Certification
This CD player is made and tested to meet exacting safety standards. It meets FCC
requirements and complies with safety performance standards of the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services.
CAUTION
lThis CD player should not be adjusted or repaired by anyone except qualified service
personnel.
If servicing is required, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lUse of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those
specified herein may result in hazardous laser exposure. Never operate the CD player
with the top case of the unit removed.
lChanges or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate this equipment.
NOTE
For CD player section:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
NOTE
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation.
Interior Comfort
Audio System
6-43
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page243
Friday, May 19 2006 9:52 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (258,1)
qJack
To remove the jack
1. Open the tool box.
2. Turn the jack screw counterclockwise.
To secure the jack
Perform the removal procedure in reverse.
qSpare Tire
A temporary spare tire is not equipped
with your Mazda. If an emergency tire
repair is needed, repair the flat tire with
the emergency flat tire repair kit (page
7-5). If you require a temporary spare tire,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When installing a temporary spare tire,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
the temporary spare tire.The temporary spare tire is lighter and
smaller than a conventional tire, and is
designed only for emergency use and
should be used only for VERY short
periods. Temporary spare tires should
NEVER be used for long drives or
extended periods.
WARNING
Do not install the temporary spare tire
in place of a driving wheel:
Driving with the temporary spare tire
on one of the driving wheels is
dangerous. Especially on ice or snow.
Handling will be affected. You could
lose control of the vehicle and have an
accident. Move a regular tire to a
driving wheel and install the
temporary spare tire to the non-driving
wheel.
CAUTION
lWhen using the temporary spare tire,
driving stability may decrease
compared to when using only the
conventional tire.
Drive carefully.
7-4
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page258
Friday, May 19 2006 9:52 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F