Black plate (113,1)
NOTE
l(U.S.A.)
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.
l(CANADA)
This device complies with RSS-210
of Industry CANADA. Operation is
subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
qOperation
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition
switch is turned from the ON to the ACC
position.
The security indicator light in the
instrument panel flashes every 2 seconds
until the system is disarmed.
Disarming
The system is disarmed when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position with
the correct ignition key.
The security indicator light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and goes out.
If the engine doesn't start with the correct
ignition key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lIf the security indicator light comes
on and stays on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position,
the engine will not start.
lSignals from a TV or radio station, or
from a transceiver or a mobile
telephone, could interfere with your
immobilizer system. If you are using
the proper key and your engine fails
to start, check the security indicator
light. If it is flashing, remove the
ignition key and wait 2 seconds or
more, then reinsert it and try starting
the engine again. If it doesn't start
after 3 or more tries, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving,
don't shut off the engine. Go to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer and have
it checked. If you shut off the engine
while the light is flashing you won't
be able to restart it.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
3-49
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page113
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (115,1)
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.
lUnlocking a door with the door lock
switch.
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_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page115
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (116,1)
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_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page116
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (117,1)
Steering Wheel
WARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving:
Adjusting the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control
or an accident.
qTilt Steering Wheel
To change the angle of the steering wheel,
stop the vehicle, pull the tilt wheel release
lever under the steering column down,
adjust the wheel, then push the release
lever up to lock the column.
Tilt wheel release
lever
After adjusting, push the wheel up and
down to be certain it's locked before
driving.
Mirrors
qOutside Mirrors
Check the mirror angles before driving.
Mirror type
Flat type (driver's side)
Flat surface mirror.
Convex type (front passenger side)
The mirror has single curvature on its
surface.
WARNING
Be sure to look over your shoulder
before changing lanes:
Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears.
Power control mirror
The ignition switch must be in the ACC
or ON position.
To adjust:
1. Press the left or right side of the
selector switch to choose the left or
right side mirror.
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
3-53
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page117
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Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (118,1)
2. Depress the mirror switch in the
appropriate direction.
Mirror switchSelector switch Outside mirror
After adjusting the mirror, lock the control
by placing the selector switch in the
middle position.
Folding the mirror
Fold the outside mirror rearward until it is
locked.
WARNING
Always return the outside mirrors to
the driving position before you start
driving:
Driving with the outside mirrors
folded in is dangerous. Your rear view
will be restricted, and you could have
an accident.
Mirror defrosterí
To turn on the mirror defrosters, turn the
ignition switch to the ON position and
push the rear window defroster switch
(page 5-60).
qRearview Mirror
WARNING
Do not stack cargo or objects higher
than the seatbacks:
Cargo stacked higher than the
seatbacks is dangerous. It can block
your view in the rearview mirror,
which might cause you to hit another
car when changing lanes.
Rearview mirror adjustment
Before driving, adjust the rearview mirror
to center on the scene through the rear
window.
Manual day/night mirror
3-54
Knowing Your Mazda
íSome models.
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page118
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (119,1)
Auto-dimming mirror
NOTE
For the manual day/night mirror,
perform the adjustment with the day/
night lever in the day position.
Reducing glare from headlights
Manual day/night mirror
Push the day/night lever forward for day
driving. Pull it back to reduce glare of
headlights from cars at the rear.
Night DayDay/Night lever
Auto-dimming mirror
The auto-dimming mirror automatically
reduces glare of headlights from cars at
the rear when the ignition switch is in the
ON position.Press the OFF button (
) to cancel the
automatic dimming function. The
indicator light will go off.
To reactivate the automatic dimming
function, press the ON button (
). The
indicator light will illuminate.
Indicator lightOFF button
ON button
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
3-55
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page119
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (124,1)
Emission Control System
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system (the catalytic converter is part of
this system) that enables your vehicle to comply with existing exhaust emissions
requirements.
WARNING
Never park over or near anything flammable:
Parking over or near anything flammable, such as dry grass, is dangerous. Even with
the engine turned off, the exhaust system remains very hot after normal use and could
ignite anything flammable. A resulting fire could cause serious injury or death.
CAUTION
Ignoring the following precautions could cause lead to accumulate on the catalyst inside
the converter or cause the converter to get very hot. Either condition will damage the
converter and cause poor performance.
lUSE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
lDon't drive your Mazda with any sign of engine malfunction.
lDon't coast with the ignition switch turned off.
lDon't descend steep grades in gear with the ignition switch turned off.
lDon't operate the engine at high idle for more than 2 minutes.
lDon't tamper with the emission control system. All inspections and adjustments must
be made by a qualified technician.
lDon't push-start or pull-start your vehicle.
NOTE
Under U.S. federal law, any modification to the original-equipment emission control
system before the first sale and registration of a vehicle is subject to penalties. In some
states, such modification made on a used vehicle is also subject to penalties.
NOTE
While the engine is off, the sound of a valve opening and closing can be heard from
inside and outside of the cabin interior, however this does not indicate an abnormality.
Your vehicle has a self-checking device and it operates while the engine is off.
4-4
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page124
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (126,1)
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
fluid leaks.
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_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page126
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F