2007 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 warning light

Black plate (157,1)
Traction Control System
(TCS)
í
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it lowers engine torque and
operates the brakes to prevent loss of
traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.
WARNING
Do not rely on the traction control
system as a substitute for safe driving:
The traction control system (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.
Use snow tires or tire chains and drive
at reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow:
Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and/or ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC
OFF switch (page 5-26).
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. If the TCS or DSC is
operating, the indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lIn addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS is operating properly.
lOn slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the TCS is
on.
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Starting and Driving
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Friday, May 19 2006 9:51 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F

Black plate (158,1)
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
í
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 5-7) and TCS (page
5-23).
WARNING
Do not rely on the dynamic stability
control as a substitute for safe driving:
The dynamic stability control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.
CAUTION
lThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
lUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
lUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
lDo not mix worn tires.
lThe DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
lIf repair or replacement of the
steering or other surrounding
equipment is necessary, have it done
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. If
the center position of the steering
deviates, the DSC may not operate
correctly because there is a sensor in
the steering which detects driving
conditions.
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. If the TCS or DSC is
operating, the indicator light flashes.
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Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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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.
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Form No.8V89-EA-06F

Black plate (162,1)
CAUTION
lTo avoid false readings, the system
samples for a little while before
indicating a problem. As a result it
will not instantaneously register a
rapid tire deflation or blow out.
NOTE
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.
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the warning light illuminates
when tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires, and flashes when there is a
system malfunction.
WARNING
If 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:
If 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.
To determine if you have a slow leak
or a flat, pull over to a safe position
where you can check the visual
condition of the tire and determine if
you have enough air to proceed to a
place where air may be added and the
system monitored again, an
Authorized Mazda Dealer or a tire
repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning
Light:
Ignoring the TPMS 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.
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Form No.8V89-EA-06F

Black plate (163,1)
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.
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.
lTires can loose a little air quite
naturally over time and the TPMS
cannot tell if the tires are getting too
soft over time or you have a flat.
However, when you find one low tire
in a set of four - that is an indication
of trouble; you should have someone
drive the vehicle slowly forward so
you can inspect any low tire for cuts
and any metal sticking through tread
or sidewall. Put a few drops of water
in the valve stem to see if it bubbles
indicating a bad valve. Leaks need to
be addressed by more than simply
refilling the trouble tire as leaks are
dangerous - take it to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer which has all the
equipment to fix tires, TPMS
systems and order the best
replacement tire for your vehicle.
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).
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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.
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Black plate (165,1)
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.
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 installations 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.
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Black plate (171,1)
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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