Black plate (75,1)
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 5-39).
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 5-39).
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
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Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (104,1)
qClosing a Window
Pull the latch inward and then push it
backward until it snaps shut. Make sure
the window is securely closed.
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap
WARNING
When removing the fuel cap, loosen
the cap slightly and wait for any
hissing to stop. Then remove it:
Fuel spray is dangerous. Fuel can
burn skin and eyes and cause illness if
ingested. Fuel spray is released when
there is pressure in the fuel tank and
the fuel cap is removed too quickly.
Before refueling, stop the engine, and
always keep sparks and flames away
from the filler neck:
Fuel vapor is dangerous. It could be
ignited by sparks or flames causing
serious burns and injuries.
Additionally, use of the incorrect fuel
filler cap or not using a fuel filler cap
may result in fuel leak, which could
result in serious burns or death in an
accident.
CAUTION
Always use only a genuine Mazda fuel
cap or an approved equivalent,
available at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. The wrong cap can result in a
serious malfunction of the fuel and
emission control systems. It may also
cause the check engine light in the
instrument cluster to illuminate.
3-40
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page104
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Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (105,1)
qFuel-Filler Lid
To open, pull up the remote fuel-filler lid
release.
Remote fuel-filler
lid release
qFuel-Filler Cap
To remove the filler cap, turn it
counterclockwise.
To close the filler cap, turn it clockwise
until it clicks.
Close Open
CAUTION
Make sure the fuel-filler cap is
tightened securely. The check engine
light may illuminate when the cap isn't
tightened securely. If the light remains
on (even after you have tightened the
cap securely, driven, and restarted the
engine several times), it may indicate a
different problem. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-41
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page105
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Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Black plate (110,1)
qOperation
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition
switch is turned from the ON position to
the ACC or LOCK position. The security
indicator light in the instrument cluster
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 registered advanced 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
lThe engine may not start and the
security indicator light may
illuminate or flash if the advanced
key is placed in an area where it is
difficult for the system to detect the
signal, such as on the dashboard, or
in the glove box. Move the advanced
key to another place, turn the
ignition switch to the LOCK
position, and then restart the engine.
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 advanced key and the
engine fails to start, check the
security indicator light. If the
indicator light is flashing, turn the
ignition switch to the ACC or LOCK
position and wait for a while, then
restart the engine. 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 the engine is shut off
while the indicator light is flashing,
you won't be able to restart it.
lSince the electronic codes are reset
when repairing the immobilizer
system, the advanced key (including
auxiliary key) are needed. Bring all
the advanced keys (including
auxiliary keys) to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
3-46
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page110
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
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
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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
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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
Black plate (137,1)
Automatic transmission
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, the shift lever must be in
the P position.
Shift lever
engaged in P
(park)
WARNING
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked:
Removing the key from the ignition
switch while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. Removing the key allows
the steering wheel to lock. You will
lose steering control and a serious
accident could occur.
Before leaving the driver's seat,
always set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P with
an automatic transmission or in 1 or R
with a manual transmission:
Leaving the driver's seat without
setting the parking brake and the shift
lever is dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur. This could
cause an accident.
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
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 5-39).
NOTE
(With headlight auto-leveling)
When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the
headlight leveling motors operating at
the front of the engine compartment can
be heard. This does not indicate an
abnormality.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-39).
qIgnition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position with the key inserted, a
continuous beep sound will be heard
when the driver's door is opened.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-3
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page137
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Form No.8V89-EA-06F