2008 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 warning light

Black plate (312,1)
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal:Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for metallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and similar
materials will usually also take off the wax.
Rewax these areas even if the rest of the
vehicle doesn't need it.
q Repairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced,
make sure the body shop applies
anti-corrosion materials to all parts,
both repaired and new. This will
prevent them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may result in
damage to the protective coating and
cause discoloration or paint
deterioration.
8-42
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (313,1)
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal: Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDon't use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminum wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral detergent
and always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cold
water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels
after driving on dusty or salted roads. This
helps prevent corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an automatic
car wash that uses high-speed or hard
brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax
the wheels.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-43
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (335,1)
11. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
12. Max. permissible inflation pressure
13. SAFETY WARNING
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation
of the various components of that tire size and load index rating. Note that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
P
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
NOTE
If your tire size does not begin with a letter this may mean it is designated by either ETRTO
(European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire Manufacturing Association).
215
“215 ”is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
65
“ 65 ”is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
R
“R” is the tire construction symbol. R indicates “Radial ply construction ”.
15
“15 ”is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
95
“95 ”is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each
tire can support.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-19
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (368,1)
A
Accessory Socket .............................. 6-53
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-13
Advanced Key ..................................... 3-2Advanced key maintenance ......... 3-5
Advanced key suspend
function ...................................... 3-16
Auxiliary key .............................. 3-15
Locking, unlocking with request
switch ........................................... 3-8
Opening the trunk lid with request
switch ........................................... 3-9
Operational range ......................... 3-7
Remote control function ............. 3-13
Service ......................................... 3-6
Air Bag Systems ............................... 2-33
Ambient Temperature Display .......... 6-46
Antenna ............................................. 6-10
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ......... 5-8 Warning light ............................... 5-8
Appearance Care ............................... 8-39
Ashtray .............................................. 6-48
Audio System ................................... 6-10 Audio control switch .................. 6-40
Audio set .................................... 6-21
Operating tips for audio
system ........................................ 6-10
Safety certification ..................... 6-42
Automatic Transmission Driving tips ................................ 5-18
Manual shift mode ..................... 5-14
Shift-lock system ....................... 5-14
Transmission ranges ................... 5-13
B
BatteryEmergency starting .................... 7-18
Maintenance ............................... 8-20
Specifications ............................. 10-4
Beep Sounds Engine overrev warning beep .... 5-53
Ignition key reminder ................. 5-53
Lights-on reminder ..................... 5-53
Seat belt warning beep ............... 5-53
Tire inflation pressure warning
beep ............................................ 5-54
Before Starting the Engine .................. 4-5 After getting in ............................. 4-5
Before getting in .......................... 4-5
Body Lubrication .............................. 8-17
Brake/Clutch Fluid ........................................... 8-15
Brakes Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..... 5-8
Foot brake .................................... 5-5
Pad wear indicator ........................ 5-9
Parking brake ............................... 5-6
Warning light ............................... 5-7
Break-In Period ................................... 4-6
Bulb Replacement ............................. 8-27
C
Capacities .......................................... 10-5
Carbon Monoxide ............................... 4-4
Catalytic Converter ............................. 4-3
Cell Phones ....................................... 9-14
Center Console .................................. 6-51
11-2
Index
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (369,1)
C
Child RestraintChild restraint precautions ......... 2-20
Installing child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-24
LATCH child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-30
Cigarette Lighter ............................... 6-47
Climate Control System ...................... 6-2
Gas specifications ...................... 10-5
Clock ................................................. 6-46
Coin Box ........................................... 6-50
Courtesy Lights ................................. 6-44
Cruise Control ................................... 5-20
Cup Holder ........................................ 6-49
Customer Assistance ........................... 9-2
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-37
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-56
Defroster Rear window .............................. 5-60
Dimensions ....................................... 10-5
Door Locks ....................................... 3-26
Driving In Flooded Area ..................... 4-9
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-6 Automatic transmission .............. 5-18
Break-in period ............................ 4-6
Driving in flooded area ................ 4-9
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-7
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-6
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-7
Winter driving .............................. 4-8
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ..... 5-24 DSC OFF indicator light ............ 5-25
DSC OFF switch ........................ 5-26
TCS/DSC Indicator light ............ 5-25
E
Emergency Starting ........................... 7-18Jump-starting .............................. 7-19
Push-starting .............................. 7-22
Emergency Towing ........................... 7-23
Emission Control System .................... 4-3
Engine Coolant ....................................... 8-13
Exhaust gas .................................. 4-4
Hood release .............................. 3-38
Oil .............................................. 8-11
Overheating ................................ 7-16
Starting ......................................... 5-4
Engine Compartment Overview ........ 8-10
Engine Coolant Overheating ................................ 7-16
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-36
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-4
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-41
F
Flasher Hazard warning .......................... 5-61
Headlights .................................. 5-55
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3 Changing .................................... 7-11
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat Tire Repair
Kit ................................................ 7-5
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Fluids Classification .............................. 10-4
Owner maintenance ..................... 8-8
Fog Lights ......................................... 5-57
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-5
Front Seats
(Electrically Operated Seats) ............... 2-5
Index
11-3
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (370,1)
F
Front Seats
(Manually Operated Seats) ................. 2-2
FuelFiller lid and cap ........................ 3-37
Gauge ......................................... 5-36
Requirements ............................... 4-2
Tank capacity ............................. 10-5
Fuses ................................................. 8-34 Panel description ........................ 8-36
Replacement ............................... 8-34
G
Gauges .............................................. 5-33
Glove Box ......................................... 6-50
H
Hazard Warning Flasher .................... 5-61
Hazardous Driving .............................. 4-7
Headlight Washer .............................. 5-59
HeadlightsControl ....................................... 5-55
Flashing ...................................... 5-56
High-low beam .......................... 5-56
Leveling ..................................... 5-56
On reminder ............................... 5-55
HomeLink Wireless Control
System .............................................. 5-61
Hood Release .................................... 3-38
Horn .................................................. 5-60
I
Ignition Keys ........................................... 3-21
Switch .......................................... 5-2
Illuminated Entry System ................. 6-43
I
Immobilizer System
(with Advanced Key) ........................ 3-41
Immobilizer System
(without Advanced Key) ................... 3-43
Indicator Lights ................................. 5-39 Cruise ......................................... 5-52
DSC OFF .................................... 5-51
Headlight auto-leveling
malfunction ................................ 5-53
Headlight high-beam .................. 5-50
power steering malfunction ........ 5-52
Security ...................................... 5-50
Shift position .............................. 5-51
TCS/DSC ................................... 5-51
Turn-signal/hazard warning ....... 5-53
Information Display .......................... 6-45 Ambient temperature display ..... 6-46
Audio display ............................. 6-47
Climate control display .............. 6-46
Clock .......................................... 6-46
Information display functions .... 6-45
Inside Trunk Release Lever ............... 3-33
Instrument Cluster ............................. 5-33
Interior Care ...................................... 8-44
Interior Lights ................................... 6-43
J
Jump-Starting .................................... 7-19
K
Keyless Entry System ....................... 3-22
Keys .................................................. 3-21
L
Label Information ............................. 10-2
11-4
Index
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (371,1)
L
Lane-Change Signals ........................ 5-57
Light BulbsReplacement ............................... 8-27
Specifications ............................. 10-6
Lighter ............................................... 6-47
Lighting Control ............................... 5-55
Lubricant Quality .............................. 10-4
M
Maintenance Introduction .................................. 8-2
Owner maintenance precautions ... 8-9
Owner maintenance schedule ....... 8-8
Scheduled ..................................... 8-3
Manual Transmission Operation ....... 5-10 Recommendations for shifting .... 5-11
Map Lights ........................................ 6-44
Meters and Gauges ........................... 5-33
Mirrors Outside mirrors .......................... 3-48
Rearview mirror ......................... 3-49
Money-Saving Suggestions ................ 4-6
Moonroof .......................................... 3-39
O
Odometer and Trip Meter .................. 5-34
Outside Mirrors ................................. 3-48
Overhead Console ............................. 6-50
Overhead Lights ................................ 6-44
Overheating ....................................... 7-16
Overloading ...................................... 4-10
P
Paint Damage .................................... 8-39
Parking Brake ..................................... 5-6
P
Parking in an Emergency .................... 7-2
Power Door Locks ............................ 3-28
Power Steering .................................. 5-19 Power steering malfunction indicator
light ............................................ 5-19
Power Windows ................................ 3-34
Push-Starting ..................................... 7-22
R
Rear Quarter Windows ..................... 3-36
Rear Seat ............................................. 2-8
Rear Window Defroster .................... 5-60
Rearview Mirror ................................ 3-49
Recreational Towing ......................... 7-25
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country ............................................. 9-12
Rocking the Vehicle ............................ 4-7
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................. 9-38
Seat Belt System 3-point type ................................ 2-13
Automatic locking ...................... 2-11
Belt minder ................................. 2-18
Emergency locking .................... 2-11
Extender ..................................... 2-17
Location of seat belt ................... 2-12
Pregnant women ......................... 2-11
Pretensioner and load limiting .... 2-14
Seat belt precautions .................... 2-9
Warning light/beep ..................... 2-18
Index
11-5
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (372,1)
S
SeatsFront seat
(Electrically operated seats) ......... 2-5
Front seat
(Manually operated seats) ............ 2-2
Rear seat ....................................... 2-8
Seat warmer .................................. 2-8
Security System Immobilizer system
(with advanced key) ................... 3-41
Immobilizer system
(without advanced key) .............. 3-43
Service Publications .......................... 9-40
Spare Tire and Tool Storage ................ 7-3
Specifications .................................... 10-4
Speed Unit Selector ........................... 5-34
Speedometer ...................................... 5-34
SRS Air Bags How the Air Bags Work ............. 2-40
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions ................................. 2-33
Starting the Engine .............................. 5-4
Steering Wheel .................................. 3-48 Horn ........................................... 5-60
Storage Box ...................................... 6-51
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-50 Center console ............................ 6-51
Coin box ..................................... 6-50
Glove box ................................... 6-50
Overhead console ....................... 6-50
Storage box ................................ 6-51
Sunshade ........................................... 3-40
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-43
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-35
Temporary Spare Tire ....................... 8-25
T
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-46
Tiedown Hook .......................................... 7-24
Tire Information ................................ 9-18
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-27 System error activation .............. 5-30
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light .............................. 5-28
Tires and wheels ......................... 5-31
Tires Flat tire ......................................... 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-22
Replacement ............................... 8-24
Rotation ...................................... 8-23
Snow tires .................................... 4-8
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Specifications ............................. 10-6
Tire chains .................................... 4-9
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-16
Tool ..................................................... 7-3
Towing Description ................................. 7-23
Emergency towing ..................... 7-23
Recreational towing ................... 7-25
Trailer towing ............................. 4-11
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-23 TCS/DSC indicator light ............ 5-24
Trailer Towing ................................... 4-11
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-34
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-31 Inside trunk release lever ............ 3-33
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-33
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-57
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-43
11-6
Index
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G