2008 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 ECU

Black plate (71,1)
NOTElConfirm that all doors are securely locked.lAll doors cannot be locked when any door
is open.
lA beep sound is heard for confirmation
when the doors are locked/unlocked using
the request switch. If your prefer, the beep
sound can be turned off (page 3-19).
lThe setting can be changed so that the
doors are locked automatically without
pressing the request switch (page 3-19).
(Auto-lock function)
A beep sound is heard when all doors are
closed while the advanced key is being
carried. All doors are locked automatically
after about 3 seconds when the advanced
key is out of the operational range. Also,
the hazard warning lights flash once. (Even
if the driver is in the operational range, all
doors are locked automatically after about
30 seconds.)
If you are out of the operational range
before the doors are completely closed, the
auto-lock function will not work. Always
make sure that all doors are closed and
locked before leaving the vehicle.
l(Auto re-lock function)
After unlocking all doors by pressing the
request switch, all doors will automatically
lock and the hazard warning light will flash
if any of the following operations are not
performed within about 30 seconds.
lA door is opened.lThe auxiliary key is inserted into the
ignition switch.
lThe start knob is pushed.
qOpening the Trunk Lid with
Request Switch
The trunk lid can be opened by pressing
the request switch on the under side of the
trunk lid above the license plate while the
advanced key is being carried.
Request switch
NOTE
If the advanced key is left in the trunk, the
trunk lid will close, however, the trunk lid can
be opened using the request switch and the
vehicle could be stolen.
qStarting the Engine
Ignition switch positions
Without a traditional key, some of the
ignition switch functions are different.
Start knob
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-9
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page71
Friday, May 11 2007 5:3 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (72,1)
LOCK (Released)
The steering wheel locks to help protect
against theft.
LOCK (Depressed)
The ignition switch can be turned to the
ACC position when the KEY indicator
light (green) illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
put the key or start knob to LOCK
position, 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:Intentionally placing the key or start
knob into LOCK position is much
more important where you will not
be removing the key to leave the
vehicle and because leaving it in
other positions will disable some of
the vehicle security systems and run
the battery down.
Leaving the driver's seat without
putting the ignition switch in LOCK
position, setting the parking brake
and the shift lever is in P with an
automatic transmission or in 1 or R
with a manual transmission is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur. This could
cause an accident.
NOTE
lIf turning the ignition switch is difficult,
jiggle the steering wheel from side to side.
l(Automatic transmission)
The ignition switch cannot be turned from
the ACC position to the LOCK position
when the shift lever is not in P.
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
NOTE
The Advanced Keyless Entry System does not
function in the ACC position, and the doors
will not lock/unlock using the transmitter or
request switches even if 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).
3-10
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page72
Friday, May 11 2007 5:3 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (73,1)
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 beingcarried.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat belts.
3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Depress the brake pedal. 5.
(Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the clutch pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
(Manual transmission)
The starter will not operate if the clutch pedal
is not depressed all the way.
(Automatic transmission)
The starter will not operate if the shift lever is
not in P or N.
6. Push the start knob slowly all the way in.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-11
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page73
Friday, May 11 2007 5:3 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (92,1)
CAUTION
Before closing a front door make sure
other passengers are not operating a
rear door and a rear passenger's
head or hands are away from the
rear door. If the front door is closed
while a passenger is operating the
rear door handle, a hand or fingers
could be injured if the handle is
forced back. Also, a rear passenger
could hit their head against the door
during access to the rear seat.
NOTE
lThe rear door cannot be opened while the
front door is closed.
lMake sure the front seatbelt is unfastened
before the rear door is opened. The rear
door can't be opened with the front seatbelt
fastened because the front seatbelt may
lock.
lIf any door is left open for more than about
an hour, the front seatbelt will lock, and the
rear door cannot be opened. If this
happens, close all doors and open the rear
door again.
lThis vehicle is not equipped with child
safety locks due to the design of the front
and rear doors. The rear doors must be
closed before the front doors, and the rear
doors cannot be opened until the front
doors are opened.
Closing the freestyle doors
1. Close the rear door first, and then close the front door.
Front door
Rear door
CAUTION
Before closing a front door make sure
other passengers are not operating a
rear door and a rear passenger's
head or hands are away from the
rear door. If the front door is closed
while a passenger is operating the
rear door handle, a hand or fingers
could be injured if the handle is
forced back. Also, a rear passenger
could hit their head against the door
during access to the rear seat.
NOTE
The front door cannot latch or lock while the
rear door is opened.
2. Make sure the freestyle doors are securely closed.
3-30
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page92
Friday, May 11 2007 5:3 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (93,1)
WARNING
Make sure the rear door is closed
securely before closing the front door:Driving with the doors not securely
closed is dangerous. If the rear door
is not completely closed, the front
door will not be securely closed. This
could cause the front door to open
unexpectedly while driving and may
result in an accident.
Trunk Lid
WARNING
Never allow a person to ride in the
trunk:Allowing a person to ride in the trunk
is dangerous. In addition, the person
in the trunk could be seriously
injured or killed during sudden
braking or a collision.
Keep the trunk closed when driving: Exhaust gas entering the cabin of a
vehicle through an open trunk is
dangerous. This gas contains CO
(carbon monoxide), which is
colorless, odorless, and highly
poisonous. If inhaled, it can cause
loss of consciousness and death.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-31
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page93
Friday, May 11 2007 5:3 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (95,1)
Closing the trunk lid
Grasp the inner handle and pull the trunk
lid down, then push the trunk lid down
until it locks securely. Be careful not to
slam it. Pull up on the trunk lid to make
sure it is secured.
Handle
qTrunk Light
The trunk light is on when the lid is open
and off when it's closed.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not leave the trunk open for a long period
when the engine is not running.
Inside Trunk Release Lever
Your vehicle is equipped with an inside
trunk release lever that provides a means
of escape for children and adults in the
event they become locked inside the
trunk.
No matter how careful adults might be
with keys and locking their cars, parents
should be aware that children may be
tempted to play around vehicles and use
the trunk as a hiding place.
Adults are advised to familiarize
themselves with the operation and
location of the inside trunk release lever
so that all children can be told about it in
an appropriate way, keeping in mind that
most vehicles don't have such levers.
WARNING
Close the trunk lid and do not allow
children to play inside the vehicle:
Leaving the trunk lid open or leaving
children in the vehicle with the keys is
dangerous. Children could open the
trunk lid and climb inside resulting in
possible injury or death from heat
exposure.
Always keep the car from being a
tempting place to play by locking doors
and the trunk, and keeping the keys
where children can not play with them: Leaving children or animals
unattended in a parked vehicle is
dangerous. Babies left sleeping and
children who lock themselves in cars
or trunks can die very quickly from
heat prostration. Do not leave your
children or pets alone in a car at any
time. Do not leave the car or the
trunk unlocked.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-33
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page95
Friday, May 11 2007 5:3 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (98,1)
qPower Window Lock Switch
With the lock switch in the unlocked
position, all power windows on each door
can be operated.
With the lock switch in the locked
position, only the driver's side power
window can be operated.
Locked position
Unlocked position
WARNING
Unless a passenger needs to operate a
power window, keep the power window
lock switch in the locked position: Unintentional power window
operation is dangerous. A person's
hands, head, or neck could be caught
by the window and result in serious
injury.
Rear Quarter Windows
Open or close a swing-out rear quarter
window by releasing the latch and moving
the window.
NOTE
When parked in public areas, it is best to keep
the rear quarter windows closed for security.
qOpening a Window
Pull the latch inward and then push the
window outward.
qClosing a Window
Pull the latch inward and then push it
backward until it snaps shut. Make sure
the window is securely closed.
3-36
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page98
Friday, May 11 2007 5:3 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (100,1)
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.
Hood
WARNING
Always check that the hood is closed
and securely locked:A hood that is not closed and
securely locked is dangerous as it
could fly open while the vehicle is
moving and block the driver's vision
which could result in a serious
accident.
qOpening the Hood
1. With the vehicle parked, pull the
release handle to unlock the hood.
Release handle
2. Insert your hand into the hood opening
and slide the hood latch lever to the
right and lift the hood.
3-38
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page100
Friday, May 11 2007 5:3 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G