2008 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 dashboard

Black plate (178,1)
NOTE
If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is
replaced, the DSC will be inoperable. In this
case, the DSC OFF indicator light flashes and
the TCS/DSC indicator light illuminates.
To make the DSC operable, do the following
procedure with the battery connected.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
2. Turn the steering clockwise fully, then turnit counterclockwise fully.
3. Make sure the DSC OFF indicator goes off.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, then turn it to the ON position
again.
5. Make sure the TCS/DSC indicator light goes off.
If the TCS/DSC indicator light and the DSC
OFF indicator light remain illuminated even
after turning the ignition switch to the ON
position, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q Cruise Main Indicator Light
(Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator
Light (Green)
The indicator light has two colors.
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)
The indicator light illuminates amber
when the ON/OFF switch is pressed and
the cruise control system is activated.
Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)
The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.
qLight-On Indicator Light
This indicator light comes on when the
exterior lights and dashboard illumination
are on.
qPower Steering Malfunction
Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and goes off when the engine is
started.
If this light illuminates while driving, it
indicates a malfunction of the power
steering system. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
The power steering system is inoperable when
the power steering malfunction indicator light
illuminates. Steering is possible, but requires
more physical effort.
5-52
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page178
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (181,1)
Lighting Control
qHeadlights
To turn on the lights, turn the headlight
switch on the end of the control lever.
Switch Position
Headlights Off Off On
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker lights
Dashboard
illumination Off On On
NOTE
To prevent discharging the battery, don't leave
the lights on while the engine is off unless
safety requires them.
Xenon fusion headlight bulbsí
The low-beam bulbs of the headlights
have xenon fusion bulbs that produce a
bright white beam over a wide area.
WARNING
Do not replace the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself:
Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer when the replacement
is necessary.
NOTE
If the headlights flicker, or the brightness
weakens, the bulb-life may be depleted and a
replacement is necessary. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q Lights-On Reminder
If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a continuous
beep sound will be heard when the
driver's door is opened.
NOTE
When the advanced keyless function is used
and the start knob is in the ACC position, the
“Start Knob Not in LOCK Warning Beep ”
(page 3-16) overrides the lights-on reminder.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-55íSome models.
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page181
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (183,1)
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
qTurn Signal
Move the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.
If the indicator light continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to
its original position.
Right turn
Left turn OFF
Right lane
change
Left lane
change
Green indicators on the dashboard show
which signal is working.
Lane-change signals
Move the lever slightly toward the
direction of the change ―until the
indicator flashes ―and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.
NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without flashing
or if it flashes abnormally, one of the turn
signal bulbs may be burned out.
Fog Lightsí
Use this switch to turn on the fog lights.
They help you to see as well as to be seen.
To turn the front fog lights on, rotate the
fog light switch to the
position.
The headlight switch must be in the
position to turn on the front fog lights.
Fog light switch
To turn them off, rotate the fog light
switch to the OFF position or turn the
headlight switch to the
or OFF
position.
NOTE
The fog lights will turn off when the headlights
are set at high beam.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-57íSome models.
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page183
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (194,1)
qSelecting the Airflow Mode
Dashboard Vents Defroster and Floor Vents
Dashboard and Floor Vents Defroster Vents
Floor Vents
6-4
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page194
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (230,1)
Audio Control Switch
Operation
When the audio unit is turned on,
operation of the audio unit from the
steering wheel is possible.
NOTE
Because the audio unit will be turned off under
the following conditions, the switches will be
inoperable.
lWhen the ignition switch is turned to the
LOCK position.
lWhen the power button on the audio unit is
pressed and the audio unit is turned off.
lWhen a cassette tape/CD being played is
ejected. (For the In-dash CD changer, when
all CDs are ejected.)
NOTE
Mazda has installed this system to prevent
distraction while driving the vehicle and using
audio controls on the dashboard.
Always make safe driving your first priority.
qAdjusting the Volume
To increase the volume, press the volume
button (
).
To decrease the volume, press the volume
button (
).
q Changing the Source
Press the mode switch () to change
the audio source (FM1 radio> FM2 radio>
AM radio> CD player or CD changer>
Cassette tape player> SIRIUS1>
SIRIUS2> SIRIUS3> cyclical).
6-40
Interior Comfort
Audio System
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page230
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (314,1)
Interior Care
qDashboard Precautions
Prevent caustic solutions such as perfume
and cosmetic oils from contacting the
dashboard. They'll damage and discolor it.
If these solutions get on the dashboard,
wipe them off immediately.
CAUTION
Do not use glazing agents.
Glazing agents contain ingredients
which may cause discoloration,
wrinkling, cracks and peeling.
qCleaning the Upholstery and
Interior Trim
Vinyl
Remove dust and loose dirt from vinyl
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean vinyl with a leather-and-vinyl
cleaner.
Leatherí
Real leather isn't uniform and may have
scars, scratches, and wrinkles. Clean it
with a leather cleaner or mild soap.
If the leather gets wet from rain, remove
the moisture as soon as possible and dry
in a shaded area.
If the seats get wet, promptly remove
moisture with a dry cloth and allow it to
further dry in a shaded area.
If moisture is not removed, it will cause
hardening and shrinkage of the leather.
Do not leave vinyl products on the seats
for long periods as they may affect the
leather quality and coloring.
Fabricí
Remove dust and loose dirt from fabric
with a whisk broom or vacuum cleaner.
Clean it with a mild soap solution good
for upholstery and carpets. Remove fresh
spots immediately with a fabric spot
cleaner.
To keep the fabric looking clean and
fresh, take care of it. Otherwise its color
will be affected, it can be stained easily,
and its fire-resistance may be reduced.
CAUTION
Use only recommended cleaners and
procedures. Others may affect
appearance and fire-resistance.
Suede-like materialí
Stains which are not treated immediately
will be difficult to remove later, and may
cause fading or discoloration.
Remove stains as soon as possible.
To clean, wipe with a soft, damp cloth.
Then buff with a soft, dry cloth.
If stains cannot be removed using plain
water, try wiping with soapy water or a
mild detergent.
CAUTION
Do not clean the suede with leather
cleaner, a detergent, or soap. It will
cause discoloration.
To dry away any water, wipe with a soft,
dry cloth.
CAUTION
Sharp or pointed metal objects can
damage the suede beyond repair.
8-44
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Appearance Care
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (360,1)
Vehicle Information Labels
qVehicle Identification Number
The vehicle identification number legally
identifies your vehicle. The number is on
a plate attached to the left top side of the
dashboard. This plate can easily be seen
through the windshield.
qMotor Vehicle Safety Standard Label
qChassis Number
qVehicle Emission Control
Information Label
qTire Pressure Label
10-2
Identification Numbers
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page360
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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