2008 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 clutch

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
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Black plate (119,1)
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.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
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Black plate (130,1)
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.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-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.
1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (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.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the START
position and hold (up to 10 seconds at
a time) until the engine starts.
5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (136,1)
WARNING
Do not drive with worn disc pads:Driving with worn disc pads is
dangerous. The brakes could fail and
cause a serious accident. As soon as
you hear a screeching noise consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Manual Transmission
Operation
qManual Transmission Shift Pattern
Neutral position
The shift pattern of the transmission is
conventional, as shown.
Depress the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.
Your vehicle is equipped with a device to
prevent shifting to R (reverse) by mistake.
Push the shift lever downward and shift to
R.
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Starting and Driving
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (137,1)
WARNING
Do not use sudden engine braking on
slippery road surfaces or at high
speeds:Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
Be sure to leave the shift lever in 1 or R
position and set the parking brake
when leaving the vehicle unattended: Otherwise the vehicle could move
and cause an accident.
CAUTION
ØKeep your foot off the clutch pedal
except when shifting gears. Also,
don't use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. Riding the
clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.
Ø Make sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting to R.
Shifting to R while the vehicle is
still moving may damage the
transmission.
NOTE
If shifting to R is difficult, shift back into
neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try
again.
q Recommendations for Shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration, we recommend
these shift points.
Gear Vehicle speed
1 to 2 23 km/h (14 mph)
2 to 3 35 km/h (22 mph)
3 to 4 47 km/h (29 mph)
4 to 5 58 km/h (36 mph)
5 to 6 74 km/h (46 mph)
For cruising
Gear Vehicle speed
1 to 2 23 km/h (14 mph)
2 to 3 34 km/h (21 mph)
3 to 4 45 km/h (28 mph)
4 to 5 56 km/h (35 mph)
5 to 6 68 km/h (42 mph)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
reduces the chance of stalling and gives
better acceleration when you need more
speed.
On a steep downgrade , downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Black plate (148,1)
To increase speed using accelerator
pedal
Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate
to the desired speed.
Press the SET/COAST button and release
it immediately.
NOTE
Accelerate if you want to speed up temporarily
when the cruise control is on. Greater speed
will not interfere with or change the set speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator to return to
the set speed.
qTo Decrease Cruising Speed
Press the SET/COAST button and hold it.
The vehicle will gradually slow.
Release the button at the speed you want.
Your vehicle has a tap-down feature that
allows you to decrease your current speed
in decrements of 1.6 km/h (1 mph) by a
momentary tap of the SET/COAST
button. Multiple taps will decrease your
vehicle speed 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each
tap.
qTo Resume Cruising Speed at
More Than 30 km/h (19 mph)
If some other method besides the ON/
OFF switch was used to cancel cruising
speed (such as applying the brake pedal)
and the system is still activated, the most
recent set speed will automatically resume
when the RES/ACCEL button is pressed.
If vehicle speed is below 30 km/h (19
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 30
km/h (19 mph) and press the RES/
ACCEL button.
qTo Cancel
To cancel the system, use oneof these
methods:
lPress the ON/OFF switch.lSlightly depress the brake pedal.lDepress the clutch pedal (Manual
transmission only).
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Starting and Driving
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (271,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3 Scheduled Maintenance ............................................................ 8-3
Owner Maintenance ..................................................................... 8-8 Owner Maintenance Schedule .................................................. 8-8
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................... 8-9
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-10
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-11
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-13
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-15
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-16
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-17
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-18
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-20
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-22
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-27
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-34
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-39 How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-39
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-41
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-44
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Black plate (277,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
CHASSIS AND BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections II
Brake and clutch fluid level IIIII IIIII
Brake fluid RR
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages II
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play II
Manual transmission oil RR
Rear differential oil RR
Driveshaft dust boots II
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body TT
Flat tire repair kit
*3Inspect every year
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
Cabin air filter Replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 2 years
Chart symbols:
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean
T : Tighten
Remarks:
*1 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*2 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*3 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
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