2008 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 power steering

Black plate (63,1)
3Knowing Your Mazda
Explanation of basic operations and controls; opening/closing and adjustment
of various parts.
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System ................................ 3-2Advanced Keysí...................................................................... 3-2
Operation Using Advanced Keyless Functions ......................... 3-7
Operation Using Advanced Key Functions ............................. 3-13
Advanced Key Suspend Function ........................................... 3-16
Warning and Beep Sounds ...................................................... 3-16
Setting Change (Function Customization) .............................. 3-19
When Warning Indicator/Beep is Activated ............................ 3-20
Doors and Locks ......................................................................... 3-21 Keys (without Advanced Key) ................................................ 3-21
Keyless Entry System (with Retractable Type Key) ............... 3-22
Door Locks ............................................................................. 3-26
Trunk Lid ................................................................................ 3-31
Inside Trunk Release Lever ..................................................... 3-33
Power Windows ...................................................................... 3-34
Rear Quarter Windows ............................................................ 3-36
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap ........................................................... 3-37
Hood ....................................................................................... 3-38
Moonroof
í............................................................................. 3-39
Security System ........................................................................... 3-41 Immobilizer System (with Advanced Key) ............................. 3-41
Immobilizer System (without Advanced Key) ........................ 3-43
Theft-Deterrent System
í........................................................ 3-46
Steering Wheel and Mirrors ...................................................... 3-48 Steering Wheel ........................................................................ 3-48
Mirrors .................................................................................... 3-48
3-1íSome models.
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (110,1)
Steering Wheel
WARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving:Adjusting the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control
or an accident.
qTilt Steering Wheel
To change the angle of the steering wheel,
stop the vehicle, pull the tilt wheel release
lever under the steering column down,
adjust the wheel, then push the release
lever up to lock the column.
Tilt wheel release
lever
After adjusting, push the wheel up and
down to be certain it's locked before
driving.
Mirrors
qOutside Mirrors
Check the mirror angles before driving.
Mirror type
Flat type (driver's side)
Flat surface mirror.
Convex type (front passenger side)
The mirror has single curvature on its
surface.
WARNING
Be sure to look over your shoulder
before changing lanes:
Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears.
Power mirror
The ignition switch must be in the ACC
or ON position.
To adjust:
1. Press the left or right side of the
selector switch to choose the left or
right side mirror.
3-48
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (120,1)
Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
lDon't race the engine.lDon't maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
lDon't drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm (over 7,000 rpm) for
extended periods of time.
lAvoid unnecessary hard stops.lAvoid full-throttle starts.
Money-Saving Suggestions
How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
lAvoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
lAvoid fast starts.lKeep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
lUse the air conditioner only when
necessary.
lSlow down on rough roads.lKeep the tires properly inflated.lDon't carry unnecessary weight.lDon't rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
lKeep the wheels in correct alignment.lKeep windows closed at high speeds.lSlow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
WARNING
Never stop the engine when going
down a hill:Stopping the engine when going
down a hill is dangerous. This causes
the loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause
damage to the drivetrain. Any loss of
steering or braking control could
cause an accident.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (127,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transmission Operation ............................................. 5-10
Automatic Transmission Controls ........................................... 5-12
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-19
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-20
Traction Control System (TCS)
í........................................... 5-23
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)í........................................ 5-24
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-27
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-33 Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-33
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-39 Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-39
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-53
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-55 Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-55
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-57
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-57
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-58
Headlight Washer
í................................................................. 5-59
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-60
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-60
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-61
HomeLink Wireless Control System
í.................................... 5-61
5-1íSome models.
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (145,1)
Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
The steering may feel rigid if you continuously
attempt to steer when the vehicle is stopped or
moving extremely slowly. This has been
designed to protect the system and doesn't
indicate a malfunction. If you don't attempt to
steer for a minute, power steering will be
restored.
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-19
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (166,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Door-Ajar Warning Light 5-45
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light5-46
Automatic Transmission Warning Light5-46
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light5-46
KEY Warning Light (Red)/KEY Indicator Light (Green)5-49
Security Indicator Light5-50
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light5-50
Shift Position Indicator Light5-51
TCS/DSC Indicator Light5-51
DSC OFF Indicator Light5-51
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green) 5-52
Light-On Indicator Light5-52
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light5-52
Headlight Auto-Leveling Malfunction Indicator Light5-53
Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights5-53
5-40
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G

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
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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
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Form No.8X44-EA-07G