2009 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 heating

Black plate (128,1)
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide)
WARNING
Do not drive your vehicle if you smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle:Engine exhaust gas is dangerous. This gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless, odorless, and poisonous. When inhaled, it can cause loss of consciousness
and death. If you smell exhaust gas inside your vehicle, keep all windows fully open
and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer immediately.
Do not run the engine when inside an enclosed area: Running the engine inside an enclosed area, such as a garage, is dangerous. Exhaust
gas, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could easily enter the cabin. Loss
of consciousness or even death could occur.
Open the windows or adjust the heating or cooling system to draw fresh air when
idling the engine: Exhaust gas is dangerous. When your vehicle is stopped with the windows closed
and the engine running for a long time even in an open area, exhaust gas, which
contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could enter the cabin. Loss of consciousness or
even death could occur.
Clear snow from underneath and around your vehicle, particularly the tail pipe,
before starting the engine: Running the engine when a vehicle is stopped in deep snow is dangerous. The
exhaust pipe could be blocked by the snow, allowing exhaust gas to enter the cabin.
Because exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide, it could cause loss of
consciousness or even death to occupants in the cabin.
4-4
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page128
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (132,1)
Floor Mat
WARNING
Make sure the floor mats are hooked
on the retention pins to prevent them
from bunching up under the foot
pedals:Using a floor mat that is not secured
is dangerous as it will interfere with
the accelerator and brake pedal
operation, which could result in an
accident.
Do not install two floor mats, one on
top of the other, on the driver's side: Installing two floor mats, one on top
of the other, on the driver's side is
dangerous as the retention pins can
only keep one floor mat from sliding
forward.
In using a heavy duty floor mat for
winter use always remove the
original floor mat.
Loose floor mat(s) will interfere with
the foot pedal and could result in an
accident.
When setting a floor mat, position the
floor mat so that its eyelets and inserted
over the pointed end of the retention
posts.
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at more than 56
km/h (35 mph), and do not allow
anyone to stand behind a wheel when
pushing the vehicle:When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is
dangerous. The spinning tire could
overheat and explode. This could
cause serious injuries.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transmission failure,
and tire damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page132
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (158,1)
NOTE
Shifting up and down while in direct mode may
not be possible depending on the vehicle
speed. In addition, because direct mode is
canceled (released) depending on the rate of
acceleration or if the accelerator is fully
depressed, use of the manual shift mode is
recommended if you need to drive the vehicle
in a particular gear for long periods.
qDriving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transmission will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
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.
5-20
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page158
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (176,1)
CAUTION
Don't run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine
damage.
NOTE
lThe beep sounds to indicate engine overrev
when the tachometer needle enters the
striped zone.
lThe display of the variable red zone in the
tachometer changes according to the
temperature of the engine coolant. To
protect the engine, when the engine coolant
temperature is low, the engine does not run
at high speeds. The fuel supply will be cut
at an rpm lower than the red zone.
qEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.
If the needle is near H, it indicates
overheating.
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine
can cause serious engine damage
(page 7-16).
q Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is remaining in the tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
We recommend keeping the tank over 1/4
full. When the low fuel warning light
illuminates or when the needle is near E,
refuel as soon as possible.
Low fuel warning light
NOTElAfter refueling, it may require some time for
the needle to stabilize. In addition, the
needle may deviate while driving on a slope
or curve since the fuel moves in the tank.
lThe direction of the arrow () shows that
the fuel-filler lid is on the left side of the
vehicle.
q Dashboard Illumination
Rotate the thumb wheel to adjust the
brightness of the instrument cluster and
other illuminations in the dashboard.
NOTE
lThe brightness of dashboard illuminations
(except instrument cluster) can be adjusted
when the headlight switch is in the
or
position.lThe brightness of the instrument cluster
illumination can be adjusted when the
headlight switch is in any position.
5-38
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page176
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (199,1)
NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam the wiper
blades, the wiper motor is protected from
motor breakdown, overheating and possible
fire by a circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the blades, but
only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper switch and
park off the right-of-way, and remove the snow
and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and the
blades should operate normally. If they do not
resume functioning, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. Drive to
the side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Wait until the weather clears before trying
to drive with the wipers inoperative.
qWindshield Wipers
Type A (With INT position)
Turn the wipers on by pulling the lever
down.
INT ―Intermittent
LO ―Low speed
HI ―High speed
For a single wiping cycle, press the lever
up to MIST.
MIST ―Mist
Variable-speed intermittent wipers
Set the lever to INT and choose the
interval timing by rotating the ring.
OFF
INT
INT ring
Type B (With AUTO position)
Turn the wipers on by pulling the lever
down.
AUTO ―Auto control
LO ―Low speed
HI ―High speed
For a single wiping cycle, press the lever
up to MIST.
MIST ―Mist
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-61
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page199
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (207,1)
5. Press and hold the just-trainedHomeLink button and observe the
indicator light.
If the indicator light stays on constantly,
programming is complete and your
device should activate when the
HomeLink button is pressed and released.
NOTE
To program the remaining two HomeLink
buttons, begin with “Programming ”― step 2.
Do not repeat step 1.
If the indicator light blinks rapidly for
two seconds and then turns to a
constant light, continue with
“ Programming ”steps 6 ―8to complete
the programming of a rolling code
equipped device (most commonly a
garage door opener).
6. At the garage door opener receiver (motor-head unit) in the garage, locate
the “learn ”or “smart ”button. This can
usually be found where the hanging
antenna wire is attached to the motor-
head unit.
7. Firmly press and release the “learn ”or
“ smart ”button. (The name and color of
the button may vary by manufacturer.)
NOTE
There are 30 seconds in which to initiate step
8.
8. Return to the vehicle and firmly press,
hold for two seconds and release the
programmed HomeLink button. Repeat
the “press/hold/release ”sequence a
second time, and, depending on the
brand of the garage door opener (or
other rolling code equipped device),
repeat this sequence a third time to
complete the programming process. HomeLink should now activate your
rolling code equipped device.
NOTE
To program the remaining two HomeLink
buttons, begin with
“Programming ”― step 2.
Do not repeat step 1.
For questions or comments, please contact
HomeLink at www.homelink.com or1-
800-355-3515.
q Gate operator/Canadian
Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require
transmitter signals to “time-out ”(or quit)
after several seconds of transmission ―
which may not be long enough for
HomeLink to pick up the signal during
programming. Similar to this Canadian
law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to “time-out ”in the same
manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having
difficulties programming a gate operator
by using the “Programming ”procedures
(regardless of where you live), replace
“ Programming HomeLink ”step 3 with
the following:
NOTE
If programming a garage door opener or gate
operator, it is advised to unplug the device
during the “cycling ”process to prevent
possible overheating.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-69
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page207
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (215,1)
Mode selector switch
Press the mode selector switch to select
airflow mode (page 6-4).
NOTE
To set the air vent to, press the windshield
defroster switch.
A/C switch
Push the A/C switch to turn the air
conditioner on. The indicator light on the
switch will illuminate when the fan
control dial is set at position 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Push the switch once again to turn the air
conditioner off. NOTE
lThe air conditioner may not function when
the outside temperature approaches 0 °C
(32 °F).
l(U.S.A., Canada)
When the mode is set to
orwith the
fan control dial in a position other than 0
and the temperature control dial in the
maximum cold position, the air intake
selector switches to the recirculated air
mode and the A/C turns on automatically.
If A/C is not desired, press the A/C switch
to turn it off.
Air intake selector
This switch controls the source of air
entering the vehicle.
Press the switch to alternate between the
andpositions. The indicator
light for the selected mode will illuminate.
It is recommended that under normal
conditions the switch be kept in the
outside air position.
Outside air position (
)
Outside air is taken into the vehicle. Use
this position for normal ventilation and
heating.
Recirculated air position (
)
Outside air is shut off. Air within the
vehicle is recirculated.
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
6-7
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page215
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (216,1)
This position can be used when driving on
a dusty road or in similar conditions. It
also helps to provide quicker cooling of
the interior.
WARNING
Do not use theposition in cold or
rainy weather: Using the
position in cold or
rainy weather is dangerous as it will
cause the windows to fog up. Your
vision will be hampered, which could
lead to a serious accident.
Windshield defroster switch
Press the switch to defrost the windshield
and front door windows.
q Heating
1. Press the mode selector switch to the
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the hot position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.
4. If dehumidified heating is desired, turn on the air conditioner. NOTE
lIf the windshield fogs up easily, set the
mode selector switch to the
position.lIf cooler air is desired at face level, set the
mode selector switch at the
position
and adjust the temperature control dial to
maintain maximum comfort.
lThe air to the floor is warmer than air to
the face (except when the temperature
control dial is set at the extreme hot or cold
position).
lIn the,orposition, the air
conditioner is automatically turned on
(however, the indicator light does not
illuminate) and the
position is
automatically selected to defrost the
windshield.
In the
orposition, the
position cannot be changed to the
position.
q Cooling (With Air Conditioner)
1. Press the mode selector switch to the
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the cold position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.
4. Turn on the air conditioner by pressing the A/C switch.
5. Adjust the fan control dial and temperature control dial to maintain
maximum comfort.
6-8
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page216
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C