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
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (195,1)
CAUTION
ØDo not shade the light sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on
the windshield. Otherwise the light
sensor will not operate correctly.
Light sensor
ØThe light sensor also works as a
rain sensor for the auto-wiper
control. Keep hands and scrapers
clear of the windshield when the
ignition switch is in the ON
position as fingers could be
pinched or the wipers and wiper
blades damaged when the wipers
activate automatically. If you are
going to clean the windshield, be
sure the wipers are turned off
completely - this is particularly
important when clearing ice and
snow - when it is particularly
tempting to leave the engine
running. NOTE
lThe light may not turn off immediately even
if the surrounding area becomes well-lit
because the light sensor determines that it
is nighttime if the surrounding area is
continuously dark for several minutes such
as inside long tunnels, traffic jams inside
tunnels, or in indoor parking lots.
In this case, the light turns off if the light
switch is turned to the OFF position.
lThe timing for turning on the headlights,
other exterior lights and dashboard
illumination can be delayed by adjusting
the sensitivity of the light sensor. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding sensor
adjustment.
lThe sensitivity of the AUTO lights may be
changed by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-57íSome models.
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page195
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (197,1)
If the indicator light illuminates, contact
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qDaytime Running Lights (Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
NOTE
The Daytime Running Lights turn off when the
parking brake is applied.
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-59
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Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (210,1)
Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not leave the fan control dial on for a long
period of time with the ignition switch in the
ON position when the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowl grille to improve the system
efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
NOTE
The air conditioner may be used along with the
heater to dehumidify the air.
qOutside/Recirculated Air Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qReplacement of the Cabin Air Filter
If your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter for the air conditioner, it is necessary
to change the filter periodically as
indicated in scheduled maintenance (page
8-3). Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for replacement of the cabin air
filter.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page210
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (225,1)
Flutter/Skip noise
Signals from an FM transmitter move in
straight lines and become weak in valleys
between tall buildings, mountains, and
other obstacles. When a vehicle passes
through such an area, the reception
conditions may change suddenly, resulting
in annoying noise.
Weak signal noise
In suburban areas, broadcast signals
become weak because of distance from
the transmitter. Reception in such fringe
areas is characterized by sound breakup.
Strong signal noise
This occurs very close to a transmitter
tower. The broadcast signals are
extremely strong, so the result is noise and
sound breakup at the radio receiver.
Station drift noise
When a vehicle reaches the area of two
strong stations broadcasting at similar
frequencies, the original station may be
temporarily lost and the second station
picked up. At this time there will be some
noise from this disturbance.
Station 2
88.3 MHz
Station 1
88.1 MHz
Interior Comfort
Audio System
6-17
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (226,1)
qOperating Tips for CD Player/In-
Dash CD Changer
Condensation phenomenon
Immediately after turning on the heater
when the vehicle is cold, the CD or
optical components (prism and lens) in the
CD player/In-dash CD changer may
become clouded with condensation. At
this time, the CD will eject immediately
when placed in the unit. A clouded CD
can be corrected simply by wiping it with
a soft cloth. Clouded optical components
will clear naturally in about an hour. Wait
for normal operation to return before
attempting to use the unit.
Handling the CD player/In-dash CD
changer
The following precautions should be
observed.
lDo not spill any liquid on the audio
system.
lDo not insert any objects, other than
CDs, into the slot.
lThe CD revolves at high speed within
the unit. Defective (cracked or badly
bent) CDs should never be used.
lDo not use non-conventional discs
such as heart-shaped, octagonal discs,
etc. The disc may not eject resulting in
a malfunction.
lIf the memory portion of the CD is
transparent or translucent, do not use
the disc.
Transparent
6-18
Interior Comfort
Audio System
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (228,1)
lInsert discs one by one. If two discs are
inserted at the same time, the system
may not operate properly.
lThe CD player/In-dash CD changer
ejects the CD if the CD is inserted
upside down. Also dirty and/or
defective CDs may be ejected.
lAn 8 cm (3 in) CD cannot be played in
the CD player even if an 8 cm (3 in)
CD adapter is used.
The In-dash CD changer is specially
made for 12 cm (5 in) CDs.
An 8 cm (3 in) CD cannot be played in
the In-dash CD changer even if an 8
cm (3 in) CD adapter is used.
lDo not insert cleaning discs in the CD
player/In-dash CD changer.
lDo not insert any disc with a peel-off
seal affixed to it.
lThis unit may not be able to play
certain CD-R/CD-RWs made using a
computer or music CD recorder due to
disc characteristics, scratches,
smudges, dirt, etc., or due to dust or
condensation on the lens inside the
unit.
lStoring CDs in the vehicle exposed to
direct sunlight or high temperature may
damage the CD-R/CD-RWs, and make
them unplayable.
lCD-R/CD-RW exceeding 700 MB
cannot be played.
lThis unit may not be able to play
certain discs made using a computer
due to the application (writing
software) setting used. (For details,
consult the store where the application
was purchased.)
lIt is possible that certain text data, such
as titles, recorded on a CD-R/CD-RW
may not be displayed when musical
data (CD-DA) is playing.
lThe period from when a CD-RW is
inserted to when it begins playing is
longer than a normal CD or CD-R.
lCompletely read the instruction manual
and cautions for CD-R/CD-RWs.
lDo not use discs with cellophane tape
adhering, partially peeled off labels, or
adhesive material exuding from the
edges of the CD label. Also, do not use
discs with a commercially-available
CD-R label affixed. The disc may not
eject resulting in a malfunction.
qOperating tips for MP3
NOTE
Supply of this product only conveys a license
for private, non-commercial use and does not
convey a license nor imply any right to use this
product in any commercial (i.e. revenue-
generating) real time broadcasting (terrestrial,
satellite, cable and/or any other media),
broadcasting/streaming via the Internet,
intranets and/or other networks or in other
electronic content distribution systems, such as
pay-audio or audio-on-demand applications.
An independent license for such use is
required. For details, please visit
http://www.mp3licensing.com.
lThis audio system handles MP3 files
that have been recorded on CD-R/CD-
RW/CD-ROMs. Discs that have been
recorded using the following formats
can be played:
lISO 9660 level 1lISO 9660 level 2lJoliet extended formatlRomeo extended formatlThis unit handles MP3 files
conforming to the MP3 format
containing both header frames and data
frames.
6-20
Interior Comfort
Audio System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page228
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (241,1)
NOTE
This equipment has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, If not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference
by one or more of the following measures:
- Increase the separation between the
equipment and tuner.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a
circuit different from that to which the tuner is
connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/
TV technician for help.
Selecting SIRIUS radio mode (Satellite
button)
When the satellite button is pressed, it will
play the last selected SIRIUS channel.
Every time the satellite button is pressed,
the bank is changed over in the order
shown below.
SR2
SR1
SR3
NOTE
SR1, SR2 and SR3: six stations can be stored
in each bank for convenient access to your
favorite stations.
Channel selection (Manual tuning dial)
Turning the manual tuning dial allows you
to select the desired channel.
lTurn the manual tuning dial clockwise:
Channel Up
lTurn the manual tuning dial
counterclockwise: Channel Down
Preset channel programming (Channel
preset buttons or display button)
1. Channels can be programmed with
either a “channel number ”or “text ”
display.
2. Press the display button to select the channel number or desired text (e.g.
channel name) display mode.
3. Select the desired channel to be programmed.
Interior Comfort
Audio System
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C