2009 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 maintenance

Black plate (86,1)
When Warning Indicator/Beep is Activated
Under the following conditions, warning beeps are heard and a warning/indicator light in
the instrument cluster illuminates to notify the driver of improper operation of the
advanced key to prevent theft of the vehicle (page 3-17).
WarningHow to check
When a door is open, a continuous beep sound will be
heard. Check whether the start knob has been returned to the
LOCK position.
When a door is open, three beep sounds are heard, and
the KEY warning light (red) in the instrument cluster
flashes. Check whether the advanced key has been removed
from the vehicle.
When a door is closed, a beep sound is heard six times,
and the KEY warning light (red) in the instrument
cluster flashes. Check whether the advanced key has been removed
from the vehicle.
When locking the doors or closing the trunk, the chime
sounds for about ten seconds. Check whether the advanced key has been left in the
vehicle or the trunk.
When attempting to lock the doors by pressing the
request switch on the front doors, a beep sound is heard
six times. Check whether the start knob has been returned to the
LOCK position.
Check whether a door is open.
When the KEY indicator light (green) flashes in the
instrument cluster. The advanced key battery power is low. Replace the
battery with a new one.
Refer to Advanced Key Maintenance on page 3-5.
When the KEY warning light (red) remains illuminated
in the instrument cluster. The advanced key is malfunctioning. Park the vehicle in
a safe place, and use the auxiliary key to continue
driving the vehicle. Have the vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
3-20
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page86
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (89,1)
NOTElThe keyless entry system is designed to
operate up to about 2.5 m (8 ft) from the
center of the vehicle, but this may vary due
to local conditions.
lThe system doesn't operate when the key is
in the ignition switch.
lDoors can be locked by pressing the lock
button while any other door is open.
However, the hazard warning lights will not
flash and the horn will not sound.
lIf the transmitter does not operate when
pressing a button or the operation range
becomes too small, the battery may be
dead. To install a new battery, refer to
Maintenance (page 3-25).
lAdditional transmitters can be obtained at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to 3
transmitters can be used with the keyless
entry system per vehicle. Bring all
transmitters to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer when additional transmitters are
required.
qTransmitter
Lock button
Unlock button
Trunk button Panic button
Operation
indicator light
NOTEl(U.S.A.)
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
l(CANADA)
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry CANADA. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
NOTE
The unlock button can be used to open the
power windows. Refer to Opening the Power
Windows from Outside (page 3-38).
The operation indicator light flashes when
the buttons are pressed.
Lock button
To lock the doors, press the lock button
and the hazard warning lights will flash
once.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-23
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page89
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (91,1)
qTransmitter Maintenance
If the buttons on the transmitter are
inoperable and the operation indicator
light does not flash, the battery may be
dead.
Replace with a new battery before the
transmitter becomes unusable.
CAUTION
Ø Install the battery with the positive
pole (
) facing down. Battery
leakage could occur if it is not
installed correctly.
Ø When replacing the battery, be
careful not to bend the electrical
terminals or get oil on them. Also
be careful not to get dirt in the
transmitter as it could be
damaged.
Ø There is the danger of explosion if
the battery is not correctly
replaced.
Ø Replace only with the same type
battery (CR1620 or equivalent).
Ø Dispose of used batteries
according to the following
instructions.
ØInsulate the plus and minus
terminals of the battery using
cellophane or equivalent tape.
ØNever disassemble.
ØNever throw the battery into
fire and/or water.
ØNever deform or crush.
Replacing the transmitter battery
1. Unfold the key (page 3-21). 2. Insert a small flathead screwdriver into
the slot and push the tab to remove the
key from the transmitter.
Ta b
3. Insert a small flathead screwdriver intothe slot and gently pry open the
transmitter.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-25
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page91
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (102,1)
Manual opening/closing
To open a power window to the desired
position, lightly hold down the switch.
To close the power window to the desired
position, lightly pull up the switch.
Driver's windowClose
Open
Passenger's
window
Owner master control switches
OpenClose
Passenger switch
Auto-opening/closing
To fully open a power window
automatically, press the switch completely
down.
To fully close the power window
automatically, pull the switch completely
up.
To stop the power window partway, pull
or press the switch in the opposite
direction and then release it. NOTE
(POWER WINDOW RESET PROCEDURE)
If the battery was disconnected during vehicle
maintenance, or for other reasons such as a
switch continues to be operated after the
window is fully open/close, the power windows
will not fully open and close automatically.
Resetting of the automatic function can be
performed using the driver's master control
switch or the passenger door switch.
The power window auto function reset
procedure can be done on one or both door
switches. The power window auto function will
only resume on the side that has been reset.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
2. Make sure that the power window lock
switch located on the driver's door is not
depressed.
3. Press the switch and fully open the power window.
4. Pull up the switch to fully close the power window and continue holding the switch for
about 2 seconds after the window fully
closed.
5. Repeat Steps 3-4 for the passenger power window.
6. Make sure that the power windows operate correctly using the door switches.
Two-step down function
With the power window completely
closed, press the switch lightly and it will
open and stop about 3 cm (1 in) from the
top.
If you continue to press and hold the
switch, the window will resume opening
all the way.
3-36
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page102
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (115,1)
qMaintenance
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the advanced key
(including auxiliary key), consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lThe advanced keys (including auxiliary key)
carry a unique electronic code. For this
reason, and to assure your safety, obtaining
a replacement advanced key (including
auxiliary key) requires some waiting time.
They are only available through an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lAlways keep a spare advanced key in case
one is lost. If an advanced key is lost,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
lIf you lose an advanced key (including
auxiliary key), an Authorized Mazda Dealer
will reset the electronic codes of your
remaining advanced keys (including
auxiliary keys) and immobilizer system.
Bring all the remaining advanced keys
(including auxiliary keys) to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to reset.
Starting the vehicle with a key that has not
been reset is not possible.
qModification and Add-On
Equipment
Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
system's operation if the system has been
modified or if any add-on equipment has
been installed to it.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
system or the vehicle.
Immobilizer System
(without Advanced Key)
The immobilizer system allows the engine
to start only with a key the system
recognizes.
If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized key, the engine will
not start, thereby helping to prevent the
theft of your vehicle.
CAUTION
Ø Radio equipment like this is
governed by laws in the United
States.
Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Ø To avoid damage to the key, do
not:
ØDrop the key.
ØGet the key wet.
ØExpose the key to any kind of
magnetic field.
ØExpose the key to high
temperatures on places such as
the dashboard or hood, under
direct sunlight.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (117,1)
If the engine doesn't start with the correct
ignition key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lIf the security indicator light comes on and
stays on when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position, the engine will not start.
lSignals from a TV or radio station, or from
a transceiver or a mobile telephone, could
interfere with your immobilizer system. If
you are using the proper key and your
engine fails to start, check the security
indicator light. If it is flashing, remove the
ignition key and wait 2 seconds or more,
then reinsert it and try starting the engine
again. If it doesn't start after 3 or more
tries, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, don't
shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If you
shut off the engine while the light is
flashing you won't be able to restart it.
lSince the electronic codes are reset when
repairing the immobilizer system, the keys
are needed. Bring all the existing keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qMaintenance
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the key, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lThe keys carry a unique electronic code.
For this reason, and to assure your safety,
obtaining replacement key requires some
waiting time. They are only available
through an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lAlways keep a spare key, in case one is lost.
If a key is lost, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
lIf you lose a key, an Authorized Mazda
Dealer will reset the electronic codes of
your remaining keys and immobilizer
system. Bring all the remaining keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to reset.
Starting the vehicle with a key that has not
been reset is not possible.
qModification and Add-On
Equipment
Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
system's operation if the system has been
modified or if any add-on equipment has
been installed to it.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
system or the vehicle.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page117
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (129,1)
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
4-5
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page129
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (130,1)
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.lDo not carry unnecessary weight.lDo not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
lFor improved engine starting
performance the next time you start the
engine after only driving the vehicle a
short distance, turn off the engine after
1 or more of the variable red zone
lamps in the tachometer have turned
off.
In addition, it is recommended that
short trips be avoided to ensure that the
engine reaches operating temperature
before turning off the engine.
lKeep the wheels in correct alignment.lKeep windows closed at high speeds.lSlow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page130
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C