Black plate (180,1)
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It turns off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-16).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes out have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes an
indicator of leakage. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible even if the
brake light is no longer illuminated.
WARNING
Do not drive with the brake system
warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible:
Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated is
dangerous. It indicates that your
brakes may not work at all or that
they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains
illuminated, after checking that the
parking brake is fully released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.
qABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you're driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function normally
as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
5-42
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page180
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (181,1)
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to charge the
battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light comes on. This is due to a weak
battery, not a malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
qElectronic Brake Force
Distribution System Warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light and the ABS warning light
on at the same time. The problem is likely
to be the electronic brake force
distribution system.
WARNING
Do not drive with both the ABS warning
light and brake warning light
illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have
the brakes inspected as soon as
possible:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are illuminated at the same time is
dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the
rear wheels could lock more quickly
in an emergency stop than under
normal circumstances.
qCharging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated because the engine could
stop unexpectedly.
qEngine Oil Level Warning Light
This warning light indicates a low engine
oil level while the engine is running by
briefly flashing the light and then fully
illuminating it.
If there is a problem with the system, the
light flashes continuously.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-43
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page181
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (189,1)
When flashing
lUnder the following conditions, the
KEY warning light (red) flashes to
inform the driver that the start knob
will not rotate to the ACC position
even if it is pushed in from the LOCK
position.
lThe advanced key battery is dead.lThe advanced key is not within
operational range.
lThe advanced key is placed in areas
where it is difficult for the system to
detect the signal (page 3-7).
lA key from another manufacturer
similar to the advanced key is in the
operational range.
lUnder the following conditions, the
KEY warning light (red) will flash
continuously when the start knob has
not been returned to the LOCK
position to notify the driver that the
advanced key has been removed from
the vehicle. It will stop flashing when
the advanced key is back inside the
vehicle.
lThe start knob has not been returned
to the LOCK position, the driver's
door is open, and the advanced key
is removed from the vehicle.
lThe start knob has not been returned
to the LOCK position and all the
doors are closed after removing the
advanced key from the vehicle.
NOTE
The flashing KEY warning light (red) and the
beep sound operate simultaneously (page
3-20).
KEY Indicator Light (Green)
When illuminated
When the start knob is pushed in from the
LOCK position, the system confirms that
the correct advanced key is inside the
vehicle, the KEY indicator light (green)
illuminates, and the start knob can be
turned to the ACC position (page 3-9).
When flashing
When the advanced key battery power is
low, the KEY indicator light flashes for 30
seconds after the start knob is turned from
the ON position to the ACC or LOCK
position. Replace with a new battery
before the advanced key becomes
unusable (page 3-6).
NOTE
The advanced key can be set so that the KEY
indicator light (green) does not flash even if
the battery power is low.
Refer to Setting Change (Function
Customization)(page 3-19).
q Security Indicator Light
This indicator light starts flashing every 2
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
from the ON to the ACC position and the
immobilizer system is armed.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-51
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page189
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (190,1)
The light stops flashing when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position with
the correct ignition key.
At this time, the immobilizer system is
disarmed and the light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and then goes out.
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.
qHeadlight High-Beam Indicator
Light
This light indicates one of two things:lThe high-beam headlights are on.lThe turn signal lever is in the flash-to-
pass position.
qShift Position Indicator Light
(Automatic Transmission)
This indicates the selected shift position
when the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
Gear position indicator
Gear position indicator
The gear position indicator displays the
gear in use while in either manual shift or
direct mode.
5-52
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page190
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (193,1)
Beep Sounds
qSeat Belt Warning Beep
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, a beep sound will be heard
for about 6 seconds.
If the driver or the front passenger's seat
belt is not fastened and the vehicle is
driven at a speed faster than about 20
km/h (12 mph), a beep sound will be
heard again for a specified period of time.
Refer to Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep on
page 5-46.
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.
qLights-On Reminderí
If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a continuous
beep sound will be heard when the
driver's door is opened.
NOTE
When the advanced keyless function is used
and the start knob is in the ACC position, the
Start Knob Not in Lock Warning Beep (page
3-17) overrides the lights-on reminder.
qEngine Overrev Warning Beep
The beep sounds to indicate engine
overrev when the tachometer needle
enters the striped zone (page 5-37).
qTire Inflation Pressure Warning
Beepí
The warning beep sound will be heard for
about 3 seconds when there is any
abnormality in tire inflation pressures
(page 5-29).
qAdvanced Keyless Warning (with
Advanced Key)
Warning indicators for the advanced key,
such as “the advanced key removed from
vehicle warning ”, use a beep sound and
warning/indicator lights in the instrument
cluster.
Refer to Warning and Beep Sounds on
page 3-17.
q Engine Oil Level Warning Beep
When the engine oil level is low, the
engine oil level warning light flashes and
the warning beep activates for a brief
period. After the warning light stops
flashing and illuminates, the beeper stops.
If the warning light continues to flash due
to a system malfunction, the beeper does
not sound.
Refer to Engine Oil Level Warning Light
on page 5-43.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-55íSome models.
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page193
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (248,1)
lIf there is no artist's name,
“No ARTIST ”is displayed.
(Song title display)
lWhen the display button is briefly
pressed (about 0.5 seconds) while in
artist name display mode, it changes to
the song title display mode.
lIf there are more than 8 characters in
the song title, it is possible to display
the remaining part of the song title one
character at a time each time the
display feed dial is rotated one
increment clockwise.
lThree more seconds after scrolling the
song title, the display automatically
returns to display the first part of the
song title.
lIf there is no song title, “No SONG ”is
displayed.
(INFO (such as composer's name)
display)
lWhen the display button is briefly
pressed (about 1.5 seconds) while in
song title display mode, it changes to
the INFO display mode.
lIf there are more than 8 characters in
the composer's name, it is possible to
display the remaining part of the name
one character at a time each time the
display feed dial is rotated one
increment clockwise.
lThree seconds after scrolling the text,
the display automatically returns to
display the first part of the text.
lIf there is no composer name,
“ No INFO ”is displayed.
Instant replay
This function allows you to rewind and
replay the program that you were
previously or are currently listening to.
Press the instant replay button. When the seek tuning button (
)is
briefly pressed (about 0.5 seconds),
playback starts from the beginning of the
current program.
When the seek tuning button (
)is
pressed twice, playback starts from the
beginning of the previous program.
When the seek tuning button (
)is
pressed for about 0.5 seconds or longer,
the program is reversed while the button
is being pressed.
When the seek tuning button (
)is
briefly pressed (about 0.5 seconds),
playback starts from the beginning of the
next program. When the seek tuning
button (
) is briefly pressed (about 0.5
seconds) while the last program is being
played, the instant replay mode is
cancelled.
When the seek tuning button (
)is
pressed for 0.5 seconds or longer, the
program is fast-forwarded while the
button is being pressed. When pressing
and holding the button until the end of the
program, the instant replay mode is
cancelled.
When the instant replay button is pressed
again, playback is temporarily stopped, or
playback starts if it has been temporarily
stopped.
NOTE
If the channel is changed, the instant replay
buffer data is deleted.
(How to cancel the instant replay)lTurn off the ACC or POWER.lPress any one of the following buttons:
FM/AM, CD, MEDIA, SAT, SEEK/
TRACK/REPLAY, or a channel preset
button.
lInsert or play a CD.
6-40
Interior Comfort
Audio System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page248
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (312,1)
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.
WARNING
Turn off the ignition switch and
make sure the fan is not running before
attempting to work near the cooling
fan: Working near the cooling fan when it
is running is dangerous. The fan
could continue running indefinitely
even if the engine has stopped and
the engine compartment temperature
is high. You could be hit by the fan
and seriously injured.
Do not remove the cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot: When the engine and radiator are
hot, scalding coolant and steam may
shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury.
Open the hood ONLY after steam is no
longer escaping from the engine: Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you.
NOTE
Once the engine coolant exceeds a preset
temperature, an electrical cooling fan turns
on. It will continue running for about 10
minutes after the ignition switch is turned to
off.
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in park (P), a manual
transmission in neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Turn off the air conditioner.
5. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Don't go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the
engine temperature will increase.
Stop the engine and call an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6. Make sure the cooling fan is operating, then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
7. When cool, check the coolant level. If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
7-16
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page312
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:24 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
Black plate (362,1)
DESCRIPTIONFUSE
RATING PROTECTED COMPONENT
17 R.FOG ――
18 FOG 15A Fog lights
í
19A/C 10A Air conditioner
20 IG 40A For protection of various circuits
21 P.WIND 1 30A Power window
22 IG KEY 15A For protection of various circuits
23 STOP 10A Brake lights
24 FUEL PUMP 20A Fuel pump
25 HORN 15A Horn
26 HAZARD 15A Hazard warning flashers, Turn signals
27 ETV 15A Electric throttle valve
28 ST 10A Starter
29 WIPER 20A Windshield wiper and washer
30 TCM 15A TCM
í
31 ENGINE 15AEngine control system, Supplemental restraint system, ABS,
Power steering
32 TAIL 10ATaillights, License plate light, Parking lights, Front side-maker
lights, Rear side-marker lights
33 ILLUMI 7.5A Illuminated entry system
34 EGI COMP1 15A Engine control system
35 EGI COMP2 10A Engine control system
36 EGI INJ 15A Fuel injector
37 P.WIND 2 20A Power window
38 EPS 60A Power steering
8-40
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page362
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:24 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C