2009 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (361,1)
qFuse Panel Description
Fuse block (Engine compartment)
1
2
3
4
5
10 13
14
15
16
17
18
19
11
12 6
20
21
22 29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
28
23
24
25
26
27
7
8
9
(Next to air filter)
(Next to battery)
DESCRIPTIONFUSE
RATING PROTECTED COMPONENT
1 MAIN 120A For protection of all circuits
2 HEATER 40A Heater
3 AIR PUMP 60A Air pump
4 BTN 30APower windows, Power door locks, Illuminated entry system,
Moonroof
í
5
DEFOG 50A Rear window defroster
6 FAN 1 30A Electric fan 1
7 ABS/DSC 40A ABS, DSC
í
8ACC 30A Lighter, Power control mirror, Accessory socket, Audio system
9 FAN 2 30A Electric fan 2
10 HEAD 15A Headlight high beams
í, Headlight cleanerí
11 HEAD LOW R 15A Headlight low beam (RH)
12 HEAD LOW L 15A Headlight low beam (LH)
13 DRL 15A DRL
í(Headlight high beams)
14 DSC 30A DSCí
15 SEAT WARM 20A Seat warmerí
16 H/CLEAN 20A Headlight cleanerí
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-39íSome models.
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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
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (363,1)
Fuse panel (Driver's side)
DESCRIPTIONFUSE
RATING PROTECTED COMPONENT
1 CIGAR 15A Lighter
2 ACC 7.5A Audio system, Power control mirror
3 OUTLET ――
4 A/C 7.5A Air conditioner
5 METER 10A Instrument cluster
6 ―― ―
7 SPARE ――
8 SPARE ――
9 M.DEF 10A Mirror defroster
í
10DSC 7.5A DSCí
11 AUDIO 25A Audio system (Bose®Sound System-equipped model)í
12 D.LOCK 30A Power door locks, Moonroofí
13 OUTLET15A Accessory socket
14 ROOM 15A Interior lights
15 SPARE ――
16 SPARE ――
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-41íSome models.
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page363
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:24 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (364,1)
How to Minimize
Environmental Paint Damage
The paintwork on your Mazda represents
the latest technical developments in
composition and methods of application.
Environmental hazards, however, can
harm the paint's protective properties, if
proper care is not taken.
Here are some examples of possible
damage, with tips on how to prevent
them.
qEtching Caused by Acid Rain or
Industrial Fallout
Occurrence
Industrial pollutants and vehicle emissions
drift into the air and mix with rain or dew
to form acids. These acids can settle on a
vehicle's finish. As the water evaporates,
the acid becomes concentrated and can
damage the finish.
And the longer the acid remains on the
surface, the greater the chance is for
damage.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you suspect that acid rain has settled on
your vehicle's finish.
qDamage Caused by Bird
Dropping, Insects, or Tree Sap
Occurrence
Bird droppings contain acids. If these
aren't removed they can eat away the clear
and color base coat of the vehicle's
paintwork.
When insects stick to the paint surface
and decompose, corrosive compounds
form. These can erode the clear and color
base coat of the vehicle's paintwork if
they are not removed.
Tree sap will harden and adhere
permanently to the paint finish. If you
scratch the sap off while it is hard, some
vehicle paint could come off with it.
Prevention
It is necessary to have your Mazda
washed and waxed to preserve its finish
according to the instructions in this
section. This should be done as soon as
possible.
Bird droppings can be removed with a
soft sponge and water. If you are traveling
and these are not available, a moistened
tissue may also take care of the problem.
The cleaned area should be waxed
according to the instructions in this
section.
Insects and tree sap are best removed with
a soft sponge and water or a commercially
available chemical cleaner.
Another method is to cover the affected
area with dampened newspaper for one to
two hours. After removing the newspaper,
rinse off the loosened debris with water.
8-42
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page364
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (365,1)
qWater Marks
Occurrence
Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt and
lime. If moisture containing these
minerals settles on the vehicle and
evaporates, the minerals will concentrate
and harden to form white rings. The rings
can damage your vehicle's finish.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you find water marks on your vehicle's
finish.
qPaint Chipping
Occurrence
Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown
in the air by another vehicle's tires hits
your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping
Keeping a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead reduces the chances of
having your paint chipped by flying
gravel. NOTE
lThe paint chipping zone varies with the
speed of the vehicle. For example, when
traveling at 90 km/h (56 mph), the paint
chipping zone is 50 m (164 ft).
lIn low temperatures a vehicle's finish
hardens. This increases the chance of paint
chipping.
lChipped paint can lead to rust forming on
your Mazda. Before this happens, repair the
damage by using Mazda touch-up paint
according to the instructions in this section.
Failure to repair the affected area could
lead to serious rusting and expensive
repairs.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-43
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (366,1)
Exterior Care
Followalllabel and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
q Maintaining the Finish
Washing
To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your Mazda
thoroughly and frequently, at least once a
month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here are
some examples of how scratching could
occur.
Scratches occur on the paint surface
when:
lThe vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign
matter.
lThe vehicle is washed with a rough,
dry, or dirty cloth.
lThe vehicle is washed at a car wash
that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
lCleansers or wax containing abrasives
are used.
NOTE
lMazda is not responsible for scratches
caused by automatic car washes or
improper washing.
lScratches are more noticeable on vehicles
with darker paint finishes.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
lRinse off any dirt or other foreign
matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
lUse plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
lRub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
lTake your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
lDon't use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may damage
the protective coating; also, cleaners
and detergents may discolor or
deteriorate the paint.
Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material from
the underside of the fenders, and make
sure the drain holes in the lower edges of
the doors and rocker panels are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Don't allow soap
to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
8-44
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (367,1)
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal:Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for metallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and similar
materials will usually also take off the wax.
Rewax these areas even if the rest of the
vehicle doesn't need it.
q Repairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced,
make sure the body shop applies
anti-corrosion materials to all parts,
both repaired and new. This will
prevent them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may result in
damage to the protective coating and
cause discoloration or paint
deterioration.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-45
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (368,1)
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal: Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDon't use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminum wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral detergent
and always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cold
water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels
after driving on dusty or salted roads. This
helps prevent corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an automatic
car wash that uses high-speed or hard
brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax
the wheels.
8-46
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
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Thursday, July 3 2008 2:24 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C