2009 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 warning light

Black plate (109,1)
CAUTION
Make sure the fuel-filler cap is
tightened securely. The check engine
light may illuminate when the cap
isn't tightened securely. If the light
remains on (even after you have
tightened the cap securely, driven,
and restarted the engine several
times), it may indicate a different
problem. Contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Hood
WARNING
Always check that the hood is closed
and securely locked:A hood that is not closed and
securely locked is dangerous as it
could fly open while the vehicle is
moving and block the driver's vision
which could result in a serious
accident.
qOpening the Hood
1. With the vehicle parked, pull the
release handle to unlock the hood.
Release handle
2. Insert your hand into the hood opening
and slide the hood latch lever to the
right and lift the hood.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-43
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (118,1)
Theft-Deterrent Systemí
If the theft deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle, which
could result in the vehicle or its contents
being stolen, the alarm alerts the
surrounding area of an abnormality by
sounding the horn and flashing the hazard
warning lights.
Refer to Operation on page 3-52.
NOTE
lThe theft-deterrent system operates with the
key or the keyless entry system transmitter.
l(With advanced key)
The theft-deterrent system can also be
operated using the advanced keyless
function.
The system operates only when the driver is
in the vehicle or within operational range
while the advanced key is being carried.
lThe system will not function unless it is
properly armed. To properly secure the
vehicle, always make sure all windows are
completely closed and all doors and the
trunk lid are locked before leaving the
vehicle. Remember to take your key and
transmitter.
qOperation
System triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights flash for about 3
minutes when the system is triggered by
any one of the following:
lForcing open a door, the hood or the
trunk lid.
lUnlocking a door with the inside door-
lock knob.
lUnlocking a door with the door lock
switch.
lOpening the hood by operating the
hood release handle.
lOpening the trunk lid by operating the
trunk lid release button.
If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until a door is
unlocked or the trunk lid is opened with
the key or with the transmitter.
(With advanced key)
The lights and horn can also be
deactivated by pressing the request switch
on a door.
NOTE
If the battery goes dead while the theft-
deterrent system is armed, the horn will
activate and the hazard warning lights will
flash when the battery is charged or replaced.
q How to Arm the System
1. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
(With advanced key)
Turn the start knob to the LOCK
position.
2. Make sure the hood and the trunk lid are closed. Close and lock all doors
from the outside using the key or press
the lock button on your keyless entry
system transmitter.
(With advanced key)
Press a request switch on the doors or
the lock button on the transmitter.
(Without advanced key)
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
Close the hood and the trunk lid . Press
the area on the door-lock switch
marked “LOCK ”once. Close all doors.
The hazard warning lights will flash once.
NOTE
Locking the doors with the inside door-lock
knob will not arm the system.
3-52
Knowing Your Mazda
íSome models.
Security System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page118
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (119,1)
qTo Turn off an Armed System
An armed system can be turned off by any
one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door with the key.lPress the unlock button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.
lInsert the key into the ignition switch
and turn it to the ON position.
l(With advanced key)lPress a request switch on the doors
or the unlock button on the
transmitter.
lTurn the start knob to the ON
position.
The hazard warning lights will flash twice
to indicate that the system is turned off.
NOTE
The trunk lid can be opened with the key or the
transmitter even when the system is armed. The
alarm will not come on and the system will
remain armed.
q To Stop an Alarm
A triggered alarm can be turned off by
any one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door with the key.lOpen the trunk lid with the key.lPress the unlock button or press and
hold the trunk button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.
l(With advanced key)lPress a request switch on the doors.lPress the unlock button or press and
hold the trunk button on the
transmitter.
NOTE
If you have any problem with the theft-
deterrent system, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
q Theft-Deterrent Labels
A label indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System is
in the glove box.
Mazda recommends that you affix it to the
lower rear corner of a front door window.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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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
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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
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (135,1)
Driving In Flooded Area
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance returns to 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.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle on flooded
roads as it could cause short
circuiting of electrical/electronic
parts, or engine damage or stalling
from water absorption. If the vehicle
has been immersed in water, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Overloading
WARNING
Be careful not to overload your vehicle:The gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of your vehicle are on the
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label
on the driver's door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an accident
or vehicle damage. You can estimate
the weight of your load by weighing
the items (or people) before putting
them in the vehicle.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-11
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (139,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transmission Operation ............................................. 5-10
Automatic Transmission Controls ........................................... 5-13
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-20
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-21
Traction Control System (TCS)
í........................................... 5-25
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)í........................................ 5-26
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-29
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-35 Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-35
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-40 Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-40
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-55
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-56 Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-56
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-59
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-60
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-60
Headlight Washer
í................................................................. 5-64
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-65
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-66
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-66
HomeLink Wireless Control System
í.................................... 5-67
5-1íSome models.
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (142,1)
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-40).
NOTE
(Gasoline engine models)
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the sound of the fuel pump motor
operating near the fuel tank can be heard. This
does not indicate an abnormality.
NOTE
(With headlight auto-leveling)
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the sound of the headlight leveling
motors operating at the front of the engine
compartment can be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-40).
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.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the spark
ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Standard requirements
regulating the impulse electrical field strength
of radio noise.
1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the clutch pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
(Manual transmission)
The starter will not operate if the clutch pedal
is not depressed all the way.
(Automatic transmission)
The starter will not operate if the shift lever is
not in P or N.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the START
position and hold (up to 10 seconds at
a time) until the engine starts.
5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C