2009 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 brake

Black plate (9,1)
Power door lock switch ..................................................................................... page 3-28
Outside mirror switch ........................................................................................ page 3-54
Dashboard illumination ..................................................................................... page 5-38
DSC OFF switch ............................................................................................... page 5-26
Lighting control/Turn signals ............................................................................ page 5-56
Audio control switch ......................................................................................... page 6-54
Instrument cluster .............................................................................................. page 5-35
Air bags ............................................................................................................. page 2-38
Wiper and washer lever ..................................................................................... page 5-60
Cruise control switches ...................................................................................... page 5-21
Information display ............................................................................................ page 6-79
Hazard warning flasher switch .......................................................................... page 5-66
Audio system ..................................................................................................... page 6-15
Glove box .......................................................................................................... page 6-84
Center console ................................................................................................... page 6-85
Cup holder ......................................................................................................... page 6-83
Parking brake ....................................................................................................... page 5-6
MT shift lever .................................................................................................... page 5-10
AT shift lever (Sport AT) ................................................................................... page 5-13
Lighter ............................................................................................................... page 6-81
Ashtray ............................................................................................................... page 6-82
Climate control system ........................................................................................ page 6-2
Ignition switch ..................................................................................................... page 5-2
Tilt wheel release lever ...................................................................................... page 3-54
Coin box ............................................................................................................ page 6-84
Hood release handle .......................................................................................... page 3-43
Trunk release button .......................................................................................... page 3-32
Power window lock switch ................................................................................ page 3-38
Power window switches .................................................................................... page 3-35
Interior light ....................................................................................................... page 6-77
Sunvisor ............................................................................................................. page 6-77
Rearview mirror ................................................................................................. page 3-55
Vanity mirror ...................................................................................................... page 6-77
Front seats ............................................................................................................ page 2-2
Rear seat ............................................................................................................ page 2-11
Seat belt ............................................................................................................. page 2-14
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Dashboard and Interior Overview
1-3The equipment and installation position varies by vehicle
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page9
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (76,1)
LOCK (Released)
The steering wheel locks to help protect
against theft.
LOCK (Depressed)
The ignition switch can be turned to the
ACC position when the KEY indicator
light (green) illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
put the key or start knob to LOCK
position, set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P with an
automatic transmission or in 1 or R
with a manual transmission:It is important to place the key or
start knob in the LOCK position even
if you are not removing the key from
the ignition or leaving the vehicle.
Leaving the key in other positions
will disable some of the vehicle
security systems and run the battery
down.
Leaving the driver's seat without
putting the ignition switch in LOCK
position, setting the parking brake
and shifting the shift lever to P with
an automatic transmission, or to 1 or
R with a manual transmission is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur. This could
cause an accident. NOTE
lIf turning the ignition switch is difficult,
jiggle the steering wheel from side to side.
l(Automatic transmission)
The ignition switch cannot be turned from
the ACC position to the LOCK position
when the shift lever is not in P.
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
NOTE
The Advanced Keyless Entry System does not
function in the ACC position, and the doors
will not lock/unlock using the transmitter or
request switches even if the advanced key is
carried away from the vehicle.
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
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.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the start knob;
then it returns to the ON position. The
brake warning light can be checked after
the engine is started (page 5-40).
3-10
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page76
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (77,1)
Starting the engine
NOTE
lEngine-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.
lThe advanced key must be carried because
the advanced key carries an immobilizer
chip that must communicate with the engine
controls at short range.
lWhen starting the engine, be sure the start
knob is securely attached before trying to
operate it. If the knob becomes detached
from the ignition switch, re-attach it by
pushing it on to the ignition switch.
1. Make sure the advanced key is beingcarried.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat belts.
3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Depress the brake pedal. 5.
(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.
6. Push the start knob slowly all the way in.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-11
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page77
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 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
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
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

Black plate (131,1)
WARNING
Never stop the engine when going
down a hill:Stopping the engine when going
down a hill is dangerous. This causes
the loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause
damage to the drivetrain. Any loss of
steering or braking control could
cause an accident.
Hazardous Driving
WARNING
Be extremely careful if it is necessary to
downshift on slippery surfaces:Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed could cause the tires to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle
control and an accident.
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving: The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
lBe cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
lAvoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
lDo not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) on page 5-8.
lIf you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the rear
wheels.
lFor more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the rear wheels.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the rear wheels.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-7
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page131
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
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
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page132
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (133,1)
Winter Driving
lCarry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
lHave the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 8-14.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lInspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
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.
lUse washer fluid made with
antifreeze ―but do not use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-17).
lDo not use the parking brake in
freezing weather as it may freeze.
Instead, shift to P with an automatic
transmission and to 1 or R with a
manual transmission. Block the rear
wheels.
q Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don't go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (rear door on the driver's
side), but never more than the maximum
cold-tire pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, Mazda recommends that
you replace the tires originally equipped
on your vehicle with snow tires during the
winter months.
WARNING
Use only the same size and type tires
(snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four
wheels: Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly affected and result
in an accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system may
not function correctly when using tires with
steel wire reinforcement in the sidewalls (page
5-33).
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-9
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page133
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C