2009 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 check oil

Black plate (110,1)
3. Grasp the support rod in the paddedarea and secure it in the stay hole
indicated by the arrow to hold the hood
open.
Clip
Support rod
Pad
q
Closing the Hood
WARNING
Do not leave items in the engine
compartment:
After you have finished checking or
doing servicing in the engine
compartment, do not forget and
leave items such as tools or rags in
the engine compartment.
Tools or other items left in the engine
compartment could cause engine
damage or a fire leading to an
unexpected accident.
1. Check under the hood area to make certain all filler caps are in place and
all loose items (e.g. tools, oil
containers, etc.) have been removed.
2. Insert the support rod in its clip while holding up the hood. Verify that the
support rod is secured in the clip before
closing the hood.
3. Close the hood so that it locks securely.
Moonroofí
The moonroof can be opened or closed
electrically only when the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
Tilt switch
Slide switch
WARNING
Do not let passengers stand up or
extend part of the body through the
open moonroof while the vehicle is
moving:
Extending the head, arms, or other
parts of the body through the
moonroof is dangerous. The head or
arms could hit something while the
vehicle is moving. This could cause
serious injury or death.
Make sure the opening is clear before
closing the moonroof: A closing moonroof is dangerous. The
hands, head, or even neck of a
person ―especially a child ―could
be caught in it as it closes, causing
serious injury or even death.
NOTE
After washing your Mazda or after it rains,
wipe the water off the moonroof before
operating it to avoid water penetration which
could cause rust and water damage to your
headliner.
3-44
Knowing Your Mazda
íSome models.
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page110
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
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (178,1)
Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-42
Charging System Warning Light5-43
Engine Oil Level Warning Light5-43
Engine Coolant Level Warning Light5-44
Check Engine Light5-45
ABS Warning Light5-42
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light5-45
Low Fuel Warning Light5-46
Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep5-46
5-40
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page178
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (182,1)
NOTE
When the engine oil level is low, the warning
beep is also heard while the engine oil level
warning light is flashing.
Refer to Engine Oil Level Warning Beep on
page 5-55.
If the light flashes and then illuminates
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and parkoff the right-of-way.
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the engine oil level (page 8-13). If it's low,
add oil.
3. Check the light.
If the engine oil level warning light is
illuminated and you are unable to
immediately add engine oil, do not drive
at high speed, keep the engine speed low
and get to a location where oil can be
added as soon as possible. We recommend
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, have your vehicle checked at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the oil level is
low. It could result in extensive
engine damage. NOTE
The Mazda RX-8 requires regular checking of
the engine oil level. The compact, high
performance RENESIS rotary engine in your
vehicle consumes a small amount of engine oil
due to its structural design. An oil pump
optimizes the amount of oil injected to
lubricate the rotor seals in the combustion
cycle. Although your vehicle is equipped with
an engine oil level warning light, it is best to
keep the engine oil level in the range between
full and low by checking the oil dipstick
regularly. Mazda recommends checking the oil
level at every second fuel filling. The oil
consumption of the engine depends on engine
speed and engine load. Under extreme driving
conditions, oil consumption can be higher.
If the light flashes continuously
If the warning light continues to flash, do
not drive at high speeds, drive the vehicle
at low engine rpm, and have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect the
system.
NOTE
If the engine is turned off while the oil level
indicator is flashing due to a system
malfunction, it may take a few minutes until the
indicator starts flashing again after the engine
is started.
qEngine Coolant Level Warning Light
This warning light indicates low engine
coolant level.
5-44
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page182
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (311,1)
3. Install the lug nuts with the bevelededge inward; tighten them by hand.
WARNING
Do not apply oil or grease to lug nuts
and bolts and do not tighten the lug
nuts beyond the recommended
tightening torque: Applying oil or grease to lug nuts and
bolts is dangerous. The lug nuts
could loosen while driving and cause
the tire to come off, resulting in an
accident. In addition, lug nuts and
bolts could be damaged if tightened
more than necessary.
4. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise and lower the vehicle. Use the lug
wrench to tighten the nuts in the order
shown.
If you're unsure of how tight the nuts
should be, have them inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Nut tightening torque
N·m (kgf·m, ft·lbf) 88
―118
(9 ― 12, 65 ―87)
WARNING
Always securely and correctly tighten
the lug nuts:
Improperly or loosely tightened lug
nuts are dangerous. The wheel could
wobble or come off. This could result
in loss of vehicle control and cause a
serious accident.
Be sure to reinstall the same nuts you
removed or replace them with metric
nuts of the same configuration: Because the wheel studs and lug nuts
on your Mazda have metric threads,
using a non-metric nut is dangerous.
On a metric stud, it would not secure
the wheel and would damage the
stud, which could cause the wheel to
slip off and cause an accident.
5. Check the inflation pressure. Refer to the specification charts on page 10-6.
WARNING
Do not drive with any tires that have
incorrect air pressure: Driving on tires with incorrect air
pressure is dangerous. Tires with
incorrect pressure could affect
handling and result in an accident.
NOTE
To prevent the jack and tool from rattling, store
them properly.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-15
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page311
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:24 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (329,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections II
Brake and clutch fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Brake fluid RR
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Flat tire repair kit
*3Inspect annually
Steering operation and linkages I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play II
Manual transmission oil RR
Rear differential oil RR
Driveshaft dust boots II
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body TT
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
Cabin air filter Replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 2 years
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-7
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page329
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:24 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (331,1)
Owner Maintenance Precautions
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.
As explained in the Introduction (page 8-2), several procedures can be done only by a
qualified service technician with special tools.
Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If
you're unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fluids. Please
dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil and fluid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
Do not perform maintenance work if you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or
the proper tools and equipment to do the work. Have maintenance work done by a
qualified technician:Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You
can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures.
If you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you
remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all
neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling
fan which may turn on unexpectedly: Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even
more dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.
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 leave items in the engine compartment: After you have finished checking or doing servicing in the engine compartment, do
not forget and leave items such as tools or rags in the engine compartment.
Tools or other items left in the engine compartment could cause engine damage or a
fire leading to an unexpected accident.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-9
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page331
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:24 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (334,1)
Engine Oil
CAUTION
Do not use either synthetic or semi-
synthetic motor oil. Otherwise engine
starting performance could worsen.
NOTE
lChanging the engine oil should be done by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lThe Mazda RX-8 requires regular checking
of the engine oil level. The compact, high
performance RENESIS rotary engine in
your vehicle consumes a small amount of
engine oil due to its structural design. An
oil pump optimizes the amount of oil
injected to lubricate the rotor seals in the
combustion cycle. Although your vehicle is
equipped with an engine oil level warning
light, it is best to keep the engine oil level in
the range between full and low by checking
the oil dipstick regularly. Mazda
recommends checking the oil level at every
second fuel filling. The oil consumption of
the engine depends on engine speed and
engine load. Under extreme driving
conditions, oil consumption can be higher.
q Recommended Oil
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Oil container labels provide important
information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes
to fuel economy is reducing the amount of
fuel necessary to overcome engine
friction.
U.S.A. and CANADA
(ILSAC)
Only use oils “Certified For Gasoline
Engines ”by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). An oil with this trademark
symbol conforms to the current engine
and emission system protection standards
and fuel economy requirements of the
International Lubricant Standardization
and Approval Committee (ILSAC),
comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
5W-20
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
–20
5040
30
20
10
0
–10
–20
–30
8-12
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page334
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:24 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C