2009 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 engine coolant

Black plate (78,1)
7. Verify that the KEY indicator light(green) illuminates in the instrument
cluster. The KEY warning light (red)
means you cannot continue to start the
engine using the Advanced Keyless
System. You may have to use the
auxiliary key instead (page 3-20).
NOTE
In the following cases, the KEY warning light
(red) illuminates and the engine will not start.
lThe advanced key battery is dead.lThe advanced key is out of 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.
8. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC
position while pushing the start knob
in.
9. Turn the ignition switch from the ACCposition to the START position and
hold (up to 10 seconds at a time) until
the engine starts.
CAUTION
Do not try the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine
stalls or fails to start, wait 10 seconds
before trying again. Otherwise, you
may damage the starter and drain
the battery.
10. After starting the engine, let it idle for about 15 seconds.Then perform the
shift operation.
NOTE
lIn extremely cold weather (below 0°C
(32°F)) or after the vehicle has not been
driven in several days, let the engine warm
up without operating the accelerator.
lWhether the engine is cold or warm, it
should be started without use of the
accelerator.
lThe display of the variable red zone in the
tachometer changes according to the
temperature of the engine coolant. To
protect the engine, when the engine coolant
temperature is low, the engine does not run
at high speeds. The fuel supply will be cut
at an rpm lower than the red zone.
Refer to Tachometer on page 5-37.
lIf the engine does not start the first time,
refer to Starting a Flooded Engine under
Emergency Starting. If the engine still does
not start, have your vehicle inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer (page 7-18).
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Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
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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
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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
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CAUTION
Do not try the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine
stalls or fails to start, wait 10 seconds
before trying again. Otherwise, you
may damage the starter and drain
the battery.
6. After starting the engine, let it idle for about 15 seconds. Then perform the
shift operation.
NOTE
lIn extremely cold weather (below 0°C
(32°F)) or after the vehicle has not been
driven in several days, let the engine warm
up without operating the accelerator.
lWhether the engine is cold or warm, it
should be started without use of the
accelerator.
lThe display of the variable red zone in the
tachometer changes according to the
temperature of the engine coolant. To
protect the engine, when the engine coolant
temperature is low, the engine does not run
at high speeds. The fuel supply will be cut
at an rpm lower than the red zone.
Refer to Tachometer on page 5-37.
lIf the engine does not start the first time,
refer to Starting a Flooded Engine under
Emergency Starting. If the engine still does
not start, have your vehicle inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer (page 7-18).
Brake System
q Foot Brake
Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.
Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But the distance required to
stop will be greater than usual.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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WARNING
Do not drive with worn disc pads:Driving with worn disc pads is
dangerous. The brakes could fail and
cause a serious accident. As soon as
you hear a screeching noise consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Manual Transmission
Operation
lThe beep sounds to indicate engine
overrev when the tachometer needle
enters the striped zone.
lThe display of the variable red zone in
the tachometer changes according to
the temperature of the engine coolant.
To protect the engine, when the engine
coolant temperature is low, the engine
does not run at high speeds. The fuel
supply will be cut at an rpm lower than
the red zone.
Refer to Tachometer on page 5-37.
qManual Transmission Shift Pattern
Neutral position
The shift pattern of the transmission is
conventional, as shown.
Depress the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Automatic Transmission Controls
Indicates that you must depress the brake pedal to shift (The ignition
switch must be in the ACC or ON position).
Indicates the shift lever can be shifted freely into any position.
Various Lockouts:
NOTElThe beep sounds to indicate engine overrev when the tachometer needle enters the striped zone.lThe display of the variable red zone in the tachometer changes according to the temperature of the
engine coolant. To protect the engine, when the engine coolant temperature is low, the engine does
not run at high speeds. The fuel supply will be cut at an rpm lower than the red zone.
Refer to Tachometer on page 5-37.
lThe gear shift-up point may move to the high rpm range temporarily while the engine is warming
up in order to shorten the warming-up period.
lThis Sport AT has an option that is not included in traditional automatic transmission - giving the
driver the option of selecting each gear instead of leaving it to the transmission to shift gears.
Even if you intend to use the automatic transmission functions as a traditional automatic, you
should also be aware that you can inadvertently shift into manual shift mode and an inappropriate
gear may be retained as you change speeds. If you notice the engine speed going higher or hear
the engine racing, confirm you have not accidentally slipped into manual shift mode (page 5-15).
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Meters and Gauges
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the dashboard gauges illuminate.
Speedometer ...................................................................................................... page 5-36
Speed Unit Selector ........................................................................................... page 5-36
Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector .................................................. page 5-36
Tachometer ........................................................................................................ page 5-37
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge .................................................................. page 5-38
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................................................ page 5-38
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (176,1)
CAUTION
Don't run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine
damage.
NOTE
lThe beep sounds to indicate engine overrev
when the tachometer needle enters the
striped zone.
lThe display of the variable red zone in the
tachometer changes according to the
temperature of the engine coolant. To
protect the engine, when the engine coolant
temperature is low, the engine does not run
at high speeds. The fuel supply will be cut
at an rpm lower than the red zone.
qEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.
If the needle is near H, it indicates
overheating.
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine
can cause serious engine damage
(page 7-16).
q Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is remaining in the tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
We recommend keeping the tank over 1/4
full. When the low fuel warning light
illuminates or when the needle is near E,
refuel as soon as possible.
Low fuel warning light
NOTElAfter refueling, it may require some time for
the needle to stabilize. In addition, the
needle may deviate while driving on a slope
or curve since the fuel moves in the tank.
lThe direction of the arrow () shows that
the fuel-filler lid is on the left side of the
vehicle.
q Dashboard Illumination
Rotate the thumb wheel to adjust the
brightness of the instrument cluster and
other illuminations in the dashboard.
NOTE
lThe brightness of dashboard illuminations
(except instrument cluster) can be adjusted
when the headlight switch is in the
or
position.lThe brightness of the instrument cluster
illumination can be adjusted when the
headlight switch is in any position.
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Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8Z09-EA-08C