Black plate (89,1)
When Warning Indicator/Beep is Activated
Under the following conditions, warning beeps are heard and a warning/indicator light in
the instrument cluster illuminates to notify the driver of improper operation of the
advanced key to prevent theft of the vehicle (page 3-18).
Warning How to check
When a door is open, a continuous beep sound will be
heard.Check whether the start knob has been returned to the
LOCK position.
When a door is open, three beep sounds are heard, and
the KEY warning light (red) in the instrument cluster
flashes.Check whether the advanced key has been removed
from the vehicle.
When a door is closed, a beep sound is heard six times,
and the KEY warning light (red) in the instrument
cluster flashes.Check whether the advanced key has been removed
from the vehicle.
When locking the doors or closing the trunk, the chime
sounds for about ten seconds.Check whether the advanced key has been left in the
vehicle or the trunk.
When attempting to lock the doors by pressing the
request switch on the front doors, and six beep sounds
are heard.Check whether the start knob has been returned to the
LOCK position.
Check whether a door is open.
When the KEY indicator light (green) flashes in the
instrument cluster.The advanced key battery power is low. Replace the
battery with a new one.
Refer to Advanced Key Maintenance on page 3-5.
When the KEY warning light (red) remains illuminated
in the instrument cluster.The advanced key is malfunctioning. Park the vehicle in
a safe place, and use the auxiliary key to continue
driving the vehicle. Have the vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-21
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (92,1)
NOTElThe keyless entry system is designed to
operate up to about 2.5 m (8 ft) from the
center of the vehicle, but this may vary due
to local conditions.
lThe system does not operate when the key is
in the ignition switch.
lDoors can be locked by pressing the lock
button while any other door is open.
However, the hazard warning lights will not
flash and the horn will not sound.
lIf the transmitter does not operate when
pressing a button or the operation range
becomes too small, the battery may be
dead. To install a new battery, refer to
Maintenance (page 3-26).
lAdditional transmitters can be obtained at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to 3
transmitters can be used with the keyless
entry system per vehicle. Bring all
transmitters to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer when additional transmitters are
required.
qTransmitter
Lock button
Unlock button
Trunk buttonPanic button
Operation
indicator light
NOTEl(U.S.A.)
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
l(CANADA)
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry CANADA. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
NOTE
The unlock button can be used to open the
power windows. Refer to Opening the Power
Windows from Outside (page 3-40).
The operation indicator light flashes when
the buttons are pressed.
Lock button
To lock the doors, press the lock button
and the hazard warning lights will flash
once.
3-24
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page92
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (94,1)
qTransmitter Maintenance
If the buttons on the transmitter are
inoperable and the operation indicator
light does not flash, the battery may be
dead.
Replace with a new battery before the
transmitter becomes unusable.
CAUTION
ØInstall the battery with the positive
pole (
) facing down. Battery
leakage could occur if it is not
installed correctly.
ØWhen replacing the battery, be
careful not to bend the electrical
terminals or get oil on them. Also
be careful not to get dirt in the
transmitter as it could be
damaged.
ØThere is the danger of explosion if
the battery is not correctly
replaced.
ØReplace only with the same type
battery (CR1620 or equivalent).
ØDispose of used batteries
according to the following
instructions.
ØInsulate the plus and minus
terminals of the battery using
cellophane or equivalent tape.
ØNever disassemble.
ØNever throw the battery into
fire and/or water.
ØNever deform or crush.
Replacing the transmitter battery
1. Unfold the key (page 3-22).2. Insert a small flathead screwdriver into
the slot and push the tab to remove the
key from the transmitter.
Ta b
3. Insert a small flathead screwdriver into
the slot and gently pry open the
transmitter.
3-26
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page94
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (106,1)
NOTE
(POWER WINDOW RESET PROCEDURE)
If the battery was disconnected during vehicle
maintenance, or for other reasons such as a
switch continues to be operated after the
window is fully open/close, the power windows
will not fully open and close automatically.
Resetting of the automatic function can be
performed using the driver's master control
switch or the passenger door switch.
The power window auto function reset
procedure can be done on one or both door
switches. The power window auto function will
only resume on the side that has been reset.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
2. Make sure that the power window lock
switch located on the driver's door is not
depressed.
3. Press the switch and fully open the power
window.
4. Pull up the switch to fully close the power
window and continue holding the switch for
about 2 seconds after the window fully
closes.
5. Repeat Steps 3-4 for the passenger power
window.
6. Make sure that the power windows operate
correctly using the door switches.
Two-step down function
With the power window completely
closed, press the switch lightly and it will
open and stop about 3 cm (1 in) from the
top.
If you continue to press and hold the
switch, the window will resume opening
all the way.NOTE
Pressing the power window switch once when
the window is fully closed will only open it
about 3 cm (1 in) to allow convenient
ventilation of the cabin.
Canceling the two-step down function
To cancel the two-step down function for
the power windows, carry out the
following procedure using the master
control switches.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON
position and complete the following
procedure within 5 seconds:
Press the power window switch 2 times
firmly, then pull it 2 times firmly.
Driver's windowPassenger's
window
Owner master control switches
2. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK
position.
3. With the ignition switch in the LOCK
position, and within 40 seconds, turn
the ignition switch to the ON position
and complete the following procedure
within 5 seconds:
Press the power window switch 2 times
firmly, then pull 2 times firmly.
3-38
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page106
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (133,1)
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 the steering wheel adjusted properly?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.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (134,1)
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.
lDo not race the engine.lDo not maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
lDo not 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_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page134
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (172,1)
CAUTION
ØEach tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it
is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
ØYour vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
ØTo avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a
problem. As a result it will not instantaneously register a rapid tire deflation or
blow out.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
5-30
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page172
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (216,1)
Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not leave the fan control dial on for a long
period of time with the ignition switch in the
ON position when the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions such as leaves,
snow and ice from the hood and the air
inlet in the cowl grille to improve the
system efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
NOTE
The air conditioner may be used along with the
heater to dehumidify the air.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qReplacement of the Cabin Air Filter
If your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter for the air conditioner, it is necessary
to change the filter periodically as
indicated in scheduled maintenance (page
8-3). Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for replacement of the cabin air
filter.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page216
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E