Black plate (65,1)
lVehicle roll-over may not provide
enough side force to deploy the side
and curtain air bags.
lSide impacts with two-wheeled
vehicles may not provide enough force
to deploy the side and curtain air bags.
Non-activation of side and curtain air
bag
The side and curtain air bags will not
normally inflate in the following cases:
lCollision from the rear.
lCollision from the front, but it may
deploy the front air bags.
qConstant Monitoring
The following components of the air bag
systems are monitored by a diagnostic
system:
lSAS unitlFront air bag sensorlAir bag moduleslSide crash sensorslAir bag/Front seat belt pretensioner
system warning light
lFront seat belt pretensionerslFront passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light
lRelated wiringlDriver seat slide position sensorlFront passenger seat weight sensorslDriver and front passenger seat belt
buckle switches
The diagnostic module continuously
monitors the system's readiness. This
begins when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position and continues while
the vehicle is being driven.
qAir Bag/Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner System Warning Light
If the air bag/front seat belt pretensioner
system is working properly, the warning
light illuminates when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position or after the
engine is cranked. The warning light turns
off after a specified period of time.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-53
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page65
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (66,1)
A system malfunction is indicated if the
warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or does not
illuminate at all when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system
may not work in an accident.
WARNING
Never tamper with the air bag/
pretensioner systems and always have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform
all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled causing
serious injury or death.
qMaintenance
The air bag systems do not require regular
maintenance. But if any of the following
occurs, take your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible:
lThe air bag system warning light
flashes.
lThe air bag system warning light
remains illuminated.
lThe air bag system warning light does
not illuminate when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position.
lThe air bags have deployed.lFront passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light does not illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position or does not illuminate
as indicated in the chart. For more
details about this indicator light and
this chart, refer to“Front passenger
seat weight sensors”(page 2-44).
WARNING
Do not operate a vehicle with damaged
air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
components:
Expended or damaged air bag/seat
belt pretensioner system components
must be replaced after any collision
which caused them to deploy or
damage them. Only a trained
Authorized Mazda Dealer can fully
evaluate these systems to see that
they will work in any subsequent
accident. Driving with an expended
or damaged air bag or pretensioner
unit will not afford you the necessary
protection in the event of any
subsequent accident which could
result in serious injury or death.
Do not remove interior air bag parts:
Removing any components such as
the front seats, front dashboard, the
steering wheel or parts on the front
and rear window pillars and along
the roof edge, containing air bag
parts or sensors is dangerous. These
parts contain essential air bag
components. The air bag could
accidentally activate and cause
serious injuries. Always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer remove
these parts.
Dispose of the air bag properly:
Improper disposal of an air bag or a
vehicle with live air bags in it can be
extremely dangerous. Unless all
safety procedures are followed, injury
can result. Ask an Authorized Mazda
Dealer how to safely dispose of an air
bag or how to scrap an air bag
equipped vehicle.
2-54
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page66
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (72,1)
CAUTION
ØBecause the advanced key uses low-intensity radio waves, it may not function
correctly under the following conditions:
ØThe advanced key is carried with communication devices such as cellular
phones.
ØThe advanced key contacts or is covered by a metal object.
ØThe advanced key is near electronic devices such as personal computers or cell
phones.
ØNon-Mazda genuine electronic equipment is installed in the vehicle.
ØThere is equipment which discharges radio waves near the vehicle.
ØIf the vehicle is near equipment such as wireless pay devices installed at certain
gas stations.
ØThe advanced key may consume battery power excessively if it receives high-
intensity radio waves. Do not place the advanced key near electronic devices such
as televisions or personal computers.
ØTo avoid damage to the advanced key, DO NOT:
ØDrop the advanced key.
ØGet the advanced key wet.
ØDisassemble the advanced key.
ØExpose the advanced key to high temperatures on places such as the
dashboard or hood, under direct sunlight.
ØPlace heavy objects on the advanced key.
ØPut the advanced key in an ultrasonic cleaner.
ØPut any magnetized objects close to the advanced key.
NOTE
lBattery life is about one year. Be sure to replace the battery as soon as you see the green KEY
indicator light in the instrument cluster begin flashing for 30 seconds after turning off the engine,
otherwise, you will not be able to start the engine using the advanced keyless start system once the
battery is completely dead Refer to KEY warning light (red) on page 5-51. If this occurs, you will
have to either force-start the engine or use the auxiliary key Refer to Advanced Key Battery Dead
Warning on page 3-19.
lAdditional advanced keys can be obtained at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to 6 advanced keys
can be used with the advanced keyless functions per vehicle.
3-4
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page72
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (76,1)
NOTElThe trunk is out of the operational range,
however, starting the engine may be
possible.
lThe engine may not start if the advanced
key is placed in the following areas:
lAround the dashboardlIn the storage compartments such as the
glove box
lOn the rear parcel shelflStarting the engine may be possible even if
the advanced key is outside of the vehicle
and extremely close to a door and window,
however, always start the engine from the
driver's seat.
If the vehicle is started and driven away
while the advanced key is not in the vehicle,
the vehicle will not restart after it is turned
off and the ignition switch is turned to the
Lock position.
lIf the advanced key is detected within
operational range, the operation indicator
light on the transmitter flashes
momentarily.
qLocking, Unlocking the Doors
with Request Switch
All doors can be locked/unlocked by
pressing the request switch on the front
doors while the advanced key is being
carried.
Request switch
To lock
To lock the doors, press the request
switch. A beep sound will be heard once
and the hazard warning lights will flash
once.
NOTE
The hazard warning lights flash when the theft
deterrent system is armed.
The hazard warning lights do not flash if all
the doors are locked before the theft-deterrent
system is properly armed.
When the doors are locked by pressing the
request switch on the front doors while the
theft-deterrent system is armed, the hazard
warning lights will flash once to indicate that
the system is armed.
Refer to the theft-deterrent system on page
3-53.
To unlock
Driver's door request switch
To unlock the driver's door, press the
request switch. A beep sound will be
heard twice and the hazard warning lights
will flash twice.
To unlock all doors , press the request
switch again within 3 seconds and two
more beep sounds will be heard.
NOTE
The hazard warning lights flash when the theft
deterrent system is turned off.
The hazard warning lights do not flash unless
the theft deterrent system has been properly
turned off.
When the doors are unlocked by pressing the
request switch on the front doors while the
theft-deterrent system is turned off, the hazard
warning lights will flash twice to indicate that
the system is turned off.
Refer to the theft-deterrent system on page
3-53.
3-8
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page76
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (77,1)
Front passenger door request switch
To unlock the doors, press the request
switch. A beep sound will be heard twice
and the hazard warning lights will flash
twice.
NOTE
lConfirm that all doors are securely locked.lAll doors cannot be locked when any door
is open.
lA beep sound is heard for confirmation
when the doors are locked/unlocked using
the request switch. If you prefer, the beep
sound can be turned off (page 3-20).
lThe setting can be changed so that the
doors are locked automatically without
pressing the request switch (page 3-20).
(Auto-lock function)
A beep sound is heard when all doors are
closed while the advanced key is being
carried. All doors are locked automatically
after about 3 seconds when the advanced
key is out of the operational range. Also,
the hazard warning lights flash once. (Even
if the driver is in the operational range, all
doors are locked automatically after about
30 seconds.)
If you are out of the operational range
before the doors are completely closed, the
auto-lock function will not work. Always
make sure that all doors are closed and
locked before leaving the vehicle.
l(Auto re-lock function)
After unlocking all doors by pressing the
request switch, all doors will automatically
lock and the hazard warning light will flash
if any of the following operations are not
performed within about 30 seconds.
lA door is opened.lThe auxiliary key is inserted into the
ignition switch.
lThe start knob is pushed.
qOpening the Trunk Lid with
Request Switch
The trunk lid can be opened by pressing
the request switch on the under side of the
trunk lid above the license plate while the
advanced key is being carried.
Request switch
NOTE
If the advanced key is left in the trunk, the
trunk lid will close, however, the trunk lid can
be opened using the request switch and the
vehicle could be stolen.
qStarting the Engine
Ignition switch positions
As there is no a traditional key, some of
the ignition switch functions are different.
Start knob
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-9
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page77
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (78,1)
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_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page78
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (80,1)
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 3-21).
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 ACC
position 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 7-19).
3-12
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page80
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (81,1)
Turning off the engine
NOTE
For 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.
1. Move the shift lever to the P position
(Automatic transmission).
2. Turn the ignition switch from the ON
position to the ACC position.
NOTE
When the engine is turned off and the ignition
switch it turned from the ACC position to the
LOCK position, the KEY indicator light
(green) flashes in the instrument cluster for
about 30 seconds if the battery power of the
advanced key is low. Replace the battery with a
new one.
Refer to Battery Replacement (page 3-6).
3. Push in the start knob from the ACC
position and turn it to the LOCK
position.
CAUTION
When leaving the vehicle, make sure
the ignition switch is turned to the
LOCK position.NOTE
lWhen turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, the ignition switch has to
be pushed in from the ACC position and
turned. Without being pushed in, the
ignition switch stops at the ACC position
and the vehicle battery may be discharged
if the ignition switch is left in the ACC
position. When leaving the vehicle, make
sure the ignition switch is turned to the
LOCK position.
lIf the vehicle is left with the ignition switch
not in the LOCK position, a beep sound is
heard and the indicator light flashes to
notify the driver.
Refer to Warning Beep (page 3-18).
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-13
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page81
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E