Black plate (375,1)
Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material from
the underside of the fenders, and make
sure the drain holes in the lower edges of
the doors and rocker panels are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Don't allow soap
to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal:
Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.
Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.2. Use a good grade of natural wax for
metallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and similar
materials will usually also take off the wax.
Rewax these areas even if the rest of the
vehicle doesn't need it.
qRepairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced,
make sure the body shop applies
anti-corrosion materials to all parts,
both repaired and new. This will
prevent them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-45
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page375
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (376,1)
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may result in
damage to the protective coating and
cause discoloration or paint
deterioration.
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt.It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal:
Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDo not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminum wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral detergent
and always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cold
water. Also, be sure to clean the wheels
after driving on dusty or salted roads. This
helps prevent corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an automatic
car wash that uses high-speed or hard
brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax
the wheels.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Check special requirements for Tire Pressure
Monitoring System.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page 5-33.
8-46
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page376
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:34 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (428,1)
qLight Bulbs
Exterior light
Light bulbCategory
Wattage ECE R (SAE)
HeadlightsHigh beam 65 H9 (H9)
Low beamHalogen 55 H7 (H7)
Xenon fusion 35 D2S (D2S)
Front turn signal lights/Parking lights (Front side-marker lights) 27/8 B1157MA (―)
Fog lights
í51 HB4 (#9005)
Side turn signal lights*15―(―)
High-mount brake light 21 W21W (#7440)
Rear turn signal lights 21 WY21W (―)
Brake lights/Taillights LED
*2―(―)
Reverse lights 16 W16W (#921)
License plate lights 5 W5W (4CP)
Rear side-marker lights 5 W5W (4CP)
*1 Bulb replacement is not possible because it is built into the unit. Replace the unit.
*2 LED is the abbreviation for Light Emitting Diode.
Interior light
Light bulbCategory
Wattage ECE R
Trunk light 5 W5W
Overhead light/Map lights (Front) 5 W5W
Overhead light (Rear) 10―
Courtesy lights 5 W5W
Vanity mirror lights 2―
qTires
NOTE
The tires have been optimally matched with the chassis of your vehicle.
When replacing tires, Mazda recommends that you replace tires of the same type originally fitted to
your vehicle. For details, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Check the tire pressure label for tire size and inflation pressure.
Refer to Tire Inflation Pressure on page 8-23.
Tire sizeInflation pressure
Front Rear
225/45R18 91W
220 kPa (32 psi) 220 kPa (32 psi)
225/40R19 89W
Vehicle capacity weight: 308 kg (680 lbs)
10-6íSome models.
Specifications
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page428
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (432,1)
A
Accessory Socket .............................. 6-87
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-15
Advanced Key ..................................... 3-2
Advanced key maintenance ......... 3-5
Advanced key suspend
function ...................................... 3-17
Auxiliary key .............................. 3-17
Locking, unlocking with request
switch ........................................... 3-8
Opening the trunk lid with request
switch ........................................... 3-9
Operational range ......................... 3-7
Remote control function ............. 3-14
Service ......................................... 3-6
Air Bag Systems ............................... 2-38
Ambient Temperature Display .......... 6-80
Antenna ............................................. 6-15
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ......... 5-8
Warning light ............................... 5-8
Appearance Care ............................... 8-42
Ashtray .............................................. 6-82
Audio System ................................... 6-15
Audio control switch .................. 6-52
Audio set .................................... 6-25
AUX mode ................................. 6-54
Operating tips for audio
system ........................................ 6-15
Safety certification ..................... 6-56
Automatic Transmission
Direct mode ................................ 5-19
Driving tips ................................ 5-20
Manual shift mode ..................... 5-15
Shift-lock system ....................... 5-15
Transmission ranges ................... 5-14
B
Battery
Emergency starting .................... 7-19
Maintenance ............................... 8-21
Specifications ............................. 10-4
Beep Sounds
Engine Oil Level Warning
Beep ........................................... 5-56
Engine overrev warning beep .... 5-56
Ignition key reminder ................. 5-56
Lights-on reminder ..................... 5-56
Seat belt warning beep ............... 5-56
Tire inflation pressure warning
beep ............................................ 5-56
Before Starting the Engine .................. 4-5
After getting in ............................. 4-5
Before getting in .......................... 4-5
Bluetooth Hands-Free ....................... 6-57
Basic Bluetooth Hands-Free
Operation ................................... 6-61
Convenient Use of the Hands-Free
System ........................................ 6-65
Hands-Free Telephone Setting .... 6-70
Mazda Bluetooth Hands-Free
Customer Service ....................... 6-76
Safety certification ..................... 6-76
When Bluetooth Hands-Free cannot
be used ....................................... 6-75
Body Lubrication .............................. 8-18
Brake/Clutch
Fluid ........................................... 8-16
Brakes
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..... 5-8
Foot brake .................................... 5-5
Pad wear indicator ........................ 5-9
Parking brake ............................... 5-6
Warning light ............................... 5-7
Break-In Period ................................... 4-6
Bulb Replacement ............................. 8-28
11-2
Index
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page432
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (434,1)
F
Flasher
Hazard warning .......................... 5-67
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3
Changing .................................... 7-11
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat Tire Repair
Kit ................................................ 7-5
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Fluids
Classification .............................. 10-4
Owner maintenance ..................... 8-8
Fog Lights ......................................... 5-61
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-5
Front Seats
(Electrically Operated Seats) ............... 2-6
Front Seats
(Manually Operated Seats) ................. 2-2
Fuel
Filler lid and cap ........................ 3-43
Gauge ......................................... 5-38
Requirements ............................... 4-2
Tank capacity ............................. 10-5
Fuses ................................................. 8-36
Panel description ........................ 8-39
Replacement ............................... 8-36
G
Gauges .............................................. 5-35
Glove Box ......................................... 6-84
H
Hazard Warning Flasher .................... 5-67
Hazardous Driving .............................. 4-7
Headlight Washer .............................. 5-65
H
Headlights
Control ....................................... 5-57
Flashing ...................................... 5-59
High-low beam .......................... 5-59
Leveling ..................................... 5-59
On reminder ............................... 5-59
HomeLink Wireless Control
System .............................................. 5-68
Hood Release .................................... 3-45
Horn .................................................. 5-67
I
Ignition
Keys ........................................... 3-22
Switch .......................................... 5-2
Illuminated Entry System ................. 6-77
Immobilizer System
(with Advanced Key) ........................ 3-48
Immobilizer System
(without Advanced Key) ................... 3-51
Indicator Lights ................................. 5-40
Cruise ......................................... 5-54
DSC OFF .................................... 5-53
Headlight auto-leveling
malfunction ................................ 5-55
Headlight high-beam .................. 5-52
Power steering malfunction ........ 5-54
Security ...................................... 5-52
Shift position .............................. 5-53
TCS/DSC ................................... 5-53
Turn-signal/hazard warning ....... 5-55
Information Display .......................... 6-79
Ambient temperature display ..... 6-80
Audio display ............................. 6-81
Climate control display .............. 6-81
Clock .......................................... 6-80
Information display functions .... 6-79
11-4
Index
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page434
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (435,1)
I
Inside Trunk Release Lever ............... 3-35
Instrument Cluster ............................. 5-35
Interior Care ...................................... 8-47
Interior Lights ................................... 6-77
J
Jump-Starting .................................... 7-20
K
Keyless Entry System ....................... 3-23
Keys .................................................. 3-22
L
Label Information ............................. 10-2
Lane-Change Signals ........................ 5-60
Light Bulbs
Replacement ............................... 8-28
Specifications ............................. 10-6
Lighter ............................................... 6-81
Lighting Control ............................... 5-57
Lubricant Quality .............................. 10-4
M
Maintenance
Introduction .................................. 8-2
Owner maintenance precautions ... 8-9
Owner maintenance schedule ....... 8-8
Scheduled ..................................... 8-3
Manual Transmission Operation ....... 5-10
Recommendations for shifting .... 5-11
Map Lights ........................................ 6-78
Meters and Gauges ........................... 5-35
Mirror Defroster ................................ 5-66
M
Mirrors
Outside mirrors .......................... 3-56
Rearview mirror ......................... 3-57
Money-Saving Suggestions ................ 4-6
Moonroof .......................................... 3-46
O
Odometer and Trip Meter .................. 5-36
Outside Mirrors ................................. 3-56
Overhead Console ............................. 6-84
Overhead Lights ................................ 6-78
Overheating ....................................... 7-17
Overloading ...................................... 4-11
P
Paint Damage .................................... 8-42
Parking Brake ..................................... 5-6
Parking in an Emergency .................... 7-2
Power Door Locks ............................ 3-29
Power Steering .................................. 5-21
Power steering malfunction indicator
light ............................................ 5-21
Power Windows ................................ 3-36
Push-Starting ..................................... 7-23
R
Rear Quarter Windows ..................... 3-43
Rear Seat ........................................... 2-11
Rear Window Defroster .................... 5-66
Rearview Mirror ................................ 3-57
Recreational Towing ......................... 7-27
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country ............................................. 9-14
Rocking the Vehicle ............................ 4-8
Index
11-5
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page435
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (437,1)
T
Towing
Description ................................. 7-24
Emergency towing ..................... 7-24
Recreational towing ................... 7-27
Trailer towing ............................. 4-13
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-25
TCS/DSC indicator light ............ 5-26
Trailer Towing .................................. 4-13
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-36
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-33
Inside trunk release lever ............ 3-35
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-34
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-60
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-77
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................. 5-40
ABS ............................................ 5-43
Air bag system ........................... 5-46
Automatic transmission .............. 5-48
Brake system .............................. 5-42
Charging system ......................... 5-44
Check engine .............................. 5-45
Door-ajar .................................... 5-48
Engine coolant level ................... 5-45
Engine oil level .......................... 5-44
Front seat belt pretensioner
system ........................................ 5-46
KEY Warning Light
(Red)/KEY Indicator Light
(Green) ....................................... 5-51
Low fuel ..................................... 5-46
Low washer fluid level ............... 5-48
Seat belt ...................................... 5-46
Tire pressure monitoring
system ........................................ 5-48
Warranty ............................................ 9-11
Washer Fluid ..................................... 8-17
Weights ............................................. 10-5
Wheel Replacement .......................... 8-26
Windows
Power windows .......................... 3-36
Rear quarter windows ................ 3-43
Windshield Washer ........................... 5-65
Windshield Wipers ............................ 5-62
Blades replacement .................... 8-19
Winter Driving .................................... 4-9
Index
11-7
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page437
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E