Black plate (11,1)
Trunk lid ............................................................................................................ page 3-33
Rear window defroster ....................................................................................... page 5-66
Antenna ............................................................................................................. page 6-15
Power windows ................................................................................................. page 3-36
Outside mirror .................................................................................................... page 3-56
Tires ................................................................................................................... page 8-23
Light bulbs ......................................................................................................... page 8-28
Hood .................................................................................................................. page 3-45
Windshield wiper blades .................................................................................... page 8-19
Moonroof ........................................................................................................... page 3-46
Fuel-filler lid ...................................................................................................... page 3-43
Doors and keys .................................................................................................. page 3-28
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Exterior Overview
1-5The equipment and installation position varies by vehicle RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page11
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (197,1)
NOTElThe power steering system is inoperable
when the power steering malfunction
indicator light illuminates. Steering is
possible, but requires more physical effort.
lRepeatedly jerking the steering wheel left
and right while the vehicle is stopped or
moving extremely slowly will cause the
power steering system to go into protective
mode which will make the steering feel
heavy, but this does not indicate a
malfunction. If this occurs, park the vehicle
safely and wait a few minutes for the system
to return to normal.
qHeadlight Auto-Leveling
Malfunction Indicator Lightí
This indicator light stays on far a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the indicator light will
illuminate when the headlight auto-
leveling system has a malfunction.
If the indicator light illuminates, contact
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qTurn-Signal/Hazard Warning
Indicator Lights
When operating the turn signal lights, the
left or right turn signal indicator light
flashes to indicate which turn signal light
is operating (page 5-60).
When operating the hazard warning
lights, both turn signal indicator lights
flash (page 5-67).
NOTE
If an indicator light remains illuminated (does
not flash) or if it flashes abnormally, one of the
turn signal bulbs may be burned out.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-55íSome models. RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page197
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:33 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (200,1)
CAUTION
ØDo not shade the light sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on
the windshield. Otherwise the light
sensor will not operate correctly.
Light sensor
ØThe light sensor also works as a
rain sensor for the auto-wiper
control. Keep hands and scrapers
clear of the windshield when the
wiper lever is in the AUTO position
and the ignition switch is in the
ON position as fingers could be
pinched or the wipers and wiper
blades damaged when the wipers
activate automatically. If you are
going to clean the windshield, be
sure the wipers are turned off
completely - this is particularly
important when clearing ice and
snow - when it is particularly
tempting to leave the engine
running.NOTE
lThe headlights, other exterior lights and
dashboard illumination may not turn off
immediately even if the surrounding area
becomes well-lit because the light sensor
determines that it is nighttime if the
surrounding area is continuously dark for
several minutes such as inside long tunnels,
traffic jams inside tunnels, or in indoor
parking lots.
In this case, the light turns off if the light
switch is turned to the OFF position.
lThe timing for turning on the headlights,
other exterior lights and dashboard
illumination can be delayed by adjusting
the sensitivity of the light sensor. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding sensor
adjustment.
lThe sensitivity of the AUTO lights may be
changed by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Xenon fusion headlight bulbsí
The low-beam bulbs of the headlights
have xenon fusion bulbs that produce a
bright white beam over a wide area.
WARNING
Do not replace the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself:
Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer when the replacement
is necessary.
NOTE
If the headlights flicker, or the brightness
weakens, the bulb-life may be depleted and a
replacement is necessary. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
5-58
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Switches and Controls
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page200
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:33 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (202,1)
If the indicator light illuminates, contact
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qDaytime Running Lights (Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
NOTE
The Daytime Running Lights turn off when the
parking brake is applied.
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
qTurn Signal
Move the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.
If the indicator light continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to
its original position.
Right turn
Left turn Right lane change
Left lane changeOFF
Green indicators on the dashboard show
which signal is working.
Lane-change signals
Move the lever slightly toward the
direction of the change―until the
indicator flashes―and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.
NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without flashing
or if it flashes abnormally, one of the turn
signal bulbs may be burned out.
5-60
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page202
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:33 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (331,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2
Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance ............................................................ 8-3
Owner Maintenance ..................................................................... 8-8
Owner Maintenance Schedule .................................................. 8-8
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................... 8-9
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-11
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-12
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-14
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-16
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-17
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-18
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-19
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-21
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-23
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-28
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-36
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-42
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-42
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-44
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-47
8-1
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page331
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:34 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (358,1)
Light Bulbs
Overhead light/Map lights (Front)
Headlights (High beam)
Fog lights
Headlights (Low beam)Parking lights/Front turn signal lightsSide turn signal lightsCourtesy lights Vanity mirror lights Rear turn signal lightsRear side-marker lightsOverhead light (Rear)
Brake lights/Taillights
Trunk light
High-mount brake light
License plate light
Reverse lights
Some models.
8-28
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page358
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:34 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (359,1)
WARNING
Do not replace the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself:
Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer when the replacement
is necessary.
Never touch the glass portion of a
halogen bulb with your bare hands and
always wear eye protection when
handling or working around the bulbs:
When a halogen bulb breaks, it is
dangerous. These bulbs contain
pressurized gas. If one is broken, it
will explode and serious injuries
could be caused by the flying glass.
If the glass portion is touched with
bare hands, body oil could cause the
bulb to overheat and explode when
lit.
Always keep halogen bulbs out of the
reach of children:
Playing with a halogen bulb is
dangerous. Serious injuries could be
caused by dropping a halogen bulb
or breaking it some other way.
qReplacing Exterior Light Bulbs
Replacing a headlight bulb
Low-beam bulb
(Xenon fusion bulb)
You cannot replace the low beam bulbs by
yourself.
The bulbs must be replaced at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.High-beam bulb
1. Make sure the ignition switch is turned
off and the headlight switch is off.
2. If you are changing the right headlight
bulb, start the engine, turn the steering
wheel all the way to the right, and turn
off engine. If you are changing the left
headlight bulb, turn the steering wheel
to the left.
3. Turn the center section of the plastic
retainer counterclockwise and remove
the retainers and partially peel back the
mudguard.
Removal
Installation
4. Disconnect the electrical connector
from the bulb by pressing the tab on
the connector with your finger and
pulling the connector downward.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-29
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page359
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:34 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (360,1)
5. Turn the socket and bulb assembly to
remove it. Carefully remove the bulb
from its socket in the reflector by
gently pulling it straight backward out
of the socket.
6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of the removal procedure.
NOTE
lTo replace the bulb, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
lIf the halogen bulb is accidentally touched,
it should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol
before being used.
lUse the protective cover and carton of the
replacement bulb to dispose of the old bulb
promptly out of the reach of children.
Replacing a Fog Light Bulb
1. Remove the fog light cover by pulling
it outward using both hands.
2. Loosen the screws securing the fog
light unit.
8-30
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page360
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:34 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E