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
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (69,1)
3Knowing Your Mazda
Explanation of basic operations and controls; opening/closing and adjustment
of various parts.
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System ................................ 3-2
Advanced Keysí...................................................................... 3-2
Operation Using Advanced Keyless Functions ......................... 3-7
Operation Using Advanced Key Functions ............................. 3-14
Advanced Key Suspend Function ........................................... 3-17
Warning and Beep Sounds ...................................................... 3-18
Setting Change (Function Customization) .............................. 3-20
When Warning Indicator/Beep is Activated ............................ 3-21
Doors and Locks ......................................................................... 3-22
Keys (without Advanced Key) ................................................ 3-22
Keyless Entry System (with Retractable Type Key) ............... 3-23
Door Locks ............................................................................. 3-28
Trunk Lid ................................................................................ 3-33
Inside Trunk Release Lever ..................................................... 3-35
Power Windows ...................................................................... 3-36
Rear Quarter Windows ............................................................ 3-43
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap ........................................................... 3-43
Hood ....................................................................................... 3-45
Moonroof
í............................................................................. 3-46
Security System ........................................................................... 3-48
Immobilizer System (with Advanced Key) ............................. 3-48
Immobilizer System (without Advanced Key) ........................ 3-51
Theft-Deterrent System ........................................................... 3-53
Steering Wheel and Mirrors ...................................................... 3-56
Steering Wheel ........................................................................ 3-56
Mirrors .................................................................................... 3-56
3-1íSome models.
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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
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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
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (111,1)
Rear Quarter Windows
Open or close a swing-out rear quarter
window by releasing the latch and moving
the window.
NOTE
When parked in public areas, it is best to keep
the rear quarter windows closed for security.
qOpening a Window
Pull the latch inward and then push the
window outward.
qClosing a Window
Pull the latch inward and then push it
backward until it snaps shut. Make sure
the window is securely closed.
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap
WARNING
When removing the fuel-filler cap,
loosen the cap slightly and wait for any
hissing to stop. Then remove it:
Fuel spray is dangerous. Fuel can
burn skin and eyes and cause illness
if ingested. Fuel spray is released
when there is pressure in the fuel
tank and the fuel-filler cap is
removed too quickly.
Before refueling, stop the engine, and
always keep sparks and flames away
from the filler neck:
Fuel vapor is dangerous. It could be
ignited by sparks or flames causing
serious burns and injuries.
Additionally, use of the incorrect fuel-
filler cap or not using a fuel-filler cap
may result in fuel leak, which could
result in serious burns or death in an
accident.
CAUTION
Always use only a genuine Mazda
fuel-filler cap or an approved
equivalent, available at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The wrong
cap can result in a serious
malfunction of the fuel and emission
control systems. It may also cause
the check engine light in the
instrument cluster to illuminate.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-43
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (112,1)
qFuel-Filler Lid
To open, pull up the remote fuel-filler lid
release.
Remote fuel-filler
lid release
qFuel-Filler Cap
To remove the fuel-filler cap, turn it
counterclockwise.
To close the fuel-filler cap, turn it
clockwise until two or more clicks are
heard.
Open
Close
CAUTION
Make sure the fuel-filler cap is
tightened securely. The check engine
light may illuminate when the cap is
not tightened securely. If the light
remains on (even after you have
tightened the cap securely, driven,
and restarted the engine several
times), it may indicate a different
problem. Contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
3-44
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (129,1)
4Before Driving Your Mazda
Important information about driving your Mazda.
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions ........................................ 4-2
Fuel Requirements .................................................................... 4-2
Emission Control System .......................................................... 4-3
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide) ......................................... 4-4
Before Starting the Engine ........................................................... 4-5
Before Getting In ...................................................................... 4-5
After Getting In ......................................................................... 4-5
Driving Tips ................................................................................... 4-6
Break-In Period ......................................................................... 4-6
Money-Saving Suggestions ...................................................... 4-6
Hazardous Driving .................................................................... 4-7
Floor Mat .................................................................................. 4-8
Rocking the Vehicle .................................................................. 4-8
Winter Driving .......................................................................... 4-9
Driving In Flooded Area ......................................................... 4-11
Overloading ............................................................................. 4-11
Driving on Uneven Road ........................................................ 4-12
Towing ......................................................................................... 4-13
Trailer Towing ......................................................................... 4-13
4-1
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Form No.8AT5-EA-09E
Black plate (130,1)
Fuel Requirements
Vehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL,
which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
Fuel Octane Rating*(Anti-knock index)
Premium unleaded fuel 91 [ (R
M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
This vehicle is designed to use 91[ (RM)/2 method] (96RON) or higher gasoline for best
performance. If 91[ (R
M)/2 method] (96RON) is not available, gasoline from 87 to 90[
(R
M)/2 method] (91 to 95RON) can be used temporarily for emergency purposes, but
this will slightly reduce performance. Fuel with gasoline from 87 to 90[ (R
M)/2 method]
(91 to 95RON), driving in high temperature or low humidity conditions could cause engine
knocking.
Fuel with a rating lower than 87[ (R
M)/2 method] (lower than 91RON) could cause the
emission control system to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and
serious engine damage.
CAUTION
ØUSE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors and will lead
to deterioration of the emission control system and or failures.
ØYour vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10 % ethanol
by volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of
any kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.
ØNever add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those
specified by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10 %. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name“Gasohol”.
Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.
lGasohol containing more than 10 % ethanol.lGasoline or gasohol containing methanol.lLeaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
4-2
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
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