2011 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 ECO mode

Black plate (163,1)
NOTE
Shifting up and down while in direct mode may
not be possible depending on the vehicle
speed. In addition, because direct mode is
canceled (released) depending on the rate of
acceleration or if the accelerator is fully
depressed, use of the manual shift mode is
recommended if you need to drive the vehicle
in a particular gear for long periods.
qDriving Tips
WARNING
Do not allow the vehicle to move in
reverse on an up-slope while the
selector lever is in a forward gear
position, or move forward on a down-
slope while the selector lever is in the
reverse position.
Otherwise, the engine will stop,
causing the loss of the power brake
and power steering functions, and
make it difficult to control the vehicle
which could result in an accident.
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transmission will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while
gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Black plate (169,1)
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lIn addition to the indicator light flashing, a
slight lugging sound will come from the
engine. This indicates that the TCS is
operating properly.
lOn slippery surfaces, such as fresh snow, it
will be impossible to achieve high rpm
when the TCS is on.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
í
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 5-9) and TCS (page
5-26).
WARNING
Do not rely on the dynamic stability
control as a substitute for safe driving:
The dynamic stability control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Black plate (172,1)
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors the pressure for each tire.
If tire pressure is too low in one or more tires, the system will inform the driver via the
warning light in the instrument panel and by the warning beep sound.
The tire pressure sensors installed on each wheel send tire pressure data by radio signal to
the receiver unit in the vehicle.
Tire pressure sensors
NOTE
When the ambient temperature is low due to seasonal changes, tire temperatures are also lower.
When the tire temperature decreases, the air pressure decreases as well. The TPMS warning light
may illuminate more frequently. Visually inspect the tires daily before driving, and check tire
pressures monthly with a tire pressure gauge. When checking tire pressures, use of a digital tire
pressure gauge is recommended.
TPMS does not alleviate your need to check the pressure and condition of all four tires
regularly.
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Starting and Driving
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Black plate (179,1)
qSpeedometer
The speedometer indicates the speed of
the vehicle.
qSpeed Unit Selector
In some countries, you may have to
change the speed units between km/h and
mph.
Press the speed unit selector for 2 second
or more.
The speed units for the speedometer will
change between km/h and mph.
Speedometer
Speed unit selector
NOTE
Odometer and trip meter distance units will
change between kilometers and miles in
accordance with the speed unit.
qOdometer, Trip Meter and Trip
Meter Selector
The display mode can be changed
between trip meter A and trip meter B by
pressing the selector while one of them is
displayed. The selected mode will be
displayed.
Odometer
Trip meter Trip meter selector
Odometer
OdometerTrip meter A
Press the selector
Press the selector Trip meter B
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Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Black plate (180,1)
NOTE
When the ignition is switched to ACC or the
ignition is switched off, the odometer or trip
meters cannot be displayed, however, pressing
the selector button can inadvertently switch the
trip meters or reset them during an
approximate ten-minute period in the following
cases:
lAfter the ignition is switched to ACC or the
ignition is switched off from ON.
lAfter the driver's door is opened.
Odometer
The odometer records the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.
Trip meter
The trip meter can record the total
distance of two trips. One is recorded in
trip meter A, and the other is recorded in
trip meter B.
For instance, trip meter A can record the
distance from the point of origin, and trip
meter B can record the distance from
where the fuel tank is filled.
When trip meter A is selected, pressing
the selector again within one second will
change to trip meter B mode.
When trip meter A is selected, TRIP A
will be displayed. When trip meter B is
selected, TRIP B will be displayed.
The trip meter records the total distance
the vehicle is driven until the meter is
again reset. Return it to“0.0”by holding
the selector depressed for 1 second or
more. Use this meter to measure trip
distances and to compute fuel
consumption.NOTE
lOnly the trip meters record tenths of
kilometers (miles).
lThe trip record will be erased when:lThe power supply is interrupted (blown
fuse or the battery is disconnected).
lThe vehicle is driven over 999.9 km
(mile).
qTachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
Automatic transmission
Variable red zonesStriped zone
Red zone
Manual transmission
Variable red zonesStriped zone
Red zone
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Black plate (191,1)
Driver seated/Front passenger seated
The seat belt warning function reminds
the front passenger to fasten the seat belt
according to the chart below.
ConditionVehicle speed
Between 0―20
km/h
(0―12 mph)20 km/h
(12 mph) or
more
Seat belt
(Driver)
Seat belt
(Passenger)
Indicator
Beep
: Fastened: Unfastened: Illuminated: Flashing: Beep
Placing heavy items on the front
passenger seat may cause the front
passenger seat belt warning function to
operate depending on the weight of the
item.
Once the beep sound is heard, it continues
sounding even if the vehicle speed lowers
to 20 km/h (12 mph) or less until the
seatbelt is fastened or the beep sound
period has passed.
NOTE
lTo allow the front passenger seat weight
sensor to function properly, do not place
and sit on an additional seat cushion on the
front passenger seat. The sensor may not
function properly because the additional
seat cushion could cause sensor
interference.
lWhen a small child sits on the front
passenger seat, it is possible that neither
the warning light nor the warning beep
operate.
qDoor-Ajar Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when any
door or the trunk is not securely closed.
Close the door or the trunk securely
before driving the vehicle.
qLow Washer Fluid Level
Warning Lightí
This warning light indicates that little
washer fluid remains. Add fluid (page
8-17).
qAutomatic Transmission Warning
Light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
The light illuminates when the
transmission has a problem.
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Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Black plate (192,1)
CAUTION
If the automatic transmission
warning light illuminates, the
transmission has an electrical
problem. Continuing to drive your
Mazda in this condition could cause
damage to your transmission.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer
as soon as possible.
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Lightí
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
Thereafter, the warning light illuminates
and a beep is heard when tire pressure is
too low in one or more tires, and flashes
when there is a system malfunction.
WARNING
If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or flashes, or
the tire pressure warning beep sound is
heard, decrease vehicle speed
immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking:
If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or flashes,
or the tire pressure warning beep
sound is heard, it is dangerous to
drive the vehicle at high speeds, or
perform sudden maneuvering or
braking. Vehicle drivability could
worsen and result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak
or a flat, pull over to a safe position
where you can check the visual
condition of the tire and determine if
you have enough air to proceed to a
place where air may be added and
the system monitored again by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer or a tire
repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken
care of as soon as possible before it
develops into a more serious
situation that could lead to tire
failure and a dangerous accident.
Warning light illuminates/Warning
beep sounds
When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sound is heard (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires.
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Black plate (196,1)
The light stops flashing when the ignition
is switched ON with the correct ignition
key.
At this time, the immobilizer system is
disarmed and the light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and then turns off.
If the engine does not start with the
correct ignition key, and the security
indicator light keeps illuminating or
flashing, the system may have a
malfunction. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
qHeadlight High-Beam Indicator
Light
This light indicates one of two things:lThe high-beam headlights are on.lThe turn signal lever is in the flash-to-
pass position.
qShift Position Indicator Light
(Automatic Transmission)
This indicates the selected shift position
when the ignition is switched ON.
Gear position indicator
Gear position indicator
The gear position indicator displays the
gear in use while in either manual shift or
direct mode.
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