Black plate (69,1)
NOTE
If it becomes necessary to have the components
or wiring system for the supplementary
restraint system modified to accommodate a
person with certain medical conditions in
accordance with a certified physician, contact
an Authorized Mazda Dealer, refer to
“Customer Assistance (U.S.A.)”(page 9-2).
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-57
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page69
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (108,1)
qPower Window Lock Switch
With the lock switch in the unlocked
position (button not depressed), all power
windows on each door can be operated.
With the lock switch in the locked
position (button depressed), only the
driver's side power window can be
operated.
Locked position
Unlocked position
WARNING
Unless a passenger needs to operate a
power window, keep the power window
lock switch in the locked position:
Unintentional power window
operation is dangerous. A person's
hands, head, or neck could be caught
by the window and result in serious
injury.
qOpening/Closing the Power
Windows from Outside
Both power windows can be opened or
closed from outside the vehicle after the
doors are closed.
The power windows may be operated
remotely when the power window lock
switch on the driver's door is in the lock
or unlocked position.
WARNING
Make sure the opening is clear before
closing a window:
Closing power windows are
dangerous. A person's hands, head,
or even neck could be caught by the
window and result in serious injury
or even death.
This warning applies especially to
children.
NOTE
lThe power windows cannot be opened or
closed from outside the vehicle under the
following condition:
lA door is opened.lThe key is inserted into the ignition
switch.
lThe ignition is in any position except
OFF. (With advanced key)
lThe power windows may not close
completely. Make sure all the windows are
closed.
If the power windows cannot be closed
completely, operate each power window
switch from inside the vehicle. After closing
the windows from outside the vehicle, verify
that they are completely closed.
Opening
Because nobody likes getting into a very
hot car, Mazda has introduced a way to
open the both windows as you approach
the vehicle to get the air moving before
you get in.
3-38
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page108
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (121,1)
NOTElIf the security indicator light illuminates
and stays on or flashes when the ignition is
switched ON, the engine will not start.
lSignals from a TV or radio station, or from
a transceiver or a mobile telephone, could
interfere with your immobilizer system. If
you are using the proper key and your
engine fails to start, check the security
indicator light. If it is flashing, remove the
ignition key and wait 2 seconds or more,
then reinsert it and try starting the engine
again. If it does not start after 3 or more
tries, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, do not
shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If you
shut off the engine while the light is
flashing you will not be able to restart it.
lSince the electronic codes are reset when
repairing the immobilizer system, the keys
are needed. Bring all the existing keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qModification and Add-On
Equipment
Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
system's operation if the system has been
modified or if any add-on equipment has
been installed.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
system or the vehicle.
Theft-Deterrent System
If the theft deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle, which
could result in the vehicle or its contents
being stolen, the alarm alerts the
surrounding area of an abnormality by
sounding the horn and flashing the hazard
warning lights.
Refer to Operation on page 3-51.
NOTE
lThe theft-deterrent system operates with the
key or the keyless entry system transmitter.
l(With advanced key)
The theft-deterrent system can also be
operated using the advanced keyless
function.
The system operates only when the driver is
in the vehicle or within operational range
while the advanced key is being carried.
lThe system will not function unless it is
properly armed. To properly secure the
vehicle, always make sure all windows are
completely closed and all doors and the
trunk lid are locked before leaving the
vehicle. Remember to take your key and
transmitter.
qOperation
System triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights flash for about 3
minutes when the system is triggered by
any one of the following:
lForcing open a door, the hood or the
trunk lid.
lUnlocking a door with the inside door-
lock knob.
lUnlocking a door with the door lock
switch.
lOpening the hood by operating the
hood release handle.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
3-51
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (134,1)
Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
lDo not race the engine.lDo not maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
lDo not drive constantly at full-throttle
or high engine rpm (over 7,000 rpm)
for extended periods of time.
lAvoid unnecessary hard stops.lAvoid full-throttle starts.
Money-Saving Suggestions
How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
lAvoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
lAvoid fast starts.lKeep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
lUse the air conditioner only when
necessary.
lSlow down on rough roads.lKeep the tires properly inflated.lDo not carry unnecessary weight.lDo not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
lFor 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.
In addition, it is recommended that
short trips be avoided to ensure that the
engine reaches operating temperature
before turning off the engine.
lKeep the wheels in correct alignment.lKeep windows closed at high speeds.lSlow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page134
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (170,1)
CAUTION
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
ØUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
ØUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
ØDo not mix worn tires.
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
ØIf repair or replacement of the
steering or other surrounding
equipment is necessary, have it
done at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. If the center position of the
steering deviates, the DSC may not
operate correctly because there is
a sensor in the steering which
detects driving conditions.
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.
qDSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off (page 5-29).
If the light stays on when the TCS/DSC is
not switched off, take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The dynamic
stability control may have a malfunction.
NOTE
If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is
replaced, the DSC will be inoperable. In this
case, the DSC OFF indicator light flashes and
the TCS/DSC indicator light illuminates.
To make the DSC operable, do the following
procedure with the battery connected.
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Turn the steering clockwise fully, then turn
it counterclockwise fully.
3. Make sure the DSC OFF indicator turn off.
4. Switch the ignition off, then switch the
ignition to ON again.
5. Make sure the TCS/DSC indicator light
turns off.
If the TCS/DSC indicator light and the DSC
OFF indicator light remain illuminated even
after switching the ignition from ON to OFF,
and back to ON, attempt the procedure again.
If this still does not resolve the issue, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
5-28
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page170
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
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.
5-30
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page172
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (174,1)
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light
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.
5-32
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page174
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
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.
5-50
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page192
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H