2011 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 ignition

Black plate (67,1)
lVehicle roll-over may not provide
enough side force to deploy the side
and curtain air bags.
lSide impacts with two-wheeled
vehicles may not provide enough force
to deploy the side and curtain air bags.
Non-activation of side and curtain air
bag
The side and curtain air bags will not
normally inflate in the following cases:
lCollision from the rear.
lCollision from the front, but it may
deploy the front air bags.
qConstant Monitoring
The following components of the air bag
systems are monitored by a diagnostic
system:
lSAS unitlFront air bag sensorlAir bag moduleslSide crash sensorslAir bag/Front seat belt pretensioner
system warning light
lFront seat belt pretensionerslFront passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light
lDriver seat slide position sensorlFront passenger seat weight sensorslDriver and front passenger seat belt
buckle switches
lRelated wiring
The diagnostic module continuously
monitors the system's readiness. This
begins when the ignition is switched ON
and continues while the vehicle is being
driven.
qAir Bag/Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner System Warning Light
If the air bag/front seat belt pretensioner
system is working properly, the warning
light illuminates when the ignition is
switched ON or after the engine is
cranked. The warning light turns off after
a specified period of time.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
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Black plate (68,1)
A system malfunction is indicated if the
warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or does not
illuminate at all when the ignition is
switched ON. If any of these occur,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible. The system may not
work in an accident.
WARNING
Never tamper with the air bag/
pretensioner systems and always have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform
all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled causing
serious injury or death.
qMaintenance
The air bag systems do not require regular
maintenance. But if any of the following
occurs, take your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible:
lThe air bag system warning light
flashes.
lThe air bag system warning light
remains illuminated.
lThe air bag system warning light does
not illuminate when the ignition is
switched ON.
lThe air bags have deployed.lFront passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light does not illuminate
when the ignition is switched ON or
does not illuminate as indicated in the
chart. For more details about this
indicator light and this chart, refer to
“Front passenger seat weight sensors”
(page 2-46).
WARNING
Do not operate a vehicle with damaged
air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
components:
Expended or damaged air bag/seat
belt pretensioner system components
must be replaced after any collision
which caused them to deploy or
damage them. Only a trained
Authorized Mazda Dealer can fully
evaluate these systems to see that
they will work in any subsequent
accident. Driving with an expended
or damaged air bag or pretensioner
unit will not afford you the necessary
protection in the event of any
subsequent accident which could
result in serious injury or death.
Do not remove interior air bag parts:
Removing any components such as
the front seats, front dashboard, the
steering wheel or parts on the front
and rear window pillars and along
the roof edge, containing air bag
parts or sensors is dangerous. These
parts contain essential air bag
components. The air bag could
accidentally activate and cause
serious injuries. Always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer remove
these parts.
Dispose of the air bag properly:
Improper disposal of an air bag or a
vehicle with live air bags in it can be
extremely dangerous. Unless all
safety procedures are followed, injury
can result. Ask an Authorized Mazda
Dealer how to safely dispose of an air
bag or how to scrap an air bag
equipped vehicle.
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Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
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Black plate (78,1)
NOTElThe trunk is out of the operational range,
however, starting the engine may be
possible.
lThe engine may not start if the advanced
key is placed in the following areas:
lAround the dashboardlIn the storage compartments such as the
glove box
lOn the rear parcel shelflStarting the engine may be possible even if
the advanced key is outside of the vehicle
and extremely close to a door and window,
however, always start the engine from the
driver's seat.
If the vehicle is started and driven away
while the advanced key is not in the vehicle,
the vehicle will not restart after it is turned
off and the ignition is switched off.
lIf the advanced key is detected within
operational range, the operation indicator
light on the transmitter flashes
momentarily.
qLocking, Unlocking the Doors
with Request Switch
All doors can be locked/unlocked by
pressing the request switch on the front
doors while the advanced key is being
carried.
Request switch
To lock
To lock the doors, press the request
switch. A beep sound will be heard once
and the hazard warning lights will flash
once.
NOTE
The hazard warning lights flash when the theft
deterrent system is armed.
The hazard warning lights do not flash if all
the doors are locked before the theft-deterrent
system is properly armed.
When the doors are locked by pressing the
request switch on the front doors while the
theft-deterrent system is armed, the hazard
warning lights will flash once to indicate that
the system is armed.
Refer to the theft-deterrent system on page
3-51.
To unlock
Driver's door request switch
To unlock the driver's door, press the
request switch. A beep sound will be
heard twice and the hazard warning lights
will flash twice.
To unlock all doors, press the request
switch again within 3 seconds and two
more beep sounds will be heard.
NOTE
The hazard warning lights flash when the theft
deterrent system is turned off.
The hazard warning lights do not flash unless
the theft deterrent system has been properly
turned off.
When the doors are unlocked by pressing the
request switch on the front doors while the
theft-deterrent system is turned off, the hazard
warning lights will flash twice to indicate that
the system is turned off.
Refer to the theft-deterrent system on page
3-51.
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Black plate (79,1)
Front passenger door request switch
To unlock the doors, press the request
switch. A beep sound will be heard twice
and the hazard warning lights will flash
twice.
NOTE
lConfirm that all doors are securely locked.lAll doors cannot be locked when any door
is open.
lA beep sound is heard for confirmation
when the doors are locked/unlocked using
the request switch. If you prefer, the beep
sound can be turned off (page 10-8).
lThe setting can be changed so that the
doors are locked automatically without
pressing the request switch (page 10-8).
(Auto-lock function)
A beep sound is heard when all doors are
closed while the advanced key is being
carried. All doors are locked automatically
after about 3 seconds when the advanced
key is out of the operational range. Also,
the hazard warning lights flash once. (Even
if the driver is in the operational range, all
doors are locked automatically after about
30 seconds.)
If you are out of the operational range
before the doors are completely closed, the
auto-lock function will not work. Always
make sure that all doors are closed and
locked before leaving the vehicle.
l(Auto re-lock function)
After unlocking all doors by pressing the
request switch, all doors will automatically
lock and the hazard warning light will flash
if any of the following operations are not
performed within about 30 seconds.
lA door is opened.lThe auxiliary key is inserted into the
ignition switch.
lThe start knob is pushed.
qOpening the Trunk Lid with
Request Switch
The trunk lid can be opened by pressing
the request switch on the under side of the
trunk lid above the license plate while the
advanced key is being carried.
Request switch
NOTE
If the advanced key is left in the trunk, the
trunk lid will close, however, the trunk lid can
be opened using the request switch and the
vehicle could be stolen.
qStarting the Engine
Ignition switch positions
As there is no traditional key, some of the
ignition switch functions are different.
Start knob
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Black plate (80,1)
The engraved mark (LOCK) indicated in
the illustration may differ from that
indicated on the actual vehicle (it may
read OFF).
OFF/LOCK―Knob Released
The power supply to electrical devices is
turned off.
OFF/LOCK―Knob Depressed
The ignition can be switched to ACC
when the KEY indicator light (green)
illuminates in the instrument cluster.
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition to OFF/LOCK, 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 switch the ignition
to OFF/LOCK 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
switching the ignition to OFF/LOCK,
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 cannot be switched from ACC
to OFF/LOCK when the shift lever is not in
P.
ACC (Accessory)
In this position, 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 5-41).
NOTE
When the ignition is switched ON, 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 5-41).
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Black plate (81,1)
Starting the engine
NOTE
lEngine-starting is controlled by the spark
ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Standard
requirements regulating the impulse
electrical field strength of radio noise.
lThe advanced key must be carried because
the advanced key carries an immobilizer
chip that must communicate with the engine
controls at short range.
lWhen starting the engine, be sure the start
knob is securely attached before trying to
operate it. If the knob becomes detached
from the ignition switch, re-attach it by
pushing it on to the ignition switch.
1. Make sure the advanced key is being
carried.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Depress the brake pedal.5.(Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the clutch pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
(Manual transmission)
The starter will not operate if the clutch pedal
isnotdepressed all the way.
(Automatic transmission)
The starter will not operate if the shift lever is
not in P or N.
6. Push the start knob slowly all the way
in.
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Black plate (82,1)
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 3-19).
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. Switch the ignition to ACC while
pushing the start knob in.
9. Switch the ignition from ACC to
START 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 5-38.
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).
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Black plate (83,1)
Turning the engine off
NOTE
For 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.
1. Move the shift lever to the P position
(Automatic transmission).
2. Switch the ignition from ON to ACC.
NOTE
When the engine is turned off and the ignition
is switched from ACC to OFF/LOCK, the KEY
indicator light (green) flashes in the instrument
cluster for about 30 seconds if the battery
power of the advanced key is low. Replace the
battery with a new one.
Refer to Battery Replacement (page 3-6).
3. Push in the start knob from the ACC
position and turn it to the OFF/LOCK.
CAUTION
When leaving the vehicle, make sure
the ignition is switched to OFF/LOCK.
NOTE
lWhen switching the ignition to OFF/LOCK,
the ignition switch has to be pushed in from
the ACC position and turned. Without being
pushed in, the ignition switch stops at the
ACC position and the vehicle battery may
be discharged if the ignition switch is left in
the ACC position. When leaving the vehicle,
make sure the ignition is switched to OFF/
LOCK.
lIf the vehicle is left with the ignition not
switched to OFF/LOCK, a beep sound is
heard and the indicator light flashes to
notify the driver.
Refer to Warning Beep (page 3-17).
Operation Using Advanced
Key Functions
qKeyless Entry System
This system uses the more traditional
keyless entry buttons to remotely lock and
unlock the doors and opens the trunk lid,
and opens the power windows.
It can also help you signal for attention.
Press the buttons slowly and carefully.
NOTE
lThe keyless entry system is designed to
operate up to about 2.5 m (8 ft) from the
center of the vehicle, but this may vary due
to local conditions.
lThe system does not operate when the
auxiliary key is in the ignition switch.
lWith the start knob installed in the OFF/
LOCK position, the system is fully
operational. If the ignition is not switched
off or the start knob is pushed in, the system
does not operate.
lAll doors cannot be locked by pressing the
lock button while any door is open. The
hazard warning lights will also not flash.
lIf the transmitter does not operate when
pressing a button or the operational range
becomes too small, the battery may be
dead. To install a new battery, refer to
Maintenance (page 3-5).
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