2011 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 steering wheel

Black plate (160,1)
WARNING
Keep your hands on the steering wheel
rim when using fingers or thumbs on
the steering shift switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of
the steering wheel when using the
steering shift switches is dangerous.
If the driver's air bag were to deploy
in a collision, your hands could be
impacted causing injury.
NOTE
lWhen driving slowly, the gears may not
shift up.
lIn manual shift mode, gears do not shift up
automatically. Do not run the engine with
the tachometer needle in the RED ZONE. If
the tachometer needle enters the RED
ZONE, you may feel engine-braking
because the fuel delivery will be stopped to
protect the engine. However, this does not
indicate an abnormality.
lWhen depressing the accelerator fully, the
transmission will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed.
Manually Shifting down
(M6→M5→M4→M3→M2→
M1)
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the shift
lever forward (
) once.
To shift down to a lower gear with the
steering shift switches, press either of the
DOWN switches away from you once
with your thumb.
DOWN switches
WARNING
Do not use engine braking on slippery
road surfaces or at high speeds:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel
rim when using fingers or thumbs on
the steering shift switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of
the steering wheel when using the
steering shift switches is dangerous.
If the driver's air bag were to deploy
in a collision, your hands could be
impacted causing injury.
5-18
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page160
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:50 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (164,1)
Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qPower Steering Malfunction
Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON, and turns off
when the engine is started.
If the light remains illuminated after the
engine is started, or illuminates while
driving, turn off the engine after parking
in a safe place, and then start the engine
again.
If the light does not illuminate after
restarting the engine, this indicates that
the power steering is restored and normal
steering is possible.
If the light remains illuminated, the power
steering is still inoperable. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.NOTE
lThe 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.
5-22
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page164
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:50 AM
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
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:50 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (198,1)
Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)
The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.
qLights-On Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
exterior lights and dashboard illumination
are on.
qPower Steering Malfunction
Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON, and turns off
when the engine is started.
If the light remains illuminated after the
engine is started, or illuminates while
driving, turn off the engine after parking
in a safe place, and then start the engine
again.
If the light does not illuminate after
restarting the engine, this indicates that
the power steering is restored and normal
steering is possible.
If the light remains illuminated, the power
steering is still inoperable. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.NOTE
lThe 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 for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
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.
5-56
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page198
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:51 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (211,1)
qMirror Defrosterí
To turn on the mirror defrosters, switch
the ignition ON and press the rear window
defroster switch (page 5-68).
Horn
To sound the horn, press themark on
the steering wheel.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-69íSome models. RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page211
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:51 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (231,1)
Antenna
qAM/FM Radio Antenna
The antenna is printed onto the window
glass.
CAUTION
When washing the inside of the
window which has an antenna, use a
soft cloth dampened in lukewarm
water, gently wiping the antenna
lines.
Use of glass cleaning products could
damage the antenna.
qSatellite Radio Antennaí
The satellite radio antenna receives
SIRIUS signals.
Satellite radio antenna
Operating Tips for Audio
System
WARNING
Do not adjust the audio control
switches while driving the vehicle:
Adjusting the audio while driving the
vehicle is dangerous as it could
distract your attention from the
vehicle operation which could lead to
a serious accident. Always adjust the
audio while the vehicle is stopped.
Even if the audio control switches are
equipped on the steering wheel, learn
to use the switches without looking
down at them so that you can keep
your maximum attention on the road
while driving the vehicle.
CAUTION
For the purposes of safe driving,
adjust the audio volume to a level
that allows you to hear sounds
outside of the vehicle including car
horns and particularly emergency
vehicle sirens.
NOTE
lTo prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the audio system
on for a long period of time when the
engine is not running.
lIf a cellular phone or CB radio is used in
or near the vehicle, it could cause noise to
occur from the audio system, however, this
does not indicate that the system has been
damaged.
Interior Comfort
Audio System
6-15íSome models. RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page231
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:51 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (268,1)
Audio Control Switch
Operation
When the audio unit is turned on,
operation of the audio unit from the
steering wheel is possible.
NOTE
Because the audio unit will be turned off under
the following conditions, the switches will be
inoperable.
lWhen the ignition is switched off.lWhen the power button on the audio unit is
pressed and the audio unit is turned off.
lWhen the CD being played is ejected and
the audio unit is turned off.
Without Bluetooth Hands-Free and
navigation system
With Bluetooth Hands-Free only/
Bluetooth Hands-Free and navigation
system
Use the voice recognition/hands-free
switch for navigation system sound
operation.
For details, refer to the separate manual
“NAVIGATION SYSTEM Owner's
Manual”.
Voice recognition/hands-
free switch
NOTElThe voice recognition/hands-free switch is
operable with the audio unit turned off.
lMazda has installed this system to prevent
distraction while driving the vehicle and
using audio controls on the dashboard.
Always make safe driving your first priority.
6-52
Interior Comfort
Audio System
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page268
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:51 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (271,1)
CAUTION
ØClose the cover when the auxiliary
jack is not in use to prevent
foreign objects and liquids from
penetrating the auxiliary jack.
ØDo not place objects or apply force
to the auxiliary jack with the plug
connected.
ØDepending on the portable audio
device, noise may occur when
using the device with it connected
to the accessory socket equipped
on the vehicle. (If noise occurs, do
not use the accessory socket.)
NOTE
lBefore using the auxiliary jack, read the
manufacturer's instructions for the product
being connected.
lUse a commercially-available, non-
impedance (3.5
) stereo mini plug for
connecting the portable audio unit to the
auxiliary jack. Before using the auxiliary
jack, read the manufacturer's instructions
for connecting a portable audio unit to the
auxiliary jack.
lTo prevent discharging of the battery, do
not use the auxiliary input for long periods
with the engine off or idling.
lNoise may occur depending on the product
connected to the auxiliary jack.
lWith regard to connecting a portable audio
or similar device to a power source, use the
battery for the device, not the accessory
socket.
lInsert the plug to the auxiliary jack
securely.
lInsert or remove the plug with the plug
perpendicular to the auxiliary jack hole.
lInsert or remove the plug by holding its
base.
To listen to a portable audio unit
1. Switch the ignition to ACC or ON.
2. Insert the connection plug into the
auxiliary jack.
3. Press the power/volume dial to turn the
audio system on.
4. Press the source change button
(
) of the audio unit or the mode
switch (
) of the audio control
switches on the steering wheel to
change to the AUX mode.
Audio Unit Audio Control
Switches
NOTElSet the volume of the portable audio unit to
the maximum within the range that the
sound does not become distorted, then
adjust the volume using the power/volume
dial of the audio unit or the volume switch
(
,) of the audio control switch.lAudio adjustments other than audio volume
can only be done using the portable audio
device.
lIf the connection plug is pulled out from the
auxiliary jack while in AUX mode, noise
may occur.
Interior Comfort
Audio System
6-55
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page271
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:51 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H