2011 MAZDA MODEL RX 8 sensor

Black plate (209,1)
NOTElSwitching the auto-wiper lever from the
OFF to the AUTO position while driving at
a vehicle speed of 4 km/h (2 mph) or higher
(or after driving the vehicle) activates the
windshield wipers once, after which they
operate according to the rainfall amount.
lThe auto-wiper control may not operate
when the rain sensor temperature is about
_
10 °C (14 °F) or lower, or about 85 °C
(185 °F) or higher.
lIf the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be able to
sense the amount of rainfall correctly and
auto-wiper control may not operate
properly.
lIf dirt or foreign matter (Such as ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres to the
windshield above the rain sensor or if the
windshield is iced, it could cause the wipers
to move automatically. However, if the
wipers cannot remove this ice, dirt or
foreign matter, the auto-wiper control will
stop operation. In this case, set the wiper
lever to the low speed position or high
speed position for manual operation, or
remove the ice, dirt or foreign matter by
hand to restore the auto-wiper operation.
lIf the auto-wiper lever is left in the AUTO
position, the wipers could operate
automatically from the effect of strong light
sources, electromagnetic waves, or infrared
light because the rain sensor uses an
optical sensor. It is recommended that the
auto-wiper lever be switched to the OFF
position other than when driving the vehicle
under rainy conditions.
qWindshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid.
Washer OFF
NOTE
With the wiper lever in the OFF or INT (Type
A)/AUTO (Type B) position, the wipers will
operate continuously until the lever is
released.
If the washer does not work, inspect the
fluid level (page 8-17). If it's normal,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
(With headlight washers)
When the headlights are on, the headlight
washers operate automatically once every fifth
time the windshield washer operates.
Refer to Headlight Washer (page 5-68).
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-67
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page209
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:51 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (230,1)
NOTElSetting the temperature to maximum high
or low will not provide the desired
temperature at a faster rate.
lWhen selecting heat, the system will restrict
airflow until it has warmed to prevent cold
air from blowing out of the vents.
qWindshield Defrosting and Defogging
Press the windshield defroster switch.
In this position, the
position is
automatically selected, and the air
conditioner automatically turns on. The
air conditioner will directly dehumidify
the air to the front windshield and side
windows (page 6-4). Airflow amount will
be increased.
WARNING
Set the temperature control to the hot
or warm position when defogging (
position):
Using the
position with the
temperature control set to the cold
position is dangerous as it will cause
the outside of the windshield to fog
up. Your vision will be hampered,
which could lead to a serious
accident.NOTE
Use the temperature control dial to increase
the air flow temperature and defog the
windshield more quickly.
qSunlight/Temperature Sensor
The fully automatic air conditioner
function measures inside and outside
temperatures, and sunlight. It then sets
temperatures inside the passenger
compartment accordingly.
CAUTION
Do not obstruct either sensor,
otherwise the automatic air
conditioner will not operate properly.
Sunlight sensor
Interior temperature sensor
6-14
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page230
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:51 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (309,1)
CAUTION
ØWhen using the temporary spare
tire, driving stability may decrease
compared to when using only the
conventional tire.
Drive carefully.
ØTo avoid damage to the temporary
spare tire or to the vehicle, observe
the following precautions:
ØDo not exceed 80 km/h (50
mph).
ØAvoid driving over obstacles.
Also, do not drive through an
automatic car wash. This tire's
diameter is smaller than a
conventional tire's, so the
ground clearance is reduced
about 25 mm (1 in).
ØDo not use a tire chain on this
tire because it won't fit
properly.
ØDo not use your temporary
spare tire on any other vehicle;
it has been designed only for
your Mazda.
ØUse only one temporary spare
tire on your vehicle at the same
time.
(With limited slip differential)
When using the temporary spare tire
on the rear axle, replace it with a
standard tire as soon as possible. The
size difference between the spare and
the standard tire will cause the
limited slip differential to
malfunction.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to the
temporary spare tire. The warning light will
flash continuously while the temporary spare
tire is being used (page 5-32).
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat
Tire Repair Kit
The IMS emergency flat tire repair kit
included with your Mazda is for a
temporary repair of a slightly damaged
flat tire resulting from running over nails
or similar sharp objects on the road
surface.
NOTE
Your vehicle is not equipped with a spare tire.
In the event of a flat tire, use the emergency
flat tire repair kit to repair the tire temporarily.
When doing the repair, refer to the instructions
included in the emergency flat tire repair kit.
After temporarily repairing a tire with the
emergency flat tire repair kit, take your vehicle
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the tire
replaced.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-5
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page309
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:52 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (315,1)
NOTE
When checking the tire inflation pressure with
the tire pressure gauge on the compressor unit,
make sure the compressor switch is turned off.
21. If the tire inflation pressure remains
stable, the tire repair is complete.
Drive the vehicle with care to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
tire replaced.
CAUTION
ØA tire that has been temporarily
repaired with the tire sealant
cannot be reused. Mazda
recommends replacing the tire
with a new one.
ØThe wheel can be reused after any
sealant adhering to it is wiped off
and carefully inspected. However,
replace the tire valve with a new
one.
qInspecting the IMS Emergency
Flat Tire Repair Kit
Inspect the emergency tire repair kit at
regular intervals.
lCheck the tire sealant period of
effective use.
lCheck the operation of the tire
compressor.
NOTE
The tire sealant has a period of effective use.
Check the period of effective use indicated on
the bottle label and do not use it if it has
expired. Have the tire sealant replaced at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer before the period of
effective use has expired.
Changing the Tire
WARNING
Be sure to follow the directions for
changing a tire, and never get under a
vehicle that is supported only by a jack:
Changing a tire is dangerous if not
done properly. The vehicle can slip off
the jack and seriously injure
someone.
Never allow anyone inside a vehicle
supported by a jack:
Allowing someone to remain in a
vehicle supported by a jack is
dangerous. The occupant could cause
the vehicle to fall resulting in serious
injury.
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
The wheels equipped on your Mazda
are specially designed for installation
of the tire pressure sensors. Do not
use non-genuine wheels, otherwise it
may not be possible to install the tire
pressure sensors.
NOTE
lMake sure the jack is well lubricated before
using it.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
lBe sure to register the tire pressure sensor
ID signal code whenever tires or wheels are
changed (page 5-34).
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-
way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-11
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page315
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:52 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (320,1)
NOTE
To prevent the jack and tool from rattling, store
them properly.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to the
temporary spare tire. The warning light will
flash continuously while the temporary spare
tire is being used (page 5-32).
7-16
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page320
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:52 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (351,1)
Wiper Blades
CAUTION
ØHot waxes applied by automatic
car washers have been known to
affect the wiper's ability to clean
windows.
ØTo prevent damage to the wiper
blades, don't use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.
ØWhen the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition
switch is in the ON position, the
wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object.
ØIf the rain sensor is struck with
a hand or other object from
inside the vehicle.
Be careful not to pinch hands or
fingers as it may cause injury, or
damage the wipers. When
washing or servicing your Mazda,
make sure the wiper lever is in the
OFF position.
Contamination of either the windshield or
the blades with foreign matter can reduce
wiper effectiveness. Common sources are
insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments
used by some commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly,
clean the window and blades with a good
cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse
thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if
necessary.
qReplacing Windshield Wiper Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well, the
blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiper arms
and other components, don't try to
sweep the wiper arm by hand.
NOTE
To prevent damage to the wiper arm blades
when raising both the driver and passenger
side wiper arms, raise the driver side wiper
arm first. Conversely, when setting down the
wiper arms, set the passenger side wiper arm
down first.
1. Raise the wiper arm and turn the blade
assembly to expose the plastic locking
clip.
Compress the clip and slide the
assembly downward; then lift it off the
arm.
Plastic locking clip
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the windshield
let the wiper arm down easily, don't
let it slap down on the windshield.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-19
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page351
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:52 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (358,1)
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
When replacing/repairing the tires or
wheels or both, have the work done
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or
the tire pressure sensors may be
damaged.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)lWhen tires with steel wire reinforcement in
the sidewalls are used, the system may not
function correctly even with a genuine
wheel.
Refer to System Error Activation on page
5-34.
lBe sure to install the tire pressure sensors
whenever tires or wheels are replaced.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page 5-34.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace the tire before the
band crosses the entire tread.NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used on the road. It is recommended
that tires generally be replaced when they are
6 years or older. Heat caused by hot climates
or frequent high loading conditions can
accelerate the aging process. You should
replace the spare tire when you replace the
other road tires due to the aging of the spare
tire. The period in which the tire was
manufactured (both week and year) is
indicated by a 4-digit number.
Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-21.
qTemporary Spare Tire
Your Mazda is not equipped with a spare
tire. If you require a spare tire, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Inspect the temporary spare tire at least
monthly to make sure it's properly inflated
and stored.
NOTE
The temporary spare tire condition gradually
deteriorates even if it has not been used.
The temporary spare tire is easier to
handle because of its construction which
is lighter and smaller than a conventional
tire. This tire should be used only for an
emergency and only for a short distance.
Use the temporary spare tire only until the
conventional tire is repaired, which should
be as soon as possible.
Maintain its pressure at 420 kPa (4.2
kgf/cm
2or bar, 60 psi).
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page358
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:52 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (359,1)
CAUTION
ØDo not use your temporary spare
tire rim with a snow tire or a
conventional tire. Neither will
properly fit and could damage
both tire and rim.
ØThe temporary spare tire has a
tread life of less than 5,000 km
(3,000 miles). The tread life may
be shorter depending on driving
conditions.
ØThe temporary spare tire is for
limited use, however, if the tread
wear solid-band indicator
appears, replace the tire with the
same type of temporary spare
(page 8-25).
NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used on the road. It is recommended
that tires generally be replaced when they are
6 years or older. Heat caused by hot climates
or frequent high loading conditions can
accelerate the aging process. You should
replace the spare tire when you replace the
other road tires due to the aging of the spare
tire. The period in which the tire was
manufactured (both week and year) is
indicated by a 4-digit number.
Refer to The tire labeling on page 9-21.
qReplacing a Wheel
WARNING
Always use wheels of the correct size
on your vehicle:
Using a wrong-sized wheel is
dangerous. Braking and handling
could be affected, leading to loss of
control and an accident.
CAUTION
ØA wrong-sized wheel may
adversely affect:
ØTire fit
ØWheel and bearing life
ØGround clearance
ØSnow-chain clearance
ØSpeedometer calibration
ØHeadlight aim
ØBumper height
ØTire Pressure Monitoring
System
ØLimited-Slip Differential System
Ø(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
ØWhen replacing/repairing the
tires or wheels or both, have the
work done by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer, or the tire
pressure sensors may be
damaged.
ØThe wheels equipped on your
Mazda are specially designed
for installation of the tire
pressure sensors. Do not use
non-genuine wheels, otherwise
it may not be possible to install
the tire pressure sensors.
NOTE
Be sure to install the tire pressure sensors
whenever tires or wheels are replaced. Refer to
Tires and Wheels on page 5-34.
When replacing a wheel, make sure the
new one is the same as the original factory
wheel in diameter, rim width, and offset.
Proper tire balancing provides the best
riding comfort and helps reduce tread
wear. Out-of-balance tires can cause
vibration and uneven wear, such as
cupping and flat spots.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-27
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page359
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:52 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H