Black plate (175,1)
Adjust the tire pressure to the correct tire
pressure. Refer to the specification charts
(page 10-6).
CAUTION
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
lPerform tire pressure adjustment when the
tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary
according to the tire temperature, therefore
let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or only drive
it 1.6 km (1 mile) or less before adjusting
the tire pressures. When pressure is
adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation
pressure, the TPMS warning light/beep may
turn on after the tires cool and pressure
drops below specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light,
resulting from the tire air pressure dropping
due to cold ambient temperature, may turn
off if the ambient temperature rises. In this
case, it will also be necessary to adjust the
tire air pressures. If the TPMS warning
light illuminates due to a drop in tire air
pressure, make sure to check and adjust the
tire air pressures.
lAfter adjusting the tire air pressures, it may
require some time for the TPMS warning
light to turn off. If the TPMS warning light
remains illuminated, drive the vehicle at a
speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph) for 10
minutes, and then verify that it turns off.
lTires lose air naturally over time and the
TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting too
soft over time or you have a flat. However,
when you find one low tire in a set of four-
that is an indication of trouble; you should
have someone drive the vehicle slowly
forward so you can inspect any low tire for
cuts and any metal objects sticking through
tread or sidewall. Put a few drops of water
in the valve stem to see if it bubbles
indicating a bad valve. Leaks need to be
addressed by more than simply refilling the
trouble tire as leaks are dangerous - take it
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer which has
all the equipment to fix tires, TPMS systems
and order the best replacement tire for your
vehicle.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:50 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (176,1)
If the warning light illuminates again even
after the tire pressures are adjusted, there
may be a tire puncture.
Vehicles with Instant Mobility System
(IMS) emergency flat tire repair kit
If an emergency tire repair is needed,
repair the punctured tire with the
emergency flat tire repair kit (page 7-5).
CAUTION
Do not use non-genuine tire sealant.
It may damage the tire pressure
sensor.
Vehicles with optional temporary spare
tire
If you have bought the optional temporary
spare tire, replace the punctured tire with
the temporary spare tire. Refer to the
manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE
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.
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qSystem Error Activation
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in
the following cases:
lWhen there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
lWhen a metallic device such as a non-
genuine navigation system is equipped
near the center of the dashboard, which
may block radio signals from the tire
pressure sensor to the receiver unit.
lWhen using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.
lA digital device such as a personal
computer.
lA current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.
lWhen excess snow or ice adheres to
the vehicle, especially around the
wheels.
lWhen the tire pressure sensor batteries
are exhausted.
lWhen using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
lWhen using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls.
lWhen using tire chains.
qTires and Wheels
CAUTION
When inspecting or adjusting the tire
air pressures, do not apply excessive
force to the stem part of the wheel
unit. The stem part could be
damaged.
Changing tires and wheels
The following procedure allows the
TPMS to recognize a tire pressure sensor's
unique ID signal code whenever tires or
wheels are changed, such as changing to
and from winter tires.
5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page176
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (177,1)
NOTE
Each tire pressure sensor has a unique ID
signal code. The signal code must be
registered with the TPMS before it can work.
The easiest way to do it is to have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer change your tire and
complete ID signal code registration.
When having tires changed at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer
When an Authorized Mazda Dealer
changes your vehicle's tires, they will
complete the tire pressure sensor ID signal
code registration.
When changing tires yourself
If you or someone else changes tires, you
or someone else can also undertake the
steps for the TPMS to complete the ID
signal code registration.
1. After tires have been changed, switch
the ignition ON, then back to ACC or
OFF.
2. Wait for about 15 minutes.
3. After about 15 minutes, drive the
vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h
(16 mph) for 10 minutes and the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code will be
registered automatically.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven within about 15 minutes
of changing tires, the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light will flash because the
sensor ID signal code would not have been
registered. If this happens, park the vehicle for
about 15 minutes, after which the sensor ID
signal code will register upon driving the
vehicle for 10 minutes.
Replacing tires and wheels
CAUTION
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.
Be sure to have the tire pressure sensors
installed whenever tires or wheels are
replaced.
When having a tire or wheel or both
replaced, the following types of tire
pressure sensor installations are possible.
lThe tire pressure sensor is removed
from the old wheel and installed to the
new one.
lThe same tire pressure sensor is used
with the same wheel. Only the tire is
replaced.
lA new tire pressure sensor is installed
to a new wheel.
NOTE
lThe tire pressure sensor ID signal code
must be registered when a new tire pressure
sensor is purchased. For purchase of a tire
pressure sensor and registration of the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lWhen reinstalling a previously removed tire
pressure sensor to a wheel, replace the
grommet (seal between valve body/sensor
and wheel) for the tire pressure sensor.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-35
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Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:50 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (181,1)
CAUTION
Do not run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine
damage.
NOTE
lThe beep sounds to indicate engine overrev
when the tachometer needle enters the
striped zone.
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.
qEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.
If the needle is near H, it indicates
overheating.
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine
can cause serious engine damage
(page 7-17).
qFuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is remaining in the tank when
the ignition is switched ON.
We recommend keeping the tank over 1/4
full. When the low fuel warning light
illuminates or when the needle is near E,
refuel as soon as possible.
Low fuel warning light
NOTElAfter refueling, it may require some time for
the needle to stabilize. In addition, the
needle may deviate while driving on a slope
or curve since the fuel moves in the tank.
lThe direction of the arrow () indicates
that the fuel-filler lid is on the left side of
the vehicle.
qDashboard Illumination
Rotate the thumb wheel to adjust the
brightness of the instrument cluster and
other illuminations in the dashboard.
NOTE
lThe brightness of dashboard illuminations
(except instrument cluster) can be adjusted
when the headlight switch is in the
or
position.lThe brightness of the instrument cluster
illumination can be adjusted when the
headlight switch is in any position.
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (182,1)
Bright
Dim
Canceling the illumination dimmer
When the headlight switch is in the
orposition, the illumination of the
instrument cluster and the information
display dims.
When driving on snowy or foggy roads,
or in other situations when the instrument
cluster or information display's visibility
is reduced due to glare from surrounding
brightness, cancel the illumination
dimmer and increase the illumination
intensity.
To cancel the illumination dimmer, rotate
the thumb wheel upward fully. You may
hear a click sound and the illumination
dimmer will be canceled.
NOTE
lThis symbol () indicates the thumb wheel
to adjust the brightness of the dashboard
illumination.
lIf the dashboard illumination switch is kept
at the illumination dimmer cancel position,
the instrument cluster and the information
display will not dim when the headlight
switch is turned to the
orposition
again. Rotate the dashboard illumination
knob to activate the illumination dimmer.
5-40
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page182
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:50 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (186,1)
qABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you're driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function normally
as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to charge the
battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it
is the result of the weak battery and does not
indicate an ABS malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
qElectronic Brake Force
Distribution System Warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may illuminate the brake
system warning light and the ABS
warning light on simultaneously. The
problem is likely to be the electronic
brake force distribution system.
WARNING
Do not drive with both the ABS warning
light and brake warning light
illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have
the brakes inspected as soon as
possible:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are illuminated simultaneously is
dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the
rear wheels could lock more quickly
in an emergency stop than under
normal circumstances.
5-44
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page186
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:50 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H
Black plate (193,1)
Adjust the tire pressure to the correct tire
pressure. Refer to the specification charts
(page 10-6).
CAUTION
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
lPerform tire pressure adjustment when the
tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary
according to the tire temperature, therefore
let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or only drive
it 1.6 km (1 mile) or less before adjusting
the tire pressures. When pressure is
adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation
pressure, the TPMS warning light/beep may
turn on after the tires cool and pressure
drops below specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light,
resulting from the tire air pressure dropping
due to cold ambient temperature, may turn
off if the ambient temperature rises. In this
case, it will also be necessary to adjust the
tire air pressures. If the TPMS warning
light illuminates due to a drop in tire air
pressure, make sure to check and adjust the
tire air pressures.
lAfter adjusting the tire air pressures, it may
require some time for the TPMS warning
light to turn off. If the TPMS warning light
remains illuminated, drive the vehicle at a
speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph) for 10
minutes, and then verify that it turns off.
lTires lose air naturally over time and the
TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting too
soft over time or you have a flat. However,
when you find one low tire in a set of four-
that is an indication of trouble; you should
have someone drive the vehicle slowly
forward so you can inspect any low tire for
cuts and any metal objects sticking through
tread or sidewall. Put a few drops of water
in the valve stem to see if it bubbles
indicating a bad valve. Leaks need to be
addressed by more than simply refilling the
trouble tire as leaks are dangerous - take it
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer which has
all the equipment to fix tires, TPMS systems
and order the best replacement tire for your
vehicle.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-51
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Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:51 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