wheel MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2009 Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (9,1)
Power door lock switch ..................................................................................... page 3-28
Outside mirror switch ........................................................................................ page 3-54
Dashboard illumination ..................................................................................... page 5-38
DSC OFF switch ............................................................................................... page 5-26
Lighting control/Turn signals ............................................................................ page 5-56
Audio control switch ......................................................................................... page 6-54
Instrument cluster .............................................................................................. page 5-35
Air bags ............................................................................................................. page 2-38
Wiper and washer lever ..................................................................................... page 5-60
Cruise control switches ...................................................................................... page 5-21
Information display ............................................................................................ page 6-79
Hazard warning flasher switch .......................................................................... page 5-66
Audio system ..................................................................................................... page 6-15
Glove box .......................................................................................................... page 6-84
Center console ................................................................................................... page 6-85
Cup holder ......................................................................................................... page 6-83
Parking brake ....................................................................................................... page 5-6
MT shift lever .................................................................................................... page 5-10
AT shift lever (Sport AT) ................................................................................... page 5-13
Lighter ............................................................................................................... page 6-81
Ashtray ............................................................................................................... page 6-82
Climate control system ........................................................................................ page 6-2
Ignition switch ..................................................................................................... page 5-2
Tilt wheel release lever ...................................................................................... page 3-54
Coin box ............................................................................................................ page 6-84
Hood release handle .......................................................................................... page 3-43
Trunk release button .......................................................................................... page 3-32
Power window lock switch ................................................................................ page 3-38
Power window switches .................................................................................... page 3-35
Interior light ....................................................................................................... page 6-77
Sunvisor ............................................................................................................. page 6-77
Rearview mirror ................................................................................................. page 3-55
Vanity mirror ...................................................................................................... page 6-77
Front seats ............................................................................................................ page 2-2
Rear seat ............................................................................................................ page 2-11
Seat belt ............................................................................................................. page 2-14
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Dashboard and Interior Overview
1-3The equipment and installation position varies by vehicle
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page9
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (50,1)
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions
The front and side supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include 6 air bags.Please verify
the air bags equipped on your vehicle by locating the “SRS AIRBAG ”location
indicators. These indicators are visible in the area where the air bags are installed.
The air bags are installed in the following locations:
lThe steering wheel hub (driver air bag)lThe front passenger dashboard (front passenger air bag)lThe outboard sides of the front seatbacks (side air bags)lThe front and rear window pillars, and the roof edge along both sides (curtain air bags)
These systems operate independently depending on the type of accident encountered; The
side and curtain air bags and the frontal air bag system will not normally deploy during the
same type of accident unless a combination of frontal and side impacts occur.
The air bag supplemental restraint systems are designed to provide supplemental protection
only in the front seats in certain situations and the rear outside passenger positions only in
same-side collisions, so seat belts are always important in the following ways:
Without seat belt usage, the air bags cannot provide adequate protection during an accident.
Seat belt usage is necessary to:
lKeep the occupant from being thrown into an inflating air bag.lReduce the possibility of injuries during an accident that is not designed for air bag
inflation, such as roll-over or rear impact.
lReduce the possibility of injuries in frontal or side collisions that are not severe enough
to activate the air bags.
lReduce the possibility of being thrown from your vehicle.lReduce the possibility of injuries to lower body and legs during an accident because the
air bags provide no protection to these parts of the body.
lHold the driver in a position which allows better control of the vehicle.
Small children must be protected by a child-restraint system as stipulated by law in every
state and province. In certain states and provinces, larger children must use a child-restraint
system (page 2-25).
Carefully consider which child-restraint system is necessary for your child and follow the
installation directions in this Owner's Manual as well as the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions.
2-38
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page50
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (51,1)
WARNING
Seat belts must be worn in air bag equipped vehicles:Depending only on the air bags for protection during an accident is dangerous.
Alone, air bags may not prevent serious injuries. The appropriate air bags can be
expected to inflate only in the first collision with frontal, near frontal or side forces
that are at least moderate. Vehicle occupants should always wear seat belts.
Children should not ride in the front passenger seat: Placing a child, 12 years or under, in the front seat is dangerous. The child could be
hit by a deploying air bag and be seriously injured or even killed. Even if the front
passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates, always move the front
passenger seat as far back as possible. A sleeping child is more likely to lean against
the door and be hit by the side air bag in a moderate, right-side collision. Whenever
possible, always secure a child 12 years and under on the rear seat with an
appropriate child-restraint system for the child's age and size.
Never use a rear-facing child-restraint system in the front seat with an air bag that
could deploy: Rear-facing child-restraint systems on the front seat are particularly dangerous even
though you may feel assured that a front passenger air bag will not deploy based on
the fact that the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.
The child-restraint system can be hit by a deploying air bag and moved violently
backward resulting in serious injury or death to the child.
Do not sit too close to the driver and front passenger air bags:Sitting too close to the driver and front passenger air bag modules or placing hands
or feet on them is extremely dangerous. The driver and front passenger air bags
inflate with great force and speed. Serious injuries could occur if someone is too
close. The driver should always hold onto only the rim of the steering wheel. The
front seat passenger should keep both feet on the floor. Front seat occupants should
adjust their seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the
seatbacks with seat belts worn properly.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-39
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page51
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (54,1)
Supplemental Restraint System Components
The supplemental restraint systems (SRS) have two basic subsystems:lThe air bag system with inflators and air bags.lThe electrical system with crash sensors and diagnostic module.
The air bags are mounted in the following locations:
lThe steering wheel hublThe front passenger dashboardlThe outboard sides of the front seatbackslThe front and rear window pillars, and the roof edge along both sides
The air bags are out of sight until activated.
Driver/Front passenger dual stage inflators and air bags
Crash sensors, and diagnostic module (SAS unit)
Front seat belt pretensioners (page 2-19)
Front air bag sensor
Side crash sensors
Air bag/front seat belt pretensioner system warning light (page 2-53)
Side and curtain inflators and air bags
Front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light (page 2-44)
Front passenger seat weight sensors (page 2-44)
Front passenger seat weight sensor control module
2-42
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page54
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (56,1)
How the Air Bags Work
qHow the Front Air Bags Work
When air bag crash sensors detect a frontal impact of greater than moderate force, an
electrical current is sent to the inflators.
Gases are produced to inflate the front air bags and after the inflation, the front air bags
quickly deflate.
The front air bags will function only once. After that, the front air bags will not work
again and must be replaced.
Only an Authorized Mazda Dealer can replace the system components.
The front, dual stage air bags control air bag inflation in two energy stages. During an
impact of moderate severity the front air bags deploy with lesser energy, whereas during
more severe impacts, they deploy with more energy. Deployment of the front air bags may
differ between the driver and the front passenger depending on the driver seat position,
front passenger weight and front seat belt usage, all of which provide data from each sensor
to the air bag system.
The front air bags will deploy only
in a frontal or frontal offset impact.
Driver seat slide position sensor
Your vehicle is equipped with a driver seat slide position sensor as a part of the
supplemental restraint system. The sensor is located under the driver seat. The sensor
determines whether the driver seat is fore or aft of a reference position and sends the seat
position to the diagnostic module (SAS unit). The SAS unit is also designed to control the
deployment of the driver air bag depending on how close the driver seat is to the steering
wheel.
The air bag/front seat belt pretensioner system warning light flashes if the sensor has a
possible malfunction (page 2-53).
2-44
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page56
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (64,1)
lSide impacts involving trees or poles
can cause severe cosmetic damage but
may not have enough impact force to
activate the side and curtain air bags.
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
lRelated wiringlDriver seat slide position sensorlFront passenger seat weight sensorslDriver and front passenger seat belt
buckle switches
2-52
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page64
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (66,1)
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. NOTEIf 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).
2-54
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page66
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (67,1)
3Knowing Your Mazda
Explanation of basic operations and controls; opening/closing and adjustment
of various parts.
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System ................................ 3-2Advanced Keysí...................................................................... 3-2
Operation Using Advanced Keyless Functions ......................... 3-7
Operation Using Advanced Key Functions ............................. 3-14
Advanced Key Suspend Function ........................................... 3-16
Warning and Beep Sounds ...................................................... 3-17
Setting Change (Function Customization) .............................. 3-19
When Warning Indicator/Beep is Activated ............................ 3-20
Doors and Locks ......................................................................... 3-21 Keys (without Advanced Key) ................................................ 3-21
Keyless Entry System (with Retractable Type Key) ............... 3-22
Door Locks ............................................................................. 3-27
Trunk Lid ................................................................................ 3-32
Inside Trunk Release Lever ..................................................... 3-34
Power Windows ...................................................................... 3-35
Rear Quarter Windows ............................................................ 3-41
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap ........................................................... 3-42
Hood ....................................................................................... 3-43
Moonroof
í............................................................................. 3-44
Security System ........................................................................... 3-47 Immobilizer System (with Advanced Key) ............................. 3-47
Immobilizer System (without Advanced Key) ........................ 3-49
Theft-Deterrent System
í........................................................ 3-52
Steering Wheel and Mirrors ...................................................... 3-54 Steering Wheel ........................................................................ 3-54
Mirrors .................................................................................... 3-54
3-1íSome models.
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page67
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (76,1)
LOCK (Released)
The steering wheel locks to help protect
against theft.
LOCK (Depressed)
The ignition switch can be turned to the
ACC position when the KEY indicator
light (green) illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
put the key or start knob to LOCK
position, 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 place the key or
start knob in the LOCK position 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
putting the ignition switch in LOCK
position, 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 switch cannot be turned from
the ACC position to the LOCK position
when the shift lever is not in P.
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and 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 5-40).
NOTE
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, 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 5-40).
3-10
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page76
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (120,1)
Steering Wheel
WARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving:Adjusting the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control
or an accident.
qTilt Steering Wheel
To change the angle of the steering wheel,
stop the vehicle, pull the tilt wheel release
lever under the steering column down,
adjust the wheel, then push the release
lever up to lock the column.
Tilt wheel release
lever
After adjusting, push the wheel up and
down to be certain it's locked before
driving.
Mirrors
qOutside Mirrors
Check the mirror angles before driving.
Mirror type
Flat type (driver's side)
Flat surface mirror.
Convex type (front passenger side)
The mirror has single curvature on its
surface.
WARNING
Be sure to look over your shoulder
before changing lanes:
Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears.
Power mirror
The ignition switch must be in the ACC
or ON position.
To adjust:
1. Press the left or right side of the
selector switch to choose the left or
right side mirror.
3-54
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page120
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:23 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C