brake MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2004 Owners Manual (in English)

1-2
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Dashboard Overview
Climate control system
Glove box
Shift lever Parking brakeAudio system
Passenger-side air bag Hazard warning flasher switch Wiper and washer lever
Ashtray/Lighter Information display
Fog lights switch*
Power window lock switch Lighting control/Turn signals Instrument cluster
Power window switches Driver-side air bag
Ignition switch Hood release handle
Audio control switchCup holder
Steering column release lever
(page 5-51)
(page 2-27)
(page 5-29)
(page 5-48)
(page 5-50)
(page 3-15)
(page 3-14)
(page 3-18)
(page 6-34)
(page 3-25)(page 6-40)
(page 5-5)
(page 5-8)/(page 5-10)
(page 6-43)/(page 6-42)(page 6-44)
(page 5-2) (page 5-55)
(page 6-10)
(page 6-2)
(page 2-27)
(page 6-45)
*Some models.
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1-4
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Exterior Overview
Doors and keys
Outside mirrorsFuel-filler lidTires
Front turn signal lightsRear turn signal lights Brake lights/TaillightsPower windows
Sunroof*
Front side marker lightsRear side marker lights
Headlights Reverse lights
Windshield wiper blades
Hood
Fog lights*Trunk lid
High-mount brake light
License plate lightsAntenn
a
Parking lights Rear window defroster
(page 5-53)(page 6-10)
(page 8-32) (page 3-11)
(page 8-32)
(page 8-32)
(page 8-32)
(page 8-19)
(page 3-18)
(page 8-30)
(page 8-30)
(page 8-28)(page 3-14)
(page 8-23)
(page 8-32)
(page 8-32)
(page 3-19)
(page 3-16)
(page 3-2)
(page 3-25)
(page 8-30)
(page 8-30)
*Some models.
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4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
•Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
•Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
•If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way.•Are all doors closed and locked?
•Is the seat adjusted properly?
•Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
•Is everyone’s seat belt fastened?
•Do all the lights work?
•Check all gauges.
•Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
•Release the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch fluid, washer fluid, and other
fluid levels should be inspected daily,
weekly, or at refueling, depending on
the fluid. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
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4-7
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Driving Tips
No special break-in is necessary, but a
few precautions in the first 1,000 km
(600 miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
•Don’t race the engine.
•Don’t maintain one constant speed for
long.
•Don’t drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm (over 7,000 rpm) for
extended periods of time.
•Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
•Avoid full-throttle starts.How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
•Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
•Avoid fast starts.
•Keep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
•Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
•Slow down on rough roads.
•Keep the tires properly inflated.
•Don’t carry unnecessary weight.
•Don’t rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
•Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
•Keep windows closed at high speeds.
•Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
Break-In PeriodMoney-Saving Suggestions
Coasting:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident. Never stop the engine when
going down a hill.
WARNING
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4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazard:
•Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
•Avoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
•If your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don’t hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
don’t pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
•If you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Don’t spin the rear
wheels.
•For more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the rear wheels.If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.
Hazardous Driving
Downshifting on Slippery Surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces 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. If it is
necessary to downshift on slippery
surfaces, be very careful.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the rear
wheels.
WARNING
Rocking the Vehicle
Spinning the Wheels:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries. Don’t spin the wheels at
more than 56 km/h (35 mph), and
don’t allow anyone to stand behind a
wheel when pushing the vehicle.
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transmission failure, and
tire damage.
WARNING
CAUTION
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 8 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
•Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
•Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
•Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
•Use only cold-weather engine oil (page
8-9).
•Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
•Use washer fluid made with
antifreeze—but don’t use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-17).
•Don’t use the parking brake in freezing
weather as the parking brake may
freeze. Instead, shift to P with an
automatic transmission and to 1 or R
with a manual transmission. Block the
rear wheels.

Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don’t go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph).
Inflate snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm2,
4.3 psi) more than recommended on the
tire pressure label (driver’s door), but
never more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, you may find it necessary
to replace the original equipment tires
with snow tires, during the winter
months.
Winter Driving
Mixing Tire Types:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle’s handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system
may not function correctly when using
tires with steel wire reinforcement in
the sidewalls (page 5-26).
WARNING
CAUTION
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 9 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires.
Don’t use chains on the front tires.
Use only SAE Class "S" chains, and make
sure they fit.
Installing the chains
1. Secure the chains on the rear tires as
tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2—
1 km (1/4—1/2 mile). •Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
•Chains may affect handling.
•Don’t go faster than 50 km/h (30 mph)
or the chain manufacturer’s
recommended limit, whichever is lower.
•Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
•Avoid locked-wheel braking.
•Don’t use chains on a temporary
spare tire; it may result in damage to
the vehicle and to the tire. Your
vehicle is not equipped with a factory
installed temporary spare tire.
•Don’t use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the
system may not function correctly
when using tire chains.
CAUTION
Driving In Flooded Area
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance
returns to normal.
Make sure water does not enter the
vehicle interior or the engine area. The
vehicle interior could become wet or
the engine could be damaged.
WARNING
CAUTION
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5-1
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving
..................................................................... 5-2
Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-3
Brake System ............................................................................. 5-4
Manual Transmission Operation ............................................... 5-8
Automatic Transmission Controls ........................................... 5-10
Power Steering ......................................................................... 5-16
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-17
Traction Control System (TCS)* ............................................. 5-20
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)* ......................................... 5-21
Tire Pressure Monitoring System* .......................................... 5-24
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
............................................ 5-29
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-29
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
........................................ 5-35
Warning/Indicator Lights ......................................................... 5-35
Beeps ....................................................................................... 5-47
Switches and Controls
................................................................. 5-48
Lighting Control ...................................................................... 5-48
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-50
Fog Lights* .............................................................................. 5-50
Windshield Wipers and Washer ............................................... 5-51
Headlight Washer* .................................................................. 5-53
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-53
Horn ......................................................................................... 5-54
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-55
HomeLink Wireless Control System* ..................................... 5-55
*Some models.
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5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Starting and Driving

Ignition Switch Positions
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.
Manual transmission
When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, push the key in at the
ACC position.Automatic transmission
When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, keep the shift lever in P.
Ignition Switch
LOCK
Push the key ACCON
Removing the Key:
It’s dangerous to remove the key from
the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving. Removing the key allows the
steering wheel to lock. You will lose
steering control and a serious
accident could occur.
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked.
Not Setting the Parking Brake:
Leaving the driver’s seat without
setting the parking brake is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur if the parking
brake is not set. This could cause an
accident. Before leaving the driver’s
seat, always 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.
LOCKShift lever
engaged in P
(park) ACCON
WARNING
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5-3
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
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 5-35).
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-35).

Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position, a beep will sound when the
driver’s door is opened.1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4.(Manual transmission)

Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the 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
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
NOTE
(Xenon fusion headlight models)

When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the
headlight leveling motors operating at
the front of the engine compartment
can be heard. This does not indicate an
abnormality.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-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.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the
clutch pedal is not
pushed down all the
way.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever is not
in P or N.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 3 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM