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

4-5
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide)
Carbon Monoxide:
Engine exhaust gas is dangerous. This gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless, odorless, and poisonous. When inhaled, it can cause loss of consciousness
and death. If you smell exhaust gas inside your vehicle, keep all windows fully open
and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer immediately.
Exhaust Gas in Enclosed Area:
Running the engine inside an enclosed area, such as a garage, is dangerous. Exhaust
gas, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could easily enter the cabin. Loss of
consciousness or even death could occur. Don’t run the engine when inside an
enclosed area.
Idling with the Windows Closed:
Exhaust gas is dangerous. When your vehicle is stopped with the windows closed and
the engine running for a long time in an open area, exhaust gas, which contains
poisonous carbon monoxide, could enter the cabin. Loss of consciousness or even
death could occur. Open the windows or adjust the heating or cooling system to draw
fresh air.
Snow Blocking the Exhaust Gas:
Running the engine when a vehicle is stopped in deep snow is dangerous. The exhaust
pipe could be blocked by the snow, allowing exhaust gas to enter the cabin. Because
exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide, anyone in the cabin could be
injured or killed. Clear the snow from underneath and around your vehicle,
particularly the tail pipe, before starting the engine.
WARNING
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 5 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

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

5-15
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Shifting specification
Shifting up
If the vehicle speed is lower than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted up to a higher gear.
Shifting down
If the vehicle speed is higher than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted down to a lower gear.
During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to
the following:
If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:Recommendations for shiftingUpshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade
, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steep downgrade
, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.

Driving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transmission
will shift to a lower gear, depending on
vehicle speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release all brakes while gradually
accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
Gear Vehicle speed
M1→
M2You can shift up to M2
whether the vehicle is
stopped or moving.
M2→
M3 20 km/h (12 mph)
M3→
M4 20 km/h (12 mph)
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→
M3 163 km/h (101 mph)
M3→
M2 112 km/h (70 mph)
M2→
M1 45 km/h (28 mph)
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→
M3 31 km/h (19 mph)
M3 or M2→
M1 8 km/h (5 mph)
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven at a low speed
from a standing start while in M2, the
gear may not shift down to M1
automatically.
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→
M3 149 km/h (93 mph)
M4→
M2 56 km/h (35 mph)
M3→
M2 56 km/h (35 mph)
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
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5-32
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.
If the needle exceeds normal range toward
H, it indicates overheating. Don’t run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine damage.
NOTE
•The beep sounds to indicate engine
overrev when the tachometer needle
enters the striped zone.
•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.
Red zone Striped zone
Manual transmission
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine
can cause serious engine damage
(page 7-18).
CAUTION
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 32 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

5-51
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.

Windshield Wipers
Turn the wipers on by pulling the lever
down.
INT
— Intermittent
1
— Normal
2
— Fast
Variable-speed intermittent wipers
Set the lever to INT and choose the
interval timing by rotating the ring.
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
Frozen Washer Fluid:
Using windshield washer fluid in
freezing temperatures is dangerous.
The washer fluid could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision.
You could have an accident. Don’t use
the washer without first warming the
windshield.
NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam
the wiper blades, the wiper motor is
protected from motor breakdown,
overheating and possible fire by a
circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the
blades, but only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper
switch and park off the right-of-way,
and remove the snow and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and
the blades should operate normally. If
they don’t resume functioning, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon
as possible.
WARNING
OFF
INT
1
2
OFF
INT
INT ring
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 51 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

5-58
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
7. Firmly press and release the "learn" or
"smart" button. (The name and color of
the button may vary by manufacturer.)
8. Return to the vehicle and firmly press,
hold for two seconds and release
the
programmed HomeLink button. Repeat
the "press/hold/release"
sequence a
second time, and, depending on the
brand of the garage door opener (or
other rolling code equipped device),
repeat this sequence a third time to
complete the programming process.
HomeLink should now activate your
rolling code equipped device.
For questions or comments, please contact
HomeLink at www.homelink.com or 1-
800-355-3515.
Gate operator/Canadian
Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require
transmitter signals to "time-out"(or quit)
after several seconds of transmission -
which may not be long enough for
HomeLink to pick up the signal during
programming. Similar to this Canadian
law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to "time-out" in the same
manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having
difficulties programming a gate operator
by using the "Programming" procedures
(regardless of where you live), replace
"Programming HomeLink" step 3
with
the following:
3. Continue to press and hold the
HomeLink button while you press and
release - every two seconds
("cycle")
your hand-held transmitter until the
frequency signal has successfully been
accepted by HomeLink. (The indicator
light will flash slowly and then
rapidly.)
Proceed with "Programming" step 4 to
complete.
NOTE
There are 30 seconds in which to
initiate step 8.
NOTE
To program the remaining two
HomeLink buttons, begin with
"Programming" - step 2. Do not
repeat step 1.
NOTE
If programming a garage door opener
or gate operator, it is advised to unplug
the device during the "cycling" process
to prevent possible overheating.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 58 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

6-6
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Mode selector switch
Press the mode selector switch to select
airflow mode (page 6-4).
A/C switch
Push the switch to turn the air conditioner
on. The indicator light on the switch will
illuminate when the fan control dial is set
at position 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Push the switch once again to turn the air
conditioner off.Air intake selector
This switch controls the source of air
entering the vehicle.
Press the switch to alternate between the
and positions. The indicator
light for the selected mode will
illuminate.
It is recommended that under normal
conditions the switch be kept in the
outside air position.
Outside air position ( )
Outside air is taken into the vehicle. Use
this position for normal ventilation and
heating.
Recirculated air position ( )
Outside air is shut off. Air within the
vehicle is recirculated.
This position can be used when driving on
a dusty road or in similar conditions. It
also helps to provide quicker cooling of
the interior.
NOTE
To set the air vent to , press the
windshield defroster switch.
NOTE
The air conditioner may not function
when the outside temperature
approaches 0
°C (32
°F).
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6-7
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
Windshield defroster switch
Press the switch to defrost the windshield
and front door windows.

Heating
1. Press the mode selector switch to the
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
hot position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.

Cooling (With Air Conditioner)
1. Press the mode selector switch to the
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.
4. Turn on the air conditioner.
5. Adjust the fan control dial and
temperature control dial to maintain
maximum comfort.
The Recirculated Air Position:
Using the position in cold or
rainy weather will cause the glass to
fog up. Your vision will be hampered,
which could lead to a serious
accident. Do not use the position
in cold or rainy weather.
WARNINGNOTE
•If the windshield fogs up easily, set
the mode selector switch to the
position.
•If cooler air is desired at face level,
set the mode selector switch at the
position and adjust the
temperature control dial to maintain
maximum comfort.
•The air to the floor is warmer than
air to the face (except when the
temperature control dial is set at the
extreme hot or cold position).
•In the position, air conditioning
is automatically turned on to defrost
the windshield (however, the
indicator light does not illuminate)
and the position is
automatically selected.
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 7 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

6-8
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C

Ventilation
1. Press the mode selector switch to the
position.
2. Set the air intake selector to the
position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
4. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.

Windshield Defrosting and
Defogging
1. Press the windshield defroster switch.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed. When using the air conditioner while
driving up long hills or in heavy traffic,
closely monitor the temperature gauge
(page 5-32).
The air conditioner may cause engine
overheating. If the gauge indicates
overheating, turn the air conditioner
off.
NOTE
•When maximum cooling is desired,
set the temperature control dial to
the extreme cold position and set
the air intake selector to the
position, then set the fan control dial
to position 4.
•If warmer air is desired at floor
level, set the mode selector switch
at the position and adjust the
temperature control dial to maintain
maximum comfort.
•The air to the floor is warmer than
air to the face (except when the
temperature control dial is set at the
extreme hot or cold position).
CAUTION
Foggy Windshield:
Using the position with the
temperature control set to the cold
position will cause the outside of the
glass to fog up. Your vision will be
hampered, which could lead to a
serious accident. Set the temperature
control to the hot or warm position
when using the position.
NOTE
•For maximum defrosting, set the
temperature control dial to the
extreme hot position and the fan
control dial to position 4.
•If warm air is desired at the floor,
set the mode selector switch to the
position.
•In the or position, air
conditioning is automatically turned
on to defrost the windshield quickly
(however, the indicator light does
not illuminate) and the
position is automatically selected.
The air intake selector switch
cannot be changed to the
position.
WARNING
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 8 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM

6-43
Interior Comfort
Interior Equipment
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
To use, open the cover.
To remove, open the cover and pull up the
ashtray. •Don’t touch the metal part of the
lighter, you may burn yourself.
•Don’t hold the lighter in because it
will overheat.
•Don’t use the lighter socket for
plug-in accessories such as shavers
and coffee pots. They may damage
it or cause electrical failure. Use
only a genuine Mazda lighter or the
equivalent.
•If the lighter doesn’t pop out within
30 seconds, remove it to prevent
overheating.
CAUTIONAshtray
Don’t use the ashtray for trash. You
might start a fire.
CAUTION
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 43 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PM