check oil MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2005 Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (73,1)
Hood
WARNING
Closed and Securely Locked Hood:
A hood that is not closed and securely
locked is dangerous as it could fly
open while the vehicle is moving and
block the driver's vision which could
result in a serious accident. Always
check that the hood is closed and
securely locked.
qOpening the Hood
1. With the vehicle parked, pull the
release handle to unlock the hood.
Release handle
2. Slide the hood latch to the right and lift
the hood.
3. Use the support rod to hold the hood
open.
Clip
Support rod
qClosing the Hood
1. Check under the hood area to make
certain all filler caps are in place and
all loose items (e.g. tools, oil
containers, etc.) have been removed.
2. Insert the support rod in its clip while
holding up the hood. Verify that the
support rod is secured in the clip before
closing the hood.
3. Close the hood so that it locks securely.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-21
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Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch
fluid, washer fluid, and other fluid
levels should be inspected. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?
lIs the seat adjusted properly?
lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?
lCheck all gauges.
lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
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qFuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is in the tank. 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
qEngine Oil Pressure Gauge
Engine oil pressure is normal when the
engine oil pressure gauge needle points
halfway between L and H with the engine
running.
If the needle on the gauge doesn't move
after starting the engine, follow steps 1
through 3.If the engine oil pressure gauge moves to
L (low) while you are driving, drive to the
side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Set the parking brake. Then follow
steps 1 through 3.
1. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-13). If it's low,
add oil.
2. Start the engine.
3. If the needle still doesn't move, have
your vehicle checked at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the oil pressure
is low. It could result in extensive
engine damage.
NOTE
The Mazda RX-8 requires regular
checking of the engine oil level. The
compact, high performance RENESIS
rotary engine in your vehicle consumes
a small amount of engine oil due to its
structural design. An oil pump
optimizes the amount of oil injected to
lubricate the rotor seals in the
combustion cycle. Although your
vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
level warning light and an engine oil
pressure gauge, it is best to keep the
engine oil level in the range between
full and low by checking the oil
dipstick regularly. Mazda recommends
checking the oil level at every second
fuel filling. The oil consumption of the
engine depends on engine speed and
engine load. Under extreme driving
conditions, oil consumption can be
higher.
5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Black plate (132,1)
Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
Signal Warning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-38
Charging System Warning Light 5-39
Engine Oil Level Warning Light 5-39
Engine Coolant Level Warning Light 5-40
Check Engine Light 5-40
ABS Warning Light 5-41
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light 5-41
Low Fuel Warning Light 5-42
Seat Belt Warning Light 5-42
5-36
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8T69-EA-04G

Black plate (135,1)
qCharging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.
qEngine Oil Level Warning Light
This warning light indicates low engine
oil level.
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way.2. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-13). If it's low,
add oil.
3. Check the light.
If the engine oil level warning light is
illuminated and you are unable to
immediately add engine oil, do not drive
at high speed, keep the engine speed low
and get to a location where oil can be
added as soon as possible. We recommend
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, have your vehicle checked at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the oil level is
low. It could result in extensive engine
damage.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-39
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Black plate (136,1)
NOTE
The Mazda RX-8 requires regular
checking of the engine oil level. The
compact, high performance RENESIS
rotary engine in your vehicle consumes
a small amount of engine oil due to its
structural design. An oil pump
optimizes the amount of oil injected to
lubricate the rotor seals in the
combustion cycle. Although your
vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
level warning light and an engine oil
pressure gauge, it is best to keep the
engine oil level in the range between
full and low by checking the oil
dipstick regularly. Mazda recommends
checking the oil level at every second
fuel filling. The oil consumption of the
engine depends on engine speed and
engine load. Under extreme driving
conditions, oil consumption can be
higher.
qEngine Coolant Level Warning
Light
This warning light indicates low engine
coolant level.
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way.
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine coolant level (page 8-15). If it's
low, add engine coolant.3. Check the light.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add engine coolant, have your vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the engine
coolant level is low. It could result in
extensive engine damage.
qCheck Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
lThe fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
lThe engine's electrical system has a
problem.
lThe emission control system has a
problem.
lThe fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
5-40
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Black plate (246,1)
Engine Oil
NOTE
The Mazda RX-8 requires regular
checking of the engine oil level. The
compact, high performance RENESIS
rotary engine in your vehicle consumes
a small amount of engine oil due to its
structural design. An oil pump
optimizes the amount of oil injected to
lubricate the rotor seals in the
combustion cycle. Although your
vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
level warning light and an engine oil
pressure gauge, it is best to keep the
engine oil level in the range between
full and low by checking the oil
dipstick regularly. Mazda recommends
checking the oil level at every second
fuel filling. The oil consumption of the
engine depends on engine speed and
engine load. Under extreme driving
conditions, oil consumption can be
higher.
qRecommended Oil
Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil.
Oil container labels provide important
information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes
to fuel economy is reducing the amount of
fuel necessary to overcome engine
friction.
U.S.A. and CANADA
(ILSAC)
Only use oils“Certified For Gasoline
Engines”by the American Petroleum
Institute (API). An oil with this trademark
symbol conforms to the current engine
and emission system protection standards
and fuel economy requirements of the
International Lubricant Standardization
and Approval Committee (ILSAC),
comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
5W-20
120 100 80
60 40
20
0 –20
50 40 30
20 10
0 –10
–20 –30
8-12
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Black plate (248,1)
NOTE
Verify that the engine cover is securely
installed.
qChanging Engine Oil and Filter
Change engine oil and filter according to
Scheduled Maintenance (page 8-3).
Please act responsibly―protect the
environment and take used oil to a
recycling facility. Ask your dealer or a
service station for information.
WARNING
Handling Used Engine Oil:
Continuous contact with used engine
oil is dangerous. It could cause skin
cancer. Always wash with soap and
water immediately after changing oil
and filter.
Changing engine oil
WARNING
Checking or Changing Engine Oil:
Hot engine oil is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, the engine
oil becomes very hot. You could be
seriously burned. Don't check or
change the engine oil when the engine
is hot.1. Remove the engine cover.
2. Warm up the engine for a few minutes
and turn it off. Remove the oil-filler
cap.
3. Remove the drain plug and drain the
oil into a suitable container.
4. Replace the plug tightly after the oil
has thoroughly drained.
5. Fill the engine with new oil to the F
mark on the dipstick.
6. Securely reinstall the oil-filler cap.
LoosenTighten
Forward
Drain Plug
7. Start the engine and inspect around the
drain plug for leaks.
8. Turn it off and wait 5 minutes for the
oil to return to the oil pan.
8-14
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Black plate (249,1)
Check the oil level and fill to the F mark
if necessary.
Oil capacity (General reference only,
refer to Specifications section for
capacities.)
NOTE
lThe indicated engine oil capacities
are for general reference purposes
only. When adding or changing oil,
verify the engine oil level with the
oil dipstick.
lUse only specified engine oil (page
10-4).
lVerify that the engine cover is
securely installed.
Changing oil filter
Because you need a special tool to
retighten the filter, an Authorized Mazda
Dealer should do the work.
Engine Coolant
qInspecting Coolant Level
WARNING
Hot Engine:
A hot engine is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, parts of the
engine compartment can become very
hot. You could be burned. Carefully
inspect the engine coolant in the
coolant reservoir, but do not open it.
Do not use a match or live flame in the
engine compartment. DO NOT ADD
COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS
HOT.
Electrical Fan and Engine
Inspection:
Working near the electrical cooling
fan when it is running is dangerous.
You could be hit by the fan and
seriously injured. Turn off the ignition
switch and make sure the fan is not
running before attempting to work
near the electrical cooling fan.
Cooling System Cap:
When the engine and radiator are hot,
scalding coolant and steam may shoot
out under pressure and cause serious
injury. Don't remove the cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-15
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Black plate (311,1)
qCapacities
(Approximate Quantities)
ItemUnit
L US qt Imp qt
Engine oilWith oil filter replacement 3.5 3.7 3.1
Without oil filter replacement 3.3 3.5 2.9
Coolant 9.8 10.4 8.6
Manual transmission oil 1.75 1.8 1.5
Automatic transmission fluid 8.7 9.2 7.7
Rear differential oil 1.3 1.4 1.1
Fuel tank 60 15.9 (US gal) 13.2 (Imp gal)
Check oil and fluid levels with dipsticks or reservoir gauges.
qDimensions
Item Model
Overall length 4,425 mm (174.2 in), 4,430 mm*(174.4 in)
Overall width 1,770 mm (69.7 in)
Overall height 1,340 mm (52.8 in)
Front tread 1,500 mm (59.1 in)
Rear tread 1,505 mm (59.3 in)
Wheelbase 2,700 mm (106.3 in)
* With license plate holder
qWeights
ItemWeight
Manual transmission Automatic transmission
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) 1,728 kg (3,809 lb) 1,748 kg (3,854 lb)
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)Front 827 kg (1,823 lb) 841 kg (1,854 lb)
Rear 901 kg (1,986 lb) 907 kg (2,000 lb)
CW (Curb Weight)U.S.A. 1,374 kg (3,029 lb) 1,385 kg (3,053 lb)
Canada 1,384 kg (3,051 lb) 1,394 kg (3,073 lb)
qAir Conditioner
Gas complies with SAE J639 Maximum operating charge
HFC134a (R-134a) 0.42 kg (14.8 oz)
Specifications
10-5
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