ESP MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2006 Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (27,1)
WARNING
Expended Seat Belt Pretensioners:
One or both front air bags may deploy,
and the corresponding pretensioner(s)
will also deploy at the same time. Use
of front seat belts with the
pretensioner system expended is
dangerous. Like the air bags, the seat
belt pretensioners will only function
once. After they are expended, they
will not function again and must be
replaced immediately. If the seat belt
pretensioners are not replaced, the
risk of injury in a collision will
increase. Always have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer inspect the seat belt
pretensioners and air bags after any
collision. Expended seat belt
pretensioners and air bags must be
replaced after any collision which
caused them to deploy. Additionally,
the load limiter will only limit loads on
the chest once in a collision and is
another reason to have the front seat
belts inspected.
Modification or Testing of the
Pretensioner System:
Modifying the components or wiring
of the pretensioner system, including
the use of electronic testing devices is
dangerous. You could accidentally
activate it or make it inoperable which
would prevent it from activating in an
accident. The occupants or repairers
could be seriously injured. Never
modify the components or wiring, or
use electronic testing devices on the
pretensioner system.
WARNING
Pretensioner System Disposal:
Improper disposal of the pretensioner
system or a vehicle with non-
deactivated pretensioners is
dangerous. Unless all safety
procedures are followed, injury could
result. Ask an Authorized Mazda
Dealer how to safely dispose of the
pretensioner system or how to scrap a
pretensioner-equipped vehicle.
NOTE
lThe pretensioner system will only
activate in a moderate or greater
frontal or near-frontal collision. It
will not activate in most rollovers,
side or rear impacts.
lSome smoke (non-toxic gas) will be
released when the air bags and
pretensioners deploy. This does not
indicate a fire. This gas normally has
no effect on occupants, however,
those with sensitive skin may
experience light skin irritation. If
residue from the deployment of the
air bags or the front pretensioner
system gets on the skin or in the
eyes, wash it off as soon as possible.
Essential Safety Equipment
Seat Belt Systems
2-15
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page27
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:53 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (32,1)
WARNING
Use the correct size child-restraint system:
For effective protection in vehicle accidents and sudden stops, a child must be
properly restrained using a seat belt or child-restraint system depending on age and
size. If not, the child could be seriously injured or even killed in an accident.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and always keep the child-restraint system
buckled down:
An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision it
could move causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. Make sure
any child-restraint system is properly secured in place according to the child-restraint
system manufacturer's instructions. When not in use, remove it from the vehicle or
fasten it with a seat belt, or latch it down to BOTH LATCH lower anchors for LATCH
child-restraint systems and the corresponding tether anchor.
Always secure a child in a proper child-restraint system:
Holding a child in your arms while the vehicle is moving is extremely dangerous. No
matter how strong the person may be, he or she cannot hold onto a child in a sudden
stop or collision and it could result in serious injury or death to the child or other
occupants. Even in a moderate accident, the child may be exposed to air bag forces
that could result in serious injury or death to the child, or the child may be slammed
into the adult, injuring the adult.
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.
2-20
Essential Safety Equipment
Child Restraint
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page32
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:53 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (66,1)
3. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the
crack and press the battery out.
4. Insert the new battery (CR2025 or
equivalent) with the positive pole (
)
facing the (
) mark on the cap.
5. Rotate and close the cap.
Cap
6. Reinsert the auxiliary key.
qService
If you have a problem with the advanced
keyless functions, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
If your advanced key is lost or stolen,
bring all remaining advanced keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible for a replacement and to make
the lost or stolen advanced key
inoperative.
CAUTION
Radio equipment like this is governed
by laws in the United States.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
3-6
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page66
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (88,1)
CAUTION
Radio equipment like this is governed
by laws in the United States.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
Door Locks
WARNING
Unattended Children and Pets:
Leaving a child or an animal
unattended in a parked vehicle is
dangerous. In hot weather,
temperatures inside a vehicle can
become high enough to cause brain
damage or even death. Always take all
children and animals with you or
leave a responsible person with them.
Keys and Children:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the
key is dangerous. This could result in
someone being badly injured or even
killed. They could play with power
windows or other controls, or even
make the vehicle move. Don't leave the
keys in your vehicle with children and
keep them in a place where your
children will not find or play with
them.
Unlocked Doors:
Unlocked doors in a moving vehicle
are dangerous. Passengers can fall out
if a door is accidentally opened and
can more easily be thrown out in an
accident. So keep all doors locked
when driving.
3-28
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page88
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (97,1)
qOpening the Trunk Lid from the
Inside
Slide the inside trunk release lever in the
direction of the arrow. The lever is made
of material that will glow for hours in the
darkness of the trunk following a brief
exposure to ambient light.
The inside trunk release lever is located
on the inside of the trunk end trim.
Power Windows
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position for the power windows to
operate.
WARNING
Closing Power Windows:
Closing power windows are
dangerous. A person's hands, head, or
even neck could be caught by the
window and result in serious injury or
even death.
This warning applies especially to
children. Make sure the opening is
clear before closing a window.
Children and Power Windows:
Leaving the power window switches
unlocked while children are in the
vehicle is dangerous. Power window
switches that are not locked with the
power window lock switch would allow
children to operate power windows
unintentionally which could result in
serious injury if a child's hands, head
or neck becomes caught by the
window. Always lock all passenger
power windows with the power
window lock switch on the driver's
side while children are in the vehicle,
and never allow children to play with
power window switches.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-37
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page97
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (103,1)
Moonroofí
The moonroof can be opened or closed
electrically only when the ignition switch
is in the ON position.
Tilt switch Slide switch
WARNING
Extending the Head or Arms Through
the Moonroof:
Extending the head, arms, or other
parts of the body through the
moonroof is dangerous. The head or
arms could hit something while the
vehicle is moving. This could cause
serious injury or death. Don't let
passengers stand up or extend
anything through the open moonroof
while the vehicle is moving.
Closing the Moonroof:
A closing moonroof is dangerous. The
hands, head, or even neck of a person
―especially a child―could be caught
in it as it closes, causing serious injury
or even death. Make sure the opening
is clear before closing the moonroof.
NOTE
After washing your Mazda or after a
rain, wipe the water off the moonroof
before operating it to avoid water
penetration which could cause rust and
water damage to your headliner.
qTilt Operation
The rear of the moonroof can be tilted
open to provide more ventilation.
To fully tilt automatically, push the rear of
the tilt switch.
To stop tilting partway, push any part of
the tilt or slide switch.
To close to the desired position, push the
front of the tilt or slide switch.
CloseTilt up
Close
qSlide Operation
To fully open automatically, push the rear
of the slide switch.
To stop sliding partway, push any part of
the tilt or slide switch.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-43íSome models. RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page103
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (105,1)
Immobilizer System (with
Advanced Key)
The immobilizer system allows the engine
to start only with an advanced key the
system recognizes.
If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized key, the engine will
not start, thereby helping to prevent the
theft of your vehicle.
CAUTION
lRadio equipment like this is
governed by laws in the United
States.
Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.
lTo avoid damage to the key, do not:
lDrop the key.lGet the key wet.lExpose the key to any kind of
magnetic field.
lExpose the key to high
temperatures on places such as the
dashboard or hood, under direct
sunlight.
CAUTION
Do not allow the following when
starting the engine with the auxiliary
key due to an advanced key dead
battery or other malfunction. Otherwise
the signal from the auxiliary key will
not be received correctly and the engine
may not start.
lMetal parts of other keys or metal
objects touch the key grip.
lSpare auxiliary keys or keys for
other vehicles equipped with an
immobilizer system touch or come
near the auxiliary key.
lEquipment containing electronic
components or cards with magnetic
strips such as credit cards come near
the auxiliary key.
NOTE
l(U.S.A.)
This device complies with Part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
l(CANADA)
This device complies with RSS-210
of Industry CANADA. Operation is
subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
3-45
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page105
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (108,1)
Immobilizer System
(without Advanced Key)
The immobilizer system allows the engine
to start only with a key the system
recognizes.
If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized key, the engine will
not start, thereby helping to prevent the
theft of your vehicle.
CAUTION
lRadio equipment like this is
governed by laws in the United
States.
Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.
lTo avoid damage to the key, do not:
lDrop the key.lGet the key wet.lExpose the key to any kind of
magnetic field.
lExpose the key to high
temperatures on places such as the
dashboard or hood, under direct
sunlight.
CAUTION
When starting the engine do not allow
the following, as the engine may not
start due to the electronic signal from
the ignition key not being transmitted
correctly.
lA key ring rests on the key grip.
lMetal parts of other keys or metal
objects touch the key grip.
lSpare keys or keys for other vehicles
equipped with an immobilizer
system touch or come near the key
grip.
lDevices for electronic purchases, or
security passage touch or come near
the key.
3-48
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page108
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (137,1)
NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes
an indicator of leakage. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible even if the brake light is no
longer illuminated.
WARNING
Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. It indicates that
your brakes may not work at all or
that they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains on, after
checking that the parking brake is
fully released, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don't drive
with this light on, have the vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
qAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
is about to lock up, the ABS responds by
automatically releasing and reapplying
that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal when the ABS operates. Don't
pump the brakes, continue to press down
on the brake pedal.
WARNING
ABS:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident. So do not rely
on ABS as a substitute for safe
driving.
NOTE
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
qABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-7
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page137
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (157,1)
TPMS does not alleviate your need to
check the pressure and condition of all
four tires before you drive each day.
CAUTION
lEach tire, including the spare (if
provided), should be checked
monthly when cold and inflated to
the inflation pressure recommended
by the vehicle manufacturer on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has
tires of a different size than the size
indicated on the vehicle placard or
tire inflation pressure label, you
should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.)
As an added safety feature, your
vehicle has been equipped with a tire
pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
that illuminates a low tire pressure
telltale when one or more of your
tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as
soon as possible, and inflate them to
the proper pressure. Driving on a
significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire
maintenance, and it is the driver's
responsibility to maintain correct tire
pressure, even if under-inflation has
not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
CAUTION
lTo avoid false readings, the system
samples for a little while before
indicating a problem. As a result it
will not instantaneously register a
rapid tire deflation or blow out.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Light
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the warning light illuminates
when tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires, and flashes when there is a
system malfunction.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-27
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page157
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:54 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J