service MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2006 (in English) User Guide

Black plate (282,1)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
qWhen Refueling
lBrake and clutch fluid level (page 8-18)
lEngine coolant level (page 8-15)
lEngine oil level (page 8-13)
lWasher fluid level (page 8-19)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-27)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
lAir filter (page 8-21)
lEngine coolant (page 8-15)
lEngine oil (page 8-14)
8-8
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page282
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (283,1)
Owner Maintenance Precautions
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.
As explained in the Introduction (page 8-2), several procedures can be done only by a
qualified service technician with special tools.
Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If
you're unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fluids. Please
dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil and fluid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
Maintenance Procedures:
Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You can
be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures. If you lack
sufficient knowledge and experience or the proper tools and equipment to do the work,
have it done by a qualified technician.
Running the Engine:
Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even more
dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.
Therefore, if you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain
that you remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and
all neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or
cooling fan which may turn on unexpectedly.
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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-9
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page283
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (288,1)
NOTE
lEach mark from the F mark equates
to about 0.5 L (US 0.5 qt, Imp 0.4
qt).
There are 3 marks between L and F.
lVerify 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
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page288
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (300,1)
NOTE
lRemove the engine and battery
covers before performing battery
maintenance.
Engine cover
Battery cover
lIf the cover has been removed,
install it in the reverse order of
removal.
qBattery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
lKeep it securely mounted.
lKeep the top clean and dry.
lKeep terminals and connections clean,
tight, and coated with petroleum jelly
or terminal grease.
lRinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.
lIf the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
cables.
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page300
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (325,1)
9
Customer Information and Reporting
Safety Defects
Important consumer information including warranties and add-on equipment.
Customer Assistance ............................... 9-2
Customer Assistance (U.S.A.) ............ 9-2
Customer Assistance (Canada) ........... 9-4
Customer Assistance (Puerto Rico) .... 9-7
Mazda Importer/Distributors ................. 9-8
Importer/Distributor ............................ 9-8
Distributor in Each Area ..................... 9-8
Warranty .................................................. 9-9
Warranties for Your Mazda ................. 9-9
Outside the United States .................. 9-10
Outside Canada ................................. 9-11
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country (Except United States and
Canada) ............................................. 9-12
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-13
Cell Phones ............................................. 9-14
Cell Phones Warning ......................... 9-14
Type Approval of Equipment ............... 9-15
Type Approval of Equipment ............ 9-15
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
(UTQGS) ................................................ 9-16
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
(UTQGS) .......................................... 9-16
Tire Information (U.S.A.) ..................... 9-18
Tire Labeling ..................................... 9-18
Location of the Tire Label
(Placard) ............................................ 9-24
Tire Maintenance .............................. 9-27
Vehicle Loading ................................ 9-30
Steps for Determining the Correct Load
Limit: ................................................ 9-37Reporting Safety Defects ....................... 9-38
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.A.) .... 9-38
Reporting Safety Defects (Canada) ... 9-39
Service Publications .............................. 9-40
Service Publications .......................... 9-40
9-1
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page325
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (326,1)
Customer Assistance (U.S.A.)
Your complete and permanent satisfaction is our business. We are here to serve you. All
Authorized Mazda Dealers have the knowledge and the tools to keep your Mazda vehicle
in top condition.
If you have any questions or recommendations for improvement regarding the service of
your Mazda vehicle or servicing by Mazda Dealer personnel, we recommend that you take
the following steps:
qSTEP 1: Contact Your Mazda Dealer
Discuss the matter with an Authorized Mazda Dealer. This is the quickest and best way to
address the issue. If your concern has not been resolved by the CUSTOMER RELATIONS,
SALES, SERVICE, or PARTS MANAGER, then please contact the GENERAL
MANAGER of the dealership or the OWNER.
qSTEP 2: Contact Mazda North American Operations
If for any reason you feel the need for further assistance after contacting your dealership
management, you can reach Mazda North American Operations by one of the following
ways.
Log on: at www.mazdaUSA.com
Answers to many questions, including how to locate or contact a local Mazda dealership in
the U.S., can be found here.
E-mail: click on“Contact Us”at the bottom of the page at www.mazdaUSA.com
By phone at: 1 (800) 222-5500
By letter at:
Attn: Customer Assistance
Mazda North American Operations
7755 Irvine Center Drive
Irvine, CA 92618-2922
P.O. Box 19734
Irvine, CA 92623-9734
In order to serve you efficiently and effectively, please help us by providing the following
information:
1. Your name, address, and telephone number
2. Year and model of vehicle
9-2
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Customer Assistance
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page326
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (328,1)
Customer Assistance (Canada)
qSatisfaction Review Process
Your complete and permanent satisfaction is of primary concern to Mazda. All Authorized
Mazda Dealers have both the knowledge and tools to keep your Mazda in top condition. In
our experience, any questions, problems, or complaints regarding the operation of your
Mazda or any other general service transactions are most effectively resolved by your
dealer. If the cause of your dissatisfaction cannot adequately be addressed by normal
dealership procedures, we recommend that you take the following steps:
qSTEP 1: Contact the Mazda Dealer
Discuss the matter with a member of dealership management. If the Service Manager has
already reviewed your concerns, contact the owner of the dealership or its General
Manager.
qSTEP 2: Contact the Mazda Regional Office
If you feel that you still require assistance, ask the dealer Service Manager to arrange for
you to meet the local Mazda Service Representative. If more expedient, contact Mazda
Canada Inc.Regional Office nearest you for such arrangements. Regional Office address
and phone numbers are shown (page 9-6).
qSTEP 3: Contact the Mazda Customer Relations Department
If still not substantially satisfied, contact the Customer Relations Department, Mazda
Canada Inc., 55 Vogell Road, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3K5 Canada TEL: 1 (800)
263-4680.
Provide the Department with the following information:
1. Your name, address and telephone number
2. Year and model of vehicle
3. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Refer to the“Vehicle Identification Labels”page
of section 10 of this manual for the location of the VIN.
4. Purchase date
5. Present odometer reading
6. Your dealer's name and location
7. The nature of your problem and/or cause of dissatisfaction
The Department, in cooperation with the local Mazda Service Representative, will review
the case to determine if everything possible has been done to ensure your satisfaction.
9-4
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Customer Assistance
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page328
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (329,1)
Please recognize that the resolution of service problems in most cases requires the use of
your Mazda dealer's service facilities, personnel and equipment. We urge you to follow the
above three steps in sequence for most effective results.
qMediation/Arbitration Program
Occasionally a customer concern cannot be resolved through Mazda's Customer
Satisfaction Program. If after exhausting the procedures in this manual your concern is still
not resolved, you have another option.
Mazda Canada Inc. participates in an arbitration program administered by the
Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP). CAMVAP will advise you about
how your concern may be reviewed and resolved by an independent third party through
binding arbitration.
Your complete satisfaction is the goal of Mazda Canada Inc. and our dealers.
Mazda's participation in CAMVAP makes a valuable contribution to our achieving that
goal. There is no charge for using CAMVAP. CAMVAP results are fast, fair and final as the
award is binding on both you and Mazda Canada Inc.
qCanadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP)
If a specific item of concern arises, where a solution cannot be reached between an owner,
Mazda, and/or one of it's dealers (that all parties cannot agree upon), the owner may wish
to use the services offered by the Canadian Motor Vehicle Arbitration Plan (CAMVAP).
CAMVAP uses the services of Provincial Administrators to assist consumers in scheduling
and preparing for their arbitration hearings. However, before you can proceed with
CAMVAP you must follow your Mazda dispute resolution process as outlined previously.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Customer Assistance
9-5
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page329
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (331,1)
Customer Assistance (Puerto Rico)
Your complete and permanent satisfaction is our business. That is why all Authorized
Mazda Dealers have the knowledge and the tools to keep your Mazda vehicle in top
condition.
If you have any questions or recommendations for improvement regarding the service of
your Mazda vehicle or servicing by Mazda Dealer personnel, we recommend that you take
the following steps:
qSTEP 1
Discuss the matter with an Authorized Mazda Dealer. This is the quickest and best way to
address the issue. If your concern has not been resolved by the CUSTOMER RELATIONS,
SALES, SERVICE, or PARTS MANAGER, then please contact the GENERAL
MANAGER of the dealership or the OWNER.
qSTEP 2
If, after following STEP 1, you feel the need for further assistance, please contact your
area's Mazda representative (Indicated on the next page).
Please help us by providing the following information:
1. Your name, address, and telephone number
2. Year and model of vehicle
3. Vehicle Identification Number (17 digits, noted on your registration or title or located on
the upper driver's side corner of the dash)
4. Purchase date and current mileage
5. Your dealer's name and location
6. Your question(s)
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Customer Assistance
9-7
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page331
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (336,1)
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign Country (Except
United States and Canada)
Government regulations in your country could require that automobiles meet specific
emission and safety standards.
Vehicles built for your country may differ from those built for other countries. In addition
to registration problems, satisfactory service may be difficult or even impossible in another
country.
The fuel specified for your vehicle may be unavailable.
Parts, servicing techniques, and tools necessary to maintain and repair your vehicle may be
unavailable.
There might not be an Authorized Mazda Dealer in the country you plan to take your
vehicle.
The Mazda warranty is valid only in certain countries.
9-12
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Warranty
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page336
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J