automatic transmission MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2006 (in English) Owner's Manual

Black plate (259,1)
NOTE
lMake sure the jack is well lubricated
before using it.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
lBe sure to register the tire pressure
sensor ID signal code whenever tires
or wheels are changed (page 5-30).
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-
way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle
and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, and tool (page 7-3).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite
the tire to be changed. When blocking
a wheel, place a tire block both in front
and behind the tire.
NOTE
When blocking a tire, use rocks or
wood blocks of sufficient size to hold
the tire in place.
qRemoving the Tire
1. Loosen the lug nuts by turning them
counterclockwise one turn each, but
don't remove any until the tire has been
raised off the ground.
2. Place the jack under the jacking
position closest to the tire being
changed.
Jacking position
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-13
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page259
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (264,1)
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.
WARNING
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.
Steam from Overheated Engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you. Open the hood
ONLY after steam is no longer
escaping from the engine.
NOTE
Once the engine coolant exceeds a
preset temperature, an electrical cooling
fan turns on. It will continue running
for about 10 minutes after the ignition
switch is turned to off.
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and
park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transmission in park (P), a manual
transmission in neutral.
Apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner.
4. Check whether coolant or steam is
escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Don't go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the engine
temperature will increase. Stop the
engine and call an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
7-18
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page264
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (270,1)
8. When finished, carefully disconnect the
cables in the reverse order described in
Step 6.
NOTE
Verify that the engine cover is securely
installed.
Push-Starting
WARNING
Towing a Vehicle to Start It:
Towing a vehicle to start it is
dangerous. The vehicle being towed
could surge forward when its engine
starts, causing the two vehicles to
collide. The occupants could be
injured. Never tow a vehicle to start it.
You can't start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission by pushing it.
CAUTION
Do not push-start a vehicle that has a
manual transmission. It can damage the
emission control system.
7-24
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Starting
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page270
Thursday, August 25 2005 4:59 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (368,1)
Specifications
qEngine
Item Model
Type Rotary engine
Displacement 654 ml × 2 (654 cc × 2, 40.0 cu in × 2)
Compression ratio 10.0
qElectrical System
Item Classification
Battery 12V-52AH/5HR
Alternator 12 V - 100 A
Starter 12 V - 2.0 kW
Spark-plug numberTrailing side N3Y1 18 110, N3H1 18 110C
*1*2
Leading side N3Y8 18 110, N3Y9 18 110, N3H5 18 110*1*2
Spark-plug gap 1.15―1.25 mm (0.046―0.049 in)
*1 Standard
*2 ex factory
CAUTION
When cleaning the iridium plugs, do not use a wire brush. The fine particulate coating on
the iridium alloy and platinum tips could be damaged.
qLubricant Quality
Lubricant Classification
Engine oil Refer to the recommended SAE viscosity numbers on page 8-12.
Manual transmission oil API Service GL-4 (SAE 75W-90)
Automatic transmission fluid JWS3309
Rear differential oilAPI Service GL-5 (SAE 90)
API Service GL-5 (SAE 80W-90)
API Service GL-5 (SAE 75W-90)
*
Brake/Clutch fluid SAE J1703 or FMVSS116 DOT-3
* Not available from Mazda
10-4
Specifications
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page368
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (369,1)
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 1.85 1.54
Automatic transmission fluid 7.9 8.4 7.0
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 (3,810 lbs) 1,748 kg (3,854 lbs)
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)Front 827 kg (1,823 lbs) 844 kg (1,861 lbs)
Rear 901 kg (1,986 lbs) 907 kg (2,000 lbs)
CW (Curb Weight)U.S.A. 1,381 kg (3,045 lbs) 1,395 kg (3,075 lbs)
Canada 1,389 kg (3,062 lbs) 1,404 kg (3,095 lbs)
qAir Conditioner
Gas complies with SAE J639 Maximum operating charge
HFC134a (R-134a) 0.42 kg (14.8 oz)
Specifications
10-5
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page369
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (374,1)
A
Accessory Socket .............................. 6-49
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories ....................................... 9-13
Advanced Key ..................................... 3-2
Advanced key maintenance ......... 3-5
Advanced key suspend
function ...................................... 3-17
Auxiliary key .............................. 3-16
Locking, unlocking with request
switch ........................................... 3-8
Opening the trunk lid with request
switch ......................................... 3-10
Operational range ......................... 3-7
Remote control function ............. 3-14
Service ......................................... 3-6
Air Bag Systems ............................... 2-30
Air Filter ............................................ 8-21
Ambient Temperature Display .......... 6-42
Antenna ............................................. 6-10
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) ......... 5-7
Warning light ............................... 5-7
Appearance Care ............................... 8-44
Ashtray .............................................. 6-44
Audio System ................................... 6-10
Audio control switch .................. 6-34
Audio set .................................... 6-17
Operating tips for audio
system ........................................ 6-10
Safety certification ..................... 6-37
Automatic Transmission
Driving tips ................................ 5-17
Manual shift mode ..................... 5-13
Shift-lock system ....................... 5-12
Transmission ranges ................... 5-11
B
Battery
Emergency starting .................... 7-20
Maintenance ............................... 8-24
Specifications ............................. 10-4
Beep Sounds
Engine overrev warning beep .... 5-53
Ignition key reminder ................. 5-52
Lights-on reminder ..................... 5-52
Seat belt warning beep ............... 5-52
Tire inflation pressure warning
beep ............................................ 5-53
Before Starting the Engine .................. 4-6
After getting in ............................. 4-6
Before getting in .......................... 4-6
Body Lubrication .............................. 8-20
Brake/Clutch
Fluid ........................................... 8-18
Brakes
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) ..... 5-7
Foot brake .................................... 5-5
Pad wear indicator ........................ 5-8
Parking brake ............................... 5-5
Warning light ............................... 5-6
Break-In Period ................................... 4-7
Bulb Replacement ............................. 8-32
C
Capacities .......................................... 10-5
Carbon Monoxide ............................... 4-5
Catalytic Converter ............................. 4-3
Cell Phones ....................................... 9-14
Center Console .................................. 6-47
11-2
Index
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page374
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (375,1)
C
Child Restraint
Child restraint precautions ......... 2-19
Installing child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-23
LATCH child-restraint
systems ....................................... 2-28
Cigarette Lighter ............................... 6-43
Climate Control System ...................... 6-2
Gas specifications ...................... 10-5
Clock ................................................. 6-42
Coin Box ........................................... 6-46
Courtesy Lights ................................. 6-40
Cruise Control ................................... 5-19
Cup Holder ........................................ 6-45
Customer Assistance ........................... 9-2
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-37
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-55
Defroster
Rear window .............................. 5-59
Dimensions ....................................... 10-5
Door Locks ....................................... 3-28
Driving In Flooded Area ................... 4-11
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-7
Automatic transmission .............. 5-17
Break-in period ............................ 4-7
Driving in flooded area .............. 4-11
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-8
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-7
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-9
Winter driving .............................. 4-9
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ..... 5-23
DSC OFF indicator light ............ 5-24
DSC OFF switch ........................ 5-25
TCS/DSC Indicator light ............ 5-24
E
Emergency Starting ........................... 7-20
Jump-starting .............................. 7-21
Push-starting .............................. 7-24
Emergency Towing ........................... 7-25
Emission Control System .................... 4-3
Engine
Coolant ....................................... 8-15
Exhaust gas .................................. 4-5
Hood release .............................. 3-42
Oil .............................................. 8-12
Overheating ................................ 7-18
Starting ......................................... 5-4
Engine Compartment Overview ........ 8-11
Engine Coolant
Overheating ................................ 7-18
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-35
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-5
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-46
F
Flasher
Hazard warning .......................... 5-61
Headlights .................................. 5-54
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3
Changing .................................... 7-12
Instant Mobility System
(IMS) Emergency Flat Tire Repair
Kit ................................................ 7-5
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Fluids
Classification .............................. 10-4
Owner maintenance ..................... 8-8
Fog Lights ......................................... 5-56
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-5
Front Seats
(Electrically Operated Seats) ............... 2-5
Index
11-3
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page375
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (377,1)
L
Lane-Change Signals ........................ 5-56
Light Bulbs
Replacement ............................... 8-32
Specifications ............................. 10-6
Lighter ............................................... 6-43
Lighting Control ............................... 5-54
Lubricant Quality .............................. 10-4
M
Maintenance
Introduction .................................. 8-2
Owner maintenance precautions ... 8-9
Owner maintenance schedule ....... 8-8
Scheduled ..................................... 8-3
Manual Transmission Operation ......... 5-9
Recommendations for shifting.... 5-10
Map Lights ........................................ 6-39
Meters and Gauges ........................... 5-32
Mirrors
Outside mirrors .......................... 3-53
Rearview mirror ......................... 3-54
Money-Saving Suggestions ................ 4-7
Moonroof .......................................... 3-43
O
Odometer and Trip Meter .................. 5-33
Outside Mirrors ................................. 3-53
Overhead Console ............................. 6-46
Overhead Lights ................................ 6-39
Overheating ....................................... 7-18
Overloading ...................................... 4-12
P
Paint Damage .................................... 8-44
Parking Brake ..................................... 5-5
P
Parking in an Emergency .................... 7-2
Power Door Locks ............................ 3-30
Power Steering .................................. 5-18
Power steering malfunction indicator
light ............................................ 5-18
Power Windows ................................ 3-37
Push-Starting ..................................... 7-24
R
Rear Quarter Windows ..................... 3-39
Rear Seat ............................................. 2-8
Rear Window Defroster .................... 5-59
Rearview Mirror ................................ 3-54
Recreational Towing ......................... 7-27
Registering Your Vehicle in A Foreign
Country ............................................. 9-12
Rocking the Vehicle ............................ 4-9
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................. 9-38
Seat Belt System
3-point type ................................ 2-13
Automatic locking ...................... 2-11
Belt minder ................................. 2-17
Emergency locking .................... 2-11
Extender ..................................... 2-16
Location of seat belt ................... 2-12
Pregnant women ......................... 2-11
Pretensioner and load limiting .... 2-14
Seat belt precautions .................... 2-9
Warning light/beep ..................... 2-17
Index
11-5
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page377
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J

Black plate (379,1)
V
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................. 5-38
ABS ............................................ 5-40
Air bag system ........................... 5-43
Automatic transmission .............. 5-45
Brake system .............................. 5-40
Charging system ......................... 5-41
Check engine .............................. 5-43
Door-ajar .................................... 5-45
Engine coolant level ................... 5-42
Engine oil level .......................... 5-42
Front seat belt pretensioner
system ........................................ 5-43
KEY Warning Light
(Red)/KEY Indicator Light
(Green) ....................................... 5-47
Low fuel ..................................... 5-44
Low washer fluid level ............... 5-45
seat belt ...................................... 5-44
Tire pressure monitoring
system ........................................ 5-45
Warranty .............................................. 9-9
Washer Fluid ..................................... 8-19
Weights ............................................. 10-5
Wheel Replacement .......................... 8-31
Windows
Power windows .......................... 3-37
Rear quarter windows ................ 3-39
Windshield Washer ........................... 5-58
Windshield Wipers ............................ 5-57
Blades replacement .................... 8-22
Winter Driving .................................... 4-9
Index
11-7
RX-8_8U58-EA-05J_Edition1 Page379
Thursday, August 25 2005 5:0 PM
Form No.8U58-EA-05J