maintenance MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2007 (in English) Workshop Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MAZDA, Model Year: 2007, Model line: MODEL RX 8, Model: MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2007Pages: 443
Page 319 of 443

Black plate (318,1)
Fuses
Your vehicle's electrical system is
protected by fuses.
If any lights, accessories, or controls don't
work, inspect the appropriate circuit
protector. If a fuse has blown, the inside
element will be melted.
If the same fuse blows again, avoid using
that system and consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
qFuse Replacement
Replacing the fuses on the driver's side
If the electrical system doesn't work, first
inspect fuses on the driver's side.
1. Turn off the ignition switch and other
switches.
2. Open the fuse panel cover.
3. Pull the fuse straight out with the fuse
puller provided on the inside of the
engine compartment fuse block cover.
4. Inspect the fuse and replace it if it's
blown.
NormalBlown
5. Push in a new fuse of the same
amperage rating, and make sure it fits
tightly. If it doesn't, have an expert
repairer install it. We recommend an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If you have no spare fuses, borrow one
of the same rating from a circuit not
essential to vehicle operation, such as
the AUDIO or CIGAR circuit.
8-36
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page318
Friday, May 19 2006 9:52 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Page 320 of 443

Black plate (319,1)
CAUTION
Always replace a fuse with one of the
same rating. Otherwise you may
damage the electric system.
Replacing the fuses under the hood
If the headlights or other electrical
components do not work and the fuses in
the cabin are normal, inspect the fuse
block under the hood. If a fuse is blown, it
must be replaced. Follow these steps:
1. Turn off the ignition switch and all
other switches.
2. Remove the fuse block cover.
Next to air filter
Engine cover
Near battery
Batter
y cover
NOTE
Remove the engine and battery covers
before removing the fuse block cover
near the battery.
3. If any fuse but the MAIN fuse is
blown, replace it with a new oneof the
same amperage rating.
Normal
Blown
WARNING
Do not replace the main fuse by
yourself. Have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer perform the replacement:
Replacing the fuse by yourself is
dangerous because the MAIN fuse is a
high current fuse. Incorrect
replacement could cause an electrical
shock or a short circuit resulting in a
fire.
NOTE
Verify that the engine cover is securely
installed.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-37
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page319
Friday, May 19 2006 9:52 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Page 321 of 443

Black plate (320,1)
qFuse Panel Description
Fuse block (Engine compartment)
(Next to air filter)
(Near battery)
DESCRIPTIONFUSE
RATINGPROTECTED COMPONENT
1 MAIN 120A For protection of all circuits
2 HEATER 40A Heater
3 AIR PUMP 60A Air pump
4 BTN 30APower windows, Power door locks, Illuminated entry system,
Moonroof
í
5 DEFOG 50A Rear window defroster
6 FAN 40A Electric fan
7 ABS/DSC 60A ABS, DSC
í
8 ACC 30A Lighter, Power control mirror, Accessory socket, Audio system
9 HEAD 15A Headlight high beamsí, Headlight cleanerí
10 HEAD LOW R 15A Headlight low beam (RH)
11 HEAD LOW L 15A Headlight low beam (LH)
12 DRL 15A DRL
í(Headlight high beams)
13 DSC 30A DSCí
14 SEAT WARM 20A Seat warmerí
15 H/CLEAN 20A Headlight cleanerí
16 R.FOG――
8-38
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page320
Friday, May 19 2006 9:52 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Page 322 of 443

Black plate (321,1)
DESCRIPTIONFUSE
RATINGPROTECTED COMPONENT
17 FOG 15A Fog lights
í
18 A/C MAG 10A Air conditioner
19 IG 30A For protection of various circuits
20 IG KEY 15A For protection of various circuits
21 STOP 15A Brake lights
22 FUEL PUMP 20A Fuel pump
23 HORN 15A Horn
24 HAZARD 15A Hazard warning flashers, Turn signals
25 ETV 15A Electric throttle valve
26 WIPER 20A Windshield wiper and washer
27 P.WIND――
28 ENGINE 15AEngine control system, Supplemental restraint system, ABS,
Power steering
29 TAIL 10ATaillights, License plate light, Parking lights, Front side-maker
lights, Rear side-marker lights
30 ILLUMI 10A Illuminated entry system
31 EGI COMP1 10A Engine control system
32 EGI COMP2 10A Engine control system
33 EGI INJ 15A Fuel injector
34 EPS 60A Power steering
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-39íSome models. RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page321
Friday, May 19 2006 9:52 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Page 323 of 443

Black plate (322,1)
Fuse panel (Driver's side)
DESCRIPTIONFUSE
RATINGPROTECTED COMPONENT
1 CIGAR 15A Lighter
2 ACC 7.5A Audio system, Power control mirror
3 AUX PWR 20A Accessory socket
4 A/C 7.5A Air conditioner
5 METER 10A Instrument cluster
6 TCM 10A Transmission control system
7 SPARE――
8 SPARE――
9 M.DEF 10A Mirror defroster
í
10 DSC 7.5A DSCí
11 AUDIO 20A Audio systemí
12 D.LOCK 30A Power door locks, Moonroofí
13 P.WIND 30A Power windows
14 ROOM 15A Interior lights
15 SPARE――
16 SPARE――
8-40
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Owner Maintenance
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page322
Friday, May 19 2006 9:52 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Page 324 of 443

Black plate (323,1)
How to Minimize
Environmental Paint Damage
The paintwork on your Mazda represents
the latest technical developments in
composition and methods of application.
Environmental hazards, however, can
harm the paint's protective properties, if
proper care is not taken.
Here are some examples of possible
damage, with tips on how to prevent
them.
qEtching Caused by Acid Rain or
Industrial Fallout
Occurrence
Industrial pollutants and vehicle emissions
drift into the air and mix with rain or dew
to form acids. These acids can settle on a
vehicle's finish. As the water evaporates,
the acid becomes concentrated and can
damage the finish.
And the longer the acid remains on the
surface, the greater the chance is for
damage.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you suspect that acid rain has settled on
your vehicle's finish.
qDamage Caused by Bird
Dropping, Insects, or Tree Sap
Occurrence
Bird droppings contain acids. If these
aren't removed they can eat away the clear
and color base coat of the vehicle's
paintwork.
When insects stick to the paint surface
and decompose, corrosive compounds
form. These can erode the clear and color
base coat of the vehicle's paintwork if
they are not removed.
Tree sap will harden and adhere
permanently to the paint finish. If you
scratch the sap off while it is hard, some
vehicle paint could come off with it.
Prevention
It is necessary to have your Mazda
washed and waxed to preserve its finish
according to the instructions in this
section. This should be done as soon as
possible.
Bird droppings can be removed with a
soft sponge and water. If you are traveling
and these are not available, a moistened
tissue may also take care of the problem.
The cleaned area should be waxed
according to the instructions in this
section.
Insects and tree sap are best removed with
a soft sponge and water or a commercially
available chemical cleaner.
Another method is to cover the affected
area with dampened newspaper for one to
two hours. After removing the newspaper,
rinse off the loosened debris with water.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-41
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page323
Friday, May 19 2006 9:53 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Page 325 of 443

Black plate (324,1)
qWater Marks
Occurrence
Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt and
lime. If moisture containing these
minerals settles on the vehicle and
evaporates, the minerals will concentrate
and harden to form white rings. The rings
can damage your vehicle's finish.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you find water marks on your vehicle's
finish.
qPaint Chipping
Occurrence
Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown
in the air by another vehicle's tires hits
your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping
Keeping a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead reduces the chances of
having your paint chipped by flying
gravel.
NOTE
lThe paint chipping zone varies with
the speed of the vehicle. For
example, when traveling at 90 km/h
(56 mph), the paint chipping zone is
50 m (164 ft).
lIn low temperatures a vehicle's finish
hardens. This increases the chance of
paint chipping.
lChipped paint can lead to rust
forming on your Mazda. Before this
happens, repair the damage by using
Mazda touch-up paint according to
the instructions in this section.
Failure to repair the affected area
could lead to serious rusting and
expensive repairs.
8-42
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page324
Friday, May 19 2006 9:53 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Page 326 of 443

Black plate (325,1)
Exterior Care
Followalllabel and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
qMaintaining the Finish
Washing
To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your Mazda
thoroughly and frequently, at least once a
month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here are
some examples of how scratching could
occur.
Scratches occur on the paint surface
when:
lThe vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign
matter.
lThe vehicle is washed with a rough,
dry, or dirty cloth.
lThe vehicle is washed at a car wash
that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
lCleansers or wax containing abrasives
are used.
NOTE
lMazda is not responsible for
scratches caused by automatic car
washes or improper washing.
lScratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint finishes.To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
lRinse off any dirt or other foreign
matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
lUse plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
lRub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
lTake your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
lDon't use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive cleaners,
or strong detergents containing highly
alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-
plated or anodized aluminum parts.
This may damage the protective
coating; also, cleaners and detergents
may discolor or deteriorate the paint.
Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material from
the underside of the fenders, and make
sure the drain holes in the lower edges of
the doors and rocker panels are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Don't allow soap
to dry on the finish.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-43
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page325
Friday, May 19 2006 9:53 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Page 327 of 443

Black plate (326,1)
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.
Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for
metallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take
off the wax. Rewax these areas even if
the rest of the vehicle doesn't need it.
qRepairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced, make
sure the body shop applies anti-
corrosion materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive cleaners,
or strong detergents containing highly
alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-
plated or anodized aluminum parts.
This may result in damage to the
protective coating and cause
discoloration or paint deterioration.
8-44
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page326
Friday, May 19 2006 9:53 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F
Page 328 of 443

Black plate (327,1)
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt.It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDon't use a wire brush or any
abrasive cleaner, polishing
compound, or solvent on aluminum
wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral
detergent and always use a sponge or
soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on dusty or
salted roads. This helps prevent
corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster,
wax the wheels.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-45
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page327
Friday, May 19 2006 9:53 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F