ignition MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2008 (in English) Repair Manual

Black plate (178,1)
NOTE
If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is
replaced, the DSC will be inoperable. In this
case, the DSC OFF indicator light flashes and
the TCS/DSC indicator light illuminates.
To make the DSC operable, do the following
procedure with the battery connected.
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.
2. Turn the steering clockwise fully, then turnit counterclockwise fully.
3. Make sure the DSC OFF indicator goes off.
4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, then turn it to the ON position
again.
5. Make sure the TCS/DSC indicator light goes off.
If the TCS/DSC indicator light and the DSC
OFF indicator light remain illuminated even
after turning the ignition switch to the ON
position, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q Cruise Main Indicator Light
(Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator
Light (Green)
The indicator light has two colors.
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)
The indicator light illuminates amber
when the ON/OFF switch is pressed and
the cruise control system is activated.
Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)
The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.
qLight-On Indicator Light
This indicator light comes on when the
exterior lights and dashboard illumination
are on.
qPower Steering Malfunction
Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and goes off when the engine is
started.
If this light illuminates while driving, it
indicates a malfunction of the power
steering system. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
The power steering system is inoperable when
the power steering malfunction indicator light
illuminates. Steering is possible, but requires
more physical effort.
5-52
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page178
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (179,1)
qHeadlight Auto-Leveling
Malfunction Indicator Lightí
This indicator light stays on far a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the indicator light will
illuminate when the headlight auto-
leveling system has a malfunction.
If the indicator light illuminates, contact
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qTurn-Signal/Hazard Warning
Indicator Lights
When operating the turn signal lights, the
left or right turn signal indicator light
flashes to indicate which turn signal light
is operating (page 5-57).
When operating the hazard warning
lights, both turn signal indicator lights
flash (page 5-61).
NOTE
If an indicator light remains illuminated (does
not flash) or if it flashes abnormally, one of the
turn signal bulbs may be burned out.
Beep Sounds
qSeat Belt Warning Beep
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, a beep sound will be heard
for about 6 seconds.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened and
the vehicle is driven at a speed faster than
about 20 km/h (12 mph), a beep sound
will be heard again for a specified period
of time.
Refer to Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep on
page 5-45.
qIgnition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position with the key inserted, a
continuous beep sound will be heard
when the driver's door is opened.
qLights-On Reminder
If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a continuous
beep sound will be heard when the
driver's door is opened.
NOTE
When the advanced keyless function is used
and the start knob is in the ACC position, the
“Start Knob Not in LOCK Warning Beep ”
(page 3-16) overrides the lights-on reminder.
q Engine Overrev Warning Beep
The beep sounds to indicate engine
overrev when the tachometer needle
enters the striped zone (page 5-35).
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-53íSome models.
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page179
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (181,1)
Lighting Control
qHeadlights
To turn on the lights, turn the headlight
switch on the end of the control lever.
Switch Position
Headlights Off Off On
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker lights
Dashboard
illumination Off On On
NOTE
To prevent discharging the battery, don't leave
the lights on while the engine is off unless
safety requires them.
Xenon fusion headlight bulbsí
The low-beam bulbs of the headlights
have xenon fusion bulbs that produce a
bright white beam over a wide area.
WARNING
Do not replace the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself:
Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer when the replacement
is necessary.
NOTE
If the headlights flicker, or the brightness
weakens, the bulb-life may be depleted and a
replacement is necessary. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q Lights-On Reminder
If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a continuous
beep sound will be heard when the
driver's door is opened.
NOTE
When the advanced keyless function is used
and the start knob is in the ACC position, the
“Start Knob Not in LOCK Warning Beep ”
(page 3-16) overrides the lights-on reminder.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-55íSome models.
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page181
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (182,1)
qHeadlight High-Low Beam
Push the lever forward for high beam.
Pull back to original position for low
beam.
High beam
Low beam
q Flashing the Headlights
To flash the headlights, pull the lever fully
toward you. The headlight switch does
not need to be on, and the lever will return
to the normal position when released.
qHeadlight Levelingí
The number of passengers and weight of
cargo in the luggage compartment change
the angle of the headlights.
The angle of the headlights will be
automatically adjusted when turning on
the headlights.
Headlight auto-leveling malfunction
indicator light
This indicator light stays on far a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the indicator light will
illuminate when the headlight auto-
leveling system has a malfunction.
If the indicator light illuminates, contact
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qDaytime Running Lights (Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
NOTE
The Daytime Running Lights turn off when the
parking brake is applied.
5-56
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Switches and Controls
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page182
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (184,1)
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the
windshield, affect your visibility, and
could result in an accident.
Do not use the washer without first
warming the windshield and never use
plain tap water: Using windshield washer fluid
without anti-freeze protection in
freezing temperatures is dangerous.
The washer fluid could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision. You
could have an accident.
NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam the wiper
blades, the wiper motor is protected from
motor breakdown, overheating and possible
fire by a circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the blades, but
only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper switch and
park off the right-of-way, and remove the snow
and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and the
blades should operate normally. If they don't
resume functioning, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. Drive to
the side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Wait until the weather clears before trying
to drive with the wipers inoperative.
q Windshield Wipers
Turn the wipers on by pulling the lever
down.
INT ―Intermittent
1 ― Low speed
2 ― High speed
For a single wiping cycle, push the lever
up to MIST.
MIST ―Mist
Variable-speed intermittent wipers
Set the lever to INT and choose the
interval timing by rotating the ring.
INT ring
5-58
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page184
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (185,1)
qWindshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid.
OFF
Washer
NOTE
With the wiper lever in the OFF or INT
position, the wipers will operate continuously
until the lever is released.
If the washer doesn't work, inspect the
fluid level (page 8-16). If it's OK, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
(With headlight washers)
When the headlights are on, the headlight
washers operate automatically once every fifth
time the windshield washer operates.
Refer to Headlight Washer (page 5-59).
Headlight Washerí
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position and the headlights must be turned
on.
The headlight washers operate
automatically once every fifth time the
windshield washer operates.
If you want to operate only the headlight
washers, pull the windshield wiper lever
toward you twice rapidly.
OFF
Washer
NOTE
When you pull the windshield wiper lever
twice, the windshield washer may spray a
little.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-59íSome models.
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page185
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (186,1)
Rear Window Defroster
The rear window defroster clears frost,
fog, and thin ice from the rear window.
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
Press the switch to turn on the rear
window defroster. The rear window
defroster operates for about 15 minutes
and turns off automatically.
The indicator light illuminates during
operation.
To turn off the rear window defroster
before the 15 minutes has elapsed, press
the switch again.
Indicator light
CAUTION
Don't use sharp instruments or
window cleaners with abrasives to
clean the inside of the rear window
surface. They may damage the
defroster grid inside the window.
NOTE
This defroster is not designed for melting snow.
If there is an accumulation of snow on the rear
window, remove it before using the defroster.
Horn
To sound the horn, press themark on
the steering wheel.
5-60
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page186
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (192,1)
Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not leave the fan control dial on for a long
period of time with the ignition switch in the
ACC position when the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowl grille to improve the system
efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
NOTE
The air conditioner may be used along with the
heater to dehumidify the air.
qOutside/Recirculated Air Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qReplacement of the Cabin Air Filter
If your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter for the air conditioner, it is necessary
to change the filter periodically as
indicated in scheduled maintenance (page
8-3). Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for replacement of the cabin air
filter.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page192
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (212,1)
qPower/Volume/Sound Controls
Illustration is of a representative audio unit. Audio control dial
Power/Volume dial
Power ON/OFF
Turn the ignition switch to the ACC or
ON position.
Press the power/volume dial to turn the
audio system on.
Press the power/volume dial again to turn
the audio system off.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not leave the audio system on for a long
period of time when the engine is not running.
Volume adjustment
To adjust the volume, turn the power/
volume dial.
Turn the power/volume dial to the right to
increase volume, to the left to decrease it.
Audio sound adjustment
1. Press the audio control dial to select the
function. The selected function will be
indicated.
*
*
Standard audio-
equipped model
6-22
Interior Comfort
Audio System
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page212
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G

Black plate (220,1)
qOperating the Cassette Tape Playerí
APC button:
(next program)
(one being
played) Rewind
button
Dolby NR button Repeat button
Program button
Illustration is of a representative audio unit.Cassette tape eject button
Cassette tape play button
Fast-forward button
Cassette tape insert
Insert the cassette tape into the slot, open
edge to the right and cassette tape will
begin play, and “TAPE PLAY” will be
displayed. At the end of the cassette tape,
the unit automatically reverses cassette
tape play. When
is lit, the cassette
tape's top side is playing. When
is lit,
the bottom side is on.
Playing
Press the cassette tape play button
(
) to start play when a cassette
tape is in the unit. If there isn't a cassette
tape in the unit when the cassette tape
play button (
) is pressed,
“ NO TAPE ”will flash on and off.
Dolby noise reduction
When using a tape with Dolby NR
*, push
the Dolby NR button (
). The
symbol will be displayed. To play a tape
without Dolby NR, push the button once
again.
* Noise reduction system manufactured
under license from Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
Dolby and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
Ejecting the cassette tape
Press the cassette tape eject button (
)to
eject the cassette tape.
NOTE
The cassette tape can be ejected when the
ignition switch is in the OFF position.
6-30
Interior Comfort
íSome models.
Audio System
RX-8_8X44-EA-07G_Edition1 Page220
Friday, May 11 2007 5:4 PM
Form No.8X44-EA-07G