maintenance MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2008 Owners Manual (in English)

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Thank you for choosing a Mazda. We at Mazda design and build vehicles with complete
customer satisfaction in mind.
To help ensure enjoyable and trouble-free operation of your Mazda, read this manual
carefully and follow its recommendations.
An Authorized Mazda Dealer knows your vehicle best. So when maintenance or service is
necessary, that's the place to go.
Our nationwide network of Mazda professionals is dedicated to providing you with the best
possible service.
We assure you that all of us at Mazda have an ongoing interest in your motoring pleasure
and in your full satisfaction with your Mazda product.Mazda Motor CorporationHIROSHIMA, JAPAN
Important Notes About This Manual
Keep this manual in the glove box as a handy reference for the safe and enjoyable use of your Mazda. Should you
resell the vehicle, leave this manual with it for the next owner.
All specifications and descriptions are accurate at the time of printing. Because improvement is a constant goal at
Mazda, we reserve the right to make changes in specifications at any time without notice and without obligation.
Event Data Recorder
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder. In the event of a crash, this device records data related to
vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time. These data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur and lead to the designing of safer
vehicles.
Air Conditioning and the Environment
Your Mazda's genuine air conditioner is filled with HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that has been found not to
damage the earth's ozone layer. If the air conditioner does not operate properly, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Perchlorate
Certain components of this vehicle such as [air bag modules, seat belt pretensioners, lithium batteries, ...] may
contain Perchlorate Material –Special handling may apply for service or vehicle end of life disposal. See
www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Please be aware that this manual applies to all models, equipment and options. As a result, you may find
some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
©2007 Mazda Motor Corporation
Printed in Japan June 2007(Print1)
A Word to Mazda Owners
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Table of Contents
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Interior, exterior views and part identification of your Mazda.1
Essential Safety Equipment
Use of safety equipment, including seats, seat belt system, child-restraint
systems and SRS air bags.2
Knowing Your Mazda
Explanation of basic operations and controls; opening/closing and adjustment
of various parts.3
Before Driving Your Mazda
Important information about driving your Mazda.4
Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.5
Interior Comfort
Use of various features for drive comfort, including air-conditioning and audio
system.6
In Case of an Emergency
Helpful information on what to do in an emergency.7
Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.8
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Important consumer information including warranties and add-on equipment.9
Specifications
Technical information about your Mazda.10
Index11

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The diagnostic module continuously
monitors the system's readiness. This
begins when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position and continues while
the vehicle is being driven.
qAir Bag/Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner System Warning Light
If the air bag/front seat belt pretensioner
system is working properly, the warning
light illuminates when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position or after the
engine is cranked. The warning light turns
off after a specified period of time.
A system malfunction is indicated if the
warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or does not
illuminate at all when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system
may not work in an accident.
WARNING
Never tamper with the air bag/
pretensioner systems and always have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform
all servicing and repairs:Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled causing
serious injury or death.
qMaintenance
The air bag systems do not require regular
maintenance. But if any of the following
occurs, take your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible:
lThe air bag system warning light
flashes.
lThe air bag system warning light
remains illuminated.
lThe air bag system warning light does
not illuminate when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position.
lThe air bags have deployed.lFront passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light does not illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position or does not illuminate
as indicated in the chart. For more
details about this indicator light and
this chart, refer to “Front passenger
seat weight sensors ”(page 2-40).
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
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qAdvanced Key Maintenance
CAUTION
Ø Make sure the battery is installed
with the correct pole facing
upward. Battery leakage could
occur if it is not installed correctly.
Ø When replacing the battery, be
careful not to bend the electrical
terminals or get oil on them. Also
be careful not to get dirt in the
transmitter as it could be
damaged.
Ø There is the danger of explosion if
the battery is not correctly
replaced.
Ø Replace only with the same type
battery (CR2025 or equivalent).
Ø Dispose of used batteries
according to the following
instructions.
ØInsulate the plus and minus
terminals of the battery using
cellophane or equivalent tape.
ØNever disassemble.
ØNever throw the battery into
fire or water.
ØNever deform or crush.
The following conditions indicate that the
battery power is low:
lThe KEY indicator light (green) flashes
in the instrument cluster when the
engine is turned off.
lThe system does not operate and the
operation indicator light on the
transmitter does not flash when the
buttons are pressed.
lThe system's operational range is
reduced. Replacing the battery at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer is recommended to prevent
damage to the advanced key. If replacing
the battery by yourself, follow the
instruction below.
Replacing the advanced key battery
1. Pull out the auxiliary key.
2. Release the cap using a flathead
screwdriver, then rotate and remove the
cap.
Cap
CAUTION
Do not turn the cap excessively. The
cap may be damaged.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
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CAUTION
When leaving the vehicle, make sure
the ignition switch is turned to the
LOCK position.
NOTE
lWhen turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, the ignition switch has to
be pushed in from the ACC position and
turned. Without being pushed in, the
ignition switch stops at the ACC position
and the vehicle battery may be discharged
if the ignition switch is left in the ACC
position. When leaving the vehicle, make
sure the ignition switch is turned to the
LOCK position.
lIf the vehicle is left with the ignition switch
not in the LOCK position, a beep sound is
heard and the indicator light flashes to
notify the driver.
Refer to Warning Beep (page 3-16).
Operation Using Advanced
Key Functions
q Keyless Entry System
This system uses the more traditional key
buttons to remotely lock and unlock the
doors and opens the trunk lid.
It can also help you signal for attention.
Press the buttons slowly and carefully.
NOTE
lThe keyless entry system is designed to
operate up to about 2.5 m (8 ft) from the
center of the vehicle, but this may vary due
to local conditions.
lThe system does not operate when the
ignition switch is not in the LOCK position
or the start knob is pushed in.
lWith the start knob installed in the LOCK
position, the system is fully operational. If
the ignition switch is not in the LOCK
position or the start knob is pushed in, the
system does not operate.
lAll doors cannot be locked by pressing the
lock button while any door is open. The
hazard warning lights will also not flash.
lIf the transmitter does not operate when
pressing a button or the operational range
becomes too small, the battery may be
dead. To install a new battery, refer to
Maintenance (page 3-5).
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
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qAdvanced Key Removed from
Vehicle Warning Beep
Under the following conditions, a beep
sound will be heard 6 times and the KEY
warning light (red) will flash continuously
when the start knob has not been returned
to the LOCK position to notify the driver
that the advanced key has been removed.
The KEY warning light (red) will stop
flashing when the advanced key is back
inside the vehicle:
lThe start knob has not been returned to
the LOCK position, the driver's door is
open, and the advanced key is removed
from the vehicle.
However the beep sound will be heard
continuously when the start knob is in
the ACC position and the door is open
due to the activation of the warning
beep sound indicating that the start
knob is not in the LOCK position.
lThe start knob has not been returned to
the LOCK position and all the doors
are closed after removing the advanced
key from the vehicle.
NOTE
Because the advanced key utilizes low-intensity
radio waves, the Advanced Key Removed From
Vehicle Warning may activate if the advanced
key is carried together with a metal object or it
is placed in a poor signal reception area.
q Request Switch Inoperable
Warning Beep
Under the following conditions, if the
request switch for a front door is pressed
while the advanced key is being carried, a
beep will be heard 6 times to indicate that
the front doors cannot be locked.
lA door is open (door ajar included).lThe start knob has not been returned to
the LOCK position.
lThe auxiliary key is inserted into the
ignition switch.
qAdvanced Key Battery Dead
Warning
When the start knob is returned to the
ACC or LOCK position from the ON
position, the KEY indicator light (green)
flashes for approximately 30 seconds
indicating that the remaining battery
power is low. Replace with a new battery
before the advanced key becomes
unusable.
Refer to Advanced Key Maintenance
(page 3-5).
NOTE
The advanced key can be set so that the KEY
indicator light (green) does not flash even if
the battery power is low.
Refer to Setting Change (page 3-19).
qEngine Start Not Permitted Warning
Under the following conditions, the KEY
warning light (red) flashes to inform the
driver that the start knob will not rotate to
the ACC position even if it is pushed in
from the LOCK position.
lThe advanced key battery is dead.lThe advanced key is not within
operational range.
lThe advanced key is placed in areas
where it is difficult for the system to
detect the signal (page 3-7).
lA key from another manufacturer
similar to the advanced key is in the
operational range.
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Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
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When Warning Indicator/Beep is Activated
Under the following conditions, warning beeps are heard and a warning/indicator light in
the instrument cluster illuminates to notify the driver of improper operation of the
advanced key to prevent theft of the vehicle (page 3-16).
WarningWhat to check
When a door is open, a continuous beep sound will be
heard. Check whether the start knob has been returned to the
LOCK position.
When a door is open, 6 beep sounds are heard, and the
KEY warning light (red) in the instrument cluster
flashes. Check whether the advanced key has been removed
from the vehicle.
When a door is closed, a beep sound is heard 6 times,
and the KEY warning light (red) in the instrument
cluster flashes. Check whether the advanced key has been removed
from the vehicle.
When attempting to lock the doors, a beep sound is
heard. Check whether the advanced key has been left in the
vehicle.
Check whether the start knob has been returned to the
LOCK position.
Check whether a door is open.
When the KEY indicator light (green) flashes in the
instrument cluster. The advanced key battery power is low. Replace the
battery with a new one.
Refer to Advanced Key Maintenance on page 3-5.
When the KEY warning light (red) remains illuminated
in the instrument cluster. The advanced key is malfunctioning. Park the vehicle in
a safe place, and use the auxiliary key to continue
driving the vehicle. Have the vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
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Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
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Keyless Entry System (with
Retractable Type Key)
This system remotely locks and unlocks
the doors and opens the trunk lid.
It can also help you signal for attention.
Operating the theft-deterrent system with
the keyless entry system transmitter is
also possible on theft-deterrent system-
equipped vehicles.
Press the buttons slowly and carefully.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the transmitter,
do not:
ØDrop the transmitter.
Ø Get the transmitter wet.
Ø Disassemble the transmitter.
Ø Expose the transmitter to any kind
of magnetic field.
Ø Expose the transmitter to high
temperatures on places such as
the dashboard or hood, under
direct sunlight. NOTE
lThe keyless entry system is designed to
operate up to about 2.5 m (8 ft) from the
center of the vehicle, but this may vary due
to local conditions.
lThe system doesn't operate when the key is
in the ignition switch.
lDoors cannot be locked by pressing the
lock button while any other door is open.
Also, the hazard warning lights will not
flash.
lIf the transmitter does not operate when
pressing a button or the operation range
becomes too small, the battery may be
dead. To install a new battery, refer to
Maintenance (page 3-24).
lAdditional transmitters can be obtained at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to 3
transmitters can be used with the keyless
entry system per vehicle. Bring all
transmitters to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer when additional transmitters are
required.
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Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
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Panic button
If you witness from a distance someone
attempting to break into or damage your
vehicle, pressing the panic button will
activate the vehicle's alarm.
NOTE
The panic button will work whether any door
is open or closed.
Turning on the alarm
Pressing the panic button for 1 second or
more will trigger the alarm for about 2
minutes and 30 seconds, and the
following will occur:
lThe horn sounds intermittently.lThe hazard warning lights flash.
Turning off the alarm
Press any button on the transmitter.
q Transmitter Maintenance
If the buttons on the transmitter are
inoperable and the operation indicator
light does not flash, the battery may be
dead.
Replace with a new battery before the
transmitter becomes unusable.
CAUTION
Ø Install the battery with the positive
pole (
) facing down. Battery
leakage could occur if it is not
installed correctly.
Ø When replacing the battery, be
careful not to bend the electrical
terminals or get oil on them. Also
be careful not to get dirt in the
transmitter as it could be
damaged.
Ø There is the danger of explosion if
the battery is not correctly
replaced.
Ø Replace only with the same type
battery (CR1620 or equivalent).
Ø Dispose of used batteries
according to the following
instructions.
ØInsulate the plus and minus
terminals of the battery using
cellophane or equivalent tape.
ØNever disassemble.
ØNever throw the battery into
fire and/or water.
ØNever deform or crush.
Replacing the transmitter battery
1. Unfold the key (page 3-21).
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Doors and Locks
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qMaintenance
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the key, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lThe advanced keys (including auxiliary key)
carry a unique electronic code. For this
reason, and to assure your safety, obtaining
a replacement advanced key (including
auxiliary key) requires some waiting time.
They are only available through an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lAlways keep a spare advanced key in case
one is lost. If an advanced key is lost,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
lIf you lose an advanced key (including
auxiliary key), an Authorized Mazda Dealer
will reset the electronic codes of your
remaining advanced keys (including
auxiliary keys) and immobilizer system.
Bring all the remaining advanced keys
(including auxiliary keys) to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to reset.
Starting the vehicle with a key that has not
been reset is not possible.
qModification and Add-On
Equipment
Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
system's operation if the system has been
modified or if any add-on equipment has
been installed to it.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
system or the vehicle.
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
Ø 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.
Ø To avoid damage to the key, do
not:
ØDrop the key.
ØGet the key wet.
ØExpose the key to any kind of
magnetic field.
ØExpose the key to high
temperatures on places such as
the dashboard or hood, under
direct sunlight.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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