engine MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2009 (in English) Repair Manual

Black plate (180,1)
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It turns off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-16).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes out have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes an
indicator of leakage. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible even if the
brake light is no longer illuminated.
WARNING
Do not drive with the brake system
warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible:
Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated is
dangerous. It indicates that your
brakes may not work at all or that
they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains
illuminated, after checking that the
parking brake is fully released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.
qABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you're driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function normally
as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
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Black plate (181,1)
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to charge the
battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light comes on. This is due to a weak
battery, not a malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
qElectronic Brake Force
Distribution System Warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light and the ABS warning light
on at the same time. The problem is likely
to be the electronic brake force
distribution system.
WARNING
Do not drive with both the ABS warning
light and brake warning light
illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have
the brakes inspected as soon as
possible:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are illuminated at the same time is
dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the
rear wheels could lock more quickly
in an emergency stop than under
normal circumstances.
qCharging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated because the engine could
stop unexpectedly.
qEngine Oil Level Warning Light
This warning light indicates a low engine
oil level while the engine is running by
briefly flashing the light and then fully
illuminating it.
If there is a problem with the system, the
light flashes continuously.
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Black plate (182,1)
NOTE
When the engine oil level is low, the warning
beep is also heard while the engine oil level
warning light is flashing.
Refer to Engine Oil Level Warning Beep on
page 5-55.
If the light flashes and then illuminates
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and parkoff the right-of-way.
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the engine oil level (page 8-13). If it's low,
add oil.
3. Check the light.
If the engine oil level warning light is
illuminated and you are unable to
immediately add engine oil, do not drive
at high speed, keep the engine speed low
and get to a location where oil can be
added as soon as possible. We recommend
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, have your vehicle checked at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the oil level is
low. It could result in extensive
engine damage. NOTE
The Mazda RX-8 requires regular checking of
the engine oil level. The compact, high
performance RENESIS rotary engine in your
vehicle consumes a small amount of engine oil
due to its structural design. An oil pump
optimizes the amount of oil injected to
lubricate the rotor seals in the combustion
cycle. Although your vehicle is equipped with
an engine oil level warning light, it is best to
keep the engine oil level in the range between
full and low by checking the oil dipstick
regularly. Mazda recommends checking the oil
level at every second fuel filling. The oil
consumption of the engine depends on engine
speed and engine load. Under extreme driving
conditions, oil consumption can be higher.
If the light flashes continuously
If the warning light continues to flash, do
not drive at high speeds, drive the vehicle
at low engine rpm, and have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect the
system.
NOTE
If the engine is turned off while the oil level
indicator is flashing due to a system
malfunction, it may take a few minutes until the
indicator starts flashing again after the engine
is started.
qEngine Coolant Level Warning Light
This warning light indicates low engine
coolant level.
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Black plate (183,1)
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and parkoff the right-of-way.
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the engine coolant level (page 8-14). If it's
low, add engine coolant.
3. Check the light.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add engine coolant, have your vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the engine
coolant level is low. It could result in
extensive engine damage.
q Check Engine 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 comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
lThe fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
lThe engine's electrical system has a
problem.
lThe emission control system has a
problem.
lThe fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
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.
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Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Black plate (190,1)
The light stops flashing when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position with
the correct ignition key.
At this time, the immobilizer system is
disarmed and the light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and then goes out.
If the engine doesn't start with the correct
ignition key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qHeadlight High-Beam Indicator
Light
This light indicates one of two things:lThe high-beam headlights are on.lThe turn signal lever is in the flash-to-
pass position.
qShift Position Indicator Light
(Automatic Transmission)
This indicates the selected shift position
when the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
Gear position indicator
Gear position indicator
The gear position indicator displays the
gear in use while in either manual shift or
direct mode.
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Black plate (192,1)
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.
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 5-59).
When operating the hazard warning
lights, both turn signal indicator lights
flash (page 5-66).
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.
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Black plate (193,1)
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 or the front passenger'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 5-46.
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 Reminderí
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
3-17) overrides the lights-on reminder.
qEngine Overrev Warning Beep
The beep sounds to indicate engine
overrev when the tachometer needle
enters the striped zone (page 5-37).
qTire Inflation Pressure Warning
Beepí
The warning beep sound will be heard for
about 3 seconds when there is any
abnormality in tire inflation pressures
(page 5-29).
qAdvanced Keyless Warning (with
Advanced Key)
Warning indicators for the advanced key,
such as “the advanced key removed from
vehicle warning ”, use a beep sound and
warning/indicator lights in the instrument
cluster.
Refer to Warning and Beep Sounds on
page 3-17.
q Engine Oil Level Warning Beep
When the engine oil level is low, the
engine oil level warning light flashes and
the warning beep activates for a brief
period. After the warning light stops
flashing and illuminates, the beeper stops.
If the warning light continues to flash due
to a system malfunction, the beeper does
not sound.
Refer to Engine Oil Level Warning Light
on page 5-43.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Black plate (194,1)
Lighting Control
qHeadlights
Type A (Without AUTO position)
Turn the headlight switch to turn the
headlights, other exterior lights and
dashboard illumination on or off.
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, do not
leave the lights on while the engine is off
unless safety requires them.
Type B (With AUTO position)
Turn the headlight switch to turn the
headlights, other exterior lights and
dashboard illumination on or off.
Switch Position
Headlights Off Off On
Auto
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker
lights
Dashboard
illumination Off On On
NOTElIf the light switch is left on, the lights will
automatically switch off approximately 30
seconds after turning the ignition switch to
the ACC or LOCK position.
lTo prevent discharging the battery, do not
leave the lights on while the engine is off
unless safety requires them.
AUTO (Auto-light control)
When the headlight switch is in the
AUTO position and the ignition switch is
in the ON position, the light sensor senses
the surrounding lightness or darkness and
automatically turns on or off the
headlights, other exterior lights and
dashboard illumination (see chart above).
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Black plate (195,1)
CAUTION
ØDo not shade the light sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on
the windshield. Otherwise the light
sensor will not operate correctly.
Light sensor
ØThe light sensor also works as a
rain sensor for the auto-wiper
control. Keep hands and scrapers
clear of the windshield when the
ignition switch is in the ON
position as fingers could be
pinched or the wipers and wiper
blades damaged when the wipers
activate automatically. If you are
going to clean the windshield, be
sure the wipers are turned off
completely - this is particularly
important when clearing ice and
snow - when it is particularly
tempting to leave the engine
running. NOTE
lThe light may not turn off immediately even
if the surrounding area becomes well-lit
because the light sensor determines that it
is nighttime if the surrounding area is
continuously dark for several minutes such
as inside long tunnels, traffic jams inside
tunnels, or in indoor parking lots.
In this case, the light turns off if the light
switch is turned to the OFF position.
lThe timing for turning on the headlights,
other exterior lights and dashboard
illumination can be delayed by adjusting
the sensitivity of the light sensor. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding sensor
adjustment.
lThe sensitivity of the AUTO lights may be
changed by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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.
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Switches and Controls
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Black plate (201,1)
ØWhen the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition
switch is in the ON position, the
wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object.
ØIf the rain sensor is struck with
a hand or other object from
inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of
the windshield when the ignition
switch is in the ON position as
fingers could be pinched or the
wipers and wiper blades damaged
when they activate automatically.
If you are going to clean the
windshield, be sure the wipers are
turned off completely - this is
particularly important when
clearing ice and snow - when it is
particularly tempting to leave the
engine running. NOTE
lSwitching the auto-wiper lever from the
OFF to the AUTO position while driving at
a vehicle speed of 4 km/h (2 mph) or higher
(or after driving the vehicle) activates the
windshield wipers once, after which they
operate according to the rainfall amount.
lThe auto-wiper control may not operate
when the rain sensor temperature is about
_
10 °C (14 °F) or lower, or about 85 °C
(185 °F) or higher.
lIf the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be able to
sense the amount of rainfall correctly and
auto-wiper control may not operate
properly.
lIf dirt or foreign matter (e.g. ice or matter
containing salt water) adheres to the
windshield above the rain sensor or if the
windshield is iced, it could cause the wipers
to move automatically. However, if the
wipers cannot remove this ice, dirt or
foreign matter, the auto-wiper control will
stop operation. In this case, pull the wiper
lever to the low speed or high speed
position for manual operation, or remove
the ice, dirt or foreign matter by hand to
restore the auto-wiper operation.
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