maintenance MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2009 Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (3,1)
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.
©2008 Mazda Motor Corporation
Printed in Japan Aug. 2008(Print3)
A Word to Mazda Owners
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page3
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (5,1)
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page5
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C
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

Black plate (21,1)
qSeat Position Memory
One-touch seat position programming and
a call up function are available on the
driver's seat.
CAUTION
When calling up the seat position, do
not place your hands or fingers
around the seat bottom. The seat
moves to the desired position
automatically, and if your hands or
fingers are placed around the seat
bottom, it could cause injury.
Set button
Programming of the driver's seat positions
is possible using the following functions:
lProgramming buttons―and the
set button. Programmed seat positions can also be
called up using the following functions:
lProgramming buttons―.
Operation using the seat-side buttons
Programming
Seat position programming is possible
when the vehicle is parked.
1. Adjust the seat to the desired position.
For each seat position adjustment
method refer to the following pages:
Seat Slide (page 2-7)
Seat Recline (page 2-8)
Height Adjustment (page 2-8)
2. Press the desired programming button
―while pressing the set button
until a beep sound is heard.
NOTE
Vehicle maintenance or other reasons
requiring the vehicle battery to be
disconnected will result in the seat position
memory being erased.
In this case, re-program the seat positions.
Seat position call up
While the vehicle is stopped, press and
hold a programming button
―for
the desired seat position.
When the seat is in the programmed
position, a beep sound is heard.
NOTE
If any of the following occurs, the seat position
call up function cancels:
lA seat adjustment switch other than a
lumbar support switch is operated.
lThe vehicle moves or starts to move.lThe selected programming button―
or the set button is pressed again.lThe set button is operated.
Essential Safety Equipment
Seats
2-9
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page21
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (23,1)
The seat stops moving when it returns to
its original position. A beep sound is
heard at this time.
NOTE
lPressing and holding the lower part of the
switch again after the seat has returned to
its on-road position will move the seat
farther rearward.
lVehicle maintenance or other reasons
requiring the vehicle battery to be
disconnected will result in the seat position
memory being erased. As a result, the seat
will continue to slide rearward and the
seatback will lower rearward. Operate a
switch other than a lumbar support
adjustment switch to adjust the seat
position.
Rear Seat
WARNING
Make sure luggage and cargo is
secured before driving:Not securing cargo while driving is
dangerous as it could move or be
crushed during sudden braking or a
collision and cause injury.
Do not allow anyone to sit on the
center console between the rear seats: Allowing someone to sit on the rear
center console between the rear seats
is dangerous. The rear center console
is not designed for occupant seating.
During a collision, occupants not
wearing a seat belt could be thrown
from the vehicle and seriously injured
or even killed.
Essential Safety Equipment
Seats
2-11
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page23
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (65,1)
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 2-44).
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-53
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page65
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (71,1)
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 small 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
3-5
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page71
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (80,1)
Operation Using Advanced
Key Functions
qKeyless Entry System
This system uses the more traditional key
buttons to remotely lock and unlock the
doors and opens the trunk lid, and opens
the power windows.
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).
Transmitter
Panic button
Unlock button Lock button
Trunk button
NOTEl(U.S.A.)
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
l(CANADA)
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry CANADA. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
NOTE
The unlock button can be used to open the
power windows. Refer to Opening the Power
Windows from Outside (page 3-38).
The operation indicator light flashes when
the buttons are pressed.
Lock button
To lock the doors, press the lock button. A
beep sound will be heard once and the
hazard warning lights will flash once.
3-14
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page80
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (84,1)
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.
qAdvanced Key Left-in-trunk
Warning Beep
If the advanced key is left in the trunk
compartment with all doors locked and
the trunk lid closed, a beep sound is heard
for about 10 seconds to remind the driver
the advanced key has been left in the
trunk compartment. If this happens, open
the trunk lid by pressing the request
switch and remove the advanced key. An
advanced key removed from the trunk
may not function because its functions
may have been temporarily suspended. To
restore the advanced key function,
perform the applicable procedure (page
3-16).
qAdvanced Key Left-in-vehicle
Warning Beep
If an advanced key is left in the vehicle
cabin and all doors are locked using a
separate advanced key, a beep sound is
heard for about 10 seconds to remind the
driver that the advanced key has been left
in the vehicle cabin. If this happens, the
doors lock but the functions of the
advanced key left in the vehicle cabin
may be temporarily suspended. Perform
the following procedure to restore the
functions of the advanced key (page
3-16).
3-18
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page84
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (86,1)
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 3-17).
WarningHow 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, three 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 six times,
and the KEY warning light (red) in the instrument
cluster flashes. Check whether the advanced key has been removed
from the vehicle.
When locking the doors or closing the trunk, the chime
sounds for about ten seconds. Check whether the advanced key has been left in the
vehicle or the trunk.
When attempting to lock the doors by pressing the
request switch on the front doors, a beep sound is heard
six times. 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.
3-20
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page86
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C

Black plate (89,1)
NOTElThe 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 can be locked by pressing the lock
button while any other door is open.
However, the hazard warning lights will not
flash and the horn will not sound.
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 3-25).
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.
qTransmitter
Lock button
Unlock button
Trunk button Panic button
Operation
indicator light
NOTEl(U.S.A.)
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
l(CANADA)
This device complies with RSS-210 of
Industry CANADA. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) this device
may not cause interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
NOTE
The unlock button can be used to open the
power windows. Refer to Opening the Power
Windows from Outside (page 3-38).
The operation indicator light flashes when
the buttons are pressed.
Lock button
To lock the doors, press the lock button
and the hazard warning lights will flash
once.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-23
RX-8_8Z09-EA-08C_Edition3 Page89
Thursday, July 3 2008 2:22 PM
Form No.8Z09-EA-08C