dashboard MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2011 (in English) User Guide

Black plate (118,1)
NOTElThe engine may not start and the security
indicator light may illuminate or flash if the
advanced key is placed in an area where it
is difficult for the system to detect the
signal, such as on the dashboard, or in the
glove box. Move the advanced key to
another place, switch the ignition off, and
then restart the engine.
lSignals from a TV or radio station, or from
a transceiver or a mobile telephone could
interfere with your immobilizer system. If
you are using the proper advanced key and
the engine fails to start, check the security
indicator light. If the indicator light is
flashing, switch the ignition to ACC or
switch the ignition off and wait for a while,
then restart the engine. If it does not start
after 3 or more tries, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, do not
shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If the
engine is shut off while the indicator light is
flashing, you will not be able to restart it.
lSince the electronic codes are reset when
repairing the immobilizer system, the
advanced key (including auxiliary key) are
needed. Bring all the advanced keys
(including auxiliary keys) to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
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.
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.
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Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page118
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Black plate (119,1)
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.
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the key, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
ØRadio 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.
ØTo 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.
CAUTION
When starting the engine do not
allow the following, as the engine
may not start due to the electronic
signal from the ignition key not being
transmitted correctly.
ØA key ring rests on the key grip.
ØMetal parts of other keys or metal
objects touch the key grip.
ØSpare keys or keys for other
vehicles equipped with an
immobilizer system touch or come
near the key grip.
ØDevices for electronic purchases, or
security passage which touch or
come near the key.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Black plate (176,1)
If the warning light illuminates again even
after the tire pressures are adjusted, there
may be a tire puncture.
Vehicles with Instant Mobility System
(IMS) emergency flat tire repair kit
If an emergency tire repair is needed,
repair the punctured tire with the
emergency flat tire repair kit (page 7-5).
CAUTION
Do not use non-genuine tire sealant.
It may damage the tire pressure
sensor.
Vehicles with optional temporary spare
tire
If you have bought the optional temporary
spare tire, replace the punctured tire with
the temporary spare tire. Refer to the
manufacturer's instructions.
NOTE
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to the
temporary spare tire. The warning light will
flash continuously while the temporary spare
tire is being used.
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qSystem Error Activation
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in
the following cases:
lWhen there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
lWhen a metallic device such as a non-
genuine navigation system is equipped
near the center of the dashboard, which
may block radio signals from the tire
pressure sensor to the receiver unit.
lWhen using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.
lA digital device such as a personal
computer.
lA current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.
lWhen excess snow or ice adheres to
the vehicle, especially around the
wheels.
lWhen the tire pressure sensor batteries
are exhausted.
lWhen using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
lWhen using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls.
lWhen using tire chains.
qTires and Wheels
CAUTION
When inspecting or adjusting the tire
air pressures, do not apply excessive
force to the stem part of the wheel
unit. The stem part could be
damaged.
Changing tires and wheels
The following procedure allows the
TPMS to recognize a tire pressure sensor's
unique ID signal code whenever tires or
wheels are changed, such as changing to
and from winter tires.
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (178,1)
Meters and Gauges
Speedometer ...................................................................................................... page 5-37
Speed Unit Selector ........................................................................................... page 5-37
Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector .................................................. page 5-37
Tachometer ........................................................................................................ page 5-38
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge .................................................................. page 5-39
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................................................ page 5-39
NOTE
When the ignition is switched ON, the dashboard gauges illuminate.
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Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page178
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (181,1)
CAUTION
Do not run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine
damage.
NOTE
lThe beep sounds to indicate engine overrev
when the tachometer needle enters the
striped zone.
lThe display of the variable red zone in the
tachometer changes according to the
temperature of the engine coolant. To
protect the engine, when the engine coolant
temperature is low, the engine does not run
at high speeds. The fuel supply will be cut
at an rpm lower than the red zone.
qEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.
If the needle is near H, it indicates
overheating.
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine
can cause serious engine damage
(page 7-17).
qFuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is remaining in the tank when
the ignition is switched ON.
We recommend keeping the tank over 1/4
full. When the low fuel warning light
illuminates or when the needle is near E,
refuel as soon as possible.
Low fuel warning light
NOTElAfter refueling, it may require some time for
the needle to stabilize. In addition, the
needle may deviate while driving on a slope
or curve since the fuel moves in the tank.
lThe direction of the arrow () indicates
that the fuel-filler lid is on the left side of
the vehicle.
qDashboard Illumination
Rotate the thumb wheel to adjust the
brightness of the instrument cluster and
other illuminations in the dashboard.
NOTE
lThe brightness of dashboard illuminations
(except instrument cluster) can be adjusted
when the headlight switch is in the
or
position.lThe brightness of the instrument cluster
illumination can be adjusted when the
headlight switch is in any position.
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Black plate (182,1)
Bright
Dim
Canceling the illumination dimmer
When the headlight switch is in the
orposition, the illumination of the
instrument cluster and the information
display dims.
When driving on snowy or foggy roads,
or in other situations when the instrument
cluster or information display's visibility
is reduced due to glare from surrounding
brightness, cancel the illumination
dimmer and increase the illumination
intensity.
To cancel the illumination dimmer, rotate
the thumb wheel upward fully. You may
hear a click sound and the illumination
dimmer will be canceled.
NOTE
lThis symbol () indicates the thumb wheel
to adjust the brightness of the dashboard
illumination.
lIf the dashboard illumination switch is kept
at the illumination dimmer cancel position,
the instrument cluster and the information
display will not dim when the headlight
switch is turned to the
orposition
again. Rotate the dashboard illumination
knob to activate the illumination dimmer.
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Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (198,1)
Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)
The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.
qLights-On Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
exterior lights and dashboard illumination
are on.
qPower Steering Malfunction
Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON, and turns off
when the engine is started.
If the light remains illuminated after the
engine is started, or illuminates while
driving, turn off the engine after parking
in a safe place, and then start the engine
again.
If the light does not illuminate after
restarting the engine, this indicates that
the power steering is restored and normal
steering is possible.
If the light remains illuminated, the power
steering is still inoperable. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.NOTE
lThe power steering system is inoperable
when the power steering malfunction
indicator light illuminates. Steering is
possible, but requires more physical effort.
lRepeatedly jerking the steering wheel left
and right while the vehicle is stopped or
moving extremely slowly will cause the
power steering system to go into protective
mode which will make the steering feel
heavy, but this does not indicate a
malfunction. If this occurs, park the vehicle
safely and wait a few minutes for the system
to return to normal.
qHeadlight Auto-Leveling
Malfunction Indicator Lightí
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
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.
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Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (201,1)
Lighting Control
qHeadlights
Turn the headlight switch to turn the headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard
illumination on or off.
NOTE
To prevent discharging the battery, do not leave the lights on while the engine is off unless safety
requires them.
Without AUTO position
Switch Position
Headlights Off Off On
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker lights
Dashboard illuminationOff On On
With AUTO position
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (202,1)
Switch Position
Headlights Off
AutoOff On
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker lights
Dashboard illuminationOff On On
AUTO (Auto-light control)
When the headlight switch is in the AUTO position and the ignition is switched ON, the
light sensor senses the surrounding lightness or darkness and automatically turns the
headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination on or off (see chart above).
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 wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is switched ON 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 headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination 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 sensitivity of the AUTO lights may be changed by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (205,1)
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
Turn Signals
Move the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.
If the indicator light continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to
its original position.
Right turn
Left turn Right lane change
Left lane changeOFF
Green indicators on the dashboard show
which signal is working.
Lane-change signals
Move the lever slightly toward the
direction of the change―until the
indicator flashes―and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.
NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without flashing
or if it flashes abnormally, one of the turn
signal bulbs may be burned out.
Fog Lightsí
Use this switch to turn on the fog lights.
They help you to see as well as to be seen.
To turn the fog lights on, rotate the fog
light switch to the
position.
The headlight switch must be in the
position before turning on the fog lights.
Fog light switch
To turn them off, rotate the fog light
switch to the OFF position or turn the
headlight switch to the
or OFF
position.
NOTE
lThe fog lights will turn off when the
headlights are set at high beam.
l(With auto-light control)
If the fog light switch is in the ON position
and the headlight switch is in the AUTO
position, the fog lights will be turned on
when the headlights, the exterior lights and
dashboard illumination are automatically
turned on.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-63íSome models. RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page205
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