dashboard MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2011 Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (7,1)
1Your Vehicle at a Glance
Interior, exterior views and part identification of your Mazda.
Dashboard and Interior Overview .............................................. 1-2
Exterior Overview ......................................................................... 1-4
1-1
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page7
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (8,1)
*Refer to Navigation System at the separate manual (if equipped).
The equipment and installation position varies by model.
1-2
Your Vehicle at a Glance
The equipment and installation position varies by vehicle
Dashboard and Interior Overview
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page8
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (9,1)
Power door lock switch ..................................................................................... page 3-27
Outside mirror switch ........................................................................................ page 3-54
Dashboard illumination ..................................................................................... page 5-39
DSC OFF switch ............................................................................................... page 5-27
Lighting control/Turn signals ............................................................................ page 5-59
Audio control switch ......................................................................................... page 6-52
Instrument cluster .............................................................................................. page 5-36
Air bags ............................................................................................................. page 2-40
Wiper and washer lever ..................................................................................... page 5-64
Cruise control switches ...................................................................................... page 5-23
Information display ............................................................................................ page 6-80
Hazard warning flasher switch .......................................................................... page 5-70
Audio system ..................................................................................................... page 6-15
Glove compartment ........................................................................................... page 6-85
Center console ................................................................................................... page 6-86
Cup holder ......................................................................................................... page 6-84
Parking brake ....................................................................................................... page 5-7
MT shift lever ..................................................................................................... page 5-11
AT shift lever (Sport AT) ................................................................................... page 5-14
Lighter ............................................................................................................... page 6-82
Ashtray ............................................................................................................... page 6-83
Climate control system ........................................................................................ page 6-2
Ignition switch ..................................................................................................... page 5-2
Tilt wheel release lever ...................................................................................... page 3-54
Coin box ............................................................................................................ page 6-85
Hood release handle .......................................................................................... page 3-43
Trunk release button .......................................................................................... page 3-31
Power window lock switch ................................................................................ page 3-38
Power window switches .................................................................................... page 3-35
Interior light ....................................................................................................... page 6-78
Sunvisor ............................................................................................................. page 6-78
Rearview mirror ................................................................................................. page 3-55
Vanity mirror ...................................................................................................... page 6-78
Front seats ............................................................................................................ page 2-2
Rear seat ............................................................................................................ page 2-12
Seat belt ............................................................................................................. page 2-15
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Dashboard and Interior Overview
1-3The equipment and installation position varies by vehicle RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page9
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (52,1)
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions
The front and side supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include 6 air bags.You can locate
the various air bags by the use of“SRS AIRBAG”location indicators.These indicators
are visible in the area where the air bags are installed.
The air bags are installed in the following locations:
lThe steering wheel hub (driver air bag)lThe front passenger dashboard (front passenger air bag)lThe outboard sides of the front seatbacks (side air bags)lThe front and rear window pillars, and the roof edge along both sides (curtain air bags)
These systems operate independently depending on the type of accident encountered. The
side and curtain air bags are not likely to deploy on both sides in the same accident because
a vehicle is not often hit from both sides. The side and curtain air bags and the frontal air
bag system will not normally deploy during the same type of accident unless a combination
of frontal and side impacts occur.
The air bag supplemental restraint systems are designed to provide supplemental protection
only in the front seats in certain situations and the rear outside passenger positions only in
same-side collisions, so seat belts are always important in the following ways:
Without seat belt usage, the air bags cannot provide adequate protection during an accident.
Seat belt usage is necessary to:
lKeep the occupant from being thrown into an inflating air bag.lReduce the possibility of injuries during an accident that is not designed for air bag
inflation, such as roll-over or rear impact.
lReduce the possibility of injuries in frontal or side collisions that are not severe enough
to activate the air bags.
lReduce the possibility of being thrown from your vehicle.lReduce the possibility of injuries to lower body and legs during an accident because the
air bags provide no protection to these parts of the body.
lHold the driver in a position which allows better control of the vehicle.
Small children must be protected by a child-restraint system as stipulated by law in every
state and province. In certain states and provinces, larger children must use a child-restraint
system (page 2-26).
Carefully consider which child-restraint system is necessary for your child and follow the
installation directions in this Owner's Manual as well as the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions.
2-40
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page52
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (56,1)
Supplemental Restraint System Components
The supplemental restraint systems (SRS) have two basic subsystems:lThe air bag system with inflators and air bags.lThe electrical system with crash sensors and diagnostic module.
The air bags are mounted in the following locations:
lThe steering wheel hublThe front passenger dashboardlThe outboard sides of the front seatbackslThe front and rear window pillars, and the roof edge along both sides
The air bags are out of sight until activated.
Driver/Front passenger dual stage inflators and air bags
Crash sensors, and diagnostic module (SAS unit)
Front seat belt pretensioners (page 2-20)
Front air bag sensor
Side crash sensors
Air bag/front seat belt pretensioner system warning light (page 2-55)
Side and curtain inflators and air bags
Front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light (page 2-46)
Front passenger seat weight sensors (page 2-46)
Front passenger seat weight sensor control module
2-44
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page56
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (68,1)
A system malfunction is indicated if the
warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or does not
illuminate at all when the ignition is
switched ON. 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 is
switched ON.
lThe air bags have deployed.lFront passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light does not illuminate
when the ignition is switched ON 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 2-46).
WARNING
Do not operate a vehicle with damaged
air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
components:
Expended or damaged air bag/seat
belt pretensioner system components
must be replaced after any collision
which caused them to deploy or
damage them. Only a trained
Authorized Mazda Dealer can fully
evaluate these systems to see that
they will work in any subsequent
accident. Driving with an expended
or damaged air bag or pretensioner
unit will not afford you the necessary
protection in the event of any
subsequent accident which could
result in serious injury or death.
Do not remove interior air bag parts:
Removing any components such as
the front seats, front dashboard, the
steering wheel or parts on the front
and rear window pillars and along
the roof edge, containing air bag
parts or sensors is dangerous. These
parts contain essential air bag
components. The air bag could
accidentally activate and cause
serious injuries. Always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer remove
these parts.
Dispose of the air bag properly:
Improper disposal of an air bag or a
vehicle with live air bags in it can be
extremely dangerous. Unless all
safety procedures are followed, injury
can result. Ask an Authorized Mazda
Dealer how to safely dispose of an air
bag or how to scrap an air bag
equipped vehicle.
2-56
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page68
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (74,1)
CAUTION
ØBecause the advanced key uses low-intensity radio waves, it may not function
correctly under the following conditions:
ØThe advanced key is carried with communication devices such as cellular
phones.
ØThe advanced key contacts or is covered by a metal object.
ØThe advanced key is near electronic devices such as personal computers or cell
phones.
ØNon-Mazda genuine electronic equipment is installed in the vehicle.
ØThere is equipment which discharges radio waves near the vehicle.
ØIf the vehicle is near equipment such as wireless pay devices installed at certain
gas stations.
ØThe advanced key may consume battery power excessively if it receives high-
intensity radio waves. Do not place the advanced key near electronic devices such
as televisions or personal computers.
ØTo avoid damage to the advanced key, DO NOT:
ØDrop the advanced key.
ØGet the advanced key wet.
ØDisassemble the advanced key.
ØExpose the advanced key to high temperatures on places such as the
dashboard or hood, under direct sunlight.
ØPlace heavy objects on the advanced key.
ØPut the advanced key in an ultrasonic cleaner.
ØPut any magnetized objects close to the advanced key.
NOTE
lBattery life is about one year. Be sure to replace the battery as soon as you see the green KEY
indicator light in the instrument cluster begin flashing for 30 seconds after turning off the engine,
otherwise, you will not be able to start the engine using the advanced keyless start system once the
battery is completely dead Refer to KEY warning light (red) on page 5-52. If this occurs, you will
have to either force-start the engine or use the auxiliary key Refer to Advanced Key Battery Dead
Warning on page 3-18.
lAdditional advanced keys can be obtained at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to 6 advanced keys
can be used with the advanced keyless functions per vehicle.
3-4
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page74
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (78,1)
NOTElThe trunk is out of the operational range,
however, starting the engine may be
possible.
lThe engine may not start if the advanced
key is placed in the following areas:
lAround the dashboardlIn the storage compartments such as the
glove box
lOn the rear parcel shelflStarting the engine may be possible even if
the advanced key is outside of the vehicle
and extremely close to a door and window,
however, always start the engine from the
driver's seat.
If the vehicle is started and driven away
while the advanced key is not in the vehicle,
the vehicle will not restart after it is turned
off and the ignition is switched off.
lIf the advanced key is detected within
operational range, the operation indicator
light on the transmitter flashes
momentarily.
qLocking, Unlocking the Doors
with Request Switch
All doors can be locked/unlocked by
pressing the request switch on the front
doors while the advanced key is being
carried.
Request switch
To lock
To lock the doors, press the request
switch. A beep sound will be heard once
and the hazard warning lights will flash
once.
NOTE
The hazard warning lights flash when the theft
deterrent system is armed.
The hazard warning lights do not flash if all
the doors are locked before the theft-deterrent
system is properly armed.
When the doors are locked by pressing the
request switch on the front doors while the
theft-deterrent system is armed, the hazard
warning lights will flash once to indicate that
the system is armed.
Refer to the theft-deterrent system on page
3-51.
To unlock
Driver's door request switch
To unlock the driver's door, press the
request switch. A beep sound will be
heard twice and the hazard warning lights
will flash twice.
To unlock all doors, press the request
switch again within 3 seconds and two
more beep sounds will be heard.
NOTE
The hazard warning lights flash when the theft
deterrent system is turned off.
The hazard warning lights do not flash unless
the theft deterrent system has been properly
turned off.
When the doors are unlocked by pressing the
request switch on the front doors while the
theft-deterrent system is turned off, the hazard
warning lights will flash twice to indicate that
the system is turned off.
Refer to the theft-deterrent system on page
3-51.
3-8
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page78
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (91,1)
Key extend/retract method (Retractable
type key)
To extend the key, press the release
button.
To retract the key, rotate it into the holder
while pressing the release button.
Keyless Entry System (with
Retractable Type Key)
This system remotely locks and unlocks
the doors and opens the trunk lid, and
opens the power windows.
It can also help you signal for attention.
Operating the theft-deterrent system with
the keyless entry system transmitter is
also possible.
Press the buttons slowly and carefully.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the transmitter,
do not:
ØDrop the transmitter.
ØGet the transmitter wet.
ØDisassemble the transmitter.
ØExpose the transmitter to any kind
of magnetic field.
ØExpose the transmitter to high
temperatures on places such as
the dashboard or hood, under
direct sunlight.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-21
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page91
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (116,1)
Immobilizer System (with
Advanced Key)
The immobilizer system allows the engine
to start only with an advanced key the
system recognizes.
If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized advanced 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 advanced key
(including auxiliary 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
Do not allow the following when
starting the engine with the auxiliary
key due to an advanced key dead
battery or other malfunction.
Otherwise the signal from the
auxiliary key will not be received
correctly and the engine may not
start.
ØMetal parts of other keys or metal
objects touch the auxiliary key
grip.
ØSpare auxiliary keys or keys for
other vehicles equipped with an
immobilizer system touch or come
near the auxiliary key.
ØDevices for electronic purchases, or
security passage which touch or
come near the auxiliary key.
3-46
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page116
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:50 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H