Mazda RX-8 (2011 year). Instruction

Black plate (152,1)

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.

NOTE

When the engine is jump-started to charge the
battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it
is the result of the weak battery and does not
indicate an ABS 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 illuminate the brake
system warning light and the ABS
warning light on simultaneously. 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 simultaneously is
dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the
rear wheels could lock more quickly
in an emergency stop than under
normal circumstances.

qBrake Pad Wear Indicator

When the disc brake pads become worn,
the built-in wear indicators contact the
disc plates. This causes a loud screeching
noise to warn that the pads should be
replaced.

When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.

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Black plate (153,1)

WARNING

Do not drive with worn disc pads:

Driving with worn disc pads is
dangerous. The brakes could fail and
cause a serious accident. As soon as
you hear a screeching noise consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Manual Transmission
Operation

The beep sounds to indicate engine
overrev when the tachometer needle
enters the striped zone.

The 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.
Refer to Tachometer on page 5-38.

qManual Transmission Shift Pattern

Neutral position

The shift pattern of the transmission is
conventional, as shown.

Depress the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.

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Your vehicle is equipped with a device to
prevent shifting to R (reverse) by mistake.
Push the shift lever downward and shift to
R.

WARNING

Do not use sudden engine braking on
slippery road surfaces or at high
speeds:

Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident.

Be sure to leave the shift lever in 1 or R
position and set the parking brake
when leaving the vehicle unattended:

Otherwise the vehicle could move
and cause an accident.

CAUTION

Ø Keep your foot off the clutch pedal

except when shifting gears. Also,
do not use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. Riding the
clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.

Ø Do not apply any excessive lateral

force to the gear lever when
changing from 5th to 4th gear.
This could lead to the accidental
selection of 2nd gear, which can
result in damage to the
transmission.

Ø Make sure the vehicle comes to a

complete stop before shifting to R.
Shifting to R while the vehicle is
still moving may damage the
transmission.

NOTE

If shifting to R is difficult, shift back into
neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try
again.

qRecommendations for Shifting

Upshifting

For normal acceleration, we recommend
these shift points.

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

23 km/h (14 mph)

2 to 3

35 km/h (22 mph)

3 to 4

47 km/h (29 mph)

4 to 5

58 km/h (36 mph)

5 to 6

74 km/h (46 mph)

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Black plate (155,1)

For cruising

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

23 km/h (14 mph)

2 to 3

34 km/h (21 mph)

3 to 4

45 km/h (28 mph)

4 to 5

56 km/h (35 mph)

5 to 6

68 km/h (42 mph)

Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
reduces the chance of stalling and gives
better acceleration when you need more
speed.
On a steep downgrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.

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Black plate (156,1)

Automatic Transmission Controls

Indicates that you must depress the brake pedal to shift (The ignition
switch must be in the ACC or ON position).

Indicates the shift lever can be shifted freely into any position.

Various Lockouts:

NOTE

The beep sounds to indicate engine overrev when the tachometer needle enters the striped zone.

The 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.
Refer to Tachometer on page 5-38.

The gear shift-up point may move to the high rpm range temporarily while the engine is warming
up in order to shorten the warming-up period.

The Sport AT has an option that is not included in the traditional automatic transmission giving
the driver the option of selecting each gear instead of leaving it to the transmission to shift gears.
Even if you intend to use the automatic transmission functions as a traditional automatic, you
should also be aware that you can inadvertently shift into manual shift mode and an inappropriate
gear may be retained as the vehicle speed increases. If you notice the engine speed going higher
or hear the engine racing, confirm you have not accidentally slipped into manual shift mode (page
5-16).

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Black plate (157,1)

qTransmission Ranges

The shift lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.

P (Park)

P locks the transmission and prevents the
rear wheels from rotating.

WARNING

Always set the shift lever to P and set
the parking brake:

Only setting the shift lever to the P
position without using the parking
brake to hold the vehicle is
dangerous. If P fails to hold, the
vehicle could move and cause an
accident.

CAUTION

Ø Shifting into P, N or R while the

vehicle is moving can damage
your transmission.

Ø Shifting into a driving gear or

reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transmission.

R (Reverse)

In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except under
rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-8).

N (Neutral)

In N, the wheels and transmission are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.

WARNING

If the engine is running faster than idle,
do not shift from N or P into a driving
gear:

It's dangerous to shift from N or P
into a driving gear when the engine
is running faster than idle. If this is
done, the vehicle could move
suddenly, causing an accident or
serious injury.

Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle:

Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury.

CAUTION

Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause
transmission damage.

NOTE

Apply the parking brake or depress the brake
pedal before moving the shift lever from N to
prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

D (Drive)

D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transmission will automatically
shift through a 6-gear sequence.
Temporary use of the direct mode is
possible.
Refer to Direct Mode on page 5-20.

M (Manual)

M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the shift lever or steering shift
switches.
Refer to Manual Shift Mode (page 5-16).

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Black plate (158,1)

qActive Adaptive Shift (AAS)

Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
automatically controls the transmission
shift points to best suit the road conditions
and driver input. This optimizes engine
performance and improves driving
comfort. When cornering the vehicle,
AAS mode will hold the transmission in
the gear the vehicle was in before entering
the curve, allowing the vehicle to be
accelerated from the same gear after
exiting the curve.
If the driver accelerates rapidly, or
accelerates and decelerates rapidly by
operating the accelerator and brake pedal
for a certain period of time while the
selector lever is in the D position, AAS
mode could activate. When this occurs,
AAS mode will maintain the transmission
in the optimum gear and the driver may
sense that the transmission is not shifting,
however this does not indicate an
abnormality.

qShift-Lock System

The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.

To shift from P:

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine.

3. Move the shift lever.

NOTE

When the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position, the shift lever cannot be shifted
from P.

To be sure the vehicle is in park, the
ignition key cannot be removed unless the
shift lever is in P.

(With Advanced Key)
The ignition cannot be switched from ACC
to OFF when the shift lever is not in P.

qManual Shift Mode

This mode gives you the feel of driving a
manual transmission vehicle by operating
the shift lever and allows you to control
engine rpm and torque to the rear wheels
much like a manual transmission when
more control is desired.

To change to manual shift mode, shift the
lever from D to M.

NOTE

Changing to manual shift mode while driving
will not damage the transmission.

To return to automatic shift mode, shift
the lever from M to D.

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Black plate (159,1)

NOTE

If you change to manual shift mode when
the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to
M1.

If you change to manual shift mode without
depressing the accelerator pedal when
driving in D range, 5th gear, the gear will
shift to M4.

If you change to manual shift mode without
depressing the accelerator pedal when
driving in D range, 6th gear, the gear will
shift to M5.

Indicators

Shift position indicator

In manual shift mode, the

“M” of the shift

position indicator in the instrument panel
illuminates.

Gear position indicator

The numeral for the selected gear
illuminates.

Shift position
indicator

Gear position
indicator

NOTE

If the gears cannot be shifted down when
driving at higher speeds, the gear position
indicator will flash twice to signal that the
gears cannot be shifted down (to protect the
transmission).

Shifting

You can shift gears up and down by
operating the shift lever or the steering
shift switches.

NOTE

If the steering shift switches on both sides
(left and right) are operated simultaneously,
the gear will shift once.

The gear will not shift if the UP switch and
DOWN switch are operated simultaneously.

Manually Shifting up

(M1

→ M2 → M3 → M4 → M5 → M6)

To shift up to a higher gear, tap the shift
lever back (

) once.

To shift up to a higher gear with the
steering shift switches, tap either of the
UP switches toward you once with your
fingers.

UP switches

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Black plate (160,1)

WARNING

Keep your hands on the steering wheel
rim when using fingers or thumbs on
the steering shift switches:

Putting your hands inside the rim of
the steering wheel when using the
steering shift switches is dangerous.
If the driver's air bag were to deploy
in a collision, your hands could be
impacted causing injury.

NOTE

When driving slowly, the gears may not
shift up.

In manual shift mode, gears do not shift up
automatically. Do not run the engine with
the tachometer needle in the RED ZONE. If
the tachometer needle enters the RED
ZONE, you may feel engine-braking
because the fuel delivery will be stopped to
protect the engine. However, this does not
indicate an abnormality.

When depressing the accelerator fully, the
transmission will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed.

Manually Shifting down

( M6

→ M5 → M4 → M3 → M2 →

M1)
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the shift
lever forward (

) once.

To shift down to a lower gear with the
steering shift switches, press either of the
DOWN switches away from you once
with your thumb.

DOWN switches

WARNING

Do not use engine braking on slippery
road surfaces or at high speeds:

Keep your hands on the steering wheel
rim when using fingers or thumbs on
the steering shift switches:

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NOTE

When driving at high speeds, the gear may
not shift down depending on vehicle speed.

During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending on
vehicle speed.

When depressing the accelerator fully, the
transmission will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed.

Second gear fixed mode

When the shift lever is tapped back (

)

while the vehicle is stopped, the
transmission is set in the second gear
fixed mode. The gear is fixed in second
while in this mode for easier starting and
driving on slippery roads. If the shift lever
is tapped back (

) or forward (

) while

in the second gear fixed mode, the mode
will be canceled.

Shifting specification

Shifting up

If the vehicle speed is lower than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted up to a higher gear.

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M2

Between 0 and 18 km/h
(0 and 11 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
depressed.

→ M3

Between 20 and 33 km/h
(13 and 21 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
depressed.

→ M4

Between 30 and 33 km/h
(19 and 21 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
depressed.

→ M5

43 km/h (27 mph)

→ M6

65 km/h (41 mph)

Shifting down

If the vehicle speed is higher than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted to a lower gear so as to
protect the transmission.

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M5

210 km/h (130 mph)

→ M4

175 km/h (108 mph)

→ M3

Between 122 and 135 km/h
(75 and 83 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
depressed.

→ M2

Between 77 and 90 km/h
(47 and 59 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
depressed.

→ M1

30 km/h (18 mph)

NOTE

Regarding the vehicle speed at the highest
gear indicated above, achieving this speed
may not actually be possible depending on
various driving conditions such as the wind,
upslope, and road surface.

During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to
the following:

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M5

60 km/h (37 mph)

→ M4

40 km/h (24 mph)

→ M3

26 km/h (16 mph)

→ M2

18 km/h (11 mph)

→ M1

15 km/h (9 mph)

NOTE

The gear does not shift down to M1
automatically while in the second gear fixed
mode.

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If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M5

210 km/h (130 mph)

→ M4

175 km/h (108 mph)

→ M4

175 km/h (108 mph)

Recommendations for shifting

Upshifting

For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.

Gear

Vehicle speed

M1 to M2

19 km/h (12 mph)

M2 to M3

35 km/h (22 mph)

M3 to M4

47 km/h (29 mph)

M4 to M5

58 km/h (36 mph)

M5 to M6

78 km/h (49 mph)

For cruising

Gear

Vehicle speed

M1 to M2

5 km/h (3 mph)

M2 to M3

30 km/h (19 mph)

M3 to M4

40 km/h (25 mph)

M4 to M5

50 km/h (31 mph)

M5 to M6

67 km/h (42 mph)

Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.

On a steep downgrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.

qDirect Mode

Direct mode can be used for temporarily
switching gears by operating the steering
shift switch while the vehicle is being
driven with the selector lever in the D
range.
While in direct mode, the D and M
indicator lights illuminate and the gear
position in use is illuminated.
Direct mode is canceled (released) under
the following conditions.

The vehicle is driven at a constant
speed.

The needle in the tachometer
approaches the red zone.

The vehicle is driven at a constant
speed and the accelerator pedal is
heavily depressed.

The vehicle is stopped or moving at a
slow speed.

Gear position indicator

Direct mode indicator

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NOTE

Shifting up and down while in direct mode may
not be possible depending on the vehicle
speed. In addition, because direct mode is
canceled (released) depending on the rate of
acceleration or if the accelerator is fully
depressed, use of the manual shift mode is
recommended if you need to drive the vehicle
in a particular gear for long periods.

qDriving Tips

WARNING

Do not allow the vehicle to move in
reverse on an up-slope while the
selector lever is in a forward gear
position, or move forward on a down-
slope while the selector lever is in the
reverse position.

Otherwise, the engine will stop,
causing the loss of the power brake
and power steering functions, and
make it difficult to control the vehicle
which could result in an accident.

Passing

For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transmission will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.

Climbing steep grades from a stop

To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the

load weight and grade steepness.

3. Release the brake pedal while

gradually accelerating.

Descending steep grades

When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.

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Power Steering

Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.

If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

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

The power steering system is inoperable
when the power steering malfunction
indicator light illuminates. Steering is
possible, but requires more physical effort.

Repeatedly 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.

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Cruise Control

With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 30 km/h (19 mph).

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control under the
following conditions:

Using the cruise control under the
following conditions is dangerous
and could result in loss of vehicle
control.

Ø Hilly terrain

Ø Steep inclines

Ø Heavy or unsteady traffic

Ø Slippery or winding roads

Ø Similar restrictions that require

inconsistent speed

qCruise Main Indicator Light

(Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator
Light (Green)

The indicator light has two colors.

Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)

The indicator light illuminates amber
when the ON/OFF switch is pressed and
the cruise control system is activated.

Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)

The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.

qActivation/Deactivation

To activate the system, press the ON/OFF
switch.
The cruise main indicator light
illuminates.

To deactivate the system, press the switch
again.
The cruise main indicator light turns off.

WARNING

Keep the ON/OFF switch off when
cruise control is not in use:

Leaving the ON/OFF switch on when
not using the cruise control is
dangerous as you may hit one of the
other buttons and put the vehicle in
cruise control unexpectedly. This
could result in loss of vehicle control.

qTo Set Speed

1. Activate the cruise control system by

pressing the ON/OFF switch.

2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which

must be more than 30 km/h (19 mph).

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3. Press down the cruise control SET/-

switch and release it at the desired
speed. Release the accelerator
simultaneously.

Cruise
control
switch

Do not continue to hold the switch. Until
you release it, the speed will continue to
decrease (unless you continue to
accelerate) and you will miss the desired
speed.

NOTE

On a steep grade, the vehicle may
momentarily slow down while ascending,
or speed up while descending.

Cruise control will turn off if the vehicle
speed decreases below 30 km/h (19 mph)
when cruise is activated, such as when
climbing a steep grade.

qTo Increase Cruising Speed

Follow either of these procedures.

To increase speed using cruise control
switch

Press up the cruise control RES/+ switch
and hold it. Your vehicle will accelerate.
Release the switch at the speed you want.

Cruise
control
switch

Your vehicle has a tap-up feature that
allows you to increase your current speed
in increments of 1.6 km/h (1 mph) by a
momentary tap of the cruise control RES/
+ switch. Multiple taps will increase your
vehicle speed 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each
tap.

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To increase speed using accelerator
pedal

Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate
to the desired speed.
Press down the cruise control SET/-
switch and release it immediately.

Cruise
control
switch

NOTE

Accelerate if you want to speed up temporarily
when the cruise control is on. Greater speed
will not interfere with or change the set speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator to return to
the set speed.

qTo Decrease Cruising Speed

Press down the cruise control SET/-
switch and hold it. The vehicle will
gradually slow.
Release the switch at the desired speed.

Cruise
control
switch

Your vehicle has a tap-down feature that
allows you to decrease your current speed
in decrements of 1.6 km/h (1 mph) by a
momentary tap of the cruise control SET/-
switch. Multiple taps will decrease your
vehicle speed 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each
tap.

qTo Resume Cruising Speed at

More Than 30 km/h (19 mph)

If some other method besides the ON/
OFF switch was used to cancel cruising
speed (such as applying the brake pedal)
and the system is still activated, the most
recent set speed will automatically resume
when the cruise control RES/+ switch is
pressed up.
If vehicle speed is below 30 km/h (19
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 30
km/h (19 mph) or more and press up the
cruise control RES/+ switch.

Cruise
control
switch

qTo Cancel

To cancel the system, use one of these
methods:

Press the ON/OFF switch.

Slightly depress the brake pedal.

Depress the clutch pedal (Manual
transmission only).

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Mazda RX-8 (2011 year). Instruction - part 10