Mazda RX-8 (2011 year). Instruction

Black plate (168,1)

Press the CANCEL switch.

The system turns off when the ignition is
off.

NOTE

Cruise control will cancel at about 15 km/h (9
mph) below the preset speed (such as may
happen when climbing a long, steep grade).

Traction Control System
(TCS)

The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it lowers engine torque and
operates the brakes to prevent loss of
traction.

This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.

WARNING

Do not rely on the traction control
system as a substitute for safe driving:

The traction control system (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident.

Use snow tires or tire chains and drive
at reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow:

Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and/or ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident.

NOTE

To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF switch
(page 5-29).

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qTCS/DSC Indicator Light

This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.

If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

NOTE

In addition to the indicator light flashing, a
slight lugging sound will come from the
engine. This indicates that the TCS is
operating properly.

On slippery surfaces, such as fresh snow, it
will be impossible to achieve high rpm
when the TCS is on.

Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.

Refer to ABS (page 5-9) and TCS (page
5-26).

WARNING

Do not rely on the dynamic stability
control as a substitute for safe driving:

The dynamic stability control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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CAUTION

Ø The DSC may not operate correctly

unless the following are observed:

Use tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.

Use tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.

Do not mix worn tires.

Ø The DSC may not operate correctly

when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.

Ø If repair or replacement of the

steering or other surrounding
equipment is necessary, have it
done at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. If the center position of the
steering deviates, the DSC may not
operate correctly because there is
a sensor in the steering which
detects driving conditions.

qTCS/DSC Indicator Light

This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.

If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

qDSC OFF Indicator Light

This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off (page 5-29).

If the light stays on when the TCS/DSC is
not switched off, take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The dynamic
stability control may have a malfunction.

NOTE

If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is
replaced, the DSC will be inoperable. In this
case, the DSC OFF indicator light flashes and
the TCS/DSC indicator light illuminates.
To make the DSC operable, do the following
procedure with the battery connected.

1. Switch the ignition ON.

2. Turn the steering clockwise fully, then turn

it counterclockwise fully.

3. Make sure the DSC OFF indicator turn off.

4. Switch the ignition off, then switch the

ignition to ON again.

5. Make sure the TCS/DSC indicator light

turns off.

If the TCS/DSC indicator light and the DSC
OFF indicator light remain illuminated even
after switching the ignition from ON to OFF,
and back to ON, attempt the procedure again.
If this still does not resolve the issue, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

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qDSC OFF Switch

Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
will illuminate.

Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will go out.

NOTE

When DSC is on and you attempt to free the
vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it out of
freshly fallen snow, the TCS (part of the
DSC system) will activate. Depressing the
accelerator will not increase engine power
and freeing the vehicle may be difficult.
When this happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.

If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine is
turned off, it automatically activates when
the ignition is switched ON.

Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide the
best stability. When the TCS/DSC is off, the
TCS/DSC does not activate but the brake
LSD (Limited Slip Differentials) function
remains.

If the DSC OFF switch is pressed and held
for a second or more, the TCS/DSC system
may become inoperative due to the system
detecting a switch problem. If the TCS/DSC
system becomes inoperative, the TCS/DSC
and the DSC OFF indicator lights
illuminate simultaneously. In this case, turn
off the engine and restart it to restore the
TCS/DSC.

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Tire Pressure Monitoring System

The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) monitors the pressure for each tire.
If tire pressure is too low in one or more tires, the system will inform the driver via the
warning light in the instrument panel and by the warning beep sound.

The tire pressure sensors installed on each wheel send tire pressure data by radio signal to
the receiver unit in the vehicle.

Tire pressure sensors

NOTE

When the ambient temperature is low due to seasonal changes, tire temperatures are also lower.
When the tire temperature decreases, the air pressure decreases as well. The TPMS warning light
may illuminate more frequently. Visually inspect the tires daily before driving, and check tire
pressures monthly with a tire pressure gauge. When checking tire pressures, use of a digital tire
pressure gauge is recommended.

TPMS does not alleviate your need to check the pressure and condition of all four tires
regularly.

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CAUTION

Ø Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold

and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it
is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.

Ø Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to

indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.

Ø To avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a

problem. As a result it will not instantaneously register a rapid tire deflation or
blow out.

NOTE

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.

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qTire Pressure Monitoring System

Warning Light

This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.

Thereafter, the warning light illuminates
and a beep is heard when tire pressure is
too low in one or more tires, and flashes
when there is a system malfunction.

WARNING

If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or flashes, or
the tire pressure warning beep sound is
heard, decrease vehicle speed
immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking:

If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or flashes,
or the tire pressure warning beep
sound is heard, it is dangerous to
drive the vehicle at high speeds, or
perform sudden maneuvering or
braking. Vehicle drivability could
worsen and result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak
or a flat, pull over to a safe position
where you can check the visual
condition of the tire and determine if
you have enough air to proceed to a
place where air may be added and
the system monitored again by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer or a tire
repair station.

Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:

Ignoring the TPMS warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken
care of as soon as possible before it
develops into a more serious
situation that could lead to tire
failure and a dangerous accident.

Warning light illuminates/Warning
beep sounds

When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sound is heard (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires.

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Adjust the tire pressure to the correct tire
pressure. Refer to the specification charts
(page 10-6).

CAUTION

When replacing/repairing the tires or
wheels or both, have the work done
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or
the tire pressure sensors may be
damaged.

NOTE

Perform tire pressure adjustment when the
tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary
according to the tire temperature, therefore
let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or only drive
it 1.6 km (1 mile) or less before adjusting
the tire pressures. When pressure is
adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation
pressure, the TPMS warning light/beep may
turn on after the tires cool and pressure
drops below specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light,
resulting from the tire air pressure dropping
due to cold ambient temperature, may turn
off if the ambient temperature rises. In this
case, it will also be necessary to adjust the
tire air pressures. If the TPMS warning
light illuminates due to a drop in tire air
pressure, make sure to check and adjust the
tire air pressures.

After adjusting the tire air pressures, it may
require some time for the TPMS warning
light to turn off. If the TPMS warning light
remains illuminated, drive the vehicle at a
speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph) for 10
minutes, and then verify that it turns off.

Tires lose air naturally over time and the
TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting too
soft over time or you have a flat. However,
when you find one low tire in a set of four-
that is an indication of trouble; you should
have someone drive the vehicle slowly
forward so you can inspect any low tire for
cuts and any metal objects sticking through
tread or sidewall. Put a few drops of water
in the valve stem to see if it bubbles
indicating a bad valve. Leaks need to be
addressed by more than simply refilling the
trouble tire as leaks are dangerous - take it
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer which has
all the equipment to fix tires, TPMS systems
and order the best replacement tire for your
vehicle.

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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:

When there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.

When 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.

When using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.

A digital device such as a personal
computer.

A current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.

When excess snow or ice adheres to
the vehicle, especially around the
wheels.

When the tire pressure sensor batteries
are exhausted.

When using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.

When using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls.

When 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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NOTE

Each tire pressure sensor has a unique ID
signal code. The signal code must be
registered with the TPMS before it can work.
The easiest way to do it is to have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer change your tire and
complete ID signal code registration.

When having tires changed at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer

When an Authorized Mazda Dealer
changes your vehicle's tires, they will
complete the tire pressure sensor ID signal
code registration.

When changing tires yourself

If you or someone else changes tires, you
or someone else can also undertake the
steps for the TPMS to complete the ID
signal code registration.

1. After tires have been changed, switch

the ignition ON, then back to ACC or
OFF.

2. Wait for about 15 minutes.

3. After about 15 minutes, drive the

vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h
(16 mph) for 10 minutes and the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code will be
registered automatically.

NOTE

If the vehicle is driven within about 15 minutes
of changing tires, the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light will flash because the
sensor ID signal code would not have been
registered. If this happens, park the vehicle for
about 15 minutes, after which the sensor ID
signal code will register upon driving the
vehicle for 10 minutes.

Replacing tires and wheels

CAUTION

Ø When replacing/repairing the tires

or wheels or both, have the work
done by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer, or the tire pressure sensors
may be damaged.

Ø The wheels equipped on your

Mazda are specially designed for
installation of the tire pressure
sensors. Do not use non-genuine
wheels, otherwise it may not be
possible to install the tire pressure
sensors.

Be sure to have the tire pressure sensors
installed whenever tires or wheels are
replaced.
When having a tire or wheel or both
replaced, the following types of tire
pressure sensor installations are possible.

The tire pressure sensor is removed
from the old wheel and installed to the
new one.

The same tire pressure sensor is used
with the same wheel. Only the tire is
replaced.

A new tire pressure sensor is installed
to a new wheel.

NOTE

The tire pressure sensor ID signal code
must be registered when a new tire pressure
sensor is purchased. For purchase of a tire
pressure sensor and registration of the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

When reinstalling a previously removed tire
pressure sensor to a wheel, replace the
grommet (seal between valve body/sensor
and wheel) for the tire pressure sensor.

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qSpeedometer

The speedometer indicates the speed of
the vehicle.

qSpeed Unit Selector

In some countries, you may have to
change the speed units between km/h and
mph.
Press the speed unit selector for 2 second
or more.
The speed units for the speedometer will
change between km/h and mph.

Speedometer

Speed unit selector

NOTE

Odometer and trip meter distance units will
change between kilometers and miles in
accordance with the speed unit.

qOdometer, Trip Meter and Trip

Meter Selector

The display mode can be changed
between trip meter A and trip meter B by
pressing the selector while one of them is
displayed. The selected mode will be
displayed.

Odometer

Trip meter

Trip meter selector

Odometer

Trip meter A

Press the selector

Trip meter B

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Black plate (180,1)

NOTE

When the ignition is switched to ACC or the
ignition is switched off, the odometer or trip
meters cannot be displayed, however, pressing
the selector button can inadvertently switch the
trip meters or reset them during an
approximate ten-minute period in the following
cases:

After the ignition is switched to ACC or the
ignition is switched off from ON.

After the driver's door is opened.

Odometer

The odometer records the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.

Trip meter

The trip meter can record the total
distance of two trips. One is recorded in
trip meter A, and the other is recorded in
trip meter B.

For instance, trip meter A can record the
distance from the point of origin, and trip
meter B can record the distance from
where the fuel tank is filled.

When trip meter A is selected, pressing
the selector again within one second will
change to trip meter B mode.

When trip meter A is selected, TRIP A
will be displayed. When trip meter B is
selected, TRIP B will be displayed.

The trip meter records the total distance
the vehicle is driven until the meter is
again reset. Return it to

“0.0” by holding

the selector depressed for 1 second or
more. Use this meter to measure trip
distances and to compute fuel
consumption.

NOTE

Only the trip meters record tenths of
kilometers (miles).

The trip record will be erased when:

The power supply is interrupted (blown
fuse or the battery is disconnected).

The vehicle is driven over 999.9 km
(mile).

qTachometer

The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
Automatic transmission

Variable red zones

Striped zone

Red zone

Manual transmission

Variable red zones

Striped zone

Red zone

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CAUTION

Do not run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine
damage.

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.

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

NOTE

After 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.

The 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

The brightness of dashboard illuminations
(except instrument cluster) can be adjusted
when the headlight switch is in the

position.

The brightness of the instrument cluster
illumination can be adjusted when the
headlight switch is in any position.

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Bright

Dim

Canceling the illumination dimmer

When the headlight switch is in the
or

position, 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

This symbol (

) indicates the thumb wheel

to adjust the brightness of the dashboard
illumination.

If 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

position

again. Rotate the dashboard illumination
knob to activate the illumination dimmer.

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