Mazda RX-8 (2011 year). Instruction

The light illuminates when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switched
to START or ON. It turns off when the
parking brake is fully released.

Low brake fluid level warning

If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.

Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.

You may notice that the pedal is harder to
depress or that it may go closer to the
floor. In either case, it will take longer to
stop the vehicle.

1. With the engine stopped, open the

hood and check the brake fluid level
immediately, and then add fluid if
required (page 8-16).

2. After adding fluid, check the light

again.

If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Even if the light turns off have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

NOTE

Having to add brake fluid is sometimes an
indicator of leakage. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible even if the
brake light is no longer illuminated.

WARNING

Do not drive with the brake system
warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible:

Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated is
dangerous. It indicates that your
brakes may not work at all or that
they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains
illuminated, after checking that the
parking brake is fully released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.

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qABS Warning Light

The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.

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.

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qCharging System Warning Light

This warning light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON and turns off
when the engine is started.

If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

CAUTION

Do not continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated because the engine could
stop unexpectedly.

qEngine Oil Level Warning Light

This warning light indicates a low engine
oil level while the engine is running by
briefly flashing the light and then fully
illuminating it.
If there is a problem with the system, the
light flashes continuously.

NOTE

When the engine oil level is low, the warning
beep is also heard while the engine oil level
warning light is flashing.
Refer to Engine Oil Level Warning Beep on
page 5-58.

If the light flashes and then illuminates

If the light illuminates while driving:

1. Drive to the side of the road and park

off the right-of-way.

2. Turn off the engine and inspect the

engine oil level (page 8-13). If it's low,
add oil.

3. Check the light.

If the engine oil level warning light is
illuminated and you are unable to
immediately add engine oil, do not drive
at high speed, keep the engine speed low
and get to a location where oil can be
added as soon as possible. We recommend
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, have your vehicle checked at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

CAUTION

Don't run the engine if the oil level is
low. It could result in extensive
engine damage.

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NOTE

The Mazda RX-8 requires regular checking of
the engine oil level. The compact, high
performance RENESIS rotary engine in your
vehicle consumes a small amount of engine oil
due to its structural design. An oil pump
optimizes the amount of oil injected to
lubricate the rotor seals in the combustion
cycle. Although your vehicle is equipped with
an engine oil level warning light, it is best to
keep the engine oil level in the range between
full and low by checking the oil dipstick
regularly. Mazda recommends checking the oil
level at every second fuel filling. The oil
consumption of the engine depends on engine
speed and engine load. Under extreme driving
conditions, oil consumption can be higher.

If the light flashes continuously

If the warning light continues to flash, do
not drive at high speeds, drive the vehicle
at low engine rpm, and have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect the
system.

NOTE

If the engine is turned off while the oil level
indicator is flashing due to a system
malfunction, it may take a few minutes until the
indicator starts flashing again after the engine
is started.

qEngine Coolant Level Warning Light

This warning light indicates low engine
coolant level.

If the light illuminates while driving:

1. Drive to the side of the road and park

off the right-of-way.

2. Turn off the engine and inspect the

engine coolant level (page 8-14). If it's
low, add engine coolant.

3. Check the light.

If the light remains illuminated even after
you add engine coolant, have your vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

CAUTION

Don't run the engine if the engine
coolant level is low. It could result in
extensive engine damage.

qCheck Engine Light

This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON and turns off
when the engine is started.

If this light illuminates while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light illuminated and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

The check engine light may illuminate in
the following cases:

The fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.

The engine's electrical system has a
problem.

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The emission control system has a
problem.

The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.

If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.

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 is
switched ON 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 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.

qLow Fuel Warning Light

Low fuel warning light

This warning light in the fuel gauge
signals that the fuel tank will soon be
empty.
Refuel as soon as possible.

qSeat Belt Warning Light/Beep

The seat belt warning light illuminates
and a beep sound will be heard if the
driver's seat belt is not fastened when the
ignition is switched ON.

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Conditions of operation

Condition

Result

The driver's seat belt is not
fastened when the ignition is
switched ON.

The warning light
flashes and a beep
sound will be heard
for about 6 seconds.

The driver's seat belt is
fastened while the warning
light and the beep sound are
activated.

The warning light
turns off and the beep
sound stops.

The driver's seat belt is
fastened before the ignition
is switched ON.

The warning light will
not illuminate and the
beep sound will not be
heard.

Belt reminder

NOTE

Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
deactivate or restore the belt reminder. Though
the belt reminder can be deactivated, doing so
will defeat the purpose of the system to warn
the driver and the front passenger in the event
that their seat belts are not fastened. For the
safety of the driver and front passenger, Mazda
recommends not deactivating the belt
reminder.

Driver seated/Front passenger not
seated
The belt reminder is a supplemental
warning to the seat belt warning function.
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition is switched ON, the
warning light/beep operates to give you
further reminders according to the chart
below.

Condition

Vehicle speed

Between 0

― 20

km/h

― 12 mph)

20 km/h

(12 mph) or

Seat belt

Indicator

Beep

: Fastened
: Unfastened
: Illuminated

: Flashing

: Beep

Once the beep sound is heard, it continues
sounding even if the vehicle speed lowers
to 20 km/h (12 mph) or less until the
seatbelt is fastened or the beep sound
period has passed.

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Driver seated/Front passenger seated
The seat belt warning function reminds
the front passenger to fasten the seat belt
according to the chart below.

Condition

Vehicle speed

Between 0

― 20

km/h

― 12 mph)

20 km/h

(12 mph) or

Seat belt
(Driver)

Seat belt
(Passenger)

Indicator

Beep

: Fastened
: Unfastened
: Illuminated

: Flashing

: Beep

Placing heavy items on the front
passenger seat may cause the front
passenger seat belt warning function to
operate depending on the weight of the
item.

Once the beep sound is heard, it continues
sounding even if the vehicle speed lowers
to 20 km/h (12 mph) or less until the
seatbelt is fastened or the beep sound
period has passed.

NOTE

To allow the front passenger seat weight
sensor to function properly, do not place
and sit on an additional seat cushion on the
front passenger seat. The sensor may not
function properly because the additional
seat cushion could cause sensor
interference.

When a small child sits on the front
passenger seat, it is possible that neither
the warning light nor the warning beep
operate.

qDoor-Ajar Warning Light

This warning light illuminates when any
door or the trunk is not securely closed.
Close the door or the trunk securely
before driving the vehicle.

qLow Washer Fluid Level

Warning Light

This warning light indicates that little
washer fluid remains. Add fluid (page
8-17).

qAutomatic Transmission Warning

Light

This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
The light illuminates when the
transmission has a problem.

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CAUTION

If the automatic transmission
warning light illuminates, the
transmission has an electrical
problem. Continuing to drive your
Mazda in this condition could cause
damage to your transmission.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer
as soon as possible.

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.

qKEY Warning Light (Red)/KEY

Indicator Light (Green) (with
Advanced Key)

This indicator has two colors.

KEY Warning Light (Red)

When illuminated

When the ignition is switched ON, it
illuminates momentarily and then goes
out.

If any malfunction occurs in the
advanced keyless system, it illuminates
continuously.

WARNING

Do not drive the vehicle with the KEY
warning light illuminated:

If the KEY warning light remains
illuminated, do not continue to drive
using the advanced key system. 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.

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When flashing

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 OFF/
LOCK position.

The advanced key battery is dead.

The advanced key is not within
operational range.

The advanced key is placed in areas
where it is difficult for the system to
detect the signal (page 3-7).

A key from another manufacturer
similar to the advanced key is in the
operational range.

Under the following conditions, the
KEY warning light (red) will flash
continuously when the start knob has
not been returned to the OFF/LOCK
position to notify the driver that the
advanced key has been removed from
the vehicle. It will stop flashing when
the advanced key is back inside the
vehicle.

The start knob has not been returned
to the OFF/LOCK position, the
driver's door is open, and the
advanced key is removed from the
vehicle.

The start knob has not been returned
to the OFF/LOCK position and all
the doors are closed after removing
the advanced key from the vehicle.

NOTE

The flashing KEY warning light (red) and the
beep sound operate simultaneously (page
3-19).

KEY Indicator Light (Green)

When illuminated

When the start knob is pushed in from the
OFF/LOCK position, the system confirms
that the correct advanced key is inside the
vehicle, the KEY indicator light (green)
illuminates, and the start knob can be
turned to the ACC position (page 3-9).

When flashing

When the advanced key battery power is
low, the KEY indicator light flashes for 30
seconds after the start knob is turned from
the ON position to the ACC or OFF/
LOCK position. Replace with a new
battery before the advanced key becomes
unusable (page 3-6).

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 Personalization Features on page
10-8.

qSecurity Indicator Light

This indicator light starts flashing every 2
seconds when the ignition is switched
from ON to ACC and the immobilizer
system is armed.

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The light stops flashing when the ignition
is switched ON with the correct ignition
key.
At this time, the immobilizer system is
disarmed and the light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and then turns off.

If the engine does not start with the
correct ignition key, and the security
indicator light keeps illuminating or
flashing, the system may have a
malfunction. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

qHeadlight High-Beam Indicator

Light

This light indicates one of two things:

The high-beam headlights are on.

The turn signal lever is in the flash-to-
pass position.

qShift Position Indicator Light

(Automatic Transmission)

This indicates the selected shift position
when the ignition is switched ON.

Gear position indicator

The gear position indicator displays the
gear in use while in either manual shift or
direct mode.

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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.

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.

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.

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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

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.

qHeadlight Auto-Leveling

Malfunction Indicator Light

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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qTurn-Signal/Hazard Warning

Indicator Lights

When operating the turn signal lights, the
left or right turn signal indicator light
flashes to indicate which turn signal light
is operating (page 5-63).

When operating the hazard warning
lights, both turn signal indicator lights
flash (page 5-70).

NOTE

If an indicator light remains illuminated (does
not flash) or if it flashes abnormally, one of the
turn signal bulbs may be burned out.

Beep Sounds

qSeat Belt Warning Beep

If the driver's seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition is switched ON, a beep
sound will be heard for about 6 seconds.
If the driver or the front passenger's seat
belt is not fastened and the vehicle is
driven at a speed faster than about 20
km/h (12 mph), a beep sound will be
heard again for a specified period of time.
Refer to Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep on
page 5-47.

qIgnition Key Reminder

If the ignition is switched off or the
ignition is switched to ACC with the key
inserted, a continuous beep sound will be
heard when the driver's door is opened.

qLights-On Reminder

If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a continuous
beep sound will be heard when the
driver's door is opened.

NOTE

When the advanced keyless function is used
and the start knob is in the ACC position, the
Start Knob Not in Lock Warning Beep (page
3-17) overrides the lights-on reminder.

qEngine Overrev Warning Beep

The beep sounds to indicate engine
overrev when the tachometer needle
enters the striped zone (page 5-38).

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Mazda RX-8 (2011 year). Instruction - part 12