Mazda RX-8 (2011 year). Instruction

Black plate (360,1)

Light Bulbs

Overhead light/Map lights (Front)

Headlights (High beam)

Fog lights

Headlights (Low beam)

Parking lights/Front turn signal lights

Side turn signal lights

Courtesy lights

Vanity mirror lights

Rear turn signal lights

Rear side-marker lights

Overhead light (Rear)

Brake lights/Taillights

Trunk light

High-mount brake light

License plate light

Reverse lights

Some models.

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WARNING

Do not replace the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself:

Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer when the replacement
is necessary.

Never touch the glass portion of a
halogen bulb with your bare hands and
always wear eye protection when
handling or working around the bulbs:

When a halogen bulb breaks, it is
dangerous. These bulbs contain
pressurized gas. If one is broken, it
will explode and serious injuries
could be caused by the flying glass.
If the glass portion is touched with
bare hands, body oil could cause the
bulb to overheat and explode when
lit.

Always keep halogen bulbs out of the
reach of children:

Playing with a halogen bulb is
dangerous. Serious injuries could be
caused by dropping a halogen bulb
or breaking it some other way.

qReplacing Exterior Light Bulbs

Replacing a headlight bulb

Low-beam bulb

(Xenon fusion bulb)
You cannot replace the low beam bulbs by
yourself.
The bulbs must be replaced at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

High-beam bulb

1. Make sure the ignition switch is turned

off and the headlight switch is off.

2. If you are changing the right headlight

bulb, start the engine, turn the steering
wheel all the way to the right, and turn
off engine. If you are changing the left
headlight bulb, turn the steering wheel
to the left.

3. Turn the center section of the plastic

retainer counterclockwise and remove
the retainers and partially peel back the
mudguard.

Removal

Installation

4. Disconnect the electrical connector

from the bulb by pressing the tab on
the connector with your finger and
pulling the connector downward.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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5. Turn the socket and bulb assembly to

remove it. Carefully remove the bulb
from its socket in the reflector by
gently pulling it straight backward out
of the socket.

6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order

of the removal procedure.

NOTE

To replace the bulb, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

If the halogen bulb is accidentally touched,
it should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol
before being used.

Use the protective cover and carton of the
replacement bulb to dispose of the old bulb
promptly out of the reach of children.

Replacing a Fog Light Bulb

1. Remove the fog light cover by pulling

it outward using both hands.

2. Loosen the screws securing the fog

light unit.

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Maintenance and Care

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3. Remove the fog light unit by pulling it

downward and then straight out using
both hands.

NOTE

When pulling out the fog light unit, be careful
not to allow the bulb socket to contact the oil
cooler.

4. Press the tab on the bulb socket and

disconnect the connector cord.

5. Rotate the bulb socket

counterclockwise as shown in the
figure and remove it.

6. Replace the bulb.

7. Reinstall the bulb socket in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

Front turn signal lights/Parking lights

1. Make sure the ignition switch is turned

off and the headlight switch is off.

2. If you are changing the right bulb, start

the engine, turn the steering wheel all
the way to the right, and turn off
engine. If you are changing the left
bulb, turn the steering wheel to the left.

3. Turn the center section of the plastic

retainer counterclockwise and remove
the retainers and partially peel back the
mudguard.

Removal

Installation

4. Turn the socket and bulb assembly

counterclockwise and remove it.

5. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.

6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order

of the removal procedure.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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Side-turn signal lights

1. Slide the light unit rearward.

2. Rotate the light unit clockwise as

shown in the figure and pull it out.

3. Press the tab on the bulb socket and

disconnect the connector cord.

4. Replace with a new light unit and

install it in the reverse order of the
removal procedure.

NOTE

The side-turn signal light bulb cannot be
replaced. The entire light unit itself has to be
replaced, therefore consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer for a replacement light unit.

Brake lights/Taillights

Due to the complexity and difficulty of
the procedure, the LED bulbs should be
replaced by an expert repairer, we
recommend an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Rear turn signal lights, Reverse lights,
Rear side marker lights

1. Pull the center section of the plastic

retainer and remove the retainers and
partially open the trunk side trim.

Removal

Installation

2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly

counterclockwise and remove it.

3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.

Rear turn signal lights

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Reverse lights

Rear side marker lights

4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order

of the removal procedure.

High-mount brake light

1. Wrap the end of a flathead screwdriver

in a soft cloth and remove the trunk
handle by inserting the flathead
screwdriver in the position shown in
the figure and carefully prying the
handle off.

2. Disengage the pin in each clip securing

the trunk trim using a (

) screwdriver,

remove the screws and clips, and then
remove the trunk trim.

Removal

Installation

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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3. Press the tab on the bulb socket and

remove the connector cord.

4. Rotate the bulb socket

counterclockwise as shown in the
figure and pull it out, then pull out the
bulb from the socket.

5. Replace the bulb.

6. Reinstall the bulb socket in the reverse

order of the removal procedure.

NOTE

When re-installing the trunk trim, set the trunk
trim in place and insert the clips without the
internal pin, then insert the pins and engage
them.

License plate light

1. Press the front of the lens to detach the

front tabs.

2. Wrap the end of a flathead screwdriver

in a soft cloth to prevent damage to the
lens and remove the lens by carefully
prying on the edge of the lens with the
flathead screwdriver.

3. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.

4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order

of removal.

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Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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qReplacing Interior Light Bulbs

Overhead light/Map lights (Front)

1. Remove the screws with a Phillips

screwdriver.

2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver with a soft

cloth to prevent damage to the trim and
gently insert it in the overhead light as
shown in the figure, and then remove
the overhead light unit.

3. Turn the socket and bulb assembly

counterclockwise and remove it.

4. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.

5. Install the new bulb in the reverse order

of removal.

Overhead light (Rear), Courtesy lights,
Vanity mirror lights

1. Wrap a small flathead screwdriver with

a soft cloth to prevent damage to the
lens and remove the lens by carefully
prying on the edge of the lens with the
screwdriver.

2. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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3. Install the new bulb in the reverse order

of removal.

Trunk light

1. Press both sides of the lens cap to

remove it.

2. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.

3. Install the new bulb in the reverse order

of removal.

Fuses

Your vehicle's electrical system is
protected by fuses.

If any lights, accessories, or controls don't
work, inspect the appropriate circuit
protector. If a fuse has blown, the inside
element will be melted.

If the same fuse blows again, avoid using
that system and consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.

qFuse Replacement

Replacing the fuses on the driver's side

If the electrical system does not work,
first inspect the fuses on the driver's side.

1. Turn off the ignition switch and other

switches.

2. Open the fuse panel cover.

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3. Pull the fuse straight out with the fuse

puller provided on the inside of the
engine compartment fuse block cover.

4. Inspect the fuse and replace it if it's

blown.

Normal

Blown

5. Insert a new fuse of the same amperage

rating, and make sure it fits tightly. If it
does not fit tightly, have an expert
install it. We recommend an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If you have no spare fuses, borrow one
of the same rating from a circuit not
essential to vehicle operation, such as
the AUDIO or CIGAR circuit.

CAUTION

Always replace a fuse with one of the
same rating. Otherwise you may
damage the electric system.

Replacing the fuses under the hood

If the headlights or other electrical
components do not work and the fuses in
the cabin are normal, inspect the fuse
block under the hood. If a fuse is blown, it
must be replaced. Follow these steps:

1. Turn off the ignition switch and all

other switches.

2. Remove the fuse block cover.

Next to air filter

Engine cover

Battery cover

Near battery

NOTE

Remove the engine and battery covers before
removing the fuse block cover near the battery.

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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qFuse Panel Description

Fuse block (Engine compartment)

13
14

15
16
17
18
19

11
12

29
30
31

32
33
34
35
36

23
24
25
26
27

(Next to air filter)

(Next to battery)

DESCRIPTION

FUSE

RATING

PROTECTED COMPONENT

MAIN

120A

For protection of all circuits

HEATER

40A

Heater

AIR PUMP

60A

Air pump

BTN

30A

Power door locks, Illumination, Moonroof

DEFOG

50A

Rear window defroster

FAN 1

30A

Electric fan 1

ABS/DSC

40A

ABS, DSC

ACC

30A

Lighter, Power control mirror, Accessory socket, Audio system

FAN 2

30A

Electric fan 2

HEAD

15A

Headlight high beams

, Headlight cleaner

HEAD LOW R

15A

Headlight low beam (RH)

HEAD LOW L

15A

Headlight low beam (LH)

DRL

15A

DRL

(Headlight high beams)

DSC

30A

DSC

SEAT WARM

20A

Seat warmer

H/CLEAN

20A

Headlight cleaner

R.FOG

―

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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Some models.

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DESCRIPTION

FUSE

RATING

PROTECTED COMPONENT

FOG

15A

Fog lights

A/C

10A

Air conditioner

40A

For protection of various circuits

P.WIND 1

30A

Power window

IG KEY

15A

For protection of various circuits

STOP

10A

Brake lights

FUEL PUMP

20A

Fuel pump

HORN

15A

Horn

HAZARD

15A

Hazard warning flashers, Turn signal lights

ETV

15A

Electric throttle valve

10A

Starter

WIPER

20A

Windshield wiper and washer

TCM

15A

TCM

ENGINE

15A

Engine control system, Supplemental restraint system, ABS,
Power steering

TAIL

10A

Taillights, License plate light, Parking lights, Front side-maker
lights, Rear side-marker lights

ILLUMI

7.5A

Illumination

EGI COMP1

15A

Engine control system

EGI COMP2

10A

Engine control system

EGI INJ

15A

Fuel injector

P.WIND 2

20A

Power window

EPS

60A

Power steering

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Maintenance and Care

Some models.

Owner Maintenance

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Black plate (373,1)

Fuse panel (Driver's side)

DESCRIPTION

FUSE

RATING

PROTECTED COMPONENT

CIGAR

15A

Lighter

ACC

7.5A

Audio system, Power control mirror

OUTLET

―

A/C

7.5A

Air conditioner

METER

10A

Instrument cluster

―

SPARE

―

SPARE

―

M.DEF

10A

Mirror defroster

DSC

7.5A

DSC

AUDIO

25A

Audio system (Bose

Sound System-equipped model)

D.LOCK

30A

Power door locks, Moonroof

OUTLET

15A

Accessory socket

ROOM

15A

Interior lights

SPARE

―

SPARE

―

Maintenance and Care

Owner Maintenance

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Some models.

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How to Minimize
Environmental Paint Damage

The paintwork on your Mazda represents
the latest technical developments in
composition and methods of application.

Environmental hazards, however, can
harm the paint's protective properties, if
proper care is not taken.

Here are some examples of possible
damage, with tips on how to prevent
them.

qEtching Caused by Acid Rain or

Industrial Fallout

Occurrence

Industrial pollutants and vehicle emissions
drift into the air and mix with rain or dew
to form acids. These acids can settle on a
vehicle's finish. As the water evaporates,
the acid becomes concentrated and can
damage the finish.
And the longer the acid remains on the
surface, the greater the chance is for
damage.

Prevention

It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you suspect that acid rain has settled on
your vehicle's finish.

qDamage Caused by Bird

Dropping, Insects, or Tree Sap

Occurrence

Bird droppings contain acids. If these
aren't removed they can eat away the clear
and color base coat of the vehicle's
paintwork.

When insects stick to the paint surface
and decompose, corrosive compounds
form. These can erode the clear and color
base coat of the vehicle's paintwork if
they are not removed.

Tree sap will harden and adhere
permanently to the paint finish. If you
scratch the sap off while it is hard, some
vehicle paint could come off with it.

Prevention

It is necessary to have your Mazda
washed and waxed to preserve its finish
according to the instructions in this
section. This should be done as soon as
possible.

Bird droppings can be removed with a
soft sponge and water. If you are traveling
and these are not available, a moistened
tissue may also take care of the problem.
The cleaned area should be waxed
according to the instructions in this
section.
Insects and tree sap are best removed with
a soft sponge and water or a commercially
available chemical cleaner.

Another method is to cover the affected
area with dampened newspaper for one to
two hours. After removing the newspaper,
rinse off the loosened debris with water.

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Maintenance and Care

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qWater Marks

Occurrence

Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt and
lime. If moisture containing these
minerals settles on the vehicle and
evaporates, the minerals will concentrate
and harden to form white rings. The rings
can damage your vehicle's finish.

Prevention

It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These
steps should be taken immediately after
you find water marks on your vehicle's
finish.

qPaint Chipping

Occurrence

Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown
in the air by another vehicle's tires hits
your vehicle.

How to avoid paint chipping

Keeping a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead reduces the chances of
having your paint chipped by flying
gravel.

NOTE

The paint chipping zone varies with the
speed of the vehicle. For example, when
traveling at 90 km/h (56 mph), the paint
chipping zone is 50 m (164 ft).

In low temperatures a vehicle's finish
hardens. This increases the chance of paint
chipping.

Chipped paint can lead to rust forming on
your Mazda. Before this happens, repair the
damage by using Mazda touch-up paint
according to the instructions in this section.
Failure to repair the affected area could
lead to serious rusting and expensive
repairs.

Maintenance and Care

Appearance Care

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Mazda RX-8 (2011 year). Instruction - part 23