GENERAL INFORMATION How to use this Manual: (w) Range of Topics • This manual contains procedures for performing all required service operations. The procedures are divided into the following five basic operations: Removal/Installation Disassembly/Assembly Replacement Inspection Adjustment • Simple operations which can be performed easily just by looking at the vehicle (i.e., removal/installation of parts, jacking, vehicle lifting, cleaning of parts, and visual inspection) have been omitted. Service Procedure Inspection, adjustment • Inspection and adjustment procedures are divided into steps. Important points regarding the location and contents of the procedures are explained in detail and shown in the illustrations. Repair procedure 1. Most repair operations begin with an overview illustration. It identifies the components, shows how the parts fit together, and describes visual part inspection. However, only removal/installation procedures that need to be performed methodically have written instructions. 2. Expendable parts, tightening torques, and symbols for oil, grease, and sealant are shown in the overview illustration. In addition, symbols indicating parts requiring the use of special service tools or equivalent are also shown. 3. Procedure steps are numbered and the part that is the main point of that procedure is shown in the illustration with the corresponding number. Occasionally, there are important points or additional information concerning a procedure. Refer to this information when servicing the related part. (w) RX8-General Info Page 1
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Symbols • There are eight symbols indicating oil, grease, fluids, sealant, and the use of SST or equivalent. These symbols show application points or use of these materials during service. Symbol Meaning Kind Apply oil New appropriate engine oil or gear oil Apply brake fluid New appropriate brake fluid Apply automatic transaxle/ transmission fluid New appropriate automatic transaxle/ transmission fluid Apply grease Appropriate grease Apply sealant Appropriate sealant Apply petroleum jelly Appropriate petroleum jelly Replace part O-ring, gasket, etc. Use SST or equivalent Appropriate tools (w) RX8-General Info Page 3
Advisory Messages • You will find several Warnings , Cautions , Notes , Specifications and Upper and Lower Limits in this manual. Warning • A Warning indicates a situation in which serious injury or death could result if the warning is ignored. Caution • A Caution indicates a situation in which damage to the vehicle or parts could result if the caution is ignored. Note • A Note provides added information that will help you to complete a particular procedure. Specification • The values indicate the allowable range when performing inspections or adjustments. Upper and lower limits • The values indicate the upper and lower limits that must not be exceeded when performing inspections or adjustments. (w) RX8-General Info Page 4
Troubleshooting Procedure Basic flow of troubleshooting DTC troubleshooting flow (on-board diagnostic) • Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) are important hints for repairing malfunctions that are difficult to simulate. Perform the specific DTC diagnostic inspection to quickly and accurately diagnose the malfunction. • The on-board diagnostic function is used during inspection. When a DTC is shown specifying the cause of a malfunction, continue the diagnostic inspection according to the items indicated by the on-board diagnostic function. Diagnostic index • The diagnostic index lists the symptoms of specific malfunctions. Select the symptoms related or most closely relating to the malfunction. (w) RX8-General Info Page 5
Quick diagnosis chart (If mentioned) • The quick diagnosis chart lists diagnosis and inspection procedures to be performed specifically relating to the cause of the malfunction. Symptom troubleshooting • Symptom troubleshooting quickly determines the location of the malfunction according to symptom type. Procedures for Use Using the basic inspection (section 05) • Perform the basic inspection procedure before symptom troubleshooting. • Perform each step in the order shown. • The reference column lists the location of the detailed procedure for each basic inspection. • Although inspections and adjustments are performed according to the reference column procedures, if the cause of the malfunction is discovered during basic inspection, continue the procedures as indicated in the action column. (w) RX8-General Info Page 6
Using the DTC troubleshooting flow • DTC troubleshooting flow shows diagnostic procedures, inspection methods, and proper action to take for each DTC. (w) RX8-General Info Page 7
Using the diagnostic index • The symptoms of the malfunctions are listed in the diagnostic index for symptom troubleshooting. • The exact malfunction symptoms can be selected by following the index. (w) RX8-General Info Page 8
Using the quick diagnosis chart • The chart lists the relation between the symptom and the cause of the malfunction. • The chart is effective in quickly narrowing down the relation between symptom and cause of the malfunction. It also specifies the area of the common cause when multiple malfunction symptoms occur. • The appropriate diagnostic inspection relating to malfunction cause as specified by the symptoms can be selected by looking down the diagnostic inspection column of the chart. Using the symptom troubleshooting • Symptom troubleshooting shows diagnostic procedures, inspection methods, and proper action to take for each trouble symptom. (w) RX8-General Info Page 9
This service and repair manual is an essential resource for owners and professionals working on the 2003 to 2011 Mazda RX-8. It provides comprehensive instructions and insights for conducting routine maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and carrying out repairs across all areas of the vehicle, including the unique rotary engine, transmission, suspension, braking systems, and electrical components.
The manual is structured to support both professional workshops and individuals who take a hands-on approach to vehicle care. It includes clear, step-by-step repair procedures, diagnostic information, and service recommendations. Detailed illustrations and wiring diagrams help to clarify complex processes, making it easier for users to follow along and achieve successful outcomes.
This manual is a vital reference that empowers both seasoned technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts to work on their vehicle with confidence, ensuring the Mazda RX-8 remains a celebrated example of automotive innovation and performance.
Printable: Yes
Language: English
Compatibility: Pretty much any electronic device, incl. PC & Mac computers, Android and Apple smartphones & tablet, etc.