Vehicle Segment:
Sports Car / Grand Tourer
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional workshops catering to Mazda RX-8 owners.
Key Competitors At Launch:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Subaru Impreza WRX (though RX-8 offered a unique rotary powertrain).
Powertrain Highlight:
Unique naturally aspirated 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine, known for its smooth operation and high-revving nature.
Body Style:
Distinctive 'freestyle' doors (suicide rear doors) offering improved access to the rear seats.
Cost Savings:
Enables DIY repairs and maintenance, offering significant cost savings compared to dealership service.
Comprehensive Coverage:
Covers all aspects of the vehicle, making it an all-in-one resource for repair and maintenance.
Engine Overhaul And Rebuilding:
Yes
Timing Belt Replacement:
Yes (though RX-8 uses rotary, this likely refers to ancillary belt systems or potentially a misnomer in the description for a rotary engine)
Trouble Codes And Diagnostics:
Yes
Engine Performance Tuning:
Yes
Transmission Service:
Yes
Air Conditioning System:
Yes
Computer Diagnostics:
Yes
Factory Maintenance Schedules:
Yes
Torque Specifications:
Yes
U Joint And Cv Joint Service:
Yes
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Management:
Comprehensive coverage of the Renesis rotary engine, including lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel injection, and emissions control systems.
Drivetrain:
Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmission removal, installation, internal servicing, and clutch/torque converter service. Covers differential and driveshaft components.
Chassis And Body:
Includes body panel repair, door mechanisms, sunroof operation, interior trim removal and installation, and structural component details.
Electrical System:
Extensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits, including lighting, infotainment, power windows, climate control, and engine control units. Includes diagnostic procedures for electrical faults.
Suspension And Steering:
Detailed information on front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, steering system service, and wheel bearing replacement.
Braking System:
Covers all aspects of brake system maintenance and repair, including disc and pad replacement, caliper servicing, hydraulic system bleeding, ABS diagnostics, and parking brake adjustments.
Climate Control And HVAC:
Procedures for air conditioning system servicing, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core service, and blower motor diagnosis. Includes capacities and specifications.
Routine Maintenance:
Factory-recommended service intervals for oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements, spark plug (apex seal lubrication/inspection for rotary), and general inspection.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic trees, trouble code interpretation, and troubleshooting guides for common driveability, electrical, and mechanical issues.
Engine Rebuilding:
Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, component inspection, rebuild procedures, and reassembly for the Renesis rotary engine, including apex seal replacement and rotor housing refurbishment.
Transmission Repair:
In-car servicing procedures, removal and installation of transmissions, clutch replacement, and internal component servicing for both manual and automatic transmissions.
Component Replacement:
Instructions for replacing major and minor components across all vehicle systems, supported by detailed illustrations and torque specifications.
Alignment And Balancing:
Procedures and specifications for front-end alignment, wheel balancing, and tire service.
Depth Of Information:
Extremely high. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine overhaul and component rebuilding, including advanced diagnostics.
Diagnostic Tools And Software:
References diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and diagnostic procedures, implying compatibility with common OBD-II scan tools and potentially Mazda-specific diagnostic software.
Illustrations And Diagrams:
Hundreds of detailed illustrations, exploded diagrams, and wiring schematics to aid in visual understanding of repair procedures.
Engine Code:
13B-MSP Renesis
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (dual rotor)
Power Output:
Approximately 232 hp (for manual transmission models, varies slightly by year/market)
Torque Output:
Approximately 159 lb-ft (for manual transmission models)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Port Fuel Injection (S-PFI) and Direct Injection (DI) in later models. Manual covers PFI systems.
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with multiple ignition coils and spark plugs per rotor (leading and trailing ignition).
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star Rating (for driver and passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good Rating (for vehicles with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, available side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000 - 5,000 miles (5,000 - 8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions. Critical for rotary engines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific intervals; typically around 30,000-60,000 miles, though subject to specific plug type and wear.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, ACEA A3 certified synthetic or semi-synthetic engine oil. Specific viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-30) depends on climate. Manual will specify exact grades.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify Mazda-approved coolant (e.g., FL22 long-life coolant).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-85 or 75W-90 synthetic)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda ATF-MV (or equivalent approved fluid).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent.
Apex Seal Wear:
Common concern for rotary engines; diligent maintenance and proper warm-up/cool-down procedures are critical. Manual details inspection and replacement.
Catalytic Converter:
Can be prone to failure if engine misfires occur or if oil consumption is high.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
Require regular inspection and replacement due to the specific demands of the rotary ignition system.
Schedule Coverage:
Detailed factory maintenance schedules for various mileage and time intervals, covering all essential checks and replacements.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Continuation of Mazda's long and successful history with rotary engines, dating back to the Cosmo and RX-7 models.
Generation Introduction:
First generation RX-8 launched globally in 2003, succeeding the RX-7 (FD).
Facelifts And Updates:
Minor updates and performance enhancements occurred during this initial production run, particularly to the engine management and chassis tuning.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
