|
Introduction
|
|
Market Position
|
|
Positioning:
|
The Mazda RX-8 occupied a unique niche as a practical sports car with a rotary engine, appealing to enthusiasts seeking a distinctive driving experience. This manual caters to owners and independent workshops aiming to maintain this specialized vehicle.
|
|
Competitive Analysis
|
|
Competitors:
|
Competed with vehicles like the Nissan 350Z, Porsche Cayman, and BMW Z4, but distinguished itself with its unique Wankel rotary engine and four-door coupe styling.
|
|
Key Features
|
|
Engine:
|
Naturally aspirated 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine, known for its smooth power delivery and high-revving nature.
|
|
Chassis:
|
Lightweight chassis with near 50/50 weight distribution, providing exceptional handling dynamics.
|
|
Doors:
|
Unique 'freestyle' doors (suicide doors) for rear-seat access, enhancing practicality for a sports coupe.
|
|
Manual Value:
|
Provides the same authoritative information used by Mazda dealership technicians, crucial for servicing the RX-8's unique rotary powertrain.
|
|
Manual Coverage
|
|
Systems Covered
|
|
Engine:
|
Complete coverage of the 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine, including lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, and emissions systems.
|
|
Transmission:
|
Detailed procedures for both the 6-speed manual and 6-speed Activematic automatic transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, differential, and driveline components.
|
|
Brakes:
|
Comprehensive coverage of the anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake hydraulics, calipers, rotors, pads, parking brake, and bleeding procedures.
|
|
Suspension:
|
In-depth information on the multi-link front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.
|
|
Steering:
|
Detailed coverage of the power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and alignment procedures.
|
|
Electrical:
|
Extensive electrical system diagnostics, including wiring diagrams, fuse/relay identification, power distribution, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, and body electronics.
|
|
Body And Chassis:
|
Procedures for body panel repair, interior trim removal/installation, doors, windows, locks, exterior lighting, bumpers, and structural components.
|
|
Climate Control:
|
Service and repair information for the air conditioning (A/C) system, heater core, blower motor, and climate controls.
|
|
Safety Systems:
|
Information on airbags, seat belts, and any associated sensors or control modules.
|
|
Procedures Included
|
|
Maintenance:
|
Routine maintenance tasks, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes (specific to rotary engines), coolant flushes, and brake fluid flushes.
|
|
Diagnostics:
|
Detailed diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, troubleshooting flowcharts, and symptom-based diagnostics.
|
|
Repair:
|
Step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all vehicle components, from minor adjustments to major component overhauls.
|
|
Troubleshooting:
|
Extensive troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues across all vehicle systems.
|
|
Special Tools:
|
Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific repairs or diagnostics.
|
|
Torque Specifications:
|
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners and components.
|
|
Wiring Diagrams:
|
Complete and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
|
|
Technical Depth
|
|
Depth:
|
Factory-level technical depth, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to advanced engine rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repair.
|
|
Engine Specifications
|
|
Primary Engine
|
|
Engine Type:
|
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
|
|
Engine Code:
|
13B-MSP Renesis
|
|
Displacement:
|
1.3 L (654 cc x 2 rotor faces)
|
|
Performance
|
|
Horsepower Gs:
|
232 hp @ 8200 rpm (for GS trim with manual transmission)
|
|
Horsepower Gt:
|
212 hp @ 7600 rpm (for GT trim with automatic transmission)
|
|
Torque Gs:
|
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (for GS trim with manual transmission)
|
|
Torque Gt:
|
159 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (for GT trim with automatic transmission)
|
|
Fuel System
|
|
Fuel Delivery:
|
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
|
|
Recommended Fuel:
|
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)
|
|
Oil Type:
|
Synthetic 5W-30 (API SN or ILSAC GF-5)
|
|
Oil Capacity:
|
Approximately 5.5 US quarts (5.2 liters) with filter change
|
|
Coolant Type:
|
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (or equivalent blue long-life coolant)
|
|
Coolant Capacity:
|
Approximately 8.0 US quarts (7.6 liters)
|
|
Ignition System:
|
Direct ignition system with 4 ignition coils (two per rotor apex seal housing)
|
|
Spark Plugs:
|
Platinum or Iridium tipped (specific part numbers available in manual, e.g., NGK PFR7S8EG)
|
|
Transmission
|
|
Standard
|
|
Type:
|
6-speed manual transmission
|
|
Optional
|
|
Type:
|
6-speed Activematic automatic transmission
|
|
Features
|
|
Manual Gear Ratios:
|
Specific ratios vary by model year and trim, but typically include ratios for 1st through 6th gear and reverse. (Refer to manual for exact figures).
|
|
Automatic Features:
|
Paddle shifters or steering wheel mounted shift buttons (depending on trim/options) for manual gear selection.
|
|
Manual Fluid Type:
|
GL-4 Gear Oil, 75W-90 (API GL-4 rating is critical for synchro compatibility)
|
|
Manual Fluid Capacity:
|
Approximately 2.5 US quarts (2.4 liters)
|
|
Automatic Fluid Type:
|
Mazda ATF Type T-IV or equivalent
|
|
Automatic Fluid Capacity:
|
Approximately 4.0 US quarts (3.8 liters) for a drain and fill.
|
|
Differential Fluid Type:
|
API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil
|
|
Differential Fluid Capacity:
|
Approximately 1.0 US quart (0.95 liters)
|
|
Safety Features
|
|
Ratings
|
|
NHTSA Front Impact:
|
5 Stars (for driver and front passenger)
|
|
NHTSA Side Impact:
|
5 Stars (for front and rear passengers)
|
|
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal:
|
Good
|
|
IIHS Side Impact:
|
Good
|
|
Active Features
|
|
ABS:
|
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
|
|
Ebd:
|
Standard Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
|
|
Traction Control:
|
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
|
|
Stability Control:
|
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
|
|
Passive Features
|
|
Airbags:
|
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags
|
|
Seat Belts:
|
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
|
|
Chassis Safety:
|
Advanced impact-absorbing body structure
|
|
Maintenance
|
|
Service Intervals
|
|
Oil Change Interval:
|
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Frequent checking of oil level is critical for rotary engines.
|
|
Air Filter Replacement:
|
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
|
|
Spark Plug Replacement:
|
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for platinum/iridium plugs. Mazda's specific recommendations for the Renesis are critical.
|
|
Coolant Flush:
|
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
|
|
Brake Fluid Flush:
|
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
|
|
Transmission Fluid Change:
|
Manual: Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km). Automatic: Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km).
|
|
Differential Fluid Change:
|
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
|
|
Fluid Specifications
|
|
Engine Oil:
|
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (API SN or ILSAC GF-5)
|
|
Coolant:
|
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (Blue)
|
|
Brake Fluid:
|
DOT 3 or DOT 4
|
|
Power Steering Fluid:
|
Dexron III ATF or specified Mazda fluid
|
|
Known Issues
|
|
Apex Seals:
|
Premature wear or failure of apex seals can lead to compression loss. Proper engine maintenance, including consistent oil checks and using correct oil, is crucial. This manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
|
|
Ignition Coils:
|
Coil packs can fail, leading to misfires. The manual provides diagnostic steps and replacement instructions.
|
|
Oil Consumption:
|
Rotary engines naturally consume oil as part of their lubrication system. The manual explains the expected consumption rate and how to monitor it.
|
|
Catalytic Converter:
|
Can be susceptible to clogging if the engine is not properly maintained or if oil consumption is excessive. Manual includes catalyst diagnostics.
|
|
Starter Motor:
|
Some models can experience starter issues due to heat soak. Manual covers starter testing and replacement.
|
