🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-8 Model Years Covered: 2009, 2010 Platform: SE3P (Second Generation) Codes Chassis Code: SE3P 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Mazda RX-8, particularly in its 2009-2010 iterations, represented a unique niche in the sports coupe market, celebrated for its rotary engine and distinctive 'freestyle' doors. This manual caters to owners and independent technicians seeking to maintain and repair this specialized vehicle. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed with other entry-level sports coupes and performance sedans of its era, such as the Nissan 370Z (earlier 350Z), Infiniti G35/G37, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro. Its rotary engine offered a distinct performance characteristic and maintenance profile. Key Features Manual Value Proposition: Provides authoritative, factory-level information for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics, enabling cost savings on maintenance and repairs and fostering deeper understanding of the RX-8's unique engineering. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Comprehensive service and repair for Mazda RX-8 2009-2010 models. Page Count Estimated Page Count: Over 2000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual). Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (Renesis Rotary), Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Differential, Drive Axles. Chassis: Brake System, Suspension System, Steering System, Chassis/Body Structure. Electrical: Full Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Engine Control System, Restraint System (Airbags), HVAC System, Lighting, Audio. Fuel And Emissions: Fuel Injection System, Fuel System, Emission Control System. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid), filter replacements, lubrication. Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Component testing, fault code diagnosis, troubleshooting flowcharts, common issue identification. Repair And Overhaul: Engine rebuild procedures (including apex seals), transmission overhaul, brake caliper/rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, interior trim removal. Disassembly And Assembly: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and reassembly with torque specifications. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and schematics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable (OCR'd) for efficient information retrieval. Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans of original factory documents, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel) Engine Code: 13B-MSP Renesis Displacement: 1.3L (80 cu in) - Effective displacement is often cited, though rotary displacement is calculated differently than piston engines. Performance Horsepower 2009 2010 Sport: 232 hp @ 8200 rpm Torque 2009 2010 Sport: 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm Horsepower 2009 2010 Gt: 232 hp @ 8200 rpm Torque 2009 2010 Gt: 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI) Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Unleaded Recommended) Oil Specifications Recommended Oil Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific API/ILSAC ratings) Oil Capacity Quarts: Approximately 5.0 US Quarts (with filter change) - Verify in manual. Cooling System Coolant Type: Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (or equivalent compatible coolant) Rotary Specifics Apex Seals: Critical wear component; manual details inspection, replacement, and break-in procedures. Oil Metering System: Pre-mix lubrication system for rotor housing lubrication; manual details its function and maintenance. 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission Optional Automatic Transmission: 6-speed Sport Automatic transmission (with paddle shifters in some trims) Manual Fluid Spec Manual Transmission Fluid: API GL-4 75W-90 (Verify specific Mazda specification in manual) Automatic Fluid Spec Automatic Transmission Fluid: Mazda ATF-FZ (or equivalent compatible fluid) - Critical to use correct fluid type. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase Inches: 106.4 Length Inches: 171.5 Width Inches: 70.2 Height Inches: 53.0 Weights Curb Weight Lbs Manual: Approximately 3000-3100 lbs (varies by trim) Curb Weight Lbs Automatic: Approximately 3150-3250 lbs (varies by trim) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs: Refer to vehicle specific sticker or manual. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver: 5-Star (2009-2010 models generally received high ratings) NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger: 5-Star IIHS Top Safety Pick: Good (for models tested) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (TCS) Stability Control: Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Passive Features Airbags Front: Standard Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags Airbags Side: Standard Front Side-Impact Airbags Airbags Curtain: Standard Side-Curtain Airbags (for front occupants) 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bose premium audio system often available on higher trims, with CD player and AM/FM tuner. Aux input typically standard. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system available on some trims. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Keyless Entry: Standard keyless entry system Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity often available. Other Keyless Ignition: Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System (Push Button Start) often standard. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typically, check manual for definitive recommendation). Air Filter Replacement: Every 15,000 miles or 12...
The Mazda RX-8, particularly in its 2009-2010 iterations, represented a unique niche in the sports coupe market, celebrated for its rotary engine and distinctive 'freestyle' doors. This manual caters to owners and independent technicians seeking to maintain and repair this specialized vehicle.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed with other entry-level sports coupes and performance sedans of its era, such as the Nissan 370Z (earlier 350Z), Infiniti G35/G37, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro. Its rotary engine offered a distinct performance characteristic and maintenance profile.
Key Features
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides authoritative, factory-level information for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics, enabling cost savings on maintenance and repairs and fostering deeper understanding of the RX-8's unique engineering.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair for Mazda RX-8 2009-2010 models.
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Over 2000 pages (typical for a full factory service manual).
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and reassembly with torque specifications.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and schematics.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (OCR'd) for efficient information retrieval.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original factory documents, ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP Renesis
Displacement:
1.3L (80 cu in) - Effective displacement is often cited, though rotary displacement is calculated differently than piston engines.
Performance
Horsepower 2009 2010 Sport:
232 hp @ 8200 rpm
Torque 2009 2010 Sport:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Horsepower 2009 2010 Gt:
232 hp @ 8200 rpm
Torque 2009 2010 Gt:
159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Unleaded Recommended)
Oil Specifications
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific API/ILSAC ratings)
Oil Capacity Quarts:
Approximately 5.0 US Quarts (with filter change) - Verify in manual.
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (or equivalent compatible coolant)
Rotary Specifics
Apex Seals:
Critical wear component; manual details inspection, replacement, and break-in procedures.
Oil Metering System:
Pre-mix lubrication system for rotor housing lubrication; manual details its function and maintenance.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Manual Transmission:
6-speed manual transmission
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
6-speed Sport Automatic transmission (with paddle shifters in some trims)
Manual Fluid Spec
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 75W-90 (Verify specific Mazda specification in manual)
Automatic Fluid Spec
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF-FZ (or equivalent compatible fluid) - Critical to use correct fluid type.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase Inches:
106.4
Length Inches:
171.5
Width Inches:
70.2
Height Inches:
53.0
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs Manual:
Approximately 3000-3100 lbs (varies by trim)
Curb Weight Lbs Automatic:
Approximately 3150-3250 lbs (varies by trim)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr Lbs:
Refer to vehicle specific sticker or manual.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Driver:
5-Star (2009-2010 models generally received high ratings)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Good (for models tested)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Airbags Side:
Standard Front Side-Impact Airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Standard Side-Curtain Airbags (for front occupants)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system often available on higher trims, with CD player and AM/FM tuner. Aux input typically standard.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some trims.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Keyless Entry:
Standard keyless entry system
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity often available.
Other
Keyless Ignition:
Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System (Push Button Start) often standard.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typically, check manual for definitive recommendation).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; rotary plugs require specific types and replacement intervals, often around 30,000-50,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (Verify in manual)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent)
Known Issues
Rotary Engine Oil Consumption:
Higher oil consumption is normal for rotary engines; manual will detail checking and topping off procedures. Excessive consumption can indicate seal wear.
Ignition System Issues:
Premature failure of ignition coils and spark plugs can occur; manual provides diagnostic steps.
Catalytic Converter:
Can be sensitive to oil consumption and misfires; manual covers emission system diagnosis.
Fuel Pump Failure:
Reported in some vehicles; manual includes fuel system testing procedures.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Mazda Rotary History:
Mazda has a long and iconic history with rotary engines, beginning with the Cosmo in the 1960s. The Renesis engine in the RX-8 is a refined evolution of this technology.
Model Evolution
Rx8 Generation:
Second Generation (2003-2012). The 2009-2010 models represent a mid-cycle refresh with minor styling and feature updates.
Production
Production Years:
2003-2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists multiple times during its initial production run.
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