🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-8 Model Years Covered: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Production Generation: First Generation (SE3P) Codes Chassis Code: SE3P 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Designed for both do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics, offering comprehensive repair and maintenance guidance for the Mazda RX-8 Competitive Analysis Value Proposition: Provides an inexpensive way to maintain and repair the vehicle, saving on dealership service costs Key Features Features: Complete coverage, detailed illustrations, diagrams, wiring schematics, torque specifications, factory maintenance schedules, searchable PDF format 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Systems: Engine, Brakes, Sunroof, Transmission, Suspension, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Bodywork, Chassis, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Steering System Procedures: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Repair, Rebuilding, Restoration, Overhaul, Installation, Removal, Adjustment Page Count Total Pages: More than 3000 Manual Type Type: Official Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul and rebuilding of the rotary engine (Renesis) Engine Management: Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission removal, installation, and in-car servicing Brakes: Brake system diagnostics, repair, and servicing procedures, including ABS Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension, steering system components, alignment procedures and specifications Electrical Electronics: Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble tree charts, computer diagnostics, troubleshooting Climate Control: Air conditioning service, capacities, and component diagnosis Body Interior: Sunroof operation and repair, body panel removal and installation, interior trim Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Factory maintenance schedules and charts, fluid replacement, filter changes Engine Repair: Complete engine overhaul and rebuilding procedures, including apex seal replacement, rotor housing inspection, and eccentric shaft service Timing Belt: Timing belt replacement procedures (though RX-8 uses a timing chain/drive system, the manual covers associated component service) Brakes: Brake servicing procedures, including rotor replacement, pad replacement, caliper service, and brake fluid flush Transmission Service: Transmission removal and installation, in-car servicing of transmission components Diagnostics: Trouble codes, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, engine performance diagnostics Wiring Diagrams: Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics Detail Level: Detailed illustrations, diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step instructions 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Searchable text Print Quality Printability: Fully printable Bookmarking: Bookmarked for easy navigation Binding Type Binding: Digital (PDF) - no physical binding Paper Type Paper: Digital (PDF) - no physical paper Compatibility Operating Systems: All versions of Windows & Mac Requirements Software: Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip Delivery Method: Instant Download ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Rotary (Wankel) Engine Name: Renesis Displacement Cc: 1308 cc (2 x 654 cc rotors) Rotors: Two Performance Horsepower Early Models: Approx. 238 hp (manual transmission) Horsepower Later Models: Approx. 212 hp (automatic transmission) Torque Early Models: Approx. 159 lb-ft (manual transmission) Torque Later Models: Approx. 143 lb-ft (automatic transmission) Fuel System Fuel Type: Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended) Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (S-MPFI) Maintenance Oil Type: API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II or GF-III, SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30, 10W-30 Oil Capacity Liters: 4.9 L (5.2 US qt) with filter change Known Issues Common Problems: Premature apex seal wear, carbon build-up in the intake ports, oil consumption, ignition coil failure, starter motor issues, hot start problems 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda RX-8 'R3' and later models) Optional Type: 6-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters (optional on certain trims) Features Manual Gear Ratios: Specific ratios vary by model year and trim, but generally include close ratios for performance Automatic Features: Sport mode, paddle shifters, adaptive shift control Maintenance Manual Fluid Type: GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil Automatic Fluid Type: Mazda ATF-Type 2 (or equivalent) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length Mm: 4435 mm Width Mm: 1770 mm Height Mm: 1340 mm Wheelbase Mm: 2700 mm Weights Curb Weight Kg: Approx. 1350 - 1450 kg (depending on transmission and trim) Gross Weight Kg: Approx. 1750 kg 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star NHTSA Side Impact: 5-Star IIHS Front Impact: Good IIHS Side Impact: Good Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Standard Traction Control System (TCS) Stability Control: Available Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags Seatbelts: Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bose premium audio system (optional on some trims), AM/FM/CD player, MP3 capability Navigation: Available factory navigation system Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard Cruise Control Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Available auxiliary audio input jack 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or more frequently depending on driving conditions. Spark Plugs: Refer to manual for specific interval based on plug type (e.g., platinum, iridium). Typically requires dedicated rotary spark plugs. Air Filter: Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, inspect more frequently. Coolant Flush: Every...
Manual and automatic transmission removal, installation, and in-car servicing
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, repair, and servicing procedures, including ABS
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system components, alignment procedures and specifications
Electrical Electronics:
Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble tree charts, computer diagnostics, troubleshooting
Climate Control:
Air conditioning service, capacities, and component diagnosis
Body Interior:
Sunroof operation and repair, body panel removal and installation, interior trim
Procedures Included
Routine Maintenance:
Factory maintenance schedules and charts, fluid replacement, filter changes
Engine Repair:
Complete engine overhaul and rebuilding procedures, including apex seal replacement, rotor housing inspection, and eccentric shaft service
Timing Belt:
Timing belt replacement procedures (though RX-8 uses a timing chain/drive system, the manual covers associated component service)
Brakes:
Brake servicing procedures, including rotor replacement, pad replacement, caliper service, and brake fluid flush
Transmission Service:
Transmission removal and installation, in-car servicing of transmission components
Diagnostics:
Trouble codes, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, engine performance diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Detail Level:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step instructions
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text
Print Quality
Printability:
Fully printable
Bookmarking:
Bookmarked for easy navigation
Binding Type
Binding:
Digital (PDF) - no physical binding
Paper Type
Paper:
Digital (PDF) - no physical paper
Compatibility
Operating Systems:
All versions of Windows & Mac
Requirements
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
Delivery
Method:
Instant Download
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Name:
Renesis
Displacement Cc:
1308 cc (2 x 654 cc rotors)
Rotors:
Two
Performance
Horsepower Early Models:
Approx. 238 hp (manual transmission)
Horsepower Later Models:
Approx. 212 hp (automatic transmission)
Torque Early Models:
Approx. 159 lb-ft (manual transmission)
Torque Later Models:
Approx. 143 lb-ft (automatic transmission)
Fuel System
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (S-MPFI)
Maintenance
Oil Type:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II or GF-III, SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30, 10W-30
Oil Capacity Liters:
4.9 L (5.2 US qt) with filter change
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Premature apex seal wear, carbon build-up in the intake ports, oil consumption, ignition coil failure, starter motor issues, hot start problems
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda RX-8 'R3' and later models)
Optional
Type:
6-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters (optional on certain trims)
Features
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by model year and trim, but generally include close ratios for performance
Automatic Features:
Sport mode, paddle shifters, adaptive shift control
Maintenance
Manual Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Automatic Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-Type 2 (or equivalent)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Mm:
4435 mm
Width Mm:
1770 mm
Height Mm:
1340 mm
Wheelbase Mm:
2700 mm
Weights
Curb Weight Kg:
Approx. 1350 - 1450 kg (depending on transmission and trim)
Gross Weight Kg:
Approx. 1750 kg
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Front Impact:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bose premium audio system (optional on some trims), AM/FM/CD player, MP3 capability
Navigation:
Available factory navigation system
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Available auxiliary audio input jack
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or more frequently depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual for specific interval based on plug type (e.g., platinum, iridium). Typically requires dedicated rotary spark plugs.
Air Filter:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, inspect more frequently.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Water and washer fluid additive
Known Issues
Maintenance Tips:
Regular oil checks and top-offs are critical due to rotary engine oil consumption. Periodic 'decarbonization' (engine cleaning) is recommended. Frequent short trips can exacerbate carbon build-up.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
Mazda is known for its innovative engineering, particularly its pioneering work with rotary engines
Model Evolution
Heritage:
The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 and was celebrated for its unique rotary powertrain and Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' driving philosophy
Production
Production Years:
2003–2012
Manufacturing Location:
Hiroshima, Japan
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward 2003 Engine Of The Year:
The Renesis rotary engine was recognized as one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2003.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The Mazda RX-8 was named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2004 and 2005.