Positioning:
The Mazda RX-8 was positioned as a unique sports car offering accessible rotary performance and a distinctive design.
Competitors:
Competed against other sporty coupes and sedans, but its rotary engine set it apart.
Rotary Engine:
The signature feature is the Renesis rotary engine, known for its high-revving nature and unique sound.
Suicide Doors:
Features unique Freestyle Doors (rear-hinged access doors) for easier rear-seat access.
Handling:
Tuned for agile handling and sporty driving dynamics, often praised for its chassis balance.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive owner information for the 2005 Mazda RX-8
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, basic troubleshooting, specifications, and owner assistance
Estimated Page Count:
Referenced from original factory manual (actual PDF page count may vary slightly due to formatting)
Format:
Digital PDF (Instant Download)
Instrument Cluster:
Detailed explanation of gauges, warning lights, and indicators
Entertainment Systems:
Operation of audio system, radio, CD player, and potential speaker configurations
Climate Controls:
Manual and automatic climate control operation, HVAC system functions
Lighting:
Exterior and interior lighting operation, headlight controls, fog lights
Driver Controls:
Steering wheel controls, pedal operation, parking brake, gear shifter
Locks And Security:
Keyless entry, power locks, alarm system, immobilizer
Seating And Safety Restraints:
Seat adjustment, seatbelt operation, airbag system explanation
Driving:
Driving techniques, starting, stopping, shifting, fuel economy considerations
Customer Assistance:
Contact information for Mazda customer service and support
Cleaning:
Exterior and interior cleaning recommendations
Engine Compartment:
Identification of key engine components and fluid reservoirs
Engine Oil:
Oil type, viscosity, and capacity recommendations
Battery:
Battery type and maintenance information
Fuel Information:
Recommended fuel octane rating and type
Air Filter:
Location and replacement guidance for air filter(s)
Part Numbers:
Identification of key part numbers for maintenance items (e.g., filters, fluids)
Refill Capacities:
Capacities for engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, etc.
Lubricant Specifications:
Detailed specifications for all lubricants and fluids
Accessories:
Information on factory-installed accessories
Basic Maintenance:
Checks and replacements of fluids, filters, bulbs
Troubleshooting:
Guidance for common warning lights and minor operational issues
Safety Defect Reporting:
Procedure for reporting safety defects (US Only)
Depth:
Covers owner-level maintenance, operation, and basic care. Does not include in-depth repair procedures or diagnostic codes.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Name:
RENESIS (Rotary Engine Genesis)
Displacement:
1.3L (80 cu in) - effectively two 654cc rotors
Horsepower:
232 hp @ 8,200 rpm (approx. for manual transmission models)
Torque:
159 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm (approx. for manual transmission models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Recommended Octane:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended for optimal performance)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (S-MPFI)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (with Activematic feature)
Manual Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.765, 2nd: 2.317, 3rd: 1.571, 4th: 1.219, 5th: 1.000, 6th: 0.835, Reverse: 3.659
Manual Final Drive Ratio:
4.444:1
Automatic Gear Ratios:
1st: 2.854, 2nd: 1.548, 3rd: 1.000, 4th: 0.694, Reverse: 2.157
Automatic Final Drive Ratio:
4.300:1
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (Refer to manual for specific Mazda part numbers and approved brands)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Mazda ATF M-III or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific Mazda part numbers and approved brands)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (for 2005 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for 2005 model year)
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for specific oil type and capacity)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (check condition more frequently)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual; rotary spark plugs have specific replacement intervals (often a set of 4 apex plugs and 4 trailing plugs)
Coolant Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years (Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual for viscosity (e.g., 5W-30 or 0W-20 depending on climate and specific engine recommendations). API Service Grade: ILSAC GF-3 or later.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.4 US quarts (5.1 liters) with filter change
Washer Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Windshield Washer Fluid or equivalent
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Rotary Specific:
Apex seal wear, oil consumption, potential for carbon buildup leading to starting issues, need for regular oil topping.
General:
Ignition coil failure, fuel pump issues, clutch wear
Oil Filter Example:
Mazda Genuine B6Y1-14-302 or equivalent aftermarket part (check specific application)
Air Filter Example:
Mazda Genuine NF51-13-215 or equivalent aftermarket part (check specific application)