Target Audience:
Mazda RX-8 owners with basic mechanical skills and independent auto service professionals.
Advantage:
Provides dealership-level information for DIY savings and informed discussions with technicians.
Content Format:
Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, and specifications.
Accuracy:
Vehicle-specific information, not generic. Exact same manual used by dealership technicians.
Cost Savings:
Potential to pay for itself with basic maintenance like oil changes or air filter replacements. Significant savings on repair bills.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Workshop, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Specific count not provided, but described as comprehensive)
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete coverage including disassembly, inspection, assembly, and specifications for the rotary engine.
Engine Electrical:
Detailed wiring schematics, component testing, diagnostic procedures for ignition, charging, starting, and control systems.
Emission Control:
Information on emissions system components, diagnostic procedures, and compliance.
Fuel System:
Components, testing, repair, and specifications for fuel injection and delivery.
Clutch System:
Repair and adjustment procedures for the clutch assembly.
Manual Transaxle:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for the manual gearbox.
Automatic Transaxle:
Diagnostic and repair procedures for the automatic transmission.
Driveshaft Axle:
Inspection, repair, and replacement of driveshafts and axles.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension component diagnosis, repair, and alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system components, repair, and specifications.
Restraint System:
Airbag system diagnosis, components, and safety precautions.
Brake System:
Disc brake system diagnosis, repair, ABS, and component specifications.
Body Interior Exterior:
Repair and maintenance of body panels, trim, doors, windows, and interior components.
Body Electrical:
Wiring diagrams and troubleshooting for lights, power accessories, and body control modules.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance procedures, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving faults across all systems.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component repair and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Specific troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.
Rebuilding:
Comprehensive procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding.
Depth:
Full workshop level, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Mazda Renesis Rotary Engine
Engine Code:
RENESIS (13B-MSP)
Displacement:
1.3 Liters (2 x 654cc rotors)
Horsepower Gt:
Approx. 232 hp (for GT trim, earlier models may vary slightly)
Torque Lbft Gt:
Approx. 211 lb-ft (for GT trim, earlier models may vary slightly)
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Apex Seals:
Critical wear item, detailed inspection and replacement procedures covered.
Oil Injection:
Dedicated oil metering system for apex seals and eccentric shaft bearings; maintenance and troubleshooting covered.
Cooling System:
Dual rotor cooling system; radiator, water pump, and thermostat service.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.4 inches (2700 mm)
Length:
Approx. 174.6 inches (4435 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.4 inches (1788 mm)
Height:
Approx. 54.1 inches (1375 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3000-3150 lbs (depending on trim and transmission)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for 2004 model year)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for 2004 model year)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Front, side-impact, and curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Mazda's premium audio systems, often with Bose components, and integrated CD players.
Navigation:
Optional GPS navigation systems available on select trims.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control functionality.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack for external devices.
Oil Change Rotary:
Frequent oil changes recommended, typically every 3,000-5,000 miles due to rotary engine oil consumption.
Spark Plugs:
Specific interval for changing apex seal lubrication spark plugs and leading/trailing spark plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended periodic coolant replacement for the specialized rotary cooling system.
Engine Oil:
Specific viscosity and API rating (e.g., 0W-20 or 5W-30, consult manual for precise spec) and dedicated rotary oil for injection system.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Specific manual transmission fluid (MTF) viscosity and specification.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Specific automatic transmission fluid (ATF) type required for the Activematic transmission.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as specified.
Coolant:
Mazda-specific long-life coolant (or equivalent).
Rotary Engine:
Potential for carbon buildup in the combustion chambers, apex seal wear, and oil consumption requiring diligent maintenance.
Ignition System:
Coil pack and spark plug degradation can affect engine performance.
Mazda Rotary:
Continuation of Mazda's legacy with rotary engine technology, tracing back to the Cosmo Sport.
Generation:
First Generation (SE3P) - launched in 2003.
Facelift:
Minor updates and trim variations throughout the 2003-2008 period; manual covers all these.
Manufacturing Plant:
Mazda Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
