Target Audience:
Do-it-yourself enthusiasts and professional mechanics alike
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive repair and maintenance information to reduce costs and ensure proper functioning.
Uniqueness:
Focuses on the unique engineering of the Renesis rotary engine, including specific maintenance and repair procedures often not covered in generic manuals.
Detail Level:
Extremely detailed, based on complete disassembly and reassembly of the vehicle.
Learning Resource:
Aims to increase owner's understanding of their vehicle and proactive problem prevention.
Model Years Covered:
2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Trim Levels Covered:
All RX-8 trims (e.g., Sport, Grand Touring, R3)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical service manuals of this era exceed 1000 pages)
Manual Type:
Factory-Trained Service and Repair Manual
Engine System:
Rotary Engine (Renesis), Engine Mechanical, Lubrication, Ignition, Fuel Injection, Emissions Control, Cooling System
Transmission System:
Manual Transmission (Aisin AY-6), Automatic Transmission (optional, likely Jatco), Clutch System, Drivetrain
Chassis System:
Suspension (Front: Double Wishbone, Rear: Multi-link), Steering System, Brake System (Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs), Wheels and Tires
Electrical System:
Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, HVAC Controls, Power Features (windows, locks, mirrors)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Restraint Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement (Rotary Specific), Coolant Flushes, Brake Fluid Replacement, Belt Inspection/Replacement
Repair Procedures:
Engine Rebuild/Overhaul (Rotary Apex Seal Inspection/Replacement), Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper Rebuild/Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Codes, Common Faults, System-Specific Troubleshooting Trees
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics for engine management, ABS, airbags, and other electronic systems. Includes specific procedures for rotary engine diagnostics.
Rebuild Specifications:
Detailed specifications for engine component clearances, torque values, and assembly procedures for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Name:
Mazda Renesis
Engine Configuration:
Two-Rotor, Side Exhaust Port
Displacement:
1308 cc (2 x 654 cc rotor displacement)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 210-232 hp (depending on model year and trim)
Torque Range:
Approx. 159-173 lb-ft (depending on model year and trim)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Direct Injection (later models)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset Rating:
Good
Antilock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Standard (EBD)
Traction Control System:
Standard (TCS)
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC)
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-Curtain, and Side-Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,750 to 7,500 miles (6,000 to 12,000 km) or 6 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Consult the manual for specific intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Specific to rotary engines, requires specialized knowledge. Intervals vary, often tied to engine performance and apex seal wear.
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-II or GF-III compatible, SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (check manual for specific viscosity)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 5.5-6.0 quarts (5.2-5.7 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT coolant)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (verify specific Mazda specification)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Mazda Genuine ATF-FZ or equivalent Dexron III/VI (verify specific Mazda specification)
Apex Seal Wear:
A common concern in rotary engines, requiring careful maintenance and monitoring of oil consumption and compression.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system. Consistent monitoring is crucial.
Carbon Buildup:
Can occur in exhaust ports and combustion chambers, potentially affecting performance and requiring periodic cleaning or specific driving techniques.
Mazda Rotary Legacy:
Continuation of Mazda's pioneering work with rotary engine technology, following the RX-7 lineage.
First Generation Launch:
Introduced globally in 2003 as a 2004 model year.
Facelifts:
Received minor updates and styling revisions throughout its production run, including powertrain enhancements.
Production Period:
2003-2011
Manufacturing Location:
Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for its debut year (2004).
Ward Auto Worlds 10Best Engines:
The Renesis engine was recognized multiple times on Ward's 10 Best Engines list.
Emission Standards:
Designed to meet contemporary emission standards for its respective model years.
