2004 Mazda RX8 Owners Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Mazda Model: RX-8 Year: 2004 Generation Generation Code: SE3P Codes Vin Code: J 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Segment: Sports car, unique rotary engine offering....

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Tags: 2004 Car Cars Mazda Misc RX8

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Mazda

Model:

Year:

Generation

Generation Code:

Codes

Vin Code:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Market Segment:

Sports car, unique rotary engine offering.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a distinctive driving experience and a unique platform.

Competitive Analysis

Competitors 2004:

Nissan 350Z, BMW 3 Series Coupe, Audi A4, Infiniti G35 Coupe.

Key Features

Unique Selling Proposition:

Naturally aspirated rotary engine (RENESIS), balanced chassis, suicide rear doors (freestyle doors), and high-revving performance.

Design Philosophy:

Mazda's 'Zoom-Zoom' philosophy emphasizing driving enjoyment and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Primary Coverage:

Owner's operation, safety, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting for the 2004 Mazda RX-8.

Secondary Coverage:

Interior and exterior views, identification of controls and components, safety equipment usage, basic maintenance procedures, and warning indicators.

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 150-200 pages (typical for an owner's manual of this era).

Manual Type

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Printed booklet

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Powertrain:

General information on the RENESIS rotary engine, fuel requirements, and cooling system operation. Does not cover detailed engine repair.

Transmission:

Operation of manual and automatic transmissions, clutch operation, and shift lever positions.

Brakes:

Brake system operation, parking brake usage, and ABS warning lights.

Steering:

Power steering system overview and operation.

Electrical:

Dashboard illumination, lighting controls, wipers, horn, and basic fuse box locations for common circuits.

Climate Control:

Operation of the HVAC system, air conditioning, and heater controls.

Infotainment:

Basic operation of the audio system and navigation (if equipped).

Safety Systems:

Detailed explanation of seat belts, SRS airbags (front and side), ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchorage, and child safety locks.

Procedures Included

Driving:

Starting and stopping the engine, shifting gears, parking, and driving advice.

Maintenance:

Checking and adding fluids (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (external lights), and wiper blade replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Interpretation of warning lights and indicators, basic troubleshooting for common issues (e.g., flat tire), and jump-starting procedures.

Emergency:

Emergency procedures, jacking points, spare tire location and usage, and basic tool kit contents.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Covers essential owner-level information, focusing on safe operation and regular maintenance. Does not include detailed diagnostic procedures or component-level repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Digital Format Consideration:

If a digital copy (PDF) is sold, it is typically scanned from the original and may have OCR for searchable text, but quality can vary.

Print Quality

Print Quality Original:

Typically good quality paper and printing for owner's manuals of this period, designed for durability.

Binding Type

Binding:

Stapled or perfect bound booklet.

Paper Type

Paper Type:

Standard, durable paper suitable for glove compartment use.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Wankel Rotary (RENESIS)

Engine Code:

13B-MSP

Displacement:

1.3 L (654cc x 2 rotor housings = 1308cc effective displacement)

Configuration:

Naturally Aspirated, Twin-Rotor

Performance

Horsepower Hp:

212 hp @ 7,500 rpm (Manual Transmission), 197 hp @ 7,500 rpm (Automatic Transmission)

Torque Lb Ft:

159 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (Manual Transmission), 152 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (Automatic Transmission)

Redline:

9,000 rpm

Fuel System

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Fuel Octane Requirement:

Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended).

Fuel Injection:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)

Lubrication

Oil Type Spec:

Mazda recommends API SG or higher, SAE 5W-30 viscosity. Check manual for specific part numbers like Mazda Genuine Oil.

Cooling System

Coolant Type Spec:

Mazda long-life coolant (blue or green), a 50/50 mixture with distilled water is recommended. Check manual for specific Mazda part numbers.

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Transmission Type Std:

6-speed Manual

Optional

Transmission Type Opt:

4-speed Automatic (with manual shift mode)

Features

Manual Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated clutch

Automatic Shift Mode:

Paddle shifters or steering wheel buttons (depending on trim) or sequential shift lever operation.

Fluid Specifications

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil. Consult manual for specific Mazda part numbers (e.g., Mazda Manual Transmission Fluid).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Mazda ATF-N or equivalent DEXRON III compatible fluid.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

174.6 inches (4435 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

53.1 inches (1350 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Interior

Seating Capacity:

4 passengers (2+2 configuration)

Cargo

Trunk Volume Cu Ft:

7.6 cu ft (limited due to rear suspension and fuel tank design)

Weights

Curb Weight Lbs:

Approximately 3,000 - 3,150 lbs (depending on transmission and trim)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Front Crash Test Rating:

Five-Star (Driver and Passenger) for 2004

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test Rating:

Good (tested by IIHS)

Active Features

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all models.

Traction Control:

Available Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Passive Features

Airbags:

Standard front dual-stage SRS airbags. Side-impact airbags available or standard depending on trim level.

Seat Belts:

Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters for front occupants. Rear seat belts.

Child Restraint

Child Seat Anchorage:

ISOFIX/LATCH child seat anchorage points in rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Mazda's branded audio system, often with AM/FM, CD player, and auxiliary input. Bose premium sound system available on higher trims.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some trims.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Connectivity

Auxiliary Input:

Standard on most models for connecting external audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. (Refer to manual for specific engine type recommendation).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months. (Check manual for specific conditions).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Specialized ignition system (apex seals, plugs). Typically requires specialized attention and intervals; consult manual for specifics or a service manual.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months. (Mazda long-life coolant).

Fluid Specifications

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Check manual for exact specification.

Power Steering Fluid:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron II/III ATF.

Known Issues

Rotary Engine Apex Seals:

Degradation of apex seals is a well-known potential issue for rotary engines, leading to compression loss. Regular oil checks and proper warm-up/cool-down are crucial.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system; regular monitoring is essential. The manual will detail how to check oil levels and the expected consumption rate.

Catalytic Converter:

Can be sensitive to engine issues; proper maintenance is key.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Mazda Rotary History:

Mazda has a long and pioneering history with rotary engines, dating back to the NSU partnership and the Cosmo Sport.

Model Evolution

Rx7 Predecessor:

The RX-8 succeeded the iconic RX-7 (FD generation) as Mazda's flagship sports car.

First Generation:

The 2004 model year marks the introduction of the first generation RX-8.

Production

Production Start Year:

2003 (for the 2004 model year)

Manufacturing Plant:

Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver 10 Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2004 and 2005.

World Car Of The Year:

Runner-up for the World Car of the Year award in 2004.