🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Years Covered:

2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009

Model Generation:

First Generation (SE3P)

Chassis Code:

SE3P

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Unique Selling Proposition:

Rotary engine, suicide rear doors (freestyle doors), balanced chassis, driver-focused experience.

Key Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Acura RSX, Toyota Celica GT-S.

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel) Engine

Door Configuration:

4-door coupe with rear-opening 'freestyle' doors

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

Chassis Balance:

Near 50:50 weight distribution

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Delivery:

Instant Digital Download

Compatibility:

Windows Operating Systems

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine System:

Rotary (13B-MSP Renesis) engine overhaul, component testing, diagnostics, lubrication system, cooling system, intake system, exhaust system, fuel injection, ignition system, engine mechanical.

Transmission System:

Manual transmission (R350) and Automatic transmission (4-speed, REIS) service, repair, diagnostics, clutch system, driveshafts, differential.

Braking System:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, springs, control arms, bushings), steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system, power windows, power locks, mirrors, horn, wipers, interior and exterior lighting diagnostics, wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations.

Body Chassis:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim removal and installation, chassis components, corrosion prevention.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, blower motor, climate control module diagnostics, refrigerant handling.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank service, evaporative emissions control (EVAP).

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensors, emission control systems.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, common problems and solutions specific to the RX-8.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, engine performance issues, transmission problems, using diagnostic tools (e.g., OBD-II scanners).

Component Replacement:

Instructions for replacing common wear items and major components such as alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, ignition coils, sensors.

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, pressure specifications, measurement tolerances.

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers everything from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

Target Audience:

DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, professional mechanics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable within PDF reader for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Designed for clear printouts, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual.

Zoom Capability:

High resolution allowing for easy zooming to view detailed diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

13B-MSP Renesis

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel) Engine

Displacement:

1.3L (Rotary Displacement Equivalent to approx. 2.6L Piston)

Rotor Housing Material:

Aluminum alloy with chrome plating

Horsepower Range:

212 hp to 232 hp (depending on trim and year)

Torque Range:

159 lb-ft to 160 lb-ft

Redline:

9,000 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (Sequential Port Injection)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium recommended)

Oil Type:

Synthetic (e.g., 5W-30 or 0W-20, check manual for specific recommendation)

Apex Seal Material:

Tungsten-carbide alloy or carbon composite (material varies by production date/updates)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda R350)

Type:

5-speed or 6-speed Automatic Transmission (REIS, depending on year/market)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity recommended by Mazda, e.g., 75W-90)

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

Mazda ATF JWS 3317 or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.8 inches (4440 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

Approx. 53.1 inches (1350 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.4 inches (2700 mm)

Front Track:

Approx. 59.1 inches (1500 mm)

Rear Track:

Approx. 59.3 inches (1505 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4 (2+2 configuration)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 7.7 cu ft (218 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 2,800 - 3,000 lbs (1270 - 1360 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model and configuration (check VIN plate)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

5-Star (for driver and passenger)

IIHS Side Impact Test:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution

Traction Control:

Standard (may be switchable)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) - standard on most models

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (may vary by trim/year)

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up roll bar protection (behind rear seats)

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system (optional on many trims), CD player, AM/FM radio.

Navigation:

Optional GPS Navigation system (touchscreen interface on later models).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional or standard auxiliary audio input jack on some models.

Keyless Entry:

Standard keyless entry and push-button start (on many models).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000 - 5,000 miles or 6 months (synthetic oil recommended; consult manual for specific interval based on driving conditions)

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually

Spark Plug Replacement:

Refer to manual; Rotary spark plugs (two per rotor) have specific replacement recommendations due to their location and function.

Engine Oil Type:

Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 0W-20 (verify with owner's manual for exact specification and viscosity based on climate)

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 Long Life Coolant (Green) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mazda Genuine ATF or Dexron III/Mercon compatible

Apex Seals:

Wear and failure of apex seals, leading to low compression and engine issues. Requires engine rebuild.

Ignition Coils:

Failure of leading and trailing ignition coils, causing misfires and rough running.

Oil Consumption:

Higher than average oil consumption is normal for rotary engines; requires regular checks and top-offs. Excessive consumption can indicate seal wear.

Water Pump Leaks:

Premature failure or leaks from the water pump seals.

Catalytic Converter:

Can become clogged or fail prematurely due to engine oil burning, affecting performance.

Eccentric Shaft Oil Jet Assembly:

Potential for blockage leading to lubrication issues for the eccentric shaft bearings.

📚 Vehicle History

Rotary Legacy:

Mazda's long history with rotary engines, starting with the Cosmo and famously the RX-7 series.

Predecessor:

Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)

Major Updates:

Facelift in 2009 (for 2009 model year) with revised styling, improved interior, and suspension tweaks. Earlier updates included minor performance enhancements and feature adjustments.

Production Start Year:

2003

Production End Year Global:

2012

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward Top 10 Engines:

Mazda Renesis rotary engine named to Ward's 10 Best Engines list multiple times (e.g., 2003, 2004).

Car And Driver 10Best:

Selected for Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times (e.g., 2004).

Performance Car Of The Year:

Received various 'Performance Car of the Year' awards from automotive publications globally.