Positioning:
Designed for both do-it-yourselfers and experienced mechanics, offering comprehensive repair and maintenance guidance for the Mazda RX-8
Value Proposition:
Provides an inexpensive way to maintain and repair the vehicle, saving on dealership service costs
Features:
Complete coverage, detailed illustrations, diagrams, wiring schematics, torque specifications, factory maintenance schedules, searchable PDF format
Systems:
Engine, Brakes, Sunroof, Transmission, Suspension, Air Conditioning, Electrical, Bodywork, Chassis, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Steering System
Procedures:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Repair, Rebuilding, Restoration, Overhaul, Installation, Removal, Adjustment
Total Pages:
More than 3000
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul and rebuilding of the rotary engine (Renesis)
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission removal, installation, and in-car servicing
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, repair, and servicing procedures, including ABS
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering system components, alignment procedures and specifications
Electrical Electronics:
Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble tree charts, computer diagnostics, troubleshooting
Climate Control:
Air conditioning service, capacities, and component diagnosis
Body Interior:
Sunroof operation and repair, body panel removal and installation, interior trim
Routine Maintenance:
Factory maintenance schedules and charts, fluid replacement, filter changes
Engine Repair:
Complete engine overhaul and rebuilding procedures, including apex seal replacement, rotor housing inspection, and eccentric shaft service
Timing Belt:
Timing belt replacement procedures (though RX-8 uses a timing chain/drive system, the manual covers associated component service)
Brakes:
Brake servicing procedures, including rotor replacement, pad replacement, caliper service, and brake fluid flush
Transmission Service:
Transmission removal and installation, in-car servicing of transmission components
Diagnostics:
Trouble codes, computer diagnostic trouble tree charts, engine performance diagnostics
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Detail Level:
Detailed illustrations, diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step instructions
Searchability:
Searchable text
Printability:
Fully printable
Bookmarking:
Bookmarked for easy navigation
Binding:
Digital (PDF) - no physical binding
Paper:
Digital (PDF) - no physical paper
Operating Systems:
All versions of Windows & Mac
Software:
Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip
Engine Type:
Rotary (Wankel)
Displacement Cc:
1308 cc (2 x 654 cc rotors)
Horsepower Early Models:
Approx. 238 hp (manual transmission)
Horsepower Later Models:
Approx. 212 hp (automatic transmission)
Torque Early Models:
Approx. 159 lb-ft (manual transmission)
Torque Later Models:
Approx. 143 lb-ft (automatic transmission)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (S-MPFI)
Oil Type:
API SG or SH, ILSAC GF-II or GF-III, SAE 5W-20 (preferred) or 5W-30, 10W-30
Oil Capacity Liters:
4.9 L (5.2 US qt) with filter change
Common Problems:
Premature apex seal wear, carbon build-up in the intake ports, oil consumption, ignition coil failure, starter motor issues, hot start problems
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda RX-8 'R3' and later models)
Type:
6-speed Sport Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters (optional on certain trims)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios vary by model year and trim, but generally include close ratios for performance
Automatic Features:
Sport mode, paddle shifters, adaptive shift control
Manual Fluid Type:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil
Automatic Fluid Type:
Mazda ATF-Type 2 (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Stability Control:
Available Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or more frequently depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plugs:
Refer to manual for specific interval based on plug type (e.g., platinum, iridium). Typically requires dedicated rotary spark plugs.
Air Filter:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years, inspect more frequently.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Water and washer fluid additive
Maintenance Tips:
Regular oil checks and top-offs are critical due to rotary engine oil consumption. Periodic 'decarbonization' (engine cleaning) is recommended. Frequent short trips can exacerbate carbon build-up.
