🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Year:

2008

Product Name:

2008 Mazda RX-8 Service and Repair Manual

Product Description:

Comprehensive service and repair manual for the 2008 Mazda RX-8, covering all models and repairs A-Z. Vehicle specific, identical to dealership technician manuals.

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Grand Tourer

Positioning Statement:

The Mazda RX-8, renowned for its unique rotary engine and distinctive styling, occupies a niche segment of affordable, high-revving sports cars with a practical four-door coupe design.

Key Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Subaru Impreza WRX STI (though often compared in spirit and performance potential rather than direct segment overlap).

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (RENESIS)

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

Doors:

Unique Freestyle doors (suicide-style rear doors)

Handling:

Renowned for exceptional handling and balanced chassis dynamics, often praised for its sports car feel.

📋 Manual Details

Full Model Coverage:

Yes

Repair Scope:

All repairs A-Z

Documentation Type:

Vehicle Specific Technician Manual

Estimated Pages:

1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era and scope)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF assumed based on common sales practice for this type of product)

File Quality:

High-resolution scans or digital native content ensuring clarity of text and diagrams.

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF for quick access to specific topics.

Printable:

Yes, designed for printing sections or the entire manual.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Rotary (RENESIS), Engine Mechanical, Engine Control System (ECU), Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Emissions Control

Transmission:

Manual Transmission (M/T), Automatic Transmission (A/T), Drivetrain Components (Driveshafts, Axles, Differential)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front & Rear, ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Body Electrical System, Powertrain Electrical System, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio System, Navigation System, SRS Airbag System, Immobilizer System

Body And Trim:

Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Glass

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement (Apex Seals), Fluid Checks & Replenishments, Belt Inspections & Replacements

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting Symptom Charts, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, Wiring Diagram Interpretation

Repair Procedures:

Engine Rebuilds (Rotary Specific), Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper & Rotor Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, Body Panel Repair & Replacement

Specifications And Data:

Torque Specifications, Clearances, Gap Settings, Fluid Capacities & Types, Wiring Diagrams, Schematic Diagrams

Depth:

Expert-Level: Includes detailed diagnostic procedures, component-level troubleshooting, and complete overhaul instructions. Suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive troubleshooting trees and symptom-based diagnostics are provided for all major systems.

Diagrams And Illustrations:

Extensive use of exploded views, schematics, wiring diagrams, and step-by-step instructional images.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

FE-RE (RENESIS)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Two-Rotor)

Displacement:

1.3 L (actual displacement of rotor chambers is 654 cc x 2 = 1308 cc)

Induction:

Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (S-MPFI)

Horsepower Gt Trim:

232 hp @ 8200 rpm (for Grand Touring trim, with certain emissions configurations)

Horsepower Sport Trim:

212 hp @ 7600 rpm (for Sport trim, with certain emissions configurations)

Torque Gt Trim:

159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm

Torque Sport Trim:

152 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm

Redline:

9000 RPM

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection

Oil Type:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 (preferred for rotary engines). Specific Mazda recommendations within manual.

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change. Check manual for exact capacity.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (MYY6)

Type:

6-Speed Automatic Transmission (ATTESA-Sport with Paddle Shifters)

Manual Clutch:

Hydraulic Actuation

Automatic Features:

Driver-selectable modes, paddle shifters, sport mode programming.

Fluid Type:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., Mazda Genuine Gear Oil)

Fluid Type:

Mazda ATF Type T-IV or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.3 inches (4427 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

52.7 inches (1339 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.4 inches (2700 mm)

Front Track:

60.0 inches (1525 mm)

Rear Track:

60.2 inches (1529 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4

Trunk Volume:

7.6 cubic feet (215 Liters)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3,000 - 3,100 lbs (1360 - 1406 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3,050 - 3,150 lbs (1383 - 1429 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact:

5 Stars

IIHS Front Offset:

Good

ABS:

Yes (4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Yes (TCS - Traction Control System)

Stability Control:

Yes (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)

Airbags:

Front Dual-Stage SRS Airbags, Front Side SRS Airbags, Side Curtain SRS Airbags (front and rear)

Seatbelts:

3-point ELR seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, Active front head restraints.

Body Structure:

Mazda's 'Advanced Impact-Energy Distribution and Absorption' body structure.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Bose Premium Audio System (Optional on some trims), standard Mazda AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.

Navigation:

Optional touch-screen navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Keyless Entry Start:

Yes (Mazda Advanced Keyless Entry & Start System)

Auxiliary Input:

Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming on some models/trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Premium oil recommended.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Critical for rotary engines. Typically every 30,000 - 40,000 miles (48,000 - 64,000 km). Specific spark plug types (long life) are crucial. Manual specifies exact type and gap.

Coolant Flush:

Every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 or equivalent Long Life Antifreeze (Blue)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Dexron III / Mercon Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Rotary Engine Apex Seals:

Wear of apex seals is a common concern requiring careful maintenance, including regular oil changes and avoidance of engine lugging. The manual details inspection and replacement procedures.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines naturally consume oil for lubrication of seals; the manual specifies the expected consumption rate and topping-up procedures.

Catalytic Converter:

Susceptible to fouling from oil or incomplete combustion; proper maintenance is key. Manual addresses diagnostic and replacement.

Ignition System:

Requires specific long-life spark plugs and ignition coils; routine inspection is vital. Manual provides correct part numbers and testing methods.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary Legacy:

Mazda has a long and pioneering history with the rotary engine, dating back to the Mazda Cosmo and the Le Mans-winning 787B. The RX-8 continues this unique engineering lineage.

Rx8 Introduction:

The RX-8 was introduced in 2003 as a successor to the RX-7, aiming for broader appeal with its unique door configuration and a naturally aspirated rotary engine focused on responsiveness.

2008 Updates:

The 2008 model year saw minor updates, often referred to as the 'Series 2' or facelift, including revised styling (bumper, headlights, taillights), updated interior trim, and potentially minor mechanical refinements.

Production Years:

2003-2012

Production Locations:

Hiroshima, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times (including 2004, 2005, 2006).

World Car Of The Year:

Finalist for World Car of the Year (2004).

Jdpower Ratings:

Often received good ratings in initial quality and dependability studies for its segment.