🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Year:

2009

Chassis Code:

FE

Engine Code:

RENESIS (13B-MSP)

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Sports Car / Rotary-Powered Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts seeking a unique driving experience, performance-oriented drivers.

Key Competitors:

Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Subaru BRZ (later years), Toyota GT86 (later years).

Unique Selling Proposition:

Naturally aspirated rotary engine (RENESIS), 4-door coupe configuration with suicide rear doors, exceptional handling and balance.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides the essential, accurate, factory-level data required to maintain and repair this unique vehicle, addressing specific rotary engine needs.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

All models and trims for the 2009 Mazda RX-8

Repair Scope:

Comprehensive A-Z repairs, diagnostics, maintenance, and specifications

Estimated Pages:

2000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or similar e-book format for online sale)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Rotary engine (RENESIS 13B-MSP) disassembly, assembly, timing, lubrication, cooling, intake, exhaust, fuel injection, ignition, rotary apex seal inspection, housing wear, oil control ring maintenance.

Engine Management:

ECU diagnostics, sensor data interpretation, emission control systems, EVAP, secondary air injection (AIS).

Transmission:

Manual (MZR 6-speed) and Automatic (FW6A-EL 6-speed) transmission overhaul, clutch service, shift linkage adjustment, transmission fluid specifications and replacement.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, propeller shaft, rear differential, axle shafts, hub bearings, wheel speed sensors, ABS integration.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications, troubleshooting wheel bearing noise.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, EPS (Electric Power Steering) system diagnostics and service.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, brake caliper overhaul, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution).

Electrical:

Full wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, power accessories, horn, wipers, instrumentation, fuses, relays, battery maintenance, starter motor, alternator.

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals, interior trim, body repair procedures, corrosion protection, chassis specifications.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating, ventilation, climate control, refrigerant charging, cabin filter replacement, blower motor service.

Comfort And Convenience:

Power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, sunroof operation, seat adjustment mechanisms, interior lighting.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement (specific rotary spark plug types), coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics, component testing, circuit tracing using wiring diagrams.

Repair And Rebuild:

Engine component replacement (e.g., starter, alternator, fuel pump), transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, body panel repair, electrical component repair.

Installation:

Component installation and removal procedures for all major systems.

Specifications And Tolerances:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, and dimensional tolerances for all repairs.

Depth Level:

Factory-level, in-depth technical information suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagnostic Tools:

Procedures and information for using diagnostic scanners and specialized tools.

Rotary Specific Knowledge:

Highly detailed information specific to the RENESIS rotary engine, a unique aspect of the RX-8.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing. May include bookmarking for navigation.

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams, illustrations, and photographic steps.

Digital Usability:

Searchable text, hyperlinked sections (if available in the digital format).

Digital Accessibility:

Accessible across various devices (PC, tablet, smartphone).

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

13B-MSP RENESIS

Displacement:

1308 cc (effectively 2.6L due to rotary displacement calculation)

Horsepower:

232 hp @ 8200 rpm (Sport/Grand Touring trims), 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (lesser trims, depending on market and transmission)

Torque:

159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (232 hp version), 159 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (212 hp version)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (S-MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Premium recommended/required for optimal performance)

Oil Type Capacity:

API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-II/GF-III certified oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for exact spec), approx. 5.5 US quarts (5.2 Liters) with filter.

Ignition System:

Distributorless Electronic Ignition, Coil-on-plug (COP) system, dual ignition per rotor housing.

Cooling System:

Pressurized liquid cooling system, specific Mazda FL22 coolant recommended.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda MZR)

Transmission Type Optional:

6-speed Automatic Transmission (Mazda FW6A-EL)

Clutch Type:

Dry, single-plate clutch (manual transmission)

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific Mazda part number/spec).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF Type F or equivalent (check manual for exact specification and capacity).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.6 inches (4435 mm)

Width:

69.5 inches (1765 mm)

Height:

53.1 inches (1350 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.4 inches (2700 mm)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x114.3 mm (5x4.5 inches)

Wheel Size:

Typically 18x8 inches (optional 19-inch wheels on some trims)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3000-3150 lbs (1360-1430 kg), varies by trim and transmission.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash:

5-star (2009 model year)

NHTSA Side Impact:

5-star (2009 model year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (2009 model year)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (TCS)

Stability Control:

Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with EBD

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system available on higher trims, multi-speaker CD/MP3 player.

Navigation:

Optional in-dash navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Auxiliary Input:

Auxiliary audio input jack available on many models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (severe duty may require more frequent changes).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000-40,000 miles, using specific 'long-life' plugs for rotary engines.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed, depending on driving conditions.

Coolant Flush:

Every 5 years or 100,000 miles for FL22 coolant.

Engine Oil Specification:

API SG/SH/SJ or ILSAC GF-II/GF-III, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to owner's manual for exact spec).

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual).

Coolant Specification:

Mazda FL22 Antifreeze/Coolant (Long Life).

Rotary Apex Seals:

Wear and failure of apex seals can lead to compression loss, misfires, and poor performance. Requires specialized knowledge for diagnosis and repair.

Ignition Coils:

Premature failure of ignition coils and spark plugs is a common concern.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines naturally consume oil as part of their design (for lubrication of seals). High oil consumption can indicate seal wear or maintenance issues.

Carbon Buildup:

Carbon deposits can accumulate in the rotor housings, leading to starting issues and performance degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Mazda Rotary History:

Mazda's long-standing commitment to rotary engine technology, dating back to the Cosmo and RX-7 series.

Rx-8 Generation:

Second generation RX-7 successor, launched globally in 2003.

2009 Updates:

Facelift model (Series 2) introduced for 2009, featuring revised exterior styling (bumpers, headlights, taillights), interior updates, and suspension tuning.

Production Period:

2003-2012

Manufacturing Location:

Mazda's Hofu Plant, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward S 10 Best Engines:

RENESIS engine was recognized by Ward's as one of the 10 Best Engines in 2003.

Car And Driver 10Best:

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