🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Year:

2010

Chassis Code:

FE

Engine Code:

13B-MSP Renesis

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The Mazda RX-8 occupied a unique niche as a practical sports coupe with a rotary engine, targeting enthusiasts seeking a distinctive driving experience and a car with strong performance and handling credentials, albeit with specialized maintenance requirements.

Competitors:

Competed against cars like the Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang, and Chevrolet Camaro, but differentiated itself significantly with its rotary powertrain and unique 'freestyle' door system. Its closest rotary predecessor was the RX-7.

Vehicle Features:

Naturally aspirated Renesis rotary engine, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, suicide rear doors for easier access, sports-tuned suspension, and innovative engine design.

Value:

This manual provides the essential, vehicle-specific technical information that dealership technicians use, enabling owners and independent shops to perform accurate diagnostics and repairs, thus reducing reliance on expensive dealership service and ensuring proper maintenance of the unique rotary engine.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

All Models and All Repairs A-Z

Pages:

Specific page count not provided, but described as comprehensive, equivalent to factory service manual.

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely digital (PDF) or physical print.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine And Drivetrain:

Comprehensive coverage of the 13B-MSP Renesis rotary engine, including lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel injection, and apex seal diagnostics. Covers 6-speed manual and 6-speed sport automatic transmissions, clutch assembly, driveshafts, differential, and axles.

Chassis And Suspension:

Detailed information on front and rear suspension systems (double wishbone, multi-link), steering system (power rack and pinion), brake system (ABS, EBD, ventilated discs), wheel and tire specifications.

Electrical And Diagnostics:

In-depth coverage of the electrical system, including battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, sensor testing, and component location.

Body And Interior:

Information on body structure, panel replacement, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system, and exterior trim components.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance tasks including oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service.

Troubleshooting And Diagnostics:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, guided by symptoms and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Includes specific troubleshooting steps for rotary engine starting, idling, and performance problems.

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for major components, including engine teardown and reassembly (though complete rebuilds of the rotary engine may have specialized factory procedures), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, and electrical component repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive, designed for dealership technicians. Covers detailed torque specifications, component clearances, diagnostic strategies, and repair sequences for all major systems. Includes specific instructions for working with the unique rotary engine.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

If digital, typically a searchable PDF. If printed, a professionally bound volume.

Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, clear text, and durable printing suitable for workshop environments.

Binding:

Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use in a workshop setting, allowing pages to lie flat.

Paper:

Durable, coated paper stock resistant to grease and moisture, common in professional automotive manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)

Engine Code:

13B-MSP Renesis

Displacement:

1.3L (1308 cc) - though often referred to by its rotary nomenclature.

Horsepower:

Approximately 232 hp @ 8200 rpm (for manual transmission models in North America).

Torque:

Approximately 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (for manual transmission models in North America).

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI).

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended).

Oil Injection:

Automatic oil injection system for lubrication of apex seals and rotor housings. Requires specific 10W-30 API SG or higher rotary engine oil in the separate oil reservoir.

Ignition System:

Direct ignition with two spark plugs per rotor housing (leading and trailing).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (Mazda 'RX-8' Transmission).

Transmission Type:

6-speed Sport Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters).

Manual Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios are detailed in the manual, crucial for performance diagnostics and maintenance.

Automatic Features:

Includes manual mode and paddle shifters for driver control.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual for specific GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil specification and viscosity (e.g., 75W-90).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Specific ATF specification required (e.g., Mazda ATF Type T-IV or equivalent).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

175.7 inches

Width:

69.4 inches

Height:

52.8 inches

Wheelbase:

106.4 inches

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3,053 - 3,157 lbs (depending on transmission and trim).

Cargo Volume:

Approximately 7.6 cubic feet (trunk).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Stars

IIHS Front Offset:

Good

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Ebd:

Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

Traction Control:

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

Airbags:

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

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Features a Mazda 'Connect' infotainment system (early version) with AM/FM/CD player, auxiliary input, and optional navigation. Bose premium audio system available on some trims.

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control System (TCS) are key electronic driver aids.

Keyless Entry Start:

Keyless entry and push-button start system.

Bluetooth:

Bluetooth hands-free phone system available on some trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. More frequent changes may be beneficial for rotary engines under hard use.

Spark Plugs:

Replacement typically recommended every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on plug type and driving conditions. Specific plugs for leading and trailing cylinders.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed.

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years.

Engine Oil:

API SG or higher, SAE 10W-30 (for rotary specific oil reservoir). Standard engine oil for lubrication within the rotor housing is typically a higher viscosity grade, consult manual for precise specification.

Coolant:

Mazda Super Long Life Coolant (or equivalent HOAT coolant).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4.

Rotary Engine Apex Seals:

Apex seal wear is a common concern with rotary engines. This manual will detail diagnostic procedures for compression loss and potential repair strategies.

Carbon Buildup:

Carbon deposits can form in the rotor housings, particularly on shorter trips. The manual will likely include procedures for cleaning or de-carbonizing.

Ignition Coils:

Ignition coils can be a point of failure; the manual will provide testing procedures.

Oil Consumption:

Rotary engines inherently consume oil as part of their lubrication system. The manual will specify normal consumption rates and diagnostic steps for excessive consumption.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of producing innovative and fun-to-drive vehicles, with a particular legacy in rotary engine technology dating back to the Cosmo in the 1960s.

Evolution:

The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 (FD generation). It was first introduced in 2003 as a 2004 model year and received a facelift for the 2009 model year, which included suspension and powertrain enhancements.

Production Years:

2003-2012.

Manufacturing Location:

Hiroshima, Japan.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list for several consecutive years (2004-2008).

World Car Of The Year Finalist:

Was a finalist for the World Car of the Year award in 2004.

Performance Handling Reviews:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its exceptional handling, balance, and unique driving experience.

Emisiones Certification:

Met emissions standards of its time, though the rotary engine's emissions characteristics are distinct and covered in detail within the manual's diagnostic sections.