🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Mazda

Model:

RX-8

Year:

2004

Market Segment:

Sports Car / Coupe

Chassis Code:

SE3P

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The Mazda RX-8 was positioned as a unique sports coupe, distinguished by its rotary engine and sporty handling. It appealed to enthusiasts seeking an alternative to conventional piston engines and offered a blend of practicality with its freestyle doors and relatively usable rear seats.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed against other sporty coupes and sedans of its era, such as the Nissan 350Z, Infiniti G35, Subaru WRX, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, though its rotary powerplant offered a distinct driving experience and mechanical complexity.

Key Features:

Naturally Aspirated Rotary Engine (RENESIS), Rear-Wheel Drive, Sports-tuned Suspension, Unique Freestyle Door System, Lightweight Construction, High-Revving Engine Character.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical Systems, HVAC, Body & Chassis, Interior, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Specifications

Page Count:

Estimated 1000+ pages (typical for comprehensive factory service manuals)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual / Repair Manual / Owner's Manual (combined digital offering)

Manual Scope:

Comprehensive Factory Service Manual covering operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair.

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

Accessibility:

Accessible on any device with a PDF reader, including computers (Windows, Mac, Linux), tablets, and smartphones.

Searchability:

Likely includes searchable text for key terms and component names, enhancing usability.

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Rotary Engine (RENESIS), Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Rear-Wheel Drive System, Independent Front and Rear Suspension (Double Wishbone, Multi-link), Electric Power Steering (EPS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Infotainment System (Audio, Navigation - if equipped), Climate Control System, Lighting System, Security System (Immobilizer, Keyless Entry), Airbag System, Power Windows, Power Locks, Wiper/Washer System, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Emission Control System, Exhaust System, Wheels and Tires, Interior Trim, Exterior Body Panels, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Body And Chassis:

Front and rear body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, hinge adjustments, window regulators, bumper assemblies, chassis structural components, corrosion protection.

Procedures Included:

Routine Maintenance (Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Air Filter Replacement, Coolant Flush), Component Inspection and Testing, Diagnostic Procedures for All Systems, Engine Mechanical Repair (Apex Seal Replacement - advanced, rotor housing inspection, oil metering system), Engine Tuning and Adjustment, Transmission Removal and Installation, Clutch Replacement, Drivetrain Component Service, Suspension Component Replacement (Bushings, Shocks/Struts, Control Arms), Brake System Overhaul (Pad/Rotor Replacement, Caliper Service), Steering System Repair, Electrical System Troubleshooting (Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing), HVAC System Repair, Fuel System Diagnosis and Repair, Cooling System Service, Emission System Troubleshooting, Body Panel Alignment and Repair, Interior Trim Removal and Installation, Airbag System Safety Precautions and Service, Keyless Entry System Programming, Tire and Wheel Service, Jacking and Lifting Points, Torque Specifications for all Fasteners, Recommended Fluids and Capacities, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Interpretation and Resolution, Wiring Diagrams, Component Location Charts

Troubleshooting Guides:

Extensive troubleshooting sections with symptom-based diagnosis, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) explanations, and step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major systems.

Engine Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for rotary engine component inspection, apex seal replacement (as part of rebuild), rotor housing inspection, oil seal replacement, and reassembly procedures.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive - Covers basic owner maintenance to advanced engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and in-depth electrical troubleshooting. Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts and component-level repair instructions.

Electrical Diagrams:

Detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, engine controls, chassis electronics, and safety systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, printable quality. Designed to retain clarity of diagrams and illustrations when printed.

Binding Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

Mazda RENESIS (13B-MSP)

Horsepower:

238 hp @ 8500 rpm (for manual transmission models)

Torque:

159 lb-ft @ 7500 rpm (for manual transmission models)

Redline:

9000 RPM

Fuel System:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI), Rotary Engine Specific Lubrication System (Oil Metering Pump)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Twin-Rotor Wankel (Rotary)

Engine Management:

Electronic Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated ignition and fuel management.

Displacement:

1.3 Liters (Effective Displacement based on Rotary Principle)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-Speed Manual Transmission (Mazda Type-B)

Optional Transmission:

4-Speed Automatic Transmission (with manual mode - different power output)

Features:

Rear-wheel drive, short-throw shifter for manual transmission, robust clutch assembly.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.6 inches (4435 mm)

Width:

69.1 inches (1755 mm)

Height:

52.5 inches (1335 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Front Track:

60.0 inches (1525 mm)

Rear Track:

59.8 inches (1520 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3000-3100 lbs (1360-1406 kg) depending on transmission and options

Gross Weight Rating:

Approx. 3850 lbs (1746 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 7.7 cubic feet (218 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Rating:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:

Good

Active Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Passive Features:

Front Airbags (Driver and Passenger), Side-Impact Airbags, Front and Rear Side Curtain Airbags, Active Head Restraints, Three-Point Seatbelts with Pretensioners, Crumple Zones

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, available Bose premium audio system, available GPS navigation system (discontinued functionality on many units).

Driver Assistance:

ABS, TCS, DSC.

Connectivity:

Limited by modern standards; typically includes auxiliary input for audio. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity natively.

Lighting:

Halogen headlights, standard interior lighting. Higher trims may offer Xenon HID headlights.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (recommended, consult manual for exact details).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

50,000 - 60,000 miles (specific plug types for rotary engines)

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Engine Oil Type:

API SG or higher, ILSAC GF-II or higher, Viscosity SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (Consult manual for precise recommendations based on climate)

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 5.5 Quarts (5.2 Liters) including oil filter

Coolant Type:

Mazda FL22 Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (Green) or equivalent HOAT coolant

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Mazda Gear Oil JWS 3309 (or equivalent GL-4 75W-90)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Mazda ATF Type M-III or equivalent

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 80W-90 Hypoid Gear Oil

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid Type:

Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent Dexron III ATF)

Known Issues:

Premature wear of apex seals in the rotary engine, oil consumption issues, potential for flooding (engine not starting after being hot and shut off), ignition coil failure, catalytic converter failure, oil cooler line leaks.

Rotary Specific Maintenance Emphasis:

The manual strongly emphasizes the unique maintenance requirements of the rotary engine, including regular oil level checks, proper warm-up procedures, and the use of specific 2-stroke oil for the oil metering system.

Maintenance Schedule Overview:

The manual provides detailed schedules for inspections and replacements at various mileage/time intervals, including checks for belts, hoses, brakes, suspension components, and fluid levels. Crucially, it outlines specific procedures for rotary engine care, including oil checks and the importance of not over-revving or shutting off a hot engine abruptly.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

Mazda has a long history of innovation in automotive engineering, particularly with its pioneering work in rotary engine technology, dating back to the NSU agreement and the development of the RENESIS engine.

Model Evolution:

The RX-8 succeeded the RX-7, carrying forward the rotary engine sports car lineage. It was introduced as a 2004 model year vehicle, representing a significant departure in styling and packaging from its predecessor, emphasizing practicality and a unique driving character.

Design Philosophy:

The RX-8 was designed to be a driver-focused sports car with a unique personality, blending performance, handling, and practicality with its distinctive rotary engine and innovative door design.

Production Years:

2003-2012

Manufacturing Locations:

Mazda's Hiroshima plant, Japan

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

Car and Driver's 10Best list for 2004 and 2005. World Performance Car of the Year nominee.