Vehicle Segment:
Compact Sports Car / Rotary Sports Coupe
Target Audience Manual:
RX-8 owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive enthusiasts.
Key Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Subaru Impreza WRX (though often compared for performance, RX-8 offered a unique rotary experience).
Vehicle Unique Selling Points:
Naturally aspirated twin-rotor Renesis engine, rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, suicide rear doors for easier access.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables significant cost savings on maintenance and repairs, empowers owners with knowledge, provides access to professional-level information.
Overall Coverage:
Comprehensive Workshop Service Repair
Specific Sections Listed:
Engine Overhaul & Rebuilding, Brakes, Sunroofs, Timing Belt Replacement, Trouble Codes, Wiring Diagrams, Troubleshooting & Diagnostics, Computer Diagnostic Trouble Tree Charts, Engine Performance, Front End & Alignment Procedures & Specifications, Suspension, Transmission Removal & Installation, Air Conditioning & Capacities, Transmission In Car Servicing, Computer Diagnostic Codes, Firing Orders, Detailed Specifications On Every Model Covered, Factory Maintenance Schedules & Charts, Serpentine Belt Routings With Diagrams, Timing Belt Service Procedures, Brake Servicing Producers, Driving Concerns, Complete Torques Specifications, U-Joint AND CV-Joint Service Procedures, Repair Procedures, Complete Wiring Diagrams, Hundreds of Illustrations, Vacuum Diagrams
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Content Focus:
Repair and Maintenance
Format:
Digital Download (implied PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Rotary engine (Renesis) overhaul, rebuilding, internal components, lubrication system, cooling system, intake and exhaust systems.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, engine control unit (ECU) operation, sensor diagnostics, emissions control systems.
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission removal, installation, internal repair, clutch service, gearshift linkage.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission removal, installation, internal repair, fluid servicing, shift control mechanisms (if applicable to specific models covered).
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system service, including disc brake pad replacement, caliper service, rotor resurfacing/replacement, brake fluid bleeding, ABS system diagnostics.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), alignment procedures and specifications, power steering system service, steering column.
Electrical Lighting:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting system service (headlights, taillights, interior), fuse and relay identification and testing.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, sunroof operation and repair, interior trim, chassis lubrication.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator), heater core service, HVAC controls.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement (specific to rotary apex seals/plugs), belt inspections.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), flowcharts, circuit testing.
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing major and minor components across all systems.
Engine Rebuild:
Complete engine overhaul, including disassembly, inspection, part replacement (e.g., apex seals, rotor housings), and reassembly with torque specifications.
Transmission Service:
In-car transmission servicing, removal and installation of both manual and automatic transmissions.
Alignment Procedures:
Front and rear end alignment specifications and procedures for optimal handling and tire wear.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, high-quality wiring schematics for all electrical systems, including engine, chassis, body, and infotainment.
Diagnostic Charts:
Computer diagnostic trouble tree charts for systematic fault isolation.
Depth Of Information:
Factory-level technical detail, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, including use of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing, and sensor data interpretation.
Illustration Quality:
Hundreds of illustrations, diagrams, and potentially photographic images to aid in understanding repair procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
RENESIS (13B-MSP)
Displacement:
1.3 L (80 cu in) - effectively two 0.65 L rotors
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 212-238 hp (depending on manual transmission vs. automatic, and specific market tuning)
Torque Range:
Approximately 159-160 lb-ft
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (S-EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Recommended)
Engine Maintenance Considerations
Apex Seals:
Critical wear component requiring specific lubrication and proper operating temperatures. Manual covers inspection and replacement.
Oil Consumption:
Rotary engines consume oil as part of their design for lubrication of seals. Manual details proper oil level checks and recommended oil types.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first, with high-quality synthetic oil. Manual will specify exact intervals and oil type.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Rotary engines use specific plugs. Replacement intervals are crucial for engine health and typically around 30,000-60,000 miles, depending on plug type. Manual provides precise guidance.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles. Manual will detail the specific coolant type and procedure.
Engine Oil Specification:
API SN or SP, ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6, viscosity 5W-30 or 0W-20 (check manual for exact specification and oil consumption additive recommendation).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine ATF or equivalent (check manual).
Rotor Housing Wear:
Potential wear of rotor housings and apex seals due to high temperatures and oil consumption. Proper maintenance and avoidance of prolonged idling/low-RPM operation are key. Manual addresses diagnostics and repair.
Ignition Coil Failure:
Ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires. Manual covers testing and replacement procedures.
Oil Seals:
Internal oil seals can degrade over time. The manual details procedures for their inspection and replacement during engine rebuilds.
Catalytic Converter:
Can be sensitive to oil fouling. Regular maintenance and proper engine operation help prolong its life. Manual covers related diagnostics.