Market Segment:
Sports Coupe/Sedan, targeting enthusiasts seeking a unique rotary engine experience and balanced handling.
Key Competitors:
Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Subaru BRZ (later years), Toyota GT86 (later years).
Unique Selling Points:
Naturally aspirated rotary engine (Renesis), suicide doors (freestyle doors), near 50/50 weight distribution, spirited handling, distinctive styling.
Intended User:
RX-8 owners requiring detailed guidance for maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting; DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Systems Covered:
Engine (Rotary), Powertrain Control, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, EBD), HVAC, Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, ECUs, Sensors), Fuel System, Exhaust System, Body & Chassis, Interior Trim, Exterior Body Panels, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides, Maintenance Schedules, Specifications, Torque Values, Special Tools
Page Count:
Extensive (Exact count not specified, but typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Manual Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, searchable)
Engine System:
Rotary Engine (13B-MSP Renesis) disassembly, assembly, lubrication, cooling, ignition, fuel injection, emissions control, apex seal wear diagnosis, rotor housing condition inspection, starter system specifics.
Transmission System:
Manual (RX-8 6-speed) clutch service, gearbox disassembly/assembly, gear oil specifications, shift linkage adjustments. Automatic transmission service, torque converter, valve body diagnostics.
Drivetrain System:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) system, propeller shaft, differential service, axle shaft inspection and replacement.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension component inspection and replacement (shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications, steering rack and power steering system service.
Braking System:
Front and rear disc brake service (pads, rotors), brake fluid specifications, ABS module diagnostics, brake booster and master cylinder service, EBD system.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all systems, ECU diagnosis (PCM, TCM), sensor testing (crankshaft, camshaft, O2, MAF), starter motor and alternator testing, lighting system, power windows, central locking.
HVAC System:
Air conditioning system refrigerant recharge, compressor service, blower motor and control module troubleshooting, heater core replacement.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, latch systems, window regulators, chassis component repair, structural integrity checks.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement (specific rotary plugs), coolant flush and fill, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change.
Engine Repair:
Complete engine overhaul, apex seal replacement procedure, rotor housing lapping/resurfacing, OPE (Oil Pressure Ejector) system checks, starter motor rebuild, engine mount replacement.
Transmission Repair:
Manual gearbox rebuild, clutch assembly replacement, automatic transmission solenoid testing and replacement, torque converter installation.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) retrieval and interpretation, wiring harness continuity testing, component resistance and voltage checks, sensor signal analysis, ECU reprogramming procedures.
Suspension Steering Repair:
Ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, strut and shock absorber replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement, subframe alignment.
Brake System Repair:
Caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, ABS sensor replacement, bleeding procedures, parking brake adjustment.
Body Interior Repair:
Door panel removal, seat adjustment and removal, dashboard disassembly for HVAC or radio access, exterior trim piece replacement, glass replacement.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, in-depth electrical diagnostics and component-level repair).
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Rotary (Wankel)
Engine Code:
13B-MSP Renesis
Displacement:
1308 cc (1.3 L)
Horsepower Early Models:
Approx. 238 hp @ 8200 rpm (High-Power Version)
Horsepower Later Models Revised:
Approx. 212 hp @ 7600 rpm (Low-Power Version for certain markets/emissions)
Torque:
Approx. 159 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm (High-Power Version)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Injection
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ, SL or ILSAC GF-I, GF-II, GF-III (Specific viscosity recommended in manual, e.g., 5W-30 or 5W-40).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.7-5.0 liters (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Mazda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant (FL22 or equivalent blue coolant), or a 50/50 mix of distilled water and ethylene glycol antifreeze.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 liters
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-star (for driver and front passenger, 2005 model year tested)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (2005 model year tested)
Traction Control:
Standard (TCS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Anti-Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, side-curtain airbags (standard)
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. More frequent changes often recommended for rotary engines, especially under spirited driving.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific types and intervals). Use of correct double-iridium plugs is critical.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 45,000 miles or 3 years.
Manual Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Differential Fluid Change:
Every 60,000 miles or 4 years.
Power Steering Fluid:
Mazda Genuine Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent specified by Mazda).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Rotary Engine Apex Seals:
Wear of apex seals leading to compression loss, rough idle, starting issues ('flooding'), and potential engine failure. Requires specific maintenance and oil consumption to mitigate.
Ignition Coils:
Premature failure of ignition coils and spark plug wires, leading to misfires and poor performance.
Oil Consumption:
High oil consumption is inherent to rotary engines; failure to maintain oil levels can be catastrophic.
Starter Motor:
Struggles to crank a hot rotary engine due to thermal issues, sometimes requiring specific starter motors or preventative measures.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail due to oil burning or misfires.
