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Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8R65-EA-03C
▼
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is in the tank. We recommend
keeping the tank over 1/4 full. When the
low fuel warning light illuminates or
when the needle is near E, refuel as soon
as possible.
37
▼
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Engine oil pressure is normal when the
engine oil pressure gauge needle points
halfway between L and H with the engine
running.
If the needle on the gauge doesn
’
t move
after starting the engine, follow steps 1
through 3.
If the engine oil pressure gauge moves to
L (low) while you are driving, drive to the
side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Set the parking brake. Then follow
steps 1 through 3.
1. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-11). If it
’
s low,
add oil.
2. Start the engine.
3. If the needle still doesn
’
t move, have
your vehicle checked at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Low fuel warning light
Don
’
t run the engine if the oil pressure
is low. It could result in extensive
engine damage.
NOTE
The Mazda RX-8 requires regular
checking of the engine oil level. The
compact, high performance RENESIS
rotary engine in your vehicle consumes
a small amount of engine oil due to its
structural design. An oil pump
optimizes the amount of oil injected to
lubricate the rotor seals in the
combustion cycle. Although your
vehicle is equipped with an engine oil
level warning light and an engine oil
pressure gauge, it is best to keep the
engine oil level in the range between
full and low by checking the oil dipstick
regularly. Mazda recommends checking
the oil level at every second fuel filling.
The oil consumption of the engine
depends on engine speed and engine
load. Under extreme driving conditions,
oil consumption can be higher.
CAUTION
J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition6.book Page 33 Wednesday, December 10, 2003 4:24 PM
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