4. Battery; Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features ; RX-8 rotary engine - Page 12

U N D E R   H O O D

Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features 

Under Hood

Quick Tips

2005 Mazda

Mazda RX-8

page 22

page 23

RX-8 rotary engine 
precautions

Check engine oil level when refueling
Rotary engine design uses an oil
injection system in addition to
lubrication of internal parts
It is important to maintain 
proper oil level

1. Engine oil filler cap

SAE 5W-20 
Remove engine cover (

1

2

) to

access engine oil dipstick and 
oil filler cap

2. Automatic transmission

fluid dipstick*

Check with engine on at 
operating temperature; fluid
level should be within cross-
hatched area/between top two
notches on dipstick

3. Brake/Clutch* fluid reservoir

Fill to MAX mark with DOT 3
fluid; check with cap on

4. Battery
5. Fuse block
6. Air filter
7. Hood support rod
8. Hood latch

Push hood latch to the left,
open hood

9. Engine coolant reservoir

Level should be between 

F

and 

L

lines when cold

WARNING: Never remove
coolant reserve tank cap 
while engine is running or 
hot; you could get burned

10. Engine oil dipstick

Check with engine off and at
operating temperature; fluid
level should be between 

F

and

L

marks on dipstick

11. Windshield washer 

reservoir

Fill with windshield 
washer fluid

12. Engine cover

Break-in period

First 600 miles: Drive at varying
road and engine speeds; avoid 
full throttle, rapid acceleration 
or kick-down of transmission
Do not use special “break-in” oils

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

ABS automatically reduces
hydraulic pressure to any wheel
on the verge of locking up
You may feel a slight pulsing of
the brake pedal and hear a 
clicking noise; this tells you the
ABS is functioning properly;
increase pressure on pedal for
maximum braking 

Tips: Maintain constant 
pressure on the brake pedal
Do not pump the brakes

ABS self test

A self-diagnostic test is performed
when starting; you may feel some
brake pedal pulsation and hear
some noise, this is normal

Unique driving conditions

†

Every 5,000 miles change oil/filter,
inspect coolant level, lights, brake/
clutch fluid, tire pressure/wear,
locks/hinges and washer fluid

Normal maintenance 
notes

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles or
sooner if needed; replace cabin air
filter every 25,000 miles or 24 months

A.

Change: Engine oil/replace filter
Lube: Locks and hinges

B.

Inspect: Disc brakes

C.

Inspect: Drive belts, fuel lines, 
hoses, and connections, brake 
lines and hoses, steering 
operation and linkages, front 
and rear suspension ball joints, 
driveshaft dust boots, chassis 
and body bolts, exhaust system 
heat shields, cooling system, 
and bolts and nuts on seat

D.

Replace: Air filter, spark plugs

E.

Clean: Air filter

F. 

Replace: Manual transmission 
and rear differential oil, 
engine coolant

1.3-liter 13B

*Denotes optional equipment
† See Owner’s Manual

2

1 1

2

1

0

3

11

8

5

6

9 7

4

7,500 miles

15,000 miles

22,500 miles

30,000 miles

37,500 miles

45,000 miles

52,500 miles

60,000 miles

67,500 miles

75,000 miles

82,500 miles

90,000 miles

A    

A    

A  

A    

A   B   C    

F

A   E

A   B

A   D

A   B C

E

A  

A   B

E

A