10. Battery; Always check the Owner’s Manual for more operating information and safety features ; RX-8 rotary engine - Page 14

U N D E R   H O O D

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

Under Hood

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 cover

Remove to gain access to
engine oil dipstick (

2

) and

engine oil filler cap (

3

).

To remove cover: Pull up firmly
on front corners; then pull
toward front of vehicle.

2. Engine oil 

dipstick

With engine
cover (

1

)

removed, check
engine oil level
5 to 10 minutes
after warming up engine; fluid
level should be between full
and low marks on dipstick.

3. Engine oil filler cap

SAE 5W-20 
Remove engine cover (

1

) to

access engine oil filler cap.

4. Fuse block
5. Air filter

6. Brake/Clutch* fluid reservoir

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

7. Hood latch

Push hood latch to the right,
open hood.

8. Hood support rod
9. Engine coolant reservoir

Level should be between 

F

and 

L

lines when cold.

WARNING: Never remove
coolant reservoir cap while
engine is running or hot;
remove only when system 
is cool.

10. Battery

To access: Remove engine
cover (

1

) first, then remove

battery cover (

1

2

), pull up back

of battery cover and remove.

11. Windshield washer 

reservoir

Fill with windshield 
washer fluid.

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.
Replace (FL22)* engine coolant
every 120,000 miles or 10 years.

A.

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

B.

Inspect: Disc brakes

C.

Inspect: Drive belt, 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

*Denotes optional equipment
† See Owner’s Manual

3

1

2

6

11

7

4

5

9

8

10

12

7,500 miles

15,000 miles

22,500 miles

3

0,000 miles

3

7,500 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    

Full

OK

Low

1.3-liter 13B