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 reserve tank cap
while engine is running or
hot; you could get burned
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
1.3-liter 13B
*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
