Black plate (138,1)
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the clutch pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
(Manual transmission)
The starter will not operate if the clutch
pedal is not depressed all the way.
(Automatic transmission)
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever is not in P or N.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the START
position and hold (up to 10 seconds at
a time) until the engine starts.
CAUTION
Don't try the starter for more than 10
seconds at a time. If the engine stalls or
fails to start, wait 10 seconds before
trying again. Otherwise, you may
damage the starter and drain the batt ery.
6. After starting the engine, let it idle for
about 10 seconds.
NOTE
l
In extremely cold weather, below
_
18 °C (0 °F), or after the vehicle
has not been driven in several days,
let the engine warm up without
operating the accelerator.
l
Whether the engine is cold or warm,
it should be started without use of
the accelerator.
l
To protect the engine, when the
engine coolant temperature is low,
the engine does not run at high
speeds. The fuel supply will be cut at
an rpm lower than the red zone.
5-4
Driving YourMazda
Starting and Driving
RX-8_8V89-EA-06F_Edition1 Page138
Friday, May 19 2006 9:50 AM
Form No.8V89-EA-06F