2004 Mazda RX-8 Service and Repair Manual

This factory service and repair manual for the 2004 Mazda RX-8 covers a 4-door coupe listed in one trim, Base. The engine displaces 1.3L, breathes without forced induction and burns gasoline. That single engine and single body make up the lineup for the year. The manual gives procedures, specifications, torque values, wiring diagrams and diagnostics for the engine and its fuel, ignition and cooling systems, and for the transmission, drivetrain, brakes, suspension, steering, electrical system and body.

Engines covered

• 1.3L — naturally aspirated, gasoline

Body styles covered

• 4-door coupe

Trims covered

• Base

Known issues on the 2004 RX-8. NHTSA lists 10 recalls and 489 owner complaints for the 2004 RX-8. On certain 2004 RX-8 vehicles, the socket of the front lower control arm ball joint could crack and let the joint separate, and steering control could be lost; that recall covered 35,332 vehicles, and dealers replaced the front lower control arms. Certain cars were also recalled because the driver's dual-stage air bag inflator could rupture through moisture intrusion and manufacturing variability, and owners were told not to drive until repaired. Complaints center on the power train (154) and engine and engine cooling (106); 17 reported a crash, 10 a fire and 15 an injury. Suspension, steering and air bag procedures, specifications and diagnostics apply.