Mazda rx-8 2005 Manual page 254

Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
WARNING
Sudden Vehicle Movement:
Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever.
4. Remove the engine cover.
5. With the engine still idling, pull out the
dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.
6. Pull it out again.
The proper fluid level is marked on the
dipstick as follows.
Full
A
Low
Full
B
Low
8-20
Fluid hot scale A
When the vehicle has been driven and the
fluid is at normal operating temperature,
about 65°C (150°F), the level must be
between Full and Low.
Fluid cold scale B
When the engine has not been running
and the outside temperature is about 20°C
(70°F), the level must be between Full
and Low.
CAUTION
Use the cold scale only as a
l
reference.
If outside temperature is lower than
l
about 20°C (70°F), start the engine
and inspect the fluid level after the
engine reaches operating
temperature.
If the vehicle has been driven for an
l
extended period at high speeds or in
city traffic in hot weather, inspect the
level only after stopping the engine
and allowing the fluid to cool for 30
minutes.
Fully insert the dipstick. When adding
fluid, inspect with the dipstick to make
sure it doesn't pass full.
NOTE
Inspect the fluid on both sides of the
l
dipstick in a well lit area for an
accurate reading.
Verify that the engine cover is
l
securely installed.