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Maintenance Information Mazda RX-7 FC

Procedures 9 illustrations ~1634 words

VIN LOCATION

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is located on the left side of the dash panel at the base of the windshield. The VIN chart explains the code characters.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 2

Scheme 2: VIN Code ID Explanation
Scheme 2: VIN Code ID Explanation

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Normal Service

  1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
  2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule

Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)

  1. Repeated Short Distance Driving
  2. Dusty Conditions
  3. Extended Use Of Brakes
  4. Salt Or Other Corrosive Materials On The Roads
  5. Rough Or Muddy Roads
  6. Extended Idling Or Low Speed Operation
  7. Extended Operation In Extreme Temperatures

Scheme 3

Scheme 3: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS
Scheme 3: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS

Scheme 4

Scheme 4
Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 5
Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 6
Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 7: INFORMATION LABEL LOCATIONS
Scheme 7: INFORMATION LABEL LOCATIONS

SERVICE LABOR TIMES

Note. For 1990 and newer vehicles, labor times are provided, where available, within appropriate SERVICE INTERVAL table in SCHEDULED SERVICES article.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten wheel lug nuts to 65-87 ft. lbs. (88-118 N.m).

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in the GENERAL INFORMATION Section.

If battery is replaced, new battery should be of the same group number as shown on the original battery's label. Use group 24 batteries with a cold crank rating of 600 amps.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)

Note. See the AIR BAGS article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.

Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or change the steering wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could cause improper function of the system. Use only plain water when cleaning the horn pad. Solvents or cleaners could adversely affect the air bag cover and cause improper deployment of the system.

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAGS article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
CAUTIONDisconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.

On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions

  1. DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
  2. DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
  3. Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.

BATTERY WARNING

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

CAUTIONBefore replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

CAUTIONIndicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTIONContinued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.
CAUTIONAny modification to the exhaust system on turbo models, which reduces exhaust backpressure, will lead to lean fuel mixtures and excessive spark advance. This could cause serious engine damage.

COOLANT (PROPYLENE-GLYCOL FORMULATIONS)

CAUTIONTo avoid possible damage to vehicle use only ethylene-glycol based coolants with a mixture ratio from 44-68% anti-freeze. DO NOT use 100% anti-freeze as it will cause the formation of cooling system deposits. This results in coolant temperatures of over 300° F (149°C) which can melt plastics. 100% anti-freeze has a freeze point of only -8° F (-22°C).
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol Mixtures has a smaller temperature range than Ethylene-Glycol. The temperature range (freeze-boil) of a 50/50 Anti-Freeze/Water Mix is as follows: Propylene-Glycol -26° F (-32°C) - 257° F (125°C) Ethylene-Glycol -35° F (-37°C) - 263° F (128°C)
CAUTIONPropylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol Mixtures can cause the destabilization of various corrosion inhibitors. Also Propylene-Glycol/Ethylene-Glycol has a different specific gravity than Ethylene-Glycol coolant, which will result in inaccurate freeze point calculations.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

WARNINGMany solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.

ENGINE OIL

CAUTIONNever use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

WARNINGRelieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models).

HALOGEN BULBS

WARNINGHalogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

HEADLIGHT RETRACTOR

CAUTIONNever operate headlight retractor when a person's hands, or other objects are on or near the headlights. When working on the headlights always remove the headlight retractor fuse.

RADIATOR CAP

CAUTIONAlways disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot.

RADIATOR FAN

WARNINGKeep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off.

TURBOCHARGED MODELS

CAUTIONDo not race engine immediately after starting. When stopping engine, allow engine to idle for approximately 60 seconds before shutting it off. Failure to do so may cause turbocharger damage due to lack of oil flowing to the turbocharger bearings.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

CAUTIONDue to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options.

BASIC NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Warrants basic components against defects in materials and workmanship for 36 months or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Tires are covered by a separate warranty offered by the tire manufacturer.

AIR BAG WARRANTY

Covered by the basic warranty for a period of 3 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For 1991 model, the warranty lasts for a period of 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

ANTI-CORROSION WARRANTY

Covers holes caused by corrosion in body sheet metal panels for 60 months, without respect to mileage, so long as regular inspection and maintenance services are performed.

REPLACEMENT PARTS & ACCESSORIES

Manufacturer supplied parts and accessories are warranted against defects in material or workmanship for 12 months without regard to mileage. If installed by dealer, the part or accessory will be repaired or replaced without charge for parts or labor.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM

Manufacturer warrants to the initial purchaser and each subsequent purchaser that this vehicle is designed, built, and equipped so as to conform at the time of sale with all U.S. and California Air Resources Board emission regulations applicable at the time of manufacture. Manufacturer also warrants that this vehicle is free from defects in materials and workmanship which cause it to fail to conform with applicable regulations within the first 5 years or 50,000 miles, which ever occurs first.

Emission Performance Warranty Parts List (60 Months Or 50,000 Miles)

  1. Air/Fuel Metering System
  2. Ignition Spark Advance/Retard System
  3. Evaporative Emission Control
  4. Positive Crankcase Ventilation System
  5. Exhaust Gas Recirculation System
  6. Air Injection System
  7. Catalyst System
  8. Electronic Controls Used In Above Systems
  9. Miscellaneous Items Used In Above Systems

Additional Emission Warranty Parts List For California (7 Years Or 70,000 Miles)

  1. Air Flow Meter
  2. Throttle Body
  3. E.G.I. Control Unit
  4. Monolithic Catalytic Converter
  5. Fuel Pump Assembly

FUSE PANEL LOCATION

The main fuse block is located at the right rear side of the engine compartment and contains high amperage fuses which protect multiple circuits. Fuse box located above driver's left knee, accessible through a removable cover, contains fuses for individual circuits.

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: FUSE PANEL & FUSE BLOCK IDENTIFICATION (1983-85)
Scheme 8: FUSE PANEL & FUSE BLOCK IDENTIFICATION (1983-85)

Scheme 9

Scheme 9
Scheme 9

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

  1. 1 - Empty
  2. 2 - 15 Amp - Horn
  3. 3 - 15 Amp - Hazard Warning Lights
  4. 4 - 10 Amp - Taillights
  5. 5 - 20 Amp - Roof Opener
  6. 6 - 10 Amp - Cigarette Lighter
  7. 7 - 20 Amp - Radio & Antenna
  8. 8 - 15 Amp - Gauges & Back-Up Lights
  9. 9 - 20 Amp - Engine
  10. 10 - 30 Amp - Power Windows
  11. 11 - 20 Amp - Heater Blower
  12. 12 - 15 Amp - Rear Defogger
  13. 13 - 15 Amp - Windshield Wipers
  14. 14 - 10 Amp - Rear Wiper
  15. 15 - Empty
  16. 16 - Empty
  17. 17 - Empty
  18. 18 - Empty
  19. 19 - 15 Amp - Air Conditioning
  20. 20 - Empty
  21. 21 - Empty
  22. 22 - Empty
  23. 23 - Empty
  24. 24 - Empty

Scheme 10

Scheme 10: FUSE PANEL & FUSE BLOCK IDENTIFICATION (1986-90)
Scheme 10: FUSE PANEL & FUSE BLOCK IDENTIFICATION (1986-90)
  1. 1 - 30 Amp - Rear Defogger
  2. 2 - 15 Amp - Headlights
  3. 3 - 30 Amp - Power Windows, AAS System
  4. 4 - 15 Amp - Cooling Fan System
  5. 5 - 15 Amp - Front Foglight
  6. 6 - 10 Amp - Power Door Lock, Power Antenna
  7. 7 - 15 Amp - Turn Lights, Hazard Lights, Rear Window Defogger, Passive Shoulder Belt
  8. 8 - 15 Amp - Front Wiper & Washer, DRL System, Heater, A/C, Diagnostic Module
  9. 9 - 30 Amp - Passive Shoulder Belt
  10. 10 - 7.5 Amp - Courtesy Lights, Cargo & Interior Lights, Stoplight, Warning & Buzzer Or Chime, Door Lock Cylinder & Ignition Key Cylinder Light, EGI, Emission Control System, Warning & Clock System, Theft System, ECAT
  11. 11 - 10 Amp - Back-Up Light, Cruise Control, Shift Lock System, ECAT, Gauges, Clock, Cooling Fan
  12. 12 - 10 Amp - Rear Wiper/Washer (Coupe)
  13. 13 - 15 Amp - Anti-Lock Brake System
  14. 14 - 10 Amp - Turn Lights, Hazard Lights
  15. 15 - 15 Amp - ECAT, Fuel System, EGI & Emission Control System
  16. 16 - 30 Amp - Convertible Top System
  17. 17 - 10 Amp - Cigarette Lighter, Warning & Clock, Remote Control Mirror, Heater & A/C
  18. 18 - 30 Amp - Heater & A/C
  19. 19 - 20 Amp - Stoplight, Cruise Control
  20. 20 - 10 Amp - Rear Window Defogger, Starter, Charge System, Shift Lock, ECAT, Power Antenna & Steering, Horn, Stoplight
  21. 21 - 15 Amp - Air Bag, Diagnostic Module, (Conv.) Sun Roof, Anti-Lock Brake System, AAS System (Coupe)
  22. 22 - 20 Amp - Audio System
  23. 23 - 60 Amp - BTN, Light Switch, Heater, A/C
  24. 24 - 30 Amp - Headlights
  25. 25 - 30 Amp - Headlight Retractor
  26. 26 - 30 Amp - EGI & Emission System
  27. 27 - 100 Amp - Starter & Charge System
  28. 28 - 60 Amp - Anti-Lock Brake System
  29. 29 - 30 Amp - Back-Up Battery (Air Bag)
  1. 1 - 20 Amp - Audio System
  2. 2 - 15 Amp - Sun Roof, Anti-Lock Brake System
  3. 2 - 15 Amp (Convertible) - Air Bag, Diagnostic Module
  4. 3 - 10 Amp - Rear Window Defogger, Starter, Charge System, Shift Lock System, ECAT, Power Antenna, Horn, Stoplight, Power Steering
  5. 4 - 20 Amp - Stoplight, Cruise Control System
  6. 5 - 30 Amp - Heater & A/C
  7. 6 - 10 Amp - Clock, Remote Control Mirror, Heater & A/C
  8. 7 - 30 Amp - Convertible Top System
  9. 8 - 15 Amp - ECAT, Fuel System, EGI & Emission Control System
  10. 9 - 10 Amp - Turn Lights, Hazard Lights
  11. 10 - 15 Amp (Except Convertible) - Anti-Lock Brake System
  12. 11 - 10 Amp (Except Convertible) - Rear Wiper & Washer
  13. 12 - 10 Amp - Back-Up Light, Cruise Control System, Shift Lock System, ECAT, Gauges, Clock, Cooling Fan
  14. 13 - 7.5 Amp - Cargo Light, Courtesy Lights, Interior Lights, Stoplights, Warning & Buzzer Or Chime, Door Lock Cylinder & Ignition Key Cylinder Light, EGI, Emission Control System, Warning Clock System, Theft System, ECAT
  15. 14 - 30 Amp (Except Convertible) - Passive Shoulder Belt
  16. 15 - 15 Amp - Front Wiper & Washer, DRL System Heater & A/C Diagnostic Module
  17. 16 - 15 Amp - Turn Lights, Hazard Lights, Rear Window Defroster, Passive Shoulder Belt
  18. 17 - 10 Amp - Power Door Lock System & Antenna
  19. 18 - 15 Amp - Front Foglight
  20. 19 - 15 Amp - Cooling Fan
  21. 20 - 30 Amp - Power Window
  22. 21 - 15 Amp - Headlight
  23. 22 - 30 Amp - Rear Window Defroster
  24. 23 - 30 Amp - EGI
  25. 24 - Blank
  26. 24 - 30 Amp (Convertible) - Air Bag
  27. 25 - 30 Amp - Head
  28. 26 - 100 Amp - Main
  29. 27 - 60 Amp (Except Convertible) - Anti-Lock Brake System
  30. 28 - 60 Amp - BTN
  31. 29 - 30 Amp - Retractor

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