2008 Mazda RX-8 Owner's Manual - Page 133

Driving Your Mazda Starting and Driving Setting the parking brake Depress the brake pedal and then firmly pull the parking brake lever fully upwards with a greater amount of force than is required so that the vehicle holds in the stationary position. qBrake System Warning Light This warning has the following functions: Parking brake warning The light comes on when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switch in the START or ON position. It goes off when the parking brake is fully released. Low brake fluid level warning If the light stays on after the parking brake is fully released, you may have a brake problem. Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. You may notice that the pedal is harder to push or that it may go closer to the floor. In either case, it will take longer to stop the vehicle. 1. With the engine stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add fluid as required (page 8-15). 2. After adding fluid, check the light again. If the warning light remains on, or if the brakes do not operate properly, do not drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Even if the light goes out have your brake system inspected as soon as possible by an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Releasing the parking brake Depress the brake pedal and pull the parking brake lever upwards, then press the release button. While holding the button, lower the parking brake lever all the way down to the released position. 5-7