Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2009 Mazda RX8 2RTR-1.3LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Computers and Control Systems: Service and Repair
VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR (VSS) REMOVAL/INSTALLATION [SJ6A-EL]
CAUTION:
- Water or foreign material entering the connector can cause poor connections or corrosion. Be sure that water or foreign material do not enter the connector when disconnecting it.
- Do not damage the VSS.
1. Remove the engine cover. Service and Repair
2. Remove the battery cover.
3. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
4. Remove the front tunnel member.
5. Remove the rear tunnel member.
6. Remove the catalytic converter. Service and Repair
7. Remove the insulator.
8. Mark the manual shaft lever component as shown in the figure.
9. Separate the manual shaft lever component from the selector lever.
10. Disconnect the VSS connector.
11. Support the transmission using a transmission jack.
12. Remove the power plant frame. Automatic Transmission Removal/Installation [SJ6A-EL]
13. Remove the VSS.
14. Install the VSS.
Tightening torque
- 3.9-6.9 Nm {40-70 kgf-cm, 35-60 in-lbf}
15. Install the power plant frame. Automatic Transmission Removal/Installation [SJ6A-EL]
16. Connect the VSS connector.
17. Align the mark of the manual shaft lever component as shown in the figure.
18. Install the manual shaft lever component installation nut.
Tightening torque
- 10.8-14.7 Nm {1.1-1.4 kgf-m, 8.0-10.8 ft-lbf}
19. Install the insulator.
Tightening torque
- 8-11 Nm {82-112 kgf-cm, 72-97 in-lbf}
20. Install the catalytic converter. Service and Repair
21. Install the rear tunnel member.
22. Install the front tunnel member.
23. Connect the negative battery cable.
24. Install the battery cover.
25. Install the engine cover. Service and Repair
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
