2003 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA automatic transmission

5-16
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

To Decrease Cruising Speed
Turn the control knob to SET/COAST and
hold it. The vehicle will gradually slow.
Release the knob at the speed you want.

To Resume Cruising Speed at
More Than 40 km/h (25 mph)
If some other method besides the CRUISE
MAIN switch was used to cancel cruising
speed and the system is still activated, the
most recent set speed will automatically
resume when the control knob is turned to
RESUME/ACCEL.
If vehicle speed is below 40 km/h (25
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 40
km/h (25 mph) and turn the control knob
to RESUME/ACCEL.

To C a n c e l
To turn off the system, use one
of these
methods:
• Press the CRUISE MAIN switch.
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
• (Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal.
The system is off when the ignition is off.
Control knob
Control knob
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed
or below 40 km/h (25 mph).
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5-28
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Immobilizer System Warning
Light
If the immobilizer system is working
properly, the light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON or
START position. The light will go out
when confirmation by the immobilizer
system is completed.
If the light flashes rapidly, fails to come
on, or comes on and stays on, it indicates
a system malfunction. If any of these
occur, contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.

Headlight High-Beam Indicator
Light
This light indicates one of two things:
• The high-beam headlights are on.
• The turn signal lever is in the flash-to-
pass position.


O/D OFF Indicator Light
(Automatic transmission)
This light comes on when the overdrive
has been turned off.

Cruise Set Indicator Light
This light comes on when a cruising speed
is set.
If the overdrive-off indicator light
flashes, the transmission has an
electrical problem. Continuing to drive
your Mazda in this condition could
cause damage to your transmission.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer
as soon as possible.
CAUTION
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7-6
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, tool, and spare tire (page 7-3).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire. When blocking a wheel,
place a block both in front and behind
the tire.

Removing a Flat Tire
1. Loosen the lug nuts by turning them
counterclockwise one turn each, but
don ’t remove any until the tire has been
raised off the ground.
2. Place the jack under the jacking position closest to the tire being
changed.
NOTE
Make sure the jack is well lubricated
before using it.
Jacking position
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7-11
In Case of an Emergency
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.
If this happens:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in park (P), a manual
transmission in neutral.
Apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner. 4. Check whether coolant or steam is
escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Don ’t go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine. Then turn the ignition
switch to the ON position without
starting the engine.
The radiator cooling fans will start to
cool the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools. If this doesn ’t lower the
temperature, stop the engine and let it
cool.
5. Visually inspect the alternator/water pump drive belt for looseness and
breakage and all cooling hose
connections for leaks. If the belt is
broken or coolant is leaking, call an
Authorized Mazda Dealer for
assistance.
6. If the drive belt is OK, the engine is cool, and no coolant leaks are obvious,
inspect the coolant level. Carefully add
coolant as required (page 8-15).
Overheating
Steam from Overheated Engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you. Open the hood
ONLY after steam is no longer
escaping from the engine.
WARNING
Cooling system cap
Engine coolant
reservoir
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7-15
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Starting
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
You can’t start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission by pushing it.
Push-Starting
Towing a Vehicle to Start It:
Towing a vehicle to start it is
dangerous. The vehicle being towed
could surge forward when its engine
starts, causing the two vehicles to
collide. The occupants could be
injured. Never tow a vehicle to start it.
You shouldn ’t push-start a vehicle that
has a manual transmission. It can
damage the emission control system.
WARNING
CAUTION
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8-1
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction ................................................................................. 8- 2
Introduction ............................................................................. 8- 2
Scheduled Maintenance .............................................................. 8- 3
Scheduled Maintenance (North America) ............................... 8- 3
Scheduled Maintenance (Except North America) ................... 8- 7
Owner Maintenance .................................................................... 8-10
Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................. 8-10
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-11
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-12
Engine Oil ................................................................................ 8-13
Engine Coolant ........................................................................ 8-15
Brake Fluid .............................................................................. 8-17
Clutch Fluid ............................................................................. 8-18
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-19
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ...................................... 8-20
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-22
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-23
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-23
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-24
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-26
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-27
Light Bulbs .............................................................................. 8-31
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-37
Appearance Care ......................................................................... 8-41
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-41
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-43
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-48
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8-9
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
T: Tig hten
L: Lubricate
EXHAUST EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CHASSIS and BODY
*5If the brakes are used extensively (for example, continuous hard driving or mountain driving) or if the vehicle
is operated in extremely humid climates, change the brake fluid annually.
*6This is a full function check of electrical systems such as lights, wiper and washer systems (including wiper
blades), and power windows.
Maintenance Interval
(Number of months or kilometers (miles),
whichever comes first) Months 6 121824303642485460667278849096
× 1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
× 1000 miles 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96
E.G.R. system IIIIIIII
All electrical system
*6 IIIIIIII
Head light alignment IIIII
Brake pedals and clutch pedals IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and connections IIIIIIII
Clutch fluid IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Brake fluid
*5I I IRI I IRI I IRI I IR
Parking brake IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power brake unit and hoses IIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid and lines IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and gear housing IIIIIIII
Steering linkages, tie rod ends and arms IIIIIIII
Manual transmission oil RR
Rear differential oil RR
Front and rear suspension and ball joints IIII
Automatic transmission fluid level IIII III
Automatic transmission fluid RRR
Wheel nuts TTTTTTTT
Drive shaft dust boots IIII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body TTTTTTTT
Exhaust system heat shields IIII
Tire (including spare tire)
(with inflation pressure adjustment) IIIIIIII
Hinges and catches LLLLLLLL
Road test IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
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8-10
Maintenance and Care
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Owner Maintenance
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.

When Refueling
• Brake and clutch fluid level (page 8-17)
• Engine coolant level (page 8-15)
• Engine oil level (page 8-13)
• Washer fluid level (page 8-22)


At Least Monthly
• Tire inflation pressures (page 8-28)


At Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
• Automatic transmission fluid level (page 8-20)
• Power steering fluid level (page 8-19)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
• Air filter (page 8-23)
• Engine coolant (page 8-15)
• Engine oil (page 8-14)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
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