Page 59 of 256
3-21
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
9. If the rear window defroster coupler is disconnected, connect the coupler.
Taking Care of the Top
Refer to convertible top maintenance
(page 8-46) for information on taking care
of the top.Make sure the top is securely locked
by pushing up on it.
Driving with the top unlocked could
damage the top.
NOTE
Make sure the top is securely locked
by pushing up on it. If it still sounds
loose (rattles) after being locked by the
top latches, have it inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Rear window defroster coupler
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3-23
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
•Before removing or installing the
hardtop, stop in a safe place off the
right-of-way and park on a level
surface.
• When removing the hardtop, make sure
objects inside the vehicle aren
’t blown
away by the wind.
• Secure all loose objects inside before
driving with the hardtop removed.
• Don
’t drive through an automatic car
wash; it may damage the hardtop.
• Don
’t remove or install the hardtop
when the wind is strong; the wind
could damage the hardtop.
• When removing the hardtop, make sure
the operation is performed by 2
persons.
• Before removing the hardtop, lower the
antenna.
• Removing the hardtop while it
’s wet
can cause water to drip into the
passenger compartment.
Removing the Detachable
Hardtop
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
firmly set the parking brake.
2. Lower the side windows, then turn off the ignition.
3. Pull down the sunvisors.
4. Push the unlock buttons and fully release the top latches.Fa s t e n i n g M e c h a n i s m s :
It is dangerous to place your hands or
fingers near the fastening
mechanisms. Your hands or fingers
could be caught and injured by the
mechanism. Always keep your hands
and fingers away from the fastening
mechanisms when moving the top.
WARNING
Sunvisor Sunvisor
Unlock button
Top latch
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Page 64 of 256
3-26
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
5. Align the rear deck latches with the rear deck studs and set the hardtop
squarely onto the body.
6. Slide the hardtop forward while pressing down on the rear deck latches
to lock the latches, and then verify that
they are secure by attempting to lift the
rear of the hardtop. 7. Push each top latch up with the palm of
your hand until the lock buttons click
and the latches are locked.
Rear deck stud
Hardtop
Rear deck latch
Rear deck latch
Rear deck latch
• Be careful not to strike the body
with any of the protruding hardtop
latches.
• The rear defogger grid and the
defogger cord could be damaged
when removing or installing the top.
Make sure the rear defogger grid
isn
’t folded and the defogger cord
isn ’t caught between the vehicle ’s
body and the top.
CAUTION
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Page 65 of 256
3-27
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
8. Push each side latch down with the palm of your hand until the lock
buttons click and the latches are
locked.
9. Reconnect the rear window defroster coupler.
Detachable Hardtop Appearance
Care
Refer to detachable hardtop maintenance
(page 8-47) for information on detachable
hardtop appearance care.
After installation, verify that all latches
are secure. Operating the vehicle with
unlocked latches may cause hardtop
damage or loss.
Side latch
CAUTION
Rear window defroster coupler
NOTE
If the top rattles even when all latches
are secure, contact your Authorized
Mazda Dealer for inspection.
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Page 66 of 256

3-28
Knowing Your Mazda
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Security System
The optional immobilizer system allows
the engine to start only with a key the
system recognizes.
If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized key, the engine will
not start, thereby helping to prevent the
theft of your vehicle.
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.
Immobilizer System
Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void
the user
’s authority to operate the
equipment.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of
the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation. (Outside
transmissions may momentarily
interfere with the device’ s operation.)
CAUTION
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3-29
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Maintenance
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the key, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
• If the warning light comes on and
stays on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, the
engine will not start.
• Signals from a TV or radio station,
or from a transceiver or a mobile
telephone, could interfere with your
immobilizer system. If you are
using the proper key and your
engine fails to start, check the
warning light. If it is flashing,
remove the ignition key and wait 2
seconds or more, then reinsert it and
try starting the engine again. If it
doesn
’t start after 3 or more tries,
contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
• If the warning light flashes
continuously while you are driving,
don’
t shut off the engine. Go to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer and have
it checked. If you shut off the
engine while the light is flashing
you won ’t be able to restart it.
• To avoid damage to the key, do not:
Drop the key.
Get the key wet.
Expose the key to any kind of
magnetic field.
Expose the key to high
temperatures on places such as
the dashboard or hood, under
direct sunlight.
• When starting the engine, do not let
the following materials touch or
come near the key grip. The engine
may not start:
Spare keys.
Keys for other vehicles equipped
with an immobilizer system.
Metal objects that touch or pass
through the hole in the key.
Devices for electronic purchases,
and security passage.
CAUTION
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Page 68 of 256
3-30
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Modification and Add-On
Equipment
Mazda cannot guarantee the system
’s
operation if the system has been modified
or if any add-on equipment has been
installed to it.
NOTE
• The keys carry a unique electronic
code. For this reason, and to assure
your safety, replacement keys
require some waiting time to obtain.
They are only available through an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
• Always keep a replacement key, in
case one is lost. If a key is lost,
contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
• If you lose a key, an Authorized
Mazda Dealer will reset the
electronic codes of your remaining
keys and immobilizer system.
Starting the vehicle with a key that
has not been reset is not possible.
To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to it.
CAUTION
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Page 79 of 256

4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires.
Don
’t use chains on the front tires.
Use only SAE Class "S" chains, and make
sure they fit.
Installing the chains
1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer ’s instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2—1 km (1/4 —1/2 mile).
•
Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
• Chains may affect handling.
• Don
’t go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer ’s
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
• Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
• Avoid locked-wheel braking.
• Don
’t use chains on the temporary
tire; it may result in damage to the
vehicle and to the tire.
• Don
’t use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
CAUTION
Driving In Flooded Area
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance
returns to normal.
Make sure water does not enter the
vehicle interior or the engine area. The
vehicle interior could become wet or
the engine could be damaged.
WARNING
CAUTION
J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book Page 9 Monday, February 3, 2003 1:16 PM