2003 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA Owners Manual

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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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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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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3-31
Knowing Your Mazda
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Mirrors

Outside Mirrors
Check the mirrors
’ angles before driving.
Power control mirror
The ignition switch must be in the ACC or
ON position.
To a d j u s t :
1. Move the selector switch to the left or right to choose the mirror.
2. Depress the perimeter switch in the appropriate direction. Folding the mirror
Fold the outside mirror rearward until it is
flush with the vehicle.Mirrors
Convex Mirror (Passenger Side):
Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears. Be
sure to look over your shoulder or to
check your inside mirror before
changing lanes.
WARNING
Outside mirror
Selector switch
Perimeter switch
Driving with Mirrors Folded In:
Driving with the outside mirrors
folded in is dangerous. Your rear view
will be restricted, and you could have
an accident. Always return the
outside mirrors to the driving position
before you start driving.
WARNING
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3-32
Knowing Your Mazda
Mirrors
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Rearview Mirror (With Day/
Night Function)
Before driving, adjust the rearview mirror
to center on the scene through the rear
window.
Do this with the day/night lever in the day
position.
Push the lever forward for day driving.
Pull it back to reduce glare from
headlights.
Day/Night lever
Day Night
Blocked View:
Cargo stacked higher than the
seatbacks is dangerous. It can block
your view in the rearview mirror,
which might cause you to hit another
car when changing lanes. Don ’t stack
things higher than the seatbacks.
Objects in the Storage Area:
Putting heavy or sharp objects in the
top storage area is dangerous.
During a sudden stop or collision,
they can become projectiles that
might hit and injure passengers.
Don ’t place heavy or sharp objects in
the top storage area.
Standing in a Moving Vehicle:
Standing in the vehicle, or sitting on
the convertible top storage area or
center console when it’ s moving is a
dangerous way to ride. During a
sudden maneuver or collision you
could be seriously injured or even
killed.
Sit in the seat with the seat belt on
when the vehicle is moving.
WARNING
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4-1
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
4Before Driving Your Mazda
Important information about driving your Mazda.
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions ....................................... 4- 2
Fuel Requirements ................................................................... 4- 2
Emission Control System ........................................................ 4- 3
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide) ....................................... 4- 4
Before Starting the Engine ......................................................... 4- 5
Before Getting In ..................................................................... 4- 5
After Getting In ....................................................................... 4- 5
Driving Tips ................................................................................. 4- 6
Break-In Period ....................................................................... 4- 6
Money-Saving Suggestions ..................................................... 4- 6
Hazardous Driving ................................................................... 4- 7
Rocking the Vehicle ................................................................. 4- 7
Winter Driving ......................................................................... 4- 8
Driving In Flooded Area ......................................................... 4- 9
Overloading ............................................................................. 4-10
To w i n g .......................................................................................... 4-11
Trailer Towing ......................................................................... 4-11
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4-2
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Vehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL,
which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
*U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
You may use a regular unleaded fuel with Octane Rating from 87 to 90 (91 to 95 RON) but
this will slightly reduce performance.
Fuel with a rating lower than 87 octane (91 RON) could cause the emission control system
to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.
Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10%. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name "Gasohol".
Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.
•Gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol.
• Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
• Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
Fuel Requirements
Fuel
Octane Rating* (Anti-knock index)
Premium unleaded fuel 91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
•USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter or the oxygen sensor. The lead will
accumulate on the oxygen sensor and the catalyst inside the converter. This will result
in a malfunction of the emission control system, causing poor performance.
• Your vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10% ethanol by
volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of any
kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.
• Never add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those specified
by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
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