2003 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA brake light

1-2
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Dashboard Overview
Hood release handle
Climate control systemCup holder
Glove box
Shift lever
Parking brake
Audio system
Passenger-side air bag
Hazard warning flasher switch
Fog lights switch Lighting control/Turn signals Instrument cluster
Driver-side air bag
Wiper and washer lever
Ignition switch Ashtray
Center console
Power window
switches
Cruise control switches
Cruise main switch(page 2-20)
(page 5-17)
(page 5-30)
(page 5-14)
(page 5-31) (page 5-32)
(page 5-14)
(page 5-35)
(page 6-10)
(page 5-10)
(page 6-40)
(page 3-13)
(page 3-16)
(page 5-2)
(page 6-2) (page 5-5)
(page 6-38) (page 6-39) (page 6-40)
(page 2-20)
J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book Page 2 Monday, February 3, 2003 1:16 PM

1-4
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Exterior Overview
Door and keys
Outside mirrors
Side-marker lights
Headlights
Fuel-filler lid
Tires
Windshield wiper blades
Washer fluid
Hood
Front turn signal lights/
Parking lights Rear turn signal lights
Brake lights/Taillights
Power windows Antenna
Rear window defroster
Trunk lid
High-mount brake light
License plate
lights
Reverse lights
Convertible top
(page 3-9)
(page 8-35)
(page 8-35)
(page 8-35) (page 5-34)
(page 3-2)
(page 8-27)
(page 8-35)
(page 8-35) (page 3-14)
(page 6-10)
(page 3-17)
(page 8-24)
(page 8-22)
(page 3-16)
(page 8-34) (page 8-32) (page 8-34) (page 3-31) (page 3-13)
J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book Page 4 Monday, February 3, 2003 1:16 PM

4-5
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
• Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
• Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
• If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way. •
Are all doors closed and locked?
• Is the seat adjusted properly?
• Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
• Is everyone
’s seat belt fastened?
• Do all the lights work?
• Check all gauges.
• Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
• Release the parking brake and make
sure the parking brake warning light
goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch fluid, washer fluid, and other
fluid levels should be inspected daily,
weekly, or at refueling, depending on
the fluid. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
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4-7
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazard:
•Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
• Avoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
• If your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don
’t hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
don ’t pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
• If you get stuck, shift to 1 or 2 and
accelerate slowly. Don't spin the rear
wheels.
• For more traction in starting, use sand,
rock salt, chains, carpeting, or other
nonslip material under the rear wheels. If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.
Hazardous Driving
Downshifting on Slippery Surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed could cause the tires to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle
control and an accident. If it is
necessary to downshift on slippery
surfaces, be very careful.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the rear
wheels.
WARNING
Rocking the Vehicle
Spinning the Wheels:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries. Don't spin the wheels at
more than 56 km/h (35 mph), and
don't allow anyone to stand behind a
wheel when pushing the vehicle.
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transmission failure, and
tire damage.
WARNING
CAUTION
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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
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5-1
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ................................................................... 5- 2
Ignition Switch ........................................................................ 5- 2
Starting the Engine .................................................................. 5- 3
Brake System ........................................................................... 5- 4
Manual Transmission Operation ............................................. 5- 8
Automatic Transmission Controls ........................................... 5-10
Power Steering ......................................................................... 5-13
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-14
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-17
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-17
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps ........................................ 5-22
Warning/Indicator Lights ......................................................... 5-22
Beeps ....................................................................................... 5-29
Switches and Controls ................................................................. 5-30
Lighting Control ...................................................................... 5-30
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-31
Fog Lights ................................................................................ 5-31
Daytime Running Lights (Canada) .......................................... 5-32
Windshield Wipers and Washer ............................................... 5-32
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-34
Horn ......................................................................................... 5-34
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-35
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5-3
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-22).
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-22).

Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position, a beep will sound when
any door is opened. 1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the
clutch pedal is not
pushed down all the
way.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever is not
in P or N.
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5-5
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Parking Brake
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal, then pull the
brake handle fully upward.
Releasing the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal, then pull the
handle up and press the button. Lower the
handle to the release position while
holding in the button.
Driving with the Engine Off:
Continuing to drive when the engine
is stalled or turned off is dangerous.
Braking will require more effort, and
the brake
’s power-assist could be
depleted if you pump the brake. This
will cause longer stopping distances
or even an accident. Don ’t continue
driving when the engine is stalled or
turned off, find a safe place to stop.
Riding the Brakes:
Driving with your foot continuously
on the brake pedal or steadily
applying the brakes for long distances
is dangerous. This causes overheated
brakes, resulting in longer stopping
distances or even total brake failure.
This could cause loss of vehicle
control and a serious accident. Avoid
continuous application of the brakes.
Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep hills.
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 is
normal.
WARNING
Driving with the parking brake on will
cause excessive wear of the brake
linings or pads.
CAUTION
J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book Page 5 Monday, February 3, 2003 1:16 PM