2003 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA catalytic converter

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
J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book Page 2 Monday, February 3, 2003 1:16 PM

4-3
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system (the catalytic converter is part of this
system) that enables your vehicle to comply with existing exhaust emissions requirements.
Emission Control System
Parking Over Things That Burn:
Parking over or near anything inflammable, such as dry grass, is dangerous. Even
with the engine turned off, the exhaust system could ignite it because the exhaust
system gets very hot during normal use. A resulting fire could cause serious injury or
death. Never park over or near anything inflammable.
Ignoring the following precautions could cause lead to accumulate on the catalyst inside
the converter or cause the converter to get very hot. Either condition will damage the
converter and cause poor performance.
•USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
• Don
’t drive your Mazda with any sign of engine malfunction.
• Don
’t coast with the ignition switch turned off.
• Don
’t descend steep grades in gear with the ignition switch turned off.
• Don
’t operate the engine at high idle for more than 5 minutes.
• Don
’t tamper with the emission control system. All inspections and adjustments must
be made by a qualified technician.
• Don
’t try to push-start or pull-start your vehicle.
NOTE
Under U.S. federal law, any modification to the original-equipment emission control
system before the first sale and registration of a vehicle is subject to penalties. In some
states, such modification made on a used vehicle is also subject to penalties.
NOTE
After driving some distance and turning off the engine, the sound of a valve opening and
closing can be heard behind the passenger seat, however this does not indicate an
abnormality. Your vehicle has a self-checking device and it operates after turning off the
engine.
WARNING
CAUTION
J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book Page 3 Monday, February 3, 2003 1:16 PM

11-2
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Index
A
Add-On Non-Genuine Parts and
Accessories
...................................... 9-10
Air Bag Systems
.............................. 2-20
Air Filter
.......................................... 8-23
Antenna
............................................ 6-10
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
........ 5-7
Warning light
.............................. 5-7
Appearance Care
.............................. 8-41
Ashtray
............................................. 6-38
Audio System
................................... 6-10
Audio set
................................... 6-17
Operating tips for
audio system
............................. 6-10
Safety certification
.................... 6-36
Automatic Transmission Driving tips
............................... 5-13
Fluid
.......................................... 8-20
Overdrive
.................................. 5-12
Shift-lock override
.................... 5-12
Shift-lock system
...................... 5-11
Transmission ranges
................. 5-10
B
Battery Emergency starting
................... 7-13
Maintenance
............................. 8-26
Specifications
........................... 10-4
Beeps Ignition key reminder
............... 5-29
Lights-on reminder
................... 5-29
Seat belt warning beep
.............. 5-29
Before Starting the Engine
................. 4-5
After getting in
........................... 4-5
Before getting in
......................... 4-5
Body Lubrication
............................. 8-23
Brake Fluid
.......................................... 8-17
B
BrakesAnti-lock brake system (ABS)
....5-7
Foot brake
................................... 5-4
Pad wear indicator
...................... 5-8
Parking brake
.............................. 5-5
Warning light
.............................. 5-6
Break-In Period
.................................. 4-6
Bulb Replacement
............................ 8-31
C
Capacities ......................................... 10-5
Carbon Monoxide
.............................. 4-4
Catalytic Converter
............................ 4-3
Cell Phones
...................................... 9-11
Center Console
................................. 6-40
Child Restraint Child restraint precautions
........ 2-13
LATCH child-restraint
systems
...................................... 2-18
Cigarette Lighter
.............................. 6-38
Climate Control System
.....................6-2
Gas specification
....................... 10-5
Clutch Fluid
.......................................... 8-18
Convertible Top
............................... 3-17
Cruise Control
.................................. 5-14
Cup Holder
....................................... 6-39
Customer Assistance
.......................... 9-2
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-21
Daytime Running Lights
.................. 5-32
Defroster Rear window
............................. 5-34
Detachable Hardtop
.......................... 3-22
Dimensions
....................................... 10-5
J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book Page 2 Monday, February 3, 2003 1:16 PM