2004 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA steering

5-3
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
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 5-23).
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 5-23).

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.
NOTE
When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the fuel
pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.
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.
J07S_8S15-EA-03G_Edition2.book Page 3 Thursday, August 21, 2003 10:04 AM

5-14
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G

Driving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transmission
will shift to a lower gear, depending on
vehicle speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or 1, depending on the load
weight and grade steepness.
3. Release all brakes while gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to 2
or 1, depending on load weight and grade
steepness. Descend slowly, using the
brakes only occasionally to prevent them
from overheating. Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels rigid during normal
driving, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Power Steering
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power steering
system.
CAUTION
J07S_8S15-EA-03G_Edition2.book Page 14 Thursday, August 21, 2003 10:04 AM

5-35
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
The rear window defroster clears frost,
fog, and thin ice from the rear window.
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
Press the switch to turn on the rear
window defroster, the indicator light will
illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn it off.To sound the horn, press around the
mark of the steering wheel.
Rear Window Defroster
Don
’t use sharp instruments or
window cleaners with abrasives to
clean the inside of the rear window
surface. They may damage the
defroster grid inside the window.
NOTE
This defroster is not designed for
melting snow. If there is an
accumulation of snow on the rear
window, remove it before using the
defroster.
CAUTION
Horn
J07S_8S15-EA-03G_Edition2.book Page 35 Thursday, August 21, 2003 10:04 AM

7-5
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
To remove the spare tire
Turn the tire hold-down bolt
counterclockwise with the lug wrench.If you have a flat tire, drive slowly to a
level spot that is well off the road and out
of the way of traffic to change the tire.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a
busy road is dangerous.
Lug wrench
Changing a Flat Tire
NOTE
If the following occurs while driving, it
could indicate a flat tire.
•Steering becomes difficult.
• The vehicle begins to vibrate
excessively.
• The vehicle pulls in one direction.
Jacking a Vehicle:
Changing a tire is dangerous if not
done properly. The vehicle can slip off
the jack and seriously injure
someone.
Be sure to follow the directions for
changing a tire, and never get under a
vehicle that is supported only by a
jack.
Passenger in Vehicle Supported by a
Ja ck :
Allowing someone to remain in a
vehicle supported by a jack is
dangerous. The occupant could cause
the vehicle to fall resulting in serious
injury. Never allow anyone inside a
vehicle supported by a jack.
WARNING
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8-1
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
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 .............................................................................. 8-18
Clutch Fluid ............................................................................. 8-19
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-20
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ...................................... 8-21
Washer Fluid ............................................................................ 8-22
Body Lubrication ..................................................................... 8-23
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-24
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-25
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-27
Tires ......................................................................................... 8-28
Light Bulbs .............................................................................. 8-32
Fuses ........................................................................................ 8-36
Appearance Care ......................................................................... 8-40
How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage ..................... 8-40
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-42
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-47
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8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G

Schedule 1
I:
Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean
ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
IGNITION SYSTEM
CHASSIS and BODY
* According to state / provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or mileage / kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability. Maintenance Interval
(Number of months or
kilometers (miles), whichever
comes first) Months 6 12182430364248
× 1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
× 1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
Engine valve clearance I
Engine timing belt Replace every 96,000km (60,000miles)
Drive belt (tension) II
Engine oil RRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter RRRRRRRR
Cooling system II
Engine coolant Replace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 48 months ;
after that, every 24 months
Idle speed II
Air filter CCRC
Fuel lines and hoses
*II
Hoses and tubes for emission*I
Spark plugs RR
Brake lines, hoses and connections II
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 12,000km (7,500miles)
Steering operation and linkages II
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil R
Front and rear suspension ball joints II
Driveshaft dust boots II
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000km (45,000miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLL
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8-6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
I:Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
CHASSIS and BODY Maintenance Interval
(Number of months or kilometers (miles),
whichever comes first) Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
× 1000 km 8 1624324048566472808896
× 1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Brake lines, hoses and connections II
Brake and clutch fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000km (5,000miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages II
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Manual transmission oil RR
Rear differential oil RR
Front and rear suspension ball joints II
Driveshaft dust boots II
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000km (45,000miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
J07S_8S15-EA-03G_Edition2.book Page 6 Thursday, August 21, 2003 10:04 AM

8-8
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
C: Clean
ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
IGNITION SYSTEM
*1 Also inspect and adjust the power steering and air conditioner drive belts, if installed.
*2 Replacement of the timing belt is required at every 100,000 km {62,500 miles}. Failure to replace the timing belt may result in damage to the engine.
*3 If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the engine oil and oil filter more often than recommended intervals.
a) Driving in dusty conditions.
b) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation.
c) Driving for long period in cold temperatures or driving regularly at short distance only.
*4 If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, inspect and if necessary, clean or replace the air filter more often than the recommended intervals.
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
6.25 12.5 18.752531.25 37.5 43.755056.25 62.5 68.757581.25 87.5 93.75100
Engine valve clearance Inspect every 100,000 km (62,500 miles) or 60 months
Drive belts
*1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Engine timing belt
*2Replace every 100,000 km (62,500 miles)
Engine oil*3RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter*3RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling system IIIIIIII
Engine coolant except
Australia,
New Zealand
Replace every 24 months
Australia,
New Zealand Replace at first 80,000 km (50,000 miles) or 48 months ;
after that, every 24 months
Idle speed IIIIIIII
Air filter
*4
except
Australia,
New Zealand CCRCCRCC
Australia,
New Zealand CRCRC
Fuel filter except
Australia,
New Zealand
RRRR
Australia,
New Zealand RRR
Fuel lines and hoses IIIIIIII
Spark plugs Replace every 40,000km (25,000miles)
J07S_8S15-EA-03G_Edition2.book Page 8 Thursday, August 21, 2003 10:04 AM