2-5
Essential Safety Equipment
Seat Belt Systems
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Not Wearing Seat Belts:
Not wearing a seat belt is extremely dangerous. During a collision, occupants not
wearing seat belts could hit someone or things inside the vehicle or even be thrown
out of the vehicle. They could be seriously injured or even killed. In the same
collision, occupants wearing seat belts would be much safer. Always wear your seat
belt and make sure all occupants are properly restrained.
Seat Belt Damaged During an Accident:
Using a damaged seat belt is dangerous. An accident could damage the belt webbing
of the seat belt in use. A damaged seat belt cannot provide adequate protection in a
collision. Whether a seat was occupied or not, if the air bags deployed the seat belt
pretensioners also deployed and both seat belts must be replaced. Have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer inspect all seat belt systems in use during an accident before they are
used again.
Twisted Seat Belts:
Twisted seat belts are dangerous. In a collision, the full width of the belt isn’t
available to absorb the impact. This puts more force on the bones beneath the belt,
which could cause serious injury or death. Don ’t wear twisted seat belts.
One Belt, One Passenger:
Using one seat belt for more than one person at a time is dangerous. A seat belt used
in this way can ’t spread the impact forces properly and the two passengers could be
crushed together and seriously injured or even killed. Never use one belt for more
than one person at a time.
Belt retraction may become difficult if the belts and rings are soiled, so try to keep them
clean.
WARNING
CAUTION
Ring
J07S_8T02-EA-03L_Edition1.book Page 5 Monday, November 10, 2003 11:21 AM
Black process 45.0 ° 240.0 LPI
3-5
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Panic button
You can use the button to turn on the
alarm, which allows you to signal for
attention in an emergency.
Turning on the alarm
Pressing the button once will trigger the
alarm for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds,
and do the following:
•The horn sounds intermittently.
• The hazard warning lights flash.
Turning off the alarm
Press any button on the transmitter.
Transmitter Maintenance
NOTE
The alarm will work whether any door
is open or closed.
• Make sure the battery is installed
with the correct pole facing upward.
Battery leakage could occur if it is
not installed correctly.
• When replacing the battery, be
careful not to bend the electrical
terminals or get oil on them. Also
be careful not to get dirt in the
transmitter as it could damage it.
• Danger of battery explosion if it is
incorrectly replaced.
• Replace only with the same type
battery (CR2025 or equivalent).
• Dispose of used batteries according
to the following instructions.
Insulate the plus and minus
terminals of the battery using
cellophane or equivalent tape.
Never disassemble.
Never throw the battery into fire
and/or water.
Never deform or crush.
CAUTION
J07S_8T02-EA-03L_Edition1.book Page 5 Monday, November 10, 2003 11:21 AM
Black process 45.0 ° 240.0 LPI
3-17
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Opening the Hood
1. With the vehicle parked, pull the
release handle to unlock the hood. 2. Pull the hood latch up and lift the hood.
3. Use the support rod to hold the hood
open.
Closing the Hood
1. Check under the hood area to make
certain all filler caps are in place and
all loose items (e.g. tools, oil
containers, etc.) have been removed.
2. Insert the support rod in its clip while holding up the hood. Verify that the
support rod is secured in the clip before
closing the hood.
3. Close the hood so that it locks securely.
Hood
Closed and Securely Locked Hood:
A hood that is not closed and securely
locked is dangerous as it could fly
open while the vehicle is moving and
block the driver ’s vision which could
result in a serious accident. Always
check that the hood is closed and
securely locked.
WARNING
Release handleClip
Support rod
J07S_8T02-EA-03L_Edition1.book Page 17 Monday, November 10, 2003 11:21 AM
Black process 45.0 ° 240.0 LPI
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
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. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
J07S_8T02-EA-03L_Edition1.book Page 6 Monday, November 10, 2003 11:21 AM
Black process 45.0 ° 240.0 LPI
4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
•Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
• Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
• Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
• Use only cold-weather engine oil
(page 8-13).
• Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
• Use washer fluid made with
antifreeze—but don
’t use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-22).
• Don
’t use the parking brake in freezing
weather as the parking brake may
freeze. Instead, shift to P with an
automatic transmission and to 1 or R
with a manual transmission. Block the
rear wheels.
Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don
’t go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver ’s door), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, you may find it necessary
to replace the original equipment tires
with snow tires, during the winter months.
Winter Driving
Mixing Tire Types:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle ’s handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
WARNING
CAUTION
J07S_8T02-EA-03L_Edition1.book Page 9 Monday, November 10, 2003 11:21 AM
Black process 45.0 ° 240.0 LPI
4-12
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
The turbocharger greatly enhances engine power. Its advanced design provides better
operation and requires minimum additional maintenance. To get maximum performance
from your turbocharged engine, take note of the following tips:
•The turbocharged engine is designed for optimal operation with premium unleaded
gasoline (page 4-2). Do not use fuel with a lower octane rating. Extra fuel additives are
NOT recommended.
• Change the engine oil and filter using the turbo engine interval outlined in the
maintenance schedule (for your driving condition).
• Use only the recommended engine oil (page 8-13).Extra oil additives are NOT
recommended.
• After driving at freeway speeds or up a long hill, idle the engine at least 30 seconds to
cool the turbo. Avoid simply shutting the engine off abruptly after a hard or long drive.
Damage to the turbocharger may result.
• Don
’t race or over-rev the engine when starting. This should not be done with ANY
engine, especially not with one that ’s turbocharged.
• Do not add any aftermarket devices to alter the engine
’s ignition timing, fuel delivery, or
turbo boost pressure. This may lead to serious engine damage and may void your
warranty.
Turbocharger Information (MAZDASPEED MX-5)
J07S_8T02-EA-03L_Edition1.book Page 12 Monday, November 10, 2003 11:21 AM
Black process 45.0 ° 240.0 LPI
5-18
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
1 Speedometer ............................................................................................................. 5-19
2 Odometer, Trip Meter and Selector .......................................................................... 5-19
3 Tachometer ............................................................................................................... 5-20
4 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ........................................................................ 5-20
5 Fuel Gauge ............................................................................................................... 5-21
6 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge ...................................................................................... 5-21
Meters and Gauges
J07S_8T02-EA-03L_Edition1.book Page 18 Monday, November 10, 2003 11:21 AM
Black process 45.0 ° 240.0 LPI
5-21
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is in the tank. We recommend
keeping the tank over 1/4 full. When the
low fuel warning light illuminates or
when the needle is near E, refuel as soon
as possible.
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Engine oil pressure is normal when the
engine oil pressure gauge needle points
halfway between L and H with the engine
running.
If the needle on the gauge doesn
’t move
after starting the engine, follow steps 1
through 3. If the engine oil pressure gauge moves to
L (low) while you are driving, drive to the
side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Set the parking brake. Then follow
steps 1 through 3.
1. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-13). If it ’s low,
add oil.
2. Start the engine.
3. If the needle still doesn ’t move, have
your vehicle checked at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Don ’t run the engine if the oil pressure
is low. It could result in extensive
engine damage.
CAUTION
J07S_8T02-EA-03L_Edition1.book Page 21 Monday, November 10, 2003 11:21 AM
Black process 45.0 ° 240.0 LPI