Black plate (85,1)
Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch
fluid, washer fluid, and other fluid
levels should be inspected. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?
lIs the seat adjusted properly?
lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?
lCheck all gauges.
lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the parking brake warning light
goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
4-7
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Winter Driving
lCarry 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:
lHave the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lUse only cold-weather engine oil (page
8-15).
lInspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
lUse washer fluid made with
antifreeze ―but don't use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-25).
lDon'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.
q Snow Tires
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded 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/cm
2, 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.
4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Form No.8T72-EA-04G
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Turbocharger Information (MAZDASPEED MX-5)
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:
lThe 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.
lChange the engine oil and filter using the turbo engine interval outlined in the
maintenance schedule (for your driving condition).
lUse only the recommended engine oil (page 8-15). Extra oil additives are NOT
recommended.
lAfter 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.
lDon't race or over-rev the engine when starting. This should not be done with ANY
engine, especially not with one that's turbocharged.
lDo 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.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-13
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Meters and Gauges
Speedometer ...................................................................................................... page 5-19
Odometer, Trip Meter and Selector .................................................................... page 5-19
Tachometer ........................................................................................................ page 5-20
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge .................................................................. page 5-20
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................................................ page 5-20
Engine Oil Pressure Gauge ................................................................................ page 5-21
5-18
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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qEngine 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 8-16). 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.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the oil pressure
is low. It could result in extensive
engine damage.
qDashboard Illumination
When the headlight switch is in the
orposition, rotate the thumb-wheel
to adjust the brightness of the dashboard
lights.
Dim Bright
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
5-21
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Form No.8T72-EA-04G
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8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3 Scheduled Maintenance (North America) ................................. 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Except North America) ..................... 8-8
Owner Maintenance ................................................................... 8-12 Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................ 8-12
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-13
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-14
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-15
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-18
Brake Fluid ............................................................................. 8-20
Clutch Fluid ............................................................................ 8-21
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-22
Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) ..................................... 8-23
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-25
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-26
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-26
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-27
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-29
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-30
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-34
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-38
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-42 How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-42
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-44
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-48
8-1
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qSchedule 1
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
×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
Engine valve clearance I
Engine timing belt Replace every 96,000 km (60,000 miles)
Drive belt (tension) I I
Engine oil MX-5/Miata R R R R R R R R
MAZDASPEED MX-5 Replace every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 5 months
Engine oil filter MX-5/Miata R R R R R R R R
MAZDASPEED MX-5 Replace every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) or 5 months
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I
Engine coolant Replace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 48 months;
after that, every 24 months
FUEL SYSTEM
Idle speed I I
Air filter C C R C
Fuel lines and hoses
*II
Hoses and tubes for emission*I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs MX-5/Miata R R
MAZDASPEED MX-5 Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
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qSchedule 2
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 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Engine valve clearance I
Engine timing belt Replace every 96,000 km (60,000 miles)
Drive belts (tension) I I
Engine oil
(Except Puerto Rico) MX-5/Miata R R R R R R R
RRRRR
MAZDAS-
PEED MX-5 Replace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months
Engine oil (Puerto Rico) Replace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months
Engine oil filter MX-5/Miata R R R R R R R
RRRRR
MAZDAS-
PEED MX-5 Replace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I
Engine coolant Replace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or
48 months ; after that, every 24 months
Engine coolant level I I I I I I IIIIII
FUEL SYSTEM
Idle speed II
Air filter CC R C
Fuel lines and hoses
*II
Hoses and tubes for emission*I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs MX-5/Miata R R
MAZDAS-
PEED MX-5
Replace every 160,000 km (100,000 miles)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I I I I I IIIII
8-6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
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