2006 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (145,1)
Second gear fixed mode
When the shift lever is tapped back (
)
while the vehicle is stopped, the transaxle
is set in the second gear fixed mode. The
gear is fixed in second while in this mode
for easier starting and driving on slippery
roads. If the shift lever is tapped back (
)
or forward (
) while in the second gear
fixed mode, the mode will be canceled.
Shifting specification
Shifting up
If the vehicle speed is lower than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted up to a higher gear.
Gear Vehicle speed
M1→M2Between 0 and 18 km/h
(0 and 11 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
M2→M3
M3→M4Between 22 and 32 km/h
(13 and 19 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
M4→M5Between 40 and 48 km/h
(25 and 29 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
M5→M6Between 50 and 68 km/h
(31 and 42 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
Shifting down
If the vehicle speed is higher than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted down to a lower gear.
Gear Vehicle speed
M5→M4 164 km/h (102 mph)
M4→M3 117 km/h (72 mph)
M3→M2 80 km/h (49 mph)
M2→M1 35 km/h (21 mph)
During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to
the following:
Gear Vehicle speed
M6→M5Between 47 and 190 km/h
(29 and 118 mph), depending on
how much the accelerator pedal is
released.
M5→M4Between 38 and 125 km/h
(23 and 77 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
released.
M4→M3Between 20 and 78 km/h
(12 and 48 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
released.
M3→M2Between 15 and 50 km/h
(9 and 31 mph), depending on how
much the accelerator pedal is
released.
M2→M1 12 km/h (7 mph)
NOTE
The gear does not shift down to M1
automatically while in the second gear
fixed mode.
If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:
Gear Vehicle speed
M6→M5 190 km/h (118 mph)
M6→M4 125 km/h (77 mph)
M5→M4 125 km/h (77 mph)
M5→M3 78 km/h (48 mph)
M4→M3 78 km/h (48 mph)
M4→M2 50 km/h (31 mph)
M3→M2 50 km/h (31 mph)
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Black plate (146,1)
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
M4 to M5 73 km/h (45 mph)
M5 to M6 80 km/h (50 mph)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steepupgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steepdowngrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
qDriving 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 M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while
gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
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Black plate (147,1)
Power Steering
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.
CAUTION
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.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
WARNING
Cruise Control Use:
Using cruise control in the following
conditions could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle:
lHilly terrainlSteep inclineslHeavy or unsteady trafficlSlippery or winding roadslSimilar restrictions that require
inconsistent speed
Don't use cruise control in these
situations.
qCruise Main Indicator Light
(Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator
Light (Green)
The indicator light has two colors.
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)
The indicator light illuminates amber
when the ON/OFF switch is pressed and
the cruise control system is activated.
Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)
The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.
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Black plate (148,1)
qActivation/Deactivation
To activate the system, press the ON/OFF
switch.
The cruise main indicator light
illuminates.
To deactivate the system, press the switch
again.
The cruise main indicator light turns off.
WARNING
Cruise Main Switch:
Leaving the ON/OFF switch on when
not using the cruise control is
dangerous as it may be switched on
accidentally. This could result in loss
of vehicle control. Keep the ON/OFF
switch off when cruise control is not in
use.
qTo Set Speed
1. Activate the cruise control system by
pressing the ON/OFF switch.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which
must be more than 30 km/h (19 mph).3. Press down the cruise control switch
and release it at the speed you want.
Release the accelerator at the same
time.
Cruise
control
switch
Don't continue to hold the switch. Until
you release it, speed will continue to drop
(unless you continue to accelerate) and
you'll miss the desired speed.
NOTE
lThe SET function can't be activated
until about 2 seconds after the ON/
OFF switch has been engaged.
lOn a steep grade, the vehicle may
momentarily slow down going up or
speed up while going down.
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qTo Increase Cruising Speed
Follow either of these procedures.
lPull up the cruise control switch and
hold it. Your vehicle will accelerate.
Release the switch at the speed you
want.
Cruise
control
switch
Your vehicle has a tap-up feature that
allows you to increase your current speed
in increments of 1.6 km/h (1 mph) by a
momentary tap of the cruise control
switch. Multiple taps will increase your
vehicle speed 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each
tap.
lAccelerate to the desired speed.
press down the cruise control switch
and release it immediately.
Cruise
control
switch
NOTE
Accelerate if you want to speed up
temporarily when the cruise control is
on. Greater speed will not interfere with
it or change the set speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator to
return to the set speed.
qTo Decrease Cruising Speed
Press down the cruise control switch and
hold it. The vehicle will gradually slow.
Release the switch at the speed you want.
Cruise
control
switch
Your vehicle has a tap-down feature that
allows you to decrease your current speed
in decrements of 1.6 km/h (1 mph) by a
momentary tap of the cruise control
switch. Multiple taps will decrease your
vehicle speed 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each
tap.
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Black plate (150,1)
qTo Resume Cruising Speed at
More Than 30 km/h (19 mph)
If some other method besides the ON/
OFF switch was used to cancel cruising
speed and the system is still activated, the
most recent set speed will automatically
resume when the cruise control switch
pulled up.
If vehicle speed is below 30 km/h (19
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 30
km/h (19 mph) and pull up the cruise
control switch.
Cruise
control
switch
qTo Cancel
To turn off the system, useoneof these
methods:
lPress the ON/OFF switch.
lSlightly depress the brake pedal.
lDepress the clutch pedal.(Manual
transmission only)
lPress the CANCEL button.
The system is off when the ignition is off.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed or
below 30 km/h (19 mph).
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Black plate (151,1)
Traction Control System
(TCS)
í
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque to prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.
WARNING
TCS and Unsafe Driving:
The traction control system (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident. So
don't rely on the traction control
system as a substitute for safe driving.
TCS and Snow and Ice:
Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and/or ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident. Use snow
tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC
OFF switch (page 5-26).
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. If the TCS or DSC is
operating, the indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lIn addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS is operating properly.
lOn slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the TCS is
on.
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Black plate (152,1)
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
í
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 5-7) and TCS (page
5-23).
WARNING
DSC and Unsafe Driving:
The dynamic stability control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident. So
don't rely on the dynamic stability
control as a substitute for safe driving.
CAUTION
lThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
lUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
lUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
lDo not mix worn tires.
lThe DSC may not operate correctly
when using tire chains or the
temporary spare tire.
lIf repair or replacement of the
steering or other surrounding
equipment is necessary, have it done
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. If
the center position of the steering
deviates, the DSC may not operate
correctly because there is a sensor in
the steering which detects driving
conditions.
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. If the TCS or DSC is
operating, the indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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