Black plate (121,1)
Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
lDon't race the engine.
lDon't maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
lDon't drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
lAvoid unnecessary hard stops.
lAvoid full-throttle starts.
Money-Saving Suggestions
How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
lAvoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
lAvoid fast starts.
lKeep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
lUse the air conditioner only when
necessary.
lSlow down on rough roads.
lKeep the tires properly inflated.
lDon't carry unnecessary weight.
lDon't rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
lKeep the wheels in correct alignment.
lKeep windows closed at high speeds.
lSlow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
WARNING
Coasting:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident. Never stop the engine when
going down a hill.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-7
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
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.
5-24
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page152
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (155,1)
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System
í
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) monitors the pressure for each
tire.
If tire pressure is too low in one or more
tires, the system will inform the driver via
the warning light in the instrument panel
and by the warning beep sound.
The tire pressure sensors installed on each
wheel send tire pressure data by radio
signal to the receiver unit in the vehicle.
Tire pressure sensors
NOTE
When the ambient temperature is low
due to seasonal changes, tire
temperatures are also lower. If the tire
temperature lowers, the air pressure
lowers as well, and the TPMS warning
light illuminates more frequently.
Inspect the tire pressure dailybefore
driving, and check the tire pressures
monthly with a tire pressure gauge.
When checking the tire pressures, use
of a digital tire pressure gauge is
recommended.TPMS does not alleviate your need to
check the pressure and condition of all
four tires before you drive each day.
CAUTION
lWhen the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. You should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the vehicle's
tire information placard. Driving on
a significantly under-inflated tire
causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire
tread life, and may affect the
vehicle's handling and stopping
ability. Each tire should bechecked
monthly when coldand set to the
recommended inflation pressure as
specified in the vehicle placard and
owner's manual.
lTo avoid false readings, the system
samples for a little while before
indicating a problem. As a result it
will not instantaneously register a
rapid tire deflation or blow out.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of the
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-27íSome models. MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page155
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (169,1)
CAUTION
Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated because the engine could
stop unexpectedly.
qCheck Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
lThe fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
lThe engine's electrical system has a
problem.
lThe emission control system has a
problem.
lThe fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
qAir Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
is normal, the warning light illuminates
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position or after the engine is cranked.
After about 6 seconds it goes out.
A system malfunction is indicated when
the warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or doesn't
illuminate at all when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system
may not work in an accident.
WARNING
Self-Servicing the Air Bag/
Pretensioner Systems:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled. This
could cause serious injuries. Never
tamper with the systems and always
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform all servicing and repairs.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-41
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (172,1)
qAutomatic Transmission Warning
Light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
The light illuminates when the
transmission has a problem.
CAUTION
If the automatic transmission warning
light illuminates, the transmission has
an electrical problem. Continuing to
drive your Mazda in this condition
could cause damage to your
transmission. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) Warning Lightí
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the warning light illuminates
when tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires, and flashes when there is a
system malfunction.
WARNING
Vehicle Handling When Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light
Illuminates/Flashes:
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to
drive the vehicle at high speeds, or
perform sudden maneuvering or
braking. Vehicle drivability could
worsen and result in an accident.
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle
speed immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking. Have the
system and tires checked or perform
the appropriate repair as soon as
possible by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Ignoring the Warning Light:
Ignoring the warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why it is
illuminated. Have the problem taken
care of as soon as possible before it
develops into a more serious situation
that could lead to tire failure and a
dangerous accident.
Warning light illuminates/Warning
beep sounds
When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sound is heard (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires.
5-44
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page172
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (185,1)
6Interior Comfort
Use of various features for drive comfort, including air-conditioning and audio
system.
Climate Control System ............................................................... 6-2
Operating Tips ........................................................................... 6-2
Vent Operation .......................................................................... 6-3
Control Panel ............................................................................ 6-5
Audio System ............................................................................... 6-10
Antenna ................................................................................... 6-10
Operating Tips for Audio System ........................................... 6-10
Audio Set ................................................................................ 6-19
Audio Control Switch Operation (Steering Wheel)
í............. 6-36
Safety Certification ................................................................. 6-38
Interior Equipment ..................................................................... 6-39
Sunvisors ................................................................................. 6-39
Interior Lights ......................................................................... 6-39
Cup Holder .............................................................................. 6-40
Bottle Holder ........................................................................... 6-41
Storage Compartments ............................................................ 6-41
Accessory Socket .................................................................... 6-43
Windblocker ............................................................................ 6-43
6-1íSome models.
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page185
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (186,1)
Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the fan control
dial on for a long period of time with
the ignition switch in the ACC position
when the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowl grille to improve the system
efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
NOTE
The air conditioner may be used along
with the heater to dehumidify the air.
qOutside/Recirculated Air Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page186
Monday, April 18 2005 4:18 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (187,1)
Vent Operation
Button
qAdjusting the Vents
Directing airflow
You can direct air flow by rotating the vent.
Opening/closing vents
The two outside vents can be opened and closed with center button.
NOTE
When using the air conditioner, mist may come out from the vents. This is not a sign of
trouble but a result of humid air being suddenly cooled.
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
6-3
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F