Black plate (110,1)
qTo Turn off an Armed System
An armed system can be turned off by any
one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door with the key.
lPress the unlock button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.
lInsert the key into the ignition switch
and turn it to the ON position.
l(With advanced key)
lPress a request switch on the doors
or the unlock button on the
transmitter.
lTurn the start knob to the ON
position.
The hazard warning lights will flash twice
to indicate that the system is turned off.
NOTE
The trunk lid can be opened with the
key or the transmitter even when the
system is armed. The alarm will not
come on and the system will remain
armed.
qTo Stop an Alarm
A triggered alarm can be turned off by
any one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door with the key.
lOpen the trunk lid with the key.
lPress the unlock button or the trunk
button on the keyless entry system
transmitter.
l(With advanced key)
lPress a request switch on the doors.lPress the unlock button or press and
hold the trunk button on the
transmitter.
NOTE
If you have any problem with the theft-
deterrent system, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
qTheft-Deterrent Labels
A label indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System is
in the glove box.
Mazda recommends that you affix it to the
lower rear corner of a front door window.
3-52
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (111,1)
Steering Wheel
WARNING
Adjusting the Steering Wheel:
Adjusting the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control
or an accident. Never adjust the
steering wheel while the vehicle is
moving.
qTilt Steering Wheel
To change the angle of the steering wheel,
stop the vehicle, pull the tilt wheel release
lever under the steering column down,
adjust the wheel, then push the release
lever up to lock the column.
Tilt wheel release
lever
After adjusting, push the wheel up and
down to be certain it's locked before
driving.
Mirrors
qOutside Mirrors
Check the mirror angles before driving.
Mirror type
Flat type (driver's side)
Flat surface mirror.
Convex type (passenger side)
The mirror has single curvature on its
surface.
WARNING
Convex Mirror:
Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears. Be
sure to look over your shoulder before
changing lanes.
Power control mirror
The ignition switch must be in the ACC
or ON position.
To adjust:
1. Press the left or right side of the
selector switch to choose the left or
right side mirror.
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
3-53
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (117,1)
Emission Control System
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system (the catalytic converter is part of
this system) that enables your vehicle to comply with existing exhaust emissions
requirements.
WARNING
Parking Over Flammable Objects:
Parking over or near anything flammable, such as dry grass, is dangerous. Even with
the engine turned off, the exhaust system could ignite it because the exhaust system
gets very hot during normal use. A resulting fire could cause serious injury or death.
Never park over or near anything flammable.
CAUTION
Ignoring the following precautions could cause lead to accumulate on the catalyst inside
the converter or cause the converter to get very hot. Either condition will damage the
converter and cause poor performance.
lUSE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
lDon't drive your Mazda with any sign of engine malfunction.
lDon't coast with the ignition switch turned off.
lDon't descend steep grades in gear with the ignition switch turned off.
lDon't operate the engine at high idle for more than 5 minutes.
lDon't tamper with the emission control system. All inspections and adjustments must
be made by a qualified technician.
lDon't push-start or pull-start your vehicle.
NOTE
Under U.S. federal law, any modification to the original-equipment emission control
system before the first sale and registration of a vehicle is subject to penalties. In some
states, such modification made on a used vehicle is also subject to penalties.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
4-3
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (120,1)
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 each occupant'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 brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page120
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (123,1)
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Spinning the Wheels:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries. Don't spin the wheels at more
than 56 km/h (35 mph), and don't
allow anyone to stand behind a wheel
when pushing the vehicle.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transmission failure, and
tire damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.
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.
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 8-22).
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.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-9
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (129,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2
Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transmission Operation ............................................... 5-9
Automatic Transmission Controls ........................................... 5-12
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-19
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-19
Traction Control System (TCS)
í........................................... 5-23
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)í........................................ 5-24
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-27
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-32
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-32
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-37
Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-37
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-50
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-51
Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-51
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-53
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-53
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-54
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-55
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-56
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-56
5-1íSome models.
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (130,1)
Ignition Switch
(With advanced key)
NOTE
When starting the engine using the
advanced key, refer to Starting the
Engine (page 3-10).
When starting the engine with the
auxiliary key, perform the following
procedure.
1. Remove the auxiliary key from the
advanced key (page 3-16).
2. Make sure the start knob is in LOCK
position.
3. Remove the start knob by pulling it
outward while pressing the buttons on
both the left and right sides.
qIgnition Switch Positions
With advanced
key
Without advanced
key
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.
Manual Transaxle Vehicle with
Advanced Key
Push the key Auxiliary key
5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (131,1)
Manual Transaxle Vehicle without
Advanced Key, and Automatic
Transaxle Vehicle
WARNING
Removing the Key:
It's dangerous to remove the key from
the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving. Removing the key allows the
steering wheel to lock. You will lose
steering control and a serious accident
could occur.
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked.
Not Setting the Parking Brake:
Leaving the driver's seat without
setting the parking brake is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur if the parking
brake is not set. This could cause an
accident. Before leaving the driver's
seat, always set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P with
an automatic transmission or in 1 or R
with a manual transmission.
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
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
should be inspected before the engine is
started (page 5-37).
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.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position.
qIgnition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position with the key inserted, a
continuous beep sound will be heard
when the driver's door is opened.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-3
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