2006 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 maintenance

Black plate (277,1)
CAUTION
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qChanging Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
CAUTION
lUse only soft (demineralized) water
in the coolant mixture. Water that
contains minerals will cut down on
the coolant's effectiveness.
lDon't add only water. Always add a
proper coolant mixture.
lThe engine has aluminum parts and
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent
corrosion and freezing.
lDO NOT USE coolants Containing
Alcohol, methanol, Borate or
Silicate.
These coolants could damage the
cooling system.
lDO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol
with the coolant. This could damage
the cooling system.
lDon't use a solution that contains
more than 60% antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
NOTE
If the“FL22”mark is shown on or near
the cooling system cap, use FL22 type
engine coolant. If engine coolant other
than FL22 type is used, the engine
coolant must be replaced earlier than
the specified replacement interval
indicated in the scheduled maintenance
(page 8-3).
Except FL22 type
For mixture percentage:
ProtectionVolume
Antifreeze
solutionDemineral-
ized water
Above_
16°C (3°F) 35% 65%
Above_
26°C (_
15°F) 45% 55%
Above_
40°C (_
40°F) 55% 45%
FL22 type
FL22 type engine coolant concentration is
factory adjusted. Use the product as it is
without diluting it.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-19
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page277
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (278,1)
To change coolant
WARNING
Removing the Cooling System Cap:
Removing the cooling system cap
while the engine is running or hot is
dangerous. This might lead to cooling
system and engine damage and could
result in serious injury from escaping
hot coolant or steam. Turn off the
engine and wait until it's cool. Even
then, be very careful when removing
the cap. Wrap a thick cloth around the
cap and slowly turn it
counterclockwise to the first stop.
Step back while the pressure escapes.
When you're sure all the pressure is
gone, press down on the cap―still
using a cloth―turn the cap, and
remove it.
1. Make sure the engine is not running
and it has cooled.
2. Remove the cooling system cap.
TightenTighten
LoosenLoosen
3. Remove the radiator drain plug and
drain the coolant into a suitable
container. Properly dispose of the used
coolant.4. Flush out the system with running
water.
5. Drain the system completely. Insert and
tighten the plug. Add as much
ethylene-glycol-based coolant mixture
and water as necessary to provide
freezing and corrosion protection.
6. In extremely cold climates, add the
mixture percentage recommended in
the coolant mixture percentage table.
7. Run the engine at idle with the cooling
system cap off. Slowly add additional
coolant if necessary.
8. At this point, wait until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature;
then depress the accelerator two or
three times. Add more coolant, if
necessary, until the system is full.
9. Install the cooling system cap. Inspect
all connections for leaks. Inspect the
level in the coolant reservoir one more
time and verify that the coolant level is
between the F and L marks.
8-20
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page278
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (279,1)
Brake/Clutch Fluid
qInspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and clutch
linings. If it is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch system inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qAdding Brake/Clutch Fluid
WARNING
Spilled Brake Fluid:
Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with water
and get medical attention. Brake fluid
spilled on a hot engine could cause a
fire. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on yourself or on the engine.
Low Brake/Clutch Fluid Levels:
Low brake/clutch fluid levels are
dangerous. Low levels could signal
brake lining wear or a brake system
leak. Your brakes could fail and cause
an accident. If you find a low fluid
level, have the brakes and clutch
inspected.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
CAUTION
lBrake and clutch fluid will damage
painted surfaces. If brake or clutch
fluid does get on a painted surface,
wipe it off immediately.
lUsing nonspecified brake and clutch
fluids (page 10-4) will damage the
systems. Mixing different fluids will
also damage them.
If the brake/clutch system frequently
requires new fluid, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-21
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page279
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (280,1)
Power Steering Fluid
qInspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the power steering
pump, don't operate the vehicle for long
periods when the power steering fluid
level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid
(page 10-4).
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir at
each engine oil change with the engine off
and cold. Add fluid if necessary; it does
not require periodic changing.
The level must be kept between MIN and
MAX.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Washer Fluid
qInspecting Washer Fluid Level
WARNING
Substitute Washer Fluid:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the windshield,
affect your visibility, and could result
in an accident. Use only windshield
washer fluid or plain water in the
reservoir.
Using Washer Fluid Without Anti-
freeze Protection in Cold Weather:
Operating your vehicle in
temperatures below 4 degrees C (40
degrees F) using washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection is dangerous as
it could cause impaired windshield
vision and result in an accident. In
cold weather, always use washer fluid
with anti-freeze protection.
NOTE
State or local regulations may restrict
the use of volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), which are commonly used as
anti-freeze agents in washer fluid. A
washer fluid with limited VOC content
should be used only if it provides
adequate freeze resistance for all
regions and climates in which the
vehicle will be operated.
8-22
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page280
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (281,1)
Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir; add fluid if necessary.
Use plain water if washer fluid is
unavailable.
But use only washer fluid in cold weather
to prevent it from freezing.
Body Lubrication
All moving points of the body, such as
door and hood hinges and locks, should
be lubricated each time the engine oil is
changed. Use a nonfreezing lubricant on
locks during cold weather.
Make sure the hood's secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-23
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page281
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (282,1)
Air Filter
CAUTION
Don't drive without an air filter. This
could result in excessive engine wear.
This air filter may be cleaned with
compressed air and reused, or replaced,
depending on its condition. Unless it is
very dirty, simply shake it to remove
foreign particles. Each time you inspect it,
wipe inside the air cleaner housing with a
damp cloth.
qReplacing the Air Filter
NOTE
If the vehicle is operated in very dusty
or sandy areas, replace the filter more
often than recommended intervals.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is turned
off.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector.
3. Unfasten the clamps.
4. Lift off the air filter cover and remove
the filter.
Air filter cover
Air filter
5. Wipe inside the air cleaner housing
with a damp cloth.
6. Clean or replace the filter.
7. Install in the reverse order of removal.
Replace the filter according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
NOTE
After installing the air filter cover, make
sure the electrical connector is securely
connected.
8-24
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page282
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (283,1)
Wiper Blades
CAUTION
lHot waxes applied by automatic car
washers have been known to affect
the wiper's ability to clean windows.
lTo prevent damage to the wiper
blades, don't use gasoline, kerosene,
paint thinner, or other solvents on or
near them.
Contamination of either the windshield or
the blades with foreign matter can reduce
wiper effectiveness. Common sources are
insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments
used by some commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly,
clean the window and blades with a good
cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse
thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if
necessary.
qReplacing Windshield Wiper Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well, the
blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiper arms
and other components, don't try to
sweep the wiper arm by hand.1. Raise the wiper arm and turn the blade
assembly to expose the plastic locking
clip.
Compress the clip and slide the
assembly downward; then lift it off the
arm.
Plastic locking clip
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the windshield let
the wiper arm down easily, don't let it
slap down on the windshield.
2. Hold the end of the rubber and pull
until the tabs are free of the metal
support.
Metal support
Ta b
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-25
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page283
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (284,1)
3. Remove the metal stiffeners from the
blade rubber and install them in new
blades.
CAUTION
lDon't bend or discard the stiffeners.
You need to use them again.
lIf the metal stiffeners are switched,
the blade's wiping efficiency could
be reduced.
So don't use the driver's side metal
stiffeners on the passenger's side, or
vice versa.
lBe sure to reinstall the metal
stiffeners in the new blade rubber so
that the curve is the same as it was in
the old blade rubber.4. Carefully insert the new blade rubber.
Then install the blade assembly in the
reverse order of removal.
NOTE
Install the blade so that the tabs are
toward the bottom of the wiper arm.
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page284
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F