Page 292 of 366
Black plate (292,1)
Light Bulbs
High-mount brake light
License plate lights
Trunk light
Reverse lights
Rear turn signal lights
Brake lights / Taillights
Side-marker lights
Overhead light
Head lights (High beam)
Parking light
Fog lights
Headlights (Low beam)
Front turn signal lights
Side-marker lightsSome models.
8-34
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page292
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Page 297 of 366
Black plate (297,1)
2. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
3. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
Front side-marker lights
1. Slide the unit as shown in the figure to
remove it.
2. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.3. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
4. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
Brake lights/Taillights, Rear turn signal
lights, Reverse lights
1. Pull the center section of the plastic
retainers and remove them, then
remove the trunk end trim.
Removal
Installation
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-39
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page297
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Page 298 of 366
Black plate (298,1)
2. On the side the bulb is to be replaced,
pull the center section of the plastic
retainers and remove them, then
remove the trunk side trim.
Removal
Installation
3. Turn the socket and bulb assembly
counterclockwise and remove it.
4. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
Brake lights/Taillights
Rear turn signal lights
Reverse lights
5. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
qReplacing Interior Light Bulbs
Overhead light
1. Wrap a flathead screwdriver with a soft
cloth to prevent damage to the trim and
gently insert it in the overhead light as
shown in the figure, and then remove
the cover.
2. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.
3. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
8-40
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page298
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Page 299 of 366

Black plate (299,1)
Trunk light
1. Wrap a flathead screwdriver with a soft
cloth to prevent damage to the trim and
gently insert it in the luggage
compartment light as shown in the
figure, and then remove the luggage
compartment light unit.
2. Disconnect the bulb by pulling it out.
3. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of removal.
Fuses
Your vehicle's electrical system is
protected by fuses.
If any lights, accessories, or controls don't
work, inspect the appropriate circuit
protector. If a fuse has blown, the inside
element will be melted.
If the same fuse blows again, avoid using
that system and consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
qFuse Replacement
Replacing the fuses on the vehicle's left
side
If the electrical system doesn't work, first
inspect fuses on the vehicle's left side.
1. Turn off the ignition switch and other
switches.
2. Remove the cover.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-41
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page299
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Page 300 of 366

Black plate (300,1)
3. Pull the fuse straight out with the fuse
puller provided on the inside of the
engine compartment fuse block cover.
Fuse puller
Fuse block cover
4. Inspect it and replace if it's blown.
NormalBlown
5. Push in a new fuse of the same
amperage rating, and make sure it fits
tightly. If it doesn't, have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer install it.
If you have no spare fuses, borrow one
of the same rating from a circuit not
essential to vehicle operation, such as
the MIRROR or CIGAR circuit.
CAUTION
Always replace a fuse with one of the
same rating. Otherwise you may
damage the electric system.
Replacing the fuses under the hood
If the headlights or other electrical
components don't work and the fuses in
the cabin are OK, inspect the fuse block
under the hood. If a fuse is blown, it must
be replaced. Follow these steps:
1. Turn off the ignition switch and all
other switches.
2. Remove the fuse block cover.
3. If a fuse is blown, replace it with a new
oneof the same amperage rating.
Normal
Blown
NOTE
To replace the MAIN fuse, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer (page 8-43).
8-42
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page300
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Page 307 of 366

Black plate (307,1)
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Don't allow soap
to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Dry the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.
Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for
metallic, mica, and solid colors.3. When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take
off the wax. Rewax these areas even if
the rest of the vehicle doesn't need it.
qRepairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced, make
sure the body shop applies anti-
corrosion materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-49
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page307
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Page 308 of 366

Black plate (308,1)
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive cleaners,
or strong detergents containing highly
alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-
plated or anodized aluminum parts.
This may result in damage to the
protective coating and cause
discoloration or paint deterioration.
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt.It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
WARNING
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Dry the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDon't use a wire brush or any
abrasive cleaner, polishing
compound, or solvent on aluminum
wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral
detergent and always use a sponge or
soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on dusty or
salted roads. This helps prevent
corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster,
wax the wheels.
8-50
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page308
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Page 331 of 366

Black plate (331,1)
11. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
12. Max. permissible inflation pressure
13. SAFETY WARNING
P215/65R15 95H is an example of a tire size and load index rating. Here is an explanation
of the various components of that tire size and load index rating. Note that the tire size and
load index rating may be different from the example.
P
Indicates a tire that may be installed on cars, SUVs, minivans and light trucks as designated
by the Tire and Rim Association (T&RA).
NOTE
If your tire size does not begin with a letter this may mean it is designated by either
ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) or JATMA (Japan Tire
Manufacturing Association).
215
“215”is the nominal width of the tire in millimeters. This three-digit number gives the
width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger
the number, the wider the tire.
65
“65”is the aspect ratio. This two-digit number indicates the tire's ratio of height to width.
R
“R”is the tire construction symbol. R indicates“Radial ply construction”.
15
“15”is the wheel rim diameter in inches.
95
“95”is the Load Index. This two-or three-digit number indicates how much weight each
tire can support.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-19
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page331
Monday, April 18 2005 4:20 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F