Black plate (9,1)
Power door lock switch ..................................................................................... page 3-29
Outside mirror switch ........................................................................................ page 3-53
DSC OFF switch ............................................................................................... page 5-24
Passenger airbag deactivation switch ................................................................ page 2-30
Dashboard illumination ..................................................................................... page 5-36
Lighting control/Turn signals ............................................................................ page 5-51
Instrument cluster .............................................................................................. page 5-32
Air bags ............................................................................................................. page 2-26
Wiper and washer lever ..................................................................................... page 5-54
Cruise control switches ...................................................................................... page 5-19
Hazard warning flasher switch .......................................................................... page 5-56
Climate control system ........................................................................................ page 6-2
Audio system ..................................................................................................... page 6-10
Parking brake ....................................................................................................... page 5-5
Power window switches .................................................................................... page 3-36
MT shift lever ...................................................................................................... page 5-9
AT shift lever (Sport AT) ................................................................................... page 5-12
Accessory socket ............................................................................................... page 6-43
Ignition switch ..................................................................................................... page 5-2
Tilt wheel release lever ...................................................................................... page 3-53
Audio control switch ......................................................................................... page 6-36
Fog light switch ................................................................................................. page 5-53
Hood release handle .......................................................................................... page 3-38
Trunk release button .......................................................................................... page 3-31
Fuse box ............................................................................................................ page 8-41
Seat belt ............................................................................................................... page 2-5
Seats ..................................................................................................................... page 2-2
Convertible top unlock lever .............................................................................. page 3-43
Sunvisor ............................................................................................................. page 6-39
Rearview mirror ................................................................................................. page 3-54
Interior light ....................................................................................................... page 6-39
Vanity mirror ...................................................................................................... page 6-39
Glove box .......................................................................................................... page 6-41
Mesh Pocket ...................................................................................................... page 6-42
Cup holder ......................................................................................................... page 6-40
Bottle Holder ..................................................................................................... page 6-41
Remote fuel-filler lid release ............................................................................. page 3-37
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Dashboard and Interior Overview
1-3
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (68,1)
qOpening the Trunk Lid with
Request Switch
The trunk lid can be opened by pressing
the request switch on the under side of the
trunk lid above the license plate while the
advanced key is being carried.
Request switch
NOTE
If the advanced key is left in the trunk,
the trunk lid will close. However, the
trunk lid can be opened by pressing the
request switch.
qStarting the Engine
Ignition Switch Positions
Without a traditional key, some of the
ignition switch functions are different.
Start knob
LOCK(Released)
The steering wheel locks to help protect
against theft.
LOCK(Depressed)
The ignition switch can be turned to the
ACC position when the KEY indicator
light (green) illuminates in the instrument
cluster.
WARNING
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
lIf turning the ignition switch is
difficult, jiggle the steering wheel
from side to side.
l(Automatic transmission)
The ignition switch cannot be turned
from the ACC position to the LOCK
position when the shift lever is not in
P.
ACC(Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
3-10
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page68
Monday, April 18 2005 4:17 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (69,1)
NOTE
The Advanced Keyless Entry System
does not function in the ACC position,
and the doors will not lock/unlock even
if they have been locked manually or
the advanced key is carried away from
the vehicle.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) 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 start knob;
then it returns to the ON position. The
brake warning light can be checked after
the engine is started (page 5-37).
Starting the Engine
NOTE
lEngine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
lThe advanced key must be carried
because the advanced key carries an
immobilizer chip that must
communicate with the engine
controls at short range.
lWhen starting the engine, be sure the
start knob is securely attached before
trying to operate it. If the knob
becomes detached from the ignition
switch, re-attach it by pushing it on
to the ignition switch.
1. Make sure the advanced key is being
carried.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-11
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page69
Monday, April 18 2005 4:17 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (99,1)
lBefore lowering or raising the top, stop
in a safe place off the right-of-way and
park on a level surface.
lMake sure nothing is on the top or near
the back window when raising or
lowering the top.
Even small objects may interfere and
cause damage.
lWhen lowering the top, make sure
objects inside the vehicle aren't blown
away by the wind.
lSecure all loose objects inside before
driving with the top down.
lTo help prevent burglary or vandalism
and to ensure that the passenger
compartment stays dry, close the top
securely and lock both doors when
leaving the vehicle.
lDon't drive through an automatic car
wash; it may damage the top.
lDon't raise or lower the top when the
temperature is below 5 °C (41 °F) ; this
will damage the top material.
lDon't lower the top when it's wet. If the
top dries while folded, it will
deteriorate and shrink.
lLowering the top while it's wet can
also cause water to drip into the
passenger compartment.
lDon't raise or lower the top when the
wind is strong; the wind could damage
the top.
qLowering the Convertible Top
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
firmly set the parking brake.
2. Lower the side windows, then turn off
the ignition.3. Remove all objects in the top storage
area.
WARNING
Objects in the Storage Area:
Putting heavy or sharp objects in the
top storage area is dangerous.
During a sudden stop or collision, they
can become projectiles that might hit
and injure passengers.
Don't place heavy or sharp objects in
the top storage area.
4. Push the unlock button and fully
release the top latch.
Unlock button
Top latch
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-41
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page99
Monday, April 18 2005 4:17 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (101,1)
qRaising the Convertible Top
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
firmly set the parking brake.
2. Lower the side windows, then turn off
the ignition.
3. Pull the unlock lever to release the top.
Unlock lever
4. Grasp the top along the sides towards
the middle and pull the top up and
forward until it's against the windshield
header.
Windshield header
NOTE
To raise the convertible top from inside
the vehicle, use the convertible top's
handles.
The convertible
top's handles
5. Make sure the strikers for the top
latches are securely engaged with the
anchors before pushing up the top latch
lever.
Push the lever of each top latch up with
the palm of your hand until the lock
button clicks and the top latch is
locked.
Striker
Anchor
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-43
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page101
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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 (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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Monday, April 18 2005 4:17 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F
Black plate (122,1)
Hazardous Driving
WARNING
Downshifting on Slippery Surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed could cause the tires to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle
control and an accident. If it is
necessary to downshift on slippery
surfaces, be very careful.
ABS:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, 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
ABS as a substitute for safe driving.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazard:
lBe cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
lAvoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
lIf your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don't hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
don't pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
lIf you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Don't spin the rear
wheels.
lFor more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the rear wheels.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the rear
wheels.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition1 Page122
Monday, April 18 2005 4:17 PM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F