2008 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA POWER RETRACTABLE HARDTOP engine

Black plate (306,1)
CAUTION
ØRadiator coolant will damage
paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
Ø Use only soft (demineralized)
water in the coolant mixture.
Water that contains minerals will
cut down on the coolant's
effectiveness.
Ø Don't add only water. Always add
a proper coolant mixture.
Ø The engine has aluminum parts
and must be protected by an
ethylene-glycol-based coolant to
prevent corrosion and freezing.
Ø DO NOT USE coolants Containing
Alcohol, methanol, Borate or
Silicate.
These coolants could damage the
cooling system.
Ø DO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol
with the coolant. This could
damage the cooling system.
Ø Don'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).
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

Black plate (307,1)
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
Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
yourself or on the engine:
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.
If the brake/clutch fluid level is low,
have the brakes and clutch inspected: 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 the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
CAUTION
Ø Brake and clutch fluid will
damage painted surfaces. If brake
or clutch fluid does get on a
painted surface, wash it off with
water immediately.
Ø Using 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
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

Black plate (308,1)
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
q Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:
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.
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.
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

Black plate (309,1)
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
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

Black plate (321,1)
(Halogen bulb)
NOTE
Replacing low-beam halogen bulbs is difficult
therefore contacting an Authorized Mazda
Dealer is recommended.
1. If you are changing the right headlightbulb, start the engine, turn the steering
wheel all the way to the left, and turn
off the engine. If you are changing the
left headlight bulb, turn the steering
wheel to the right.
2. Turn the screws counterclockwise and remove them.
3. Turn the center section of the plasticretainers counterclockwise and remove
them, then remove the mudguard.
Removal
Installation
4. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb by pulling it to the rear.
5. Pull off the sealing cover.
6. Unhook the bulb retaining spring.
7. Swing the retaining spring out and
away to free the headlight bulb.
8. Carefully remove the socket and bulb assembly by pulling it straight back.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

Black plate (322,1)
9. Remove the headlight bulb from thesocket.
10. Install the new socket and bulb
assembly in the reverse order of
removal.
NOTE
lIf the halogen bulb is accidentally touched,
it should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol
before being used.
lUse the protective cover and carton for the
replacement bulb to dispose of the old bulb
promptly and out of the reach of children.
lWhen reinstalling the sealing cover, make
sure
faces up.
Front fog light bulbsí
1. If you are changing the right Front fog light bulb, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the left,
and turn off the engine. If you are
changing the left Front fog light bulb,
turn the steering wheel to the right. 2. Turn the screws counterclockwise and
remove them.
3. Turn the center section of the plastic
retainers counterclockwise and remove
them, then remove the mudguard.
Removal
Installation
4. Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise, and carefully pull it
backward.
8-40
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

Black plate (323,1)
5. Disconnect the socket and bulbassembly from the electrical connector
by pressing the tab on the connector
with your finger and pulling it.
6. Install the new socket and bulbassembly in the reverse order of
removal.
NOTE
lIf the halogen bulb is accidentally touched,
it should be cleaned with rubbing alcohol
before being used.
lUse the protective cover and carton of the
replacement bulb to dispose of the old bulb
promptly out of the reach of children.
Front turn signal lights
1. If you are changing the right front turn signal light bulb, start the engine, turn
the steering wheel all the way to the
left, and turn off the engine. If you are
changing the left front turn signal light
bulb, turn the steering wheel to the
right. 2. Turn the screws counterclockwise and
remove them.
3. Turn the center section of the plastic
retainers counterclockwise and remove
them, then remove the mudguard.
Removal
Installation
4. Turn the socket and bulb assembly counterclockwise and remove it.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

Black plate (327,1)
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 does not work,
first inspect the fuses on the vehicle's left
side.
1. Turn off the ignition switch and other
switches.
2. Remove the cover.
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 the fuse and replace it if it'sblown.
Normal Blown
5. Insert a new fuse of the same amperage
rating, and make sure it fits tightly. If it
does not fit tightly, have an expert
install it. We recommend an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F