2008 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA POWER RETRACTABLE HARDTOP Owners Manual

Black plate (97,1)
qFuel-Filler Cap
To remove the filler cap, turn it
counterclockwise.
To close the filler cap, turn it clockwise
until two or more clicks are heard.
Close
Open
CAUTION
Make sure the fuel-filler cap is
tightened securely. The check engine
light may illuminate when the cap
isn't tightened securely. If the light
remains on (even after you have
tightened the cap securely, driven,
and restarted the engine several
times), it may indicate a different
problem. Contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Hood
WARNING
Always check that the hood is closed
and securely locked:
A hood that is not closed and
securely locked is dangerous as it
could fly open while the vehicle is
moving and block the driver's vision
which could result in a serious
accident.
qOpening the Hood
1. With the vehicle parked, pull the
release handle to unlock the hood.
Release handle
2. Insert your hand into the hood opening
and Slide the hood latch to the right
and lift the hood.
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Black plate (98,1)
3. Grasp the support rod in the paddedarea and secure it in the stay hole
indicated by the arrow to hold the hood
open.
Clip
Support rod
q Closing the Hood
1. Check under the hood area to make
certain all filler caps are in place and
all loose items (e.g. tools, oil
containers, etc.) have been removed.
2. Insert the support rod in its clip while holding up the hood. Verify that the
support rod is secured in the clip before
closing the hood.
3. Close the hood so that it locks securely.
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Convertible Top (Soft Top)í
Windshield headerTop latch assembly
Top storage area
Convertible
top's handlesLabel (The label indicates the position where convertible
top is to be held when lowering or raising it.)
qConvertible Top Precautions
WARNING
Sit in the seat with the seat belt
correctly fastened when the vehicle is
moving:
Standing in the vehicle, or sitting on
the convertible top storage area or
center console when the vehicle is
moving is a dangerous way to ride.
During a sudden maneuver or
collision you could be seriously
injured or even killed. Always keep your hands and fingers
away from the fastening mechanisms
when moving the convertible top:
It is dangerous to place your hands
or fingers near the fastening
mechanisms. Your hands or fingers
could be caught and injured by the
mechanism.
CAUTION
Remove leaves or other matter that
may accumulate on and around the
soft top. Otherwise, the water
drainage outlets could become
blocked, resulting in water leakage.
For detailed maintenance of the
water draining outlets, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Doors and Locks
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lBefore lowering or raising the
convertible top, stop in a safe place off
the right-of-way and park on a level
surface.
lMake sure nothing is on the convertible
top or near the back window when
raising or lowering the convertible top.
Even small objects may interfere and
cause damage.
lWhen lowering the convertible top,
make sure objects inside the vehicle
aren't blown away by the wind.
lSecure all loose objects inside before
driving with the convertible top down.
lTo help prevent burglary or vandalism
and to ensure that the passenger
compartment stays dry, close the
convertible top securely and lock both
doors when leaving the vehicle.
lDo not drive through an automatic car
wash; it may damage the convertible
top.
lDo not raise or lower the convertible
top when the temperature is below 5 °C
(41 °F) ; this will damage the
convertible top material.
lDo not lower the convertible top when
it's wet. If the convertible top dries
while folded, it will deteriorate and
shrink.
lLowering the convertible top while it's
wet can also cause water to drip into
the passenger compartment.
lDo not raise or lower the convertible
top in a strong wind as it could damage
the convertible top or cause an
unexpected accident.
qLowering the Convertible Top
1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Fully open the left and right windows.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Make sure there are no objects which
have been placed in the area where the
convertible top is to be retracted.
WARNING
Do not place heavy or sharp objects in
the convertible top storage area: Putting heavy or sharp objects in the
convertible top storage area is
dangerous.
During a sudden stop or collision,
they can become projectiles that
might hit and injure passengers.
5. Pull the top latch outward by pressing the unlock button to detach the lock.
Make sure the lock is detached.
Unlock button
Top latch
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6. Standing outside of the vehicle, holdthe convertible top along the center
edge and pull it toward the vehicle rear.
Center edge
NOTE
To lower the convertible top from inside the
vehicle, use the convertible top's handles.
Convertible top's
handles
7. Continue to move the convertible top
rearward while pressing the rear glass
lightly with your hand.
8. After the convertible top has beenfolded down, press the back end of the
folded down convertible top until a
click sound is heard, then the front end.
Lightly rock the retracted convertible
top to make sure it is securely locked.
9. Raise the windblocker if it is needed.
NOTE
The windblocker reduces the amount of wind
coming into the cabin from behind when
driving with the convertible top opened.
Refer to Windblocker on page 6-45.
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qRaising the Convertible Top
1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Fully open the left and right windows.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Pull the unlock lever outward to
disengage the lock.
Unlock lever
5. Standing outside of the vehicle, holdthe convertible top along the center
edge and pull it towards the vehicle
front.
Center edge
NOTE
To raise the convertible top from inside the
vehicle, use the convertible top's handles.
Convertible top's
handles
6. Sitting in a seat, grasp the convertible
top's handles, and press the convertible
top against the windshield.
Move the top latch slowly to make sure
the anchor engages with the striker,
then rotate the top latch to the lock
position until a click sound is heard.
Striker
Anchor
Convertible top's
handles
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CAUTION
Driving with the convertible top not
fully locked could damage the
convertible top.
If the red indicator is visible on the
unlock button, the convertible top is
not locked. After locking the
convertible top, verify that the red
indicator is not visible.
Locked position
Unlocked position Red indicator
NOTElThe convertible top may be constricted if it
is left retracted for a long period.
Therefore, if the top has become
constricted, it may be difficult to hook the
top latch striker to the anchor.
lMake sure the convertible top is securely
locked by pushing up on it. If it still sounds
loose (rattles) after being locked by the top
latch, have it inspected at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
7. Connect the rear window defroster coupler if it has been disconnected.
NOTE
If the coupler was not plugged in the rear
window defroster would not work.
qTaking Care of the Top
Refer to Convertible Top Maintenance
(page 8-54) for information on taking care
of the convertible top.
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Detachable Hardtopí
Top latch assemblySide latch assembly
Rear deck latch
Rear deck stud
Rear window defroster coupler
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