2009 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA check engine

Black plate (194,1)
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light illuminates when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It turns off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
depress or that it may go closer to the
floor. In either case, it will take longer to
stop the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, open the
hood and check the brake fluid level
immediately, and then add fluid if
required (page 8-22).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light turns off have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes an
indicator of leakage. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible even if the
brake light is no longer illuminated.
WARNING
Do not drive with the brake system
warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible:
Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated is
dangerous. It indicates that your
brakes may not work at all or that
they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains
illuminated, after checking that the
parking brake is fully released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.
qABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you're driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function normally
as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
5-42
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8Z78-EA-08K

Black plate (196,1)
qCheck Engine Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If this light illuminates while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light illuminated and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may illuminate in
the following cases:
lThe fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
lThe engine's electrical system has a
problem.
lThe emission control system has a
problem.
lThe fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
q Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
is working properly, the warning light
illuminates when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position or after the
engine is cranked. The warning light turns
off after a specified period of time.
A system malfunction is indicated if the
warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or does not
illuminate at all when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system
may not work in an accident.
WARNING
Never tamper with the air bag/
pretensioner systems and always have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform
all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled causing
serious injury or death.
5-44
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8Z78-EA-08K

Black plate (218,1)
Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not leave the fan control dial on for a long
period of time with the ignition switch in the
ON position when the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions such as leaves,
snow and ice from the hood and the air
inlet in the cowl grille to improve the
system efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
NOTE
The air conditioner may be used along with the
heater to dehumidify the air.
qOutside/Recirculated Air Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
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Form No.8Z78-EA-08K

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Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.
WARNING
Turn off the ignition switch and
make sure the fan is not running before
attempting to work near the cooling
fan: Working near the cooling fan when it
is running is dangerous. The fan
could continue running indefinitely
even if the engine has stopped and
the engine compartment temperature
is high. You could be hit by the fan
and seriously injured.
Do not remove the cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot: When the engine and radiator are
hot, scalding coolant and steam may
shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury.
Open the hood ONLY after steam is no
longer escaping from the engine: Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you.
NOTE
Once the engine coolant exceeds a preset
temperature, an electrical cooling fan turns
on. It will continue running for about 10
minutes after the ignition switch is turned to
off.
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in park (P), a manual
transmission in neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Turn off the air conditioner.
5. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Don't go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the
engine temperature will increase.
Stop the engine and call an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6. Make sure the cooling fan is operating, then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
7. When cool, check the coolant level. If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
7-18
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
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Form No.8Z78-EA-08K

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Owner Maintenance Precautions
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.
As explained in the Introduction (page 8-2), several procedures can be done only by a
qualified service technician with special tools.
Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If
you're unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fluids. Please
dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil and fluid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
Do not perform maintenance work if you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or
the proper tools and equipment to do the work. Have maintenance work done by a
qualified technician:Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You
can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures.
If you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you
remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all
neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling
fan which may turn on unexpectedly: Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even
more dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.
Turn off the ignition switch and make sure the fan is not running before attempting
to work near the cooling fan: Working near the cooling fan when it is running is dangerous. The fan could
continue running indefinitely even if the engine has stopped and the engine
compartment temperature is high. You could be hit by the fan and seriously injured.
Do not leave items in the engine compartment: After you have finished checking or doing servicing in the engine compartment, do
not forget and leave items such as tools or rags in the engine compartment.
Tools or other items left in the engine compartment could cause engine damage or a
fire leading to an unexpected accident.
8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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qCapacities
(Approximate Quantities)
Item Capacity
Engine oil With oil filter
replacementExcept U.S.A. and Canada 4.55 L (4.81 US qt, 4.00 Imp qt)
U.S.A. and
Canada
6-speed manual
transmission
4.55 L (4.81 US qt, 4.00 Imp qt)
Except 6-speed manual
transmission 4.45 L (4.70 US qt, 3.92 Imp qt)
Without oil filter replacement 4.05 L (4.28 US qt, 3.56 Imp qt)
Coolant 7.5 L (7.9 US qt, 6.6 Imp qt)
Manual transmission oil 5-speed transmission
2.0 L (2.1 US qt, 1.8 Imp qt)
6-speed transmission 2.1 L (2.2 US qt, 1.8 Imp qt)
Automatic transmission fluid 7.4 L (7.8 US qt, 6.5 Imp qt)
Rear differential oil 0.7 L (0.7 US qt, 0.6 Imp qt)
Fuel tank 48.0 L
(12.7 US gal, 10.6 Imp gal)
Check oil and fluid levels with dipsticks or reservoir gauges.
q Dimensions
Item Vehicle specification
Overall length With license plate holder
4,032 mm (158.7 in)
Without license plate holder 4,013 mm (158.0 in)
Overall width 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Overall height Soft top
1,245 mm (49.0 in)
Hardtop 1,255 mm (49.4 in)
Front tread 1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Rear tread 1,495 mm (58.9 in)
Wheelbase 2,330 mm (91.7 in)
qWeights
(Manual transmission)
Item Weight
Without power retractable hardtop With power retractable
hardtop
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) 1,396 kg (3,078 lbs) 1,416 kg (3,122 lbs)
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) Front 714 kg (1,574 lbs) 714 kg (1,574 lbs)
Rear 682 kg (1,504 lbs) 702 kg (1,548 lbs)
Specifications
10-5
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Form No.8Z78-EA-08K

Black plate (442,1)
S
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-82Back trim storage box ................ 6-82
Glove box ................................... 6-82
Mesh pocket ............................... 6-83
Seat side box .............................. 6-82
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-80
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-37
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-71
Tiedown Hook .......................................... 7-26
Tire Information ................................ 9-23
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-28 System error activation .............. 5-32
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light .............................. 5-30
Tires and wheels ......................... 5-33
Tires Flat Tire ........................................ 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-30
Replacement ............................... 8-31
Rotation ...................................... 8-31
Snow tires .................................... 4-9
Specifications ............................. 10-7
Tire chains .................................. 4-10
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-21
Tool ..................................................... 7-5
Tool Storage ........................................ 7-5
Towing Description ................................. 7-25
Emergency towing ..................... 7-25
Hook .......................................... 7-26
Recreational towing ................... 7-28
Trailer towing ............................. 4-13
T
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-24
TCS/DSC indicator light ............ 5-25
Trailer Towing .................................. 4-13
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-36
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-33 Inside trunk release lever ............ 3-35
Trunk Light ....................................... 6-80
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-57
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-80
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................. 5-40 ABS ............................................ 5-42
Air bag system ........................... 5-44
Automatic transmission .............. 5-46
Brake system .............................. 5-42
Charging system ......................... 5-43
Check engine .............................. 5-44
Door-ajar .................................... 5-46
Flat tire ....................................... 5-49
KEY warning light
(Red)/KEY indicator light
(Green) ....................................... 5-49
Low fuel ..................................... 5-45
Seat belt ...................................... 5-45
Seat belt pretensioner system ..... 5-44
Tire pressure monitoring
system ........................................ 5-47
Warranty ............................................ 9-14
Washer Fluid ..................................... 8-23
Weights ............................................. 10-5
Wheel Replacement .......................... 8-32
Windblocker ...................................... 6-84
11-6
Index
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Form No.8Z78-EA-08K