Black plate (78,1)
9. Switch the ignition from ACC toSTART and hold (up to 10 seconds at a
time) until the engine starts.
CAUTION
Do not try the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine
stalls or fails to start, wait 10 seconds
before trying again. Otherwise, you
may damage the starter and drain
the battery.
10. After starting the engine, let it idle for about 10 seconds.
NOTE
lIn extremely cold weather or after the
vehicle has not been driven in several days,
let the engine warm up without operating
the accelerator.
lWhether the engine is cold or warm, it
should be started without use of the
accelerator.
Turning the engine off
1. Move the shift lever to the P position (Automatic transmission).
2. Switch the ignition from ON to ACC.
NOTE
When the engine is turned off and the ignition
is switched from ACC to OFF/LOCK, the KEY
indicator light (green) flashes in the instrument
cluster for about 30 seconds if the battery
power of the advanced key is low. Replace the
battery with a new one.
Refer to Battery Replacement (page 3-7).
3. Push in the start knob from the ACC position and turn it to the OFF/LOCK.
CAUTION
When leaving the vehicle, make sure
the ignition is switched to OFF/LOCK. NOTE
lWhen switching the ignition to OFF/LOCK,
the ignition switch has to be pushed in from
the ACC position and turned. Without being
pushed in, the ignition switch stops at the
ACC position and the vehicle battery may
be discharged if the ignition switch is left in
the ACC position. When leaving the vehicle,
make sure the ignition is switched to OFF/
LOCK.
lIf the vehicle is left with the ignition not
switched to OFF/LOCK, a beep sound is
heard and the indicator light flashes to
notify the driver.
Refer to Warning Beep (page 3-19).
3-14
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
MX-5_8BR3-EA-10F_Edition3 Page78
Wednesday, March 2 2011 5:25 PM
Form No.8BR3-EA-10F
Black plate (107,1)
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.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-43íSome models.
MX-5_8BR3-EA-10F_Edition3 Page107
Wednesday, March 2 2011 5:26 PM
Form No.8BR3-EA-10F
Black plate (113,1)
qPower Retractable Hardtop Precautions
WARNING
Always confirm that there are no people around the vehicle before operating the
hardtop:
If the hardtop were to operate unexpectedly, it could result in an accident and
serious injury from someone getting caught in the mechanism.
Always drive safely and observe the speed limit: Rollover accidents on a hardtop vehicle are dangerous. The hardtop is not as strong
as a regular steel roof. Rollover accidents could dislodge or crush the hardtop and
cause serious injuries or even death, just as with no top.
Sit in the seat with the seat belt correctly fastened when the vehicle is moving: Standing in the vehicle, or sitting on the deck 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 hardtop: 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
ØDo not drive with the hardtop partially opened; this could damage the hardtop or
cause an unexpected accident.
Ø Children should not be allowed to play with the open/close switch.
Ø Do not place objects or cargo around the deck, rear glass, or the hardtop storage
area.
Even small objects may interfere and cause damage.
Ø Remove leaves that accumulate on and around the hardtop. If the leaves are not
removed, they may block the water drainage outlets.
Ø Before opening the hardtop, make sure the rear window defogger switch
(Defroster) is turned off. Otherwise the heat generated from the defogger could
damage the hardtop and the internal material.
Ø When opening/closing the hardtop, verify that there is no obstruction above the
hardtop (about 1.5 m from the ground) so as not to damage the hardtop or the
obstruction.
Ø When opening/closing the hardtop, do not apply any load to the hardtop or the
deck. The opening/closing mechanism of the hardtop may be damaged.
lOpen/close the hardtop with the vehicle parked on level ground in a safe place where the
vehicle does not obstruct traffic. If the hardtop is opened/closed on a slope or bump, the
opening/closing mechanism of the hardtop may be damaged.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-49
MX-5_8BR3-EA-10F_Edition3 Page113
Wednesday, March 2 2011 5:26 PM
Form No.8BR3-EA-10F
Black plate (158,1)
ACC (Accessory)
In this position, some electrical
accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. Some indicator
lights/warning lights should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-42).
NOTE
When the ignition is switched ON, 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 key. It
then returns to the ON position.
qIgnition Key Reminder
If the ignition is switched off or the
ignition is switched to ACC with the key
inserted, a continuous beep sound will be
heard when the driver's door is opened.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-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.
1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the clutch pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
(Manual transmission)
The starter will not operate unless the clutch is
depressed sufficiently.
(Automatic transmission)
The starter will not operate if the shift lever is
not in P or N.
5. Switch the ignition to START and hold
(up to 10 seconds at a time) until the
engine starts.
CAUTION
Do not try the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine
stalls or fails to start, wait 10 seconds
before trying again. Otherwise, you
may damage the starter and drain
the battery.
5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
MX-5_8BR3-EA-10F_Edition3 Page158
Wednesday, March 2 2011 5:26 PM
Form No.8BR3-EA-10F
Black plate (386,1)
Exterior Care
Followalllabel and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
q Maintaining the Finish
Washing
To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your Mazda
thoroughly and frequently, at least once a
month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here are
some examples of how scratching could
occur.
Scratches occur on the paint surface
when:
lThe vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign
matter.
lThe vehicle is washed with a rough,
dry, or dirty cloth.
lThe vehicle is washed at a car wash
that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
lCleansers or wax containing abrasives
are used.
NOTE
lMazda is not responsible for scratches
caused by automatic car washes or
improper washing.
lScratches are more noticeable on vehicles
with darker paint finishes.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
lRinse off any dirt or other foreign
matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
lUse plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
lRub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
lTake your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
lDo not use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
CAUTION
Ø Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or
caustic agents on chrome-plated
or anodized aluminum parts. This
may damage the protective
coating; also, cleaners and
detergents may discolor or
deteriorate the paint.
Ø To prevent damaging the antenna,
remove it before entering a car
wash facility or passing beneath a
low overhead clearance.
Pay special attention to removing salt,
dirt, mud, and other foreign material from
the underside of the fenders, and make
sure the drain holes in the lower edges of
the doors and rocker panels are clean.
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. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish.
8-52
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
MX-5_8BR3-EA-10F_Edition3 Page386
Wednesday, March 2 2011 5:27 PM
Form No.8BR3-EA-10F
Black plate (388,1)
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.
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
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal: 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.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
CAUTION
Do not use any detergent other than
mild detergent. Before using any
detergent, verify the ingredients.
Otherwise, the product could discolor
or stain the aluminum wheels.
8-54
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
MX-5_8BR3-EA-10F_Edition3 Page388
Wednesday, March 2 2011 5:27 PM
Form No.8BR3-EA-10F