Black plate (348,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
×1000 km 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections III
Brake fluid level I I II I
Brake fluid R
Disc brakes IIIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIII
Flat tire repair kit (if installed)
*3Inspect annually
Steering operation and linkages IIIIII
Power steering fluid level IIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play III
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil R
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Exhaust system and heat shields I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
All locks and hinges LLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIII
Chart symbols:
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
C: Clean
L: Lubricate
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
8-12
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page348
Monday, July 18 2011 10:9 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (350,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72
×1000 km 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115 120
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections III
Brake fluid level II I I
Brake fluid RR
Disc brakes IIIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIII
Flat tire repair kit (if installed)
*3Inspect annually
Steering operation and linkages IIIIII
Power steering fluid level IIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play III
Manual transmission oil R R
Rear differential oil R R
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Exhaust system and heat shields I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
All locks and hinges LLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIII
Chart symbols:
I:Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
C: Clean
L: Lubricate
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
8-14
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page350
Monday, July 18 2011 10:9 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (367,1)
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí
does not alleviate the need to check the
tire condition every day, including
whether the tires all look inflated properly.
Inspect all tire pressure monthly when the
tires are cold. Maintain recommended
pressures for the best ride, handling, and
minimum tire wear.
When checking the tire pressures, use of a
digital tire pressure gauge is
recommended.
Refer to the specification charts (page
10-7).
NOTE
lAlways check tire pressure when tires are
cold.
lWarm tires normally exceed recommended
pressures. Don't release air from warm tires
to adjust the pressure.
lUnderinflation can cause reduced fuel
economy, uneven and accelerated tire wear,
and poor sealing of the tire bead, which
will deform the wheel and cause separation
of tire from rim.
lOverinflation can produce a harsh ride,
uneven and accelerated tire wear, and a
greater possibility of damage from road
hazards.
Keep your tire pressure at the correct
levels. If one frequently needs inflating,
have it inspected.
qTire Rotation
WARNING
Rotate tires periodically:
Irregular tire wear is dangerous. To
equalize tread wear for maintaining
good performance in handling and
braking, rotate the tires according to
the scheduled maintenance charts.
Refer to Scheduled Maintenance on
page 8-3.
During rotation, inspect them for correct
balance.
NOTE
Because your vehicle is not equipped with a
spare tire, you cannot do a tire rotation safely
with the jack that comes with your vehicle.
Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform
tire rotation.
Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY)
spare tire in rotation. Forward
Also, inspect them for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused
by one or a combination of the following:
lIncorrect tire pressurelImproper wheel alignmentlOut-of-balance wheellSevere braking
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-31íSome models.
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page367
Monday, July 18 2011 10:9 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (368,1)
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to
specification (page 10-7) and inspect the
lug nuts for tightness.
CAUTION
Rotate unidirectional tires and radial
tires that have an asymmetrical tread
pattern or studs only from front to
rear, not from side to side. Tire
performance will be reduced if
rotated from side to side.
CAUTION
Limited-Slip Differential system;
don't use the following:
ØTires not of the designated size
Ø Tires of different sizes or types at
the same time
Ø Tires not sufficiently inflated
If these instructions aren't followed,
the rotation of the left and right
wheels will be different and will thus
apply a constant load on the limited-
slip differential.
This will cause a malfunction.
q Replacing a Tire
WARNING
Always use tires that are in good
condition:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
Replace all four tires at the same time: Replacing just one tire is dangerous.
It could cause poor handling and
poor braking resulting in loss of
vehicle control. Mazda strongly
recommends that you replace all four
tires at the same time.
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
When replacing/repairing the tires or
wheels or both, have the work done
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or
the tire pressure sensors may be
damaged.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)lWhen tires with steel wire reinforcement in
the sidewalls are used, the system may not
function correctly even with a genuine
wheel.
Refer to System Error Activation on page
5-34.
lBe sure to install the tire pressure sensors
whenever tires or wheels are replaced.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page 5-35.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New tread Tread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace the tire before the
band crosses the entire tread.
8-32
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (369,1)
NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used on the road. It is recommended
that tires generally be replaced when they are
6 years or older. Heat caused by hot climates
or frequent high loading conditions can
accelerate the aging process. The period in
which the tire was manufactured (both week
and year) is indicated by a 4-digit number.
Refer to Tire Labeling on page 9-23.
qReplacing a Wheel
WARNING
Always use wheels of the correct size
on your vehicle:
Using a wrong-sized wheel is
dangerous. Braking and handling
could be affected, leading to loss of
control and an accident.
CAUTION
ØA wrong-sized wheel may
adversely affect:
ØTire fit
ØWheel and bearing life
ØGround clearance
ØSnow-chain clearance
ØSpeedometer calibration
ØHeadlight aim
ØBumper height
ØTire Pressure Monitoring
System
ØLimited-Slip Differential System
Ø (With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
ØWhen replacing/repairing the
tires or wheels or both, have the
work done by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer, or the tire
pressure sensors may be
damaged.
ØThe wheels equipped on your
Mazda are specially designed
for installation of the tire
pressure sensors. Do not use
non-genuine wheels, otherwise
it may not be possible to install
the tire pressure sensors.
NOTE
Be sure to install the tire pressure sensors
whenever tires or wheels are replaced. Refer to
Tires and Wheels on page 5-35.
When replacing a wheel, make sure the
new one is the same as the original factory
wheel in diameter, rim width, and offset
(inset/outset).
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-33
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Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (374,1)
Low-beam bulbs
(Xenon fusion bulbs)
You cannot replace the low beam bulbs by
yourself. The bulbs must be replaced at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
(Halogen bulbs)
1. If you are changing the right bulb, startthe engine, turn the steering wheel all
the way to the right, and turn off
engine. If you are changing the left
bulb, turn the steering wheel to the left.
2. Make sure the headlight switch is off.
3. Turn the center section of the plastic retainer counterclockwise and remove
the retainers and partially peel back the
mudguard.
Removal
Installation
4. Disconnect the electrical connectorfrom the bulb by pressing the tab on
the connector with your finger and
pulling the connector rear.
5. Pull off the sealing cover.
6. Unhook the bulb retaining spring.
8-38
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page374
Monday, July 18 2011 10:9 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (377,1)
Front turn signal lights/Parking lights
1. If you are changing the right bulb, startthe engine, turn the steering wheel all
the way to the right, and turn off
engine. If you are changing the left
bulb, turn the steering wheel to the left.
2. Make sure the turn signal switch is off.
3. Turn the center section of the plastic retainer counterclockwise and remove
the retainers and partially peel back the
mudguard.
Removal
Installation
4. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
5. Install the new bulb in the reverse orderof the removal procedure.
Rear turn signal lights, Reverse lights,
Brake lights/Taillights, Rear side
marker lights
Rear side marker lights
Due to the complexity and difficulty of
the procedure, the LED bulbs should be
replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Rear turn signal lights, Reverse lights,
Brake lights/Taillights
1. Make sure the ignition is switched offand the applicable light switch is off.
2. Lift the trunk.
3. Pull the center section of the plastic retainers and remove them, then
remove the trunk end trim.
Removal
Installation
4. Remove the trunk light connector.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-41
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page377
Monday, July 18 2011 10:9 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (390,1)
qRepairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced,
make sure the body shop applies
anti-corrosion materials to all parts,
both repaired and new. This will
prevent them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
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.
8-54
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page390
Monday, July 18 2011 10:9 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F