Black plate (147,1)
Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
fluid leaks.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch fluid,
washer fluid, and other fluid levels should be
inspected. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?lIs the seat adjusted properly?lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs the steering wheel adjusted properly?lIs each occupant's seat belt fastened?lCheck all gauges.lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition is switched ON.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
4-5
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page147
Monday, July 18 2011 10:8 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (187,1)
CAUTION
ØEach tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold
and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those
tires.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one
or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire
pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as
possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure. Under-inflation
also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's
handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it
is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if under-
inflation has not reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire
pressure telltale.
Ø Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to
indicate when the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale.
When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately
one minute and then remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will
continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.
When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a
variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or
wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow
the TPMS to continue to function properly.
Ø To avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a
problem. As a result it will not instantaneously register a rapid tire deflation or
blow out.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-31
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page187
Monday, July 18 2011 10:8 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (189,1)
Adjust the tire pressure to the correct tire
pressure. Refer to the specification charts
(page 10-7).
CAUTION
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
lPerform tire pressure adjustment when the
tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary
according to the tire temperature, therefore
let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or only drive
it 1.6 km (1 mile) or less before adjusting
the tire pressures. When pressure is
adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation
pressure, the TPMS warning light/beep may
turn on after the tires cool and pressure
drops below specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light,
resulting from the tire air pressure dropping
due to cold ambient temperature, may turn
off if the ambient temperature rises. In this
case, it will also be necessary to adjust the
tire air pressures. If the TPMS warning
light illuminates due to a drop in tire air
pressure, make sure to check and adjust the
tire air pressures.
lAfter adjusting the tire air pressures, it may
require some time for the TPMS warning
light to turn off. If the TPMS warning light
remains illuminated, drive the vehicle at a
speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph) for 10
minutes, and then verify that it turns off.
lTires lose air naturally over time and the
TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting too
soft over time or you have a flat. However,
when you find one low tire in a set of four-
that is an indication of trouble; you should
have someone drive the vehicle slowly
forward so you can inspect any low tire for
cuts and any metal objects sticking through
tread or sidewall. Put a few drops of water
in the valve stem to see if it bubbles
indicating a bad valve. Leaks need to be
addressed by more than simply refilling the
trouble tire as leaks are dangerous - take it
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer which has
all the equipment to fix tires, TPMS systems
and order the best replacement tire for your
vehicle.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-33
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page189
Monday, July 18 2011 10:8 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (205,1)
Adjust the tire pressure to the correct tire
pressure. Refer to the specification charts
(page 10-7).
CAUTION
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
lPerform tire pressure adjustment when the
tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary
according to the tire temperature, therefore
let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or only drive
it 1.6 km (1 mile) or less before adjusting
the tire pressures. When pressure is
adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation
pressure, the TPMS warning light/beep may
turn on after the tires cool and pressure
drops below specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light,
resulting from the tire air pressure dropping
due to cold ambient temperature, may turn
off if the ambient temperature rises. In this
case, it will also be necessary to adjust the
tire air pressures. If the TPMS warning
light illuminates due to a drop in tire air
pressure, make sure to check and adjust the
tire air pressures.
lAfter adjusting the tire air pressures, it may
require some time for the TPMS warning
light to turn off. If the TPMS warning light
remains illuminated, drive the vehicle at a
speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph) for 10
minutes, and then verify that it turns off.
lTires lose air naturally over time and the
TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting too
soft over time or you have a flat. However,
when you find one low tire in a set of four-
that is an indication of trouble; you should
have someone drive the vehicle slowly
forward so you can inspect any low tire for
cuts and any metal objects sticking through
tread or sidewall. Put a few drops of water
in the valve stem to see if it bubbles
indicating a bad valve. Leaks need to be
addressed by more than simply refilling the
trouble tire as leaks are dangerous - take it
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer which has
all the equipment to fix tires, TPMS systems
and order the best replacement tire for your
vehicle.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-49
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page205
Monday, July 18 2011 10:8 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (211,1)
qTire Inflation Pressure Warning
Beepí
The warning beep sound will be heard for
about 3 seconds if the tire pressures
decrease.
If the tire pressure decreases extremely, a
beep sound will be heard for
approximately 30 seconds.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System
on page 5-30.
qAdvanced Keyless Warning (with
Advanced Key)
Warning indicators for the advanced key,
such as “the advanced key removed from
vehicle warning ”, use a beep sound and
warning/indicator lights in the instrument
cluster.
Refer to Warning and Beep Sounds on
page 3-19.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-55íSome models.
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page211
Monday, July 18 2011 10:8 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (317,1)
14. Install the compressor hose to the tirevalve.
Valve Compressor hose
15. Insert the compressor plug into the
interior accessory socket and switch
the ignition to ACC (page 6-83).
Compressor plug
Center console
Compressor
CAUTION
ØBefore pulling out the compressor
plug from the electrical socket,
make sure the compressor power
switch is off.
Ø The compressor turns on and off
with the push-button switch.
16. Turn the compressor switch on and inflate the tire carefully to the correct
inflation pressure.
WARNING
Never operate the compressor above
300 kPa (3.1 kgf/cm2, 3 bar, 43.5 psi):
Operating the compressor above 300
kPa (3.1 kgf/cm
2, 3 bar, 43.5 psi) is
dangerous. When the inflation
pressure rises above 300 kPa (3.1
kgf/cm
2, 3 bar, 43.5 psi), heated air
will be exhausted from the back of
the compressor and you could be
burned.
CAUTION
If the compressor operates slowly or
becomes hot, it indicates
overheating. Turn the compressor off
immediately and leave it turned off
for 30 minutes or longer.
NOTE
lCheck the tire inflation pressure label
(driver's door frame) for the correct tire
inflation pressure.
lDo not use the compressor for longer than
10 minutes because using the compressor
for long periods could damage it.
lIf the tire does not inflate, repair of the tire
may not be possible. If the tire does not
reach the correct inflation pressure within a
10-minute period, it probably has received
more extensive damage. When this happens,
the emergency flat tire repair kit cannot be
used to repair the tire. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the tire has been over-inflated, loosen the
screw cap on the compressor and bleed
some of the air out.
17. When the tire has been inflated to the proper inflation pressure, turn the
compressor switch off and remove the
compressor hose from the tire valve.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-11
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Monday, July 18 2011 10:9 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (318,1)
18. Install the tire valve cap.
19. Put the emergency flat tire repair kitin the trunk and continue driving.
CAUTION
ØDrive carefully to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and keep the
vehicle speed below 80 km/h (50
mph).
Ø If the vehicle is driven 80 km/h (50
mph) or higher, the vehicle might
begin to vibrate.
NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
If the tire is not properly inflated, the tire
pressure monitoring system warning light will
illuminate (page 5-32).
20. After driving the vehicle for 10 minutes or 5 km (3 miles), check the
tire pressure with the tire pressure
gauge equipped with the compressor.
If the tire pressure has fallen below
the correct tire pressure, inflate the
tire to the correct pressure again
following the steps from number 15.
CAUTION
ØIf the tire inflation pressure falls
below 130 kPa (1.3 kgf/cm2or bar,
18.9 psi), repair cannot be done
with the repair kit. Park the
vehicle on a level surface off the
right-of-way and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Ø If the tire inflation pressure
continues to remain low after
repeating steps 14 to 21, park the
vehicle on a level surface off the
right-of-way and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. NOTE
When checking the tire inflation pressure with
the tire pressure gauge on the compressor unit,
make sure the compressor switch is turned off.
21. If the tire inflation pressure remains
stable, the tire repair is complete.
Drive the vehicle with care to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
tire replaced.
CAUTION
ØA tire that has been temporarily
repaired with the tire sealant
cannot be reused. Mazda
recommends replacing the tire
with a new one.
Ø The wheel can be reused after any
sealant adhering to it is wiped off
and carefully inspected. However,
replace the tire valve with a new
one.
qInspecting the IMS Emergency
Flat Tire Repair Kit
Inspect the emergency tire repair kit at
regular intervals.
lCheck the tire sealant period of
effective use.
lCheck the operation of the tire
compressor.
NOTE
The tire sealant has a period of effective use.
Check the period of effective use indicated on
the bottle label and do not use it if it has
expired. Have the tire sealant replaced at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer before the period of
effective use has expired.
7-12
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page318
Monday, July 18 2011 10:9 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F
Black plate (324,1)
If you're unsure of how tight the nuts
should be, have them inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Nut tightening torque
N·m (kgf·m, ft·lbf) 88
―118
(9 ― 12, 65 ―87)
WARNING
Always securely and correctly tighten
the lug nuts:
Improperly or loosely tightened lug
nuts are dangerous. The wheel could
wobble or come off. This could result
in loss of vehicle control and cause a
serious accident.
Be sure to reinstall the same nuts you
removed or replace them with metric
nuts of the same configuration: Because the wheel studs and lug nuts
on your Mazda have metric threads,
using a non-metric nut is dangerous.
On a metric stud, it would not secure
the wheel and would damage the
stud, which could cause the wheel to
slip off and cause an accident.
5. Remove the tire blocks and store the tools, jack, and damaged tire.
6. Check the inflation pressure. Refer to Tires on page 10-7.
7. Have the flat tire repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
WARNING
Do not drive with any tires that have
incorrect air pressure: Driving on tires with incorrect air
pressure is dangerous. Tires with
incorrect pressure could affect
handling and result in an accident. NOTE
To prevent the jack and tool from rattling, store
them properly.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to the
temporary spare tire. The warning light will
flash continuously while the temporary spare
tire is being used (page 5-32).
7-18
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
MX-5_8CC1-EA-11F_Edition2 Page324
Monday, July 18 2011 10:9 AM
Form No.8CC1-EA-11F