Page 351 of 452

Black plate (351,1)
CAUTION
ØRadiator coolant will damage
paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
Ø Use only soft (demineralized)
water in the coolant mixture.
Water that contains minerals will
cut down on the coolant's
effectiveness.
Ø Do not add only water. Always
add a proper coolant mixture.
Ø The engine has aluminum parts
and must be protected by an
ethylene-glycol-based coolant to
prevent corrosion and freezing.
Ø DO NOT USE coolants Containing
Alcohol, methanol, Borate or
Silicate.
These coolants could damage the
cooling system.
Ø DO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol
with the coolant. This could
damage the cooling system.
Ø Do not use a solution that
contains more than 60%
antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness. NOTE
If the
“FL22” mark is shown on or near the
cooling system cap, it is recommended to use
Mazda Genuine FL22 engine coolant (page
8-4).
If the coolant reservoir is empty or new
coolant is required frequently, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-23
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page351
Friday, August 31 2012 1:46 PM
Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Page 352 of 452

Black plate (352,1)
Brake/Clutch Fluid
qInspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and clutch
linings. If it is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch system inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qAdding Brake/Clutch Fluid
WARNING
Be careful not to spill brake fluid on
yourself or on the engine:
Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with
water and get medical attention.
Brake fluid spilled on a hot engine
could cause a fire.
If the brake/clutch fluid level is low,
have the brakes and clutch inspected: Low brake/clutch fluid levels are
dangerous. Low levels could signal
brake lining wear or a brake system
leak. Your brakes could fail and
cause an accident.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
CAUTION
Ø Brake and clutch fluid will
damage painted surfaces. If brake
or clutch fluid does get on a
painted surface, wash it off with
water immediately.
Ø Using nonspecified brake and
clutch fluids (page 10-4) will
damage the systems. Mixing
different fluids will also damage
them.
If the brake/clutch system
frequently requires new fluid,
consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
8-24
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page352
Friday, August 31 2012 1:46 PM
Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Page 353 of 452

Black plate (353,1)
Power Steering Fluid
qInspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the power
steering pump, don't operate the
vehicle for long periods when the
power steering fluid level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid (page 10-4).
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir at
each engine oil change with the engine off
and cold. Add fluid if necessary; it does
not require periodic changing.
The level must be kept between MIN and
MAX.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Washer Fluid
q Inspecting Washer Fluid Level
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the
windshield, affect your visibility, and
could result in an accident.
Using Washer Fluid Without Anti-freeze
Protection in Cold Weather: Operating your vehicle in
temperatures below 4 degrees C (40
degrees F) using washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection is dangerous
as it could cause impaired windshield
vision and result in an accident. In
cold weather, always use washer
fluid with anti-freeze protection.
NOTE
State or local regulations may restrict the use
of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which
are commonly used as anti-freeze agents in
washer fluid. A washer fluid with limited VOC
content should be used only if it provides
adequate freeze resistance for all regions and
climates in which the vehicle will be operated.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-25
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page353
Friday, August 31 2012 1:46 PM
Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Page 354 of 452
Black plate (354,1)
Inspect fluid level in the washer fluid
reservoir; add fluid if necessary.
Use plain water if washer fluid is
unavailable.
But use only washer fluid in cold weather
to prevent it from freezing.
Body Lubrication
All moving points of the body, such as
door and hood hinges and locks, should
be lubricated each time the engine oil is
changed. Use a nonfreezing lubricant on
locks during cold weather.
Make sure the hood's secondary latch
keeps the hood from opening when the
primary latch is released.
8-26
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page354
Friday, August 31 2012 1:46 PM
Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Page 368 of 452
Black plate (368,1)
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 connector from the bulbby 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.
8-40
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page368
Friday, August 31 2012 1:46 PM
Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Page 371 of 452

Black plate (371,1)
5. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
6. Install the new bulb in the reverse orderof the removal procedure.
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. Turn the socket and bulb assemblycounterclockwise and remove it. 5. Disconnect the bulb from the socket.
6. Install the new bulb in the reverse order
of 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 must be
replaced by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
LED bulb replacement is not possible because
it is built into the unit. Replace the unit.
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.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-43
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page371
Friday, August 31 2012 1:46 PM
Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Page 375 of 452

Black plate (375,1)
Fuses
Your vehicle's electrical system is
protected by fuses.
If any lights, accessories, or controls don't
work, inspect the appropriate circuit
protector. If a fuse has blown, the inside
element will be melted.
If the same fuse blows again, avoid using
that system and consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
qFuse Replacement
Replacing the fuses on the vehicle's left
side
If the electrical system does not work,
first inspect the fuses on the vehicle's left
side.
1. Make sure the ignition is switched off,
and other switches are off.
2. Remove the cover.
3. Pull the fuse straight out with the fuse puller provided on the inside of the
engine compartment fuse block cover.
Fuse puller
Fuse block cover
4. Inspect the fuse and replace it if it'sblown.
Normal Blown
5. Insert a new fuse of the same amperage
rating, and make sure it fits tightly. If it
does not fit tightly, have an expert
install it. We recommend an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If you have no spare fuses, borrow one
of the same rating from a circuit not
essential to vehicle operation, such as
the MIRROR or CIGAR circuit.
CAUTION
Always replace a fuse with one of the
same rating. Otherwise you may
damage the electric system.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-47
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page375
Friday, August 31 2012 1:46 PM
Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Page 377 of 452
Black plate (377,1)
qFuse Panel Description
Fuse block (Engine compartment)
DESCRIPTION FUSE
RATING PROTECTED COMPONENT
1 FAN 30 A Cooling fan
2 FAN 7.5 A Cooling fan
3 DEFOG 20 A Rear window defroster
4 H/CLEAN ――
5 ROOM 15 A Overhead lights, Luggage compartment light, For protection of
various circuits, Trunk opener
6 IG KEY2 15 A For protection of various circuits
7 HEATER 40 A Air conditioner
í
8 ABS 30 A ABS
9 FOG 15 A Front fog lightsí
10R.FOG ――
11 RHT L 30 A Power retractable hardtop (LH)í
12 RHT R 30 A Power retractable hardtop (RH)í
13MAG 7.5 A Air conditionerí
14ST 20 A Starter
15 TAIL 15 A Taillights, Parking lights, License plate lights, Illumination
16 ABS 40 A ABS
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-49íSome models.
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page377
Friday, August 31 2012 1:46 PM
Form No.8CM3-EA-12F