Black plate (158,1)
qTransmission Ranges
The shift lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transmission and prevents the
rear wheels from rotating.
WARNING
Always set the shift lever to P and set
the parking brake:
Only setting the shift lever to the P
position without using the parking
brake to hold the vehicle is
dangerous. If P fails to hold, the
vehicle could move and cause an
accident.
CAUTION
ØShifting into P, N or R while the
vehicle is moving can damage
your transmission.
Ø Shifting into a driving gear or
reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transmission.
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except under
rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-8).
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transmission are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
WARNING
If the engine is running faster than idle,
do not shift from N or P into a driving
gear:
It's dangerous to shift from N or P
into a driving gear when the engine
is running faster than idle. If this is
done, the vehicle could move
suddenly, causing an accident or
serious injury.
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle: Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury.
CAUTION
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause
transmission damage.
NOTE
Apply the parking brake or depress the brake
pedal before moving the shift lever from N to
prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transmission will automatically
shift through a 6-gear sequence.
Temporary use of the direct mode is
possible.
Refer to Direct Mode on page 5-19.
M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the shift lever or steering shift
switches.
Refer to Manual Shift Mode (page 5-15).
5-14
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page158
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Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Black plate (184,1)
qEngine Oil Pressure Gauge
Normal range
Engine oil pressure is normal when the
engine oil pressure gauge needle points
within the normal range.
If the needle on the gauge doesn't move
after starting the engine, follow steps 1
through 3.
If the engine oil pressure gauge moves to
L (low) while you are driving, drive to the
side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Set the parking brake. Then follow
steps 1 through 3.
1. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-21). If it's low,
add oil.
2. Start the engine.
3. If the needle still doesn't move, have your vehicle checked at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the oil
pressure is low. It could result in
extensive engine damage.
qDashboard Illumination
When the exterior lights are on, rotate the
knob to adjust the brightness of the
dashboard illumination.
Dim
Bright
NOTE
This symbol () indicates the knob to adjust
the brightness of the dashboard illumination.
5-40
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page184
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Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Black plate (187,1)
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 switched
to START or ON. 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 8-24).
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.
qMalfunction Warning Light
When the ignition is switched ON, the
malfunction warning light illuminates and
then turns off after a few seconds.
The light stays on if the brake switch has
a malfunction. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-43
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Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Black plate (200,1)
qLights-On Reminder
If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a continuous
beep sound will be heard when the
driver's door is opened.
NOTE
When the advanced keyless function is used
and the start knob is in the ACC position, the
Start Knob Not in Lock Warning Beep (page
3-19) overrides the lights-on reminder.
qHeadlight High-Low Beam
Press the lever forward to turn on the high
beams.
Pull the lever back to its original position
for the low beams.
High beam
Low beam
q Flashing the Headlights
To flash the headlights, pull the lever fully
towards you (the headlight switch does
not need to be on). The lever will return to
the normal position when released.
OFF
Flashing
qDaytime Running Lights (Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition is
switched ON.
NOTE
The Daytime Running Lights turn off when the
parking brake is applied.
5-56
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Black plate (271,1)
WARNING
Do not adjust the portable audio unit
or a similar product while driving the
vehicle:Adjusting the portable audio unit or
a similar product while driving the
vehicle is dangerous as it could
distract your attention from the
vehicle operation which could lead to
a serious accident. Always adjust the
portable audio unit or a similar
product while the vehicle is stopped.
Do not allow the connection plug cord
to get tangled with the parking brake
or the shift lever: Allowing the plug cord to become
tangled with the parking brake or
the shift lever is dangerous as it
could interfere with driving, resulting
in an accident.
CAUTION
Depending on the portable audio
device, noise may occur when using
the device with it connected to the
accessory socket equipped on the
vehicle. (If noise occurs, do not use
the accessory socket.) NOTE
lBefore using the auxiliary jack, read the
manufacturer's instructions for the product
being connected.
lUse a commercially-available, non-
impedance (3.5
) stereo mini plug for
connecting the portable audio unit to the
auxiliary jack. Before using the auxiliary
jack, read the manufacturer's instructions
for connecting a portable audio unit to the
auxiliary jack.
lTo prevent discharging of the battery, do
not use the auxiliary input for long periods
with the engine off or idling.
lNoise may occur depending on the product
connected to the auxiliary jack.
lWith regard to connecting a portable audio
or similar device to a power source, use the
battery for the device, not the accessory
socket.
lInsert the plug to the auxiliary jack
securely.
lInsert or remove the plug with the plug
perpendicular to the auxiliary jack hole.
lInsert or remove the plug by holding its
base.
To listen to a portable audio unit
1. Switch the ignition to ACC or ON.
2. Insert the connection plug into the auxiliary jack.
3. Press the power/volume dial to turn the audio system on.
Interior Comfort
Audio System
6-59
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Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Black plate (306,1)
NOTElThe tire sealant cannot be reused. Purchase
new tire sealant at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
lThe emergency flat tire repair kit cannot be
used in the following cases.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lThe period of effective use for the tire
sealant has expired. (The period of
effectiveness is indicated on the bottle
label.)
lThe tear or puncture exceeds about
4 mm (0.16 in).
lThe damage has occurred to an area of
the tire other than the tread.
lThe vehicle has been driven with nearly
no air remaining in the tire.
lThe tire has come off the wheel rim.lDamage to the wheel rim has occurred.lThe tire has two or more punctures.
qUsing the IMS Emergency Flat
Tire Repair Kit
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-
way and set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher. 4. Unload passengers and luggage, and
remove the emergency flat tire repair
kit.
5. Shake the tire sealant well.
CAUTION
If the bottle is shaken after the
injection hose is screwed on, tire
sealant could spray out from the
injection hose. Tire sealant
contacting clothing or other objects
may be impossible to remove. Shake
the bottle before screwing on the
injection hose.
7-8
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
MX-5_8CM3-EA-12F_Edition2 Page306
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Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Black plate (311,1)
Changing a Tire
WARNING
Be sure to follow the directions for
changing a tire:Changing a tire is dangerous if not
done properly. The vehicle can slip off
the jack and seriously injure
someone. No person should place
any portion of their body under a
vehicle that is supported by a jack.
Never allow anyone inside a vehicle
supported by a jack: Allowing someone to remain in a
vehicle supported by a jack is
dangerous. The occupant could cause
the vehicle to fall resulting in serious
injury.
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
The 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
lMake sure the jack is well lubricated before
using it.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
lBe sure to register the tire pressure sensor
ID signal code whenever tires or wheels are
changed (page 5-34).
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of- way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, and tool (page 7-5).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the tire to be changed. When blocking
a wheel, place a tire block both in front
and behind the tire.
NOTE
When blocking a tire, use rocks or wood blocks
of sufficient size if possible to hold the tire in
place.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-13
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Form No.8CM3-EA-12F
Black plate (317,1)
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
Switch the ignition to off 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.
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:
Do not 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 reservoir level.
If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
7-19
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Form No.8CM3-EA-12F