3–1*Some models.
3Before Driving
Use of various features, including keys, doors, mirrors and windows.
Keys ......................................................3-2
Keys ...............................................3-2
Keyless Entry System ....................3-3
Advanced Keyless Entry System .......3-8
Advanced Keyless Entry
System* ...........................................3-8
Operational Range .........................3-9
Doors and Locks ................................3-10
Door Locks ...................................3-10
Trunk Lid .....................................3-18
Inside Trunk Release Lever* ........3-20
Fuel and Emission .............................3-22
Fuel and Engine Exhaust
Precautions ...................................3-22
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap ................3-25
Steering Wheel...................................3-27
Steering Wheel .............................3-27
Mirrors ...............................................3-28
Mirrors .........................................3-28
Windows .............................................3-31
Power Windows ...........................3-31
Convertible Top (Soft Top) ...............3-34
Convertible Top (Soft Top) ..........3-34
Security System .................................3-39
Modification and Add-On
Equipment ....................................3-39
Immobilizer System .....................3-39
Theft-Deterrent System ................3-41
Driving Tips .......................................3-43
Break-In Period ............................3-43
Saving Fuel and Protection of the
Environment .................................3-43
Hazardous Driving .......................3-44
Floor Mat .....................................3-44
Rocking the Vehicle .....................3-45
Winter Driving .............................3-45
Driving In Flooded Area ..............3-47
Overloading ..................................3-47
Driving on Uneven Road .............3-48
Towing ................................................3-49
Trailer Towing ..............................3-49
Recreational Towing ....................3-49
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 12015/03/10 9:54:36
3–3
Before Driving
Keys
NOTE
The driver must carry the key to ensure
the system functions properly. Always keep a spare key in case one
is lost. If a key is lost, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
Auxiliary ke y
T ransmitter
Ke y code number plate
To use the auxiliary key, press the knob
and pull out the key (transmitter).
Knob
Keyless Entry System
This system uses the key buttons to
remotely lock and unlock the doors and
the fuel-filler lid, and opens the trunk lid.
The system can start the engine without
having to take the key out of your purse or
pocket.
It can also help you signal for attention.
Operating the theft-deterrent system is
also possible on theft-deterrent system-
equipped vehicles.
Press the buttons slowly and carefully.
System malfunctions or warnings are
indicated by the following warning lights
or beeps.
KEY Warning Light (Red)
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-16. Ignition Not Switched Off (STOP)
Warning Beep
Refer to Ignition Not Switched Off
(STOP) Warning Beep on page 7-46. Key Removed from Vehicle Warning
Beep
Refer to Key Removed from Vehicle
Warning Beep on page 7-46.
If you have a problem with the key,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If your key is lost or stolen, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible for a replacement and to make the
lost or stolen key inoperative.
CAUTION
Radio equipment like this is governed
by laws in the United States.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 32015/03/10 9:54:36
3–4
Before Driving
Keys
NOTE
The keyless entry system operation may
vary due to local conditions. The keyless entry system is fully
operational (door/fuel-filler lid lock/
unlock) when the ignition is switched
off. The system does not operate if the
ignition is switched to any position
other than off. If the key does not operate when
pressing a button or the operational
range becomes too small, the battery
may be dead. To install a new battery,
refer to Key Battery Replacement (page
6-38). Battery life is about one year. Replace
the battery with a new one if the KEY
indicator light (green) flashes in the
instrument cluster. Replacing the battery
about once a year is recommended
because the KEY warning light/
indicator light may not illuminate or
flash depending on the rate of battery
depletion.
Additional keys can be obtained at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to
6 keys can be used with the keyless
functions per vehicle. Bring all keys
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer when
additional keys are required.
Transmitter
Operation b uttons
Operation indicator light
NOTE
The headlights turn on/off by operating
the transmitter. Refer to Leaving Home
Light System on page 4-39. (With theft-deterrent system)
The hazard warning lights flash when
the theft-deterrent system is armed or
turned off.
Refer to Theft-Deterrent System on page
3-41. (With the advanced keyless function)
A beep sound can be heard for
confirmation when the doors and the
fuel-filler lid are locked/unlocked using
the key. If you prefer, the beep sound
can be turned off.
The volume of the beep sound can also
be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.
Use the following procedure to change
the setting.
1. Switch the ignition off and close
both of the doors and the trunk lid.
2. Open the driver's door.
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 42015/03/10 9:54:36
3–8
Before Driving
Advanced Keyless Entry System
*Some models.
Advanced Keyless Entry
System*
WARNING
Radio waves from the key may affect
medical devices such as pacemakers:
Before using the key near people who
use medical devices, ask the medical
device manufacturer or your physician
if radio waves from the key will affect
the device.
The advanced keyless function allows you
to lock/unlock the door , or open the trunk
lid while carrying the key.
System malfunctions or warnings are
indicated by the following warning lights
or beeps.
Request switch Inoperable Warning
Beep
Refer to Request Switch Inoperable
Warning Beep (With the advanced
keyless function) on page 7-47. Key Left-in-Trunk Warning Beep
Refer to Key Left-in-luggage
Compartment Warning Beep (With the
advanced keyless function) on page
7-47. Key Left-in-vehicle Warning Beep
Refer to Key Left-in-vehicle Warning
Beep (With the advanced keyless
function) on page 7-47.
NOTE
The advanced keyless entry system
functions can be deactivated to prevent
any possible adverse effect on a user
wearing a pacemaker or other medical
device. If the system is deactivated, you
will be unable to start the engine by
carrying the key. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer for details. If the advanced
keyless entry system has been deactivated,
you can start the engine by following the
procedure indicated when the key battery
goes dead.
Refer to Engine Start Function When Key
Battery is Dead on page 4-6.
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 82015/03/10 9:54:37
3–9
Before Driving
Advanced Keyless Entry System
Operational Range
The system operates only when the driver
is in the vehicle or within operational
range while the key is being carried.
NOTE
When the battery power is low, or in
places where there are high-intensity radio
waves or noise, the operational range
may become narrower or the system may
not operate. For determining battery
replacement, Refer to Keyless Entry
System on page 3-3.
Locking, Unlocking the Doors
80cm (31in)
80cm (31in) Exterior antenna
Operational range
NOTE
The system may not operate if you are too
close to the windows or door handles.
Opening the Trunk Lid
80cm (31in)
Exterior antenna
Operational range
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 92015/03/10 9:54:38
3–14
Before Driving
Doors and Locks
(With theft-deterrent system)
The hazard warning lights flash when
the theft-deterrent system is armed or
turned off.
Refer to Theft-Deterrent System on page
3-41. The setting can be changed so that the
doors and the fuel-filler lid are locked
automatically without pressing the
request switch.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.
(Auto-lock function)
A beep sound is heard when both doors
are closed while the advanced key
is being carried. Both doors and the
fuel-filler lid are locked automatically
after about three seconds when the
advanced key is out of the operational
range. Also, the hazard warning lights
flash once. (Even if the driver is in the
operational range, both doors and the
fuel-filler lid are locked automatically
after about 30 seconds.) If you are out
of the operational range before the
doors and the trunk lid are completely
closed or another key is left in the
vehicle, the auto-lock function will not
work. Always make sure that both doors
and the trunk lid are closed and locked
before leaving the vehicle. The auto-
lock function does not close the power
windows.
Auto re-lock function
After unlocking with the request
switch, both doors and the fuel-filler
lid will automatically lock if any of the
following operations are not performed
within about 60 seconds. If your
vehicle has a theft-deterrent system,
the hazard warning lights will flash for
confirmation.
The time required for the doors to lock
automatically can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.
Opening a door or the trunk lid. Switching the ignition to any position
other than off.
Locking, Unlocking with
Transmitter
Both doors and the fuel-filler lid can be
locked/unlocked by operating the keyless
entry system transmitter, refer to Keyless
Entry System (page 3-3).
Locking, Unlocking with Door-
Lock Switch
Both doors and the fuel-filler lid lock
automatically when the lock side is
pressed. They unlock when the unlock side
is pressed.
Driver's door
Unlock
Lock
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 142015/03/10 9:54:39
3–41
Before Driving
Security System
Theft-Deterrent System
If the theft deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle,
which could result in the vehicle or its
contents being stolen, the alarm alerts the
surrounding area of an abnormality by
sounding the horn and flashing the hazard
warning lights.
The system will not function unless it's
properly armed. So when you leave the
vehicle, follow the arming procedure
correctly.
Operation
System triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights flash for about 30
seconds when the system is triggered by
any one of the following:
Unlocking a door with the key, door
lock switch, or an inside door-lock knob. Forcing open a door, the hood or the
trunk lid. Opening the hood by operating the hood
release handle. Switching the ignition ON without using
the push button start.
If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until the driver's
door is unlocked with the transmitter.
(With advanced key)
The lights and horn can also be
deactivated by pressing the request switch
on a door.
NOTE
The trunk lid does not open while the
theft-deterrent system is operating. If the battery goes dead while the theft-
deterrent system is armed, the horn will
activate and the hazard warning lights
will flash when the battery is charged or
replaced.
How to Arm the System
1. Close the windows and the convertible
top securely.
2. Switch the ignition OFF.
3. Make sure the hood, the doors, and the
trunk lid are closed.
4. Press the lock button on the transmitter
or lock the driver's door from the
outside with the auxiliary key.
The hazard warning lights will flash
once.
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
Press the door-lock switch “” while
any door is open and then close both of
the doors.
(With the advanced keyless function)
Press a request switch.
The security indicator light in the
instrument panel flashes twice per
second for 20 seconds.
5. After 20 seconds, the system is fully
armed.
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 412015/03/10 9:54:46
4–2
When Driving
Start/Stop Engine
Ignition Switch
Push Button Start Positions
The system operates only when the key is
within operational range.
Each time the push button start is pressed,
the ignition switches in the order of off,
ACC, and ON. Pressing the push button
start again from ON switches the ignition
off.
Indicator light
NOTE
The engine starts by pressing the push
button start while depressing the clutch
pedal (manual transmission) or the
brake pedal (automatic transmission).
To switch the ignition position, press the
push button start without depressing the
pedal. Do not leave the ignition switched
ON while the engine is not running.
Doing so could result in the battery
going dead. If the ignition is left in
ACC (For automatic transmission, the
selector lever is in the P position, and
the ignition is in ACC), the ignition
switches off automatically after about
25 minutes.
Off
The power supply to electrical devices
turns off and the push button start indicator
light (amber) also turns off.
In this position the steering wheel is
locked.
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the selector lever
is in P (automatic transmission) or in 1st
gear or R (manual transmission):
Leaving the driver's seat without
switching the ignition off, setting the
parking brake, and shifting the selector
lever to P (automatic transmission) or
to 1st gear or R (manual transmission)
is dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur which could
result in an accident.
In addition, if your intention is to leave
the vehicle for even a short period, it
is important to switch the ignition off,
as leaving it in another position will
disable some of the vehicle's security
systems and run the battery down.
ACC (Accessory)
Some electrical accessories will operate
and the indicator light (amber) illuminates.
NOTE
The keyless entry system does not function
while the push button start has been
pressed to ACC, and the doors will not
lock/unlock even if they have been locked
manually.
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 22015/03/10 9:54:48