2016 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 check engine light

6–10
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Maintenance Interval
Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months4812162024283236404448
×1000 km81624324048566472808896
×1000 miles51015202530354045505560
Bolts and nuts on chassis and bodyTT
Exhaust system and heat shieldsInspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years.
All locks and hingesLLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid levelIIIIIIIIIIII
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed)*6Inspect annually.
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.R: ReplaceC: CleanT: TightenL: LubricateD: Drain
Remarks:
*1 Engine oil flexible maintenance is available for U.S.A. and Puerto Rico residents whose vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions apply.
 Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation such as police car, taxi or driving school car Driving in dusty conditions
If any do apply, follow fixed maintenance. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year or within 16,000 km (10,000 miles) since last engine oil and filter change. The system must be reset whenever replacing the engine oil regardless of the message/wrench indicator light display.*2 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Using engine \
coolant other than FL-22 may cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.*3 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perfor\
m maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliabi\
lity.*4 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed\
so that the system operates normally (if equipped).*5 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.*6 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.
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7–27
If Trouble Arises
Overheating
Overheating
If the high engine coolant temperature
warning light illuminates, 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 either 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 high engine coolant temperature
warning light illuminates:
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 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 level.
If it is low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
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7–34
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
SignalWarning
Electronic Brake Force Distribution System Warning
If the electronic brake force distribution control unit determines that \
some components are operating incorrectly, the control unit may illuminate the brake system warning light and the ABS warning light simultaneously. The problem is likely to be the electronic brake force distribution system.
WARNING
Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the brakes inspected as soon as possible:Driving when the brake system warning light and ABS warning light are illuminated simultaneously is dangerous.When both lights are illuminated, the rear wheels could lock more quickly in an emergency stop than under normal circumstances.
Charging System Warning Light
If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfuncti\
on of the alternator or of the charging system.Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated because the engine could stop unexpectedly.
Engine Oil Warning Light
This warning light indicates low engine oil pressure.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil pressure is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive engine damage.If the light illuminates or the warning indication is displayed while dr\
iving:
1.Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way on level ground.2.Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil p\
an.3.Inspect the engine oil level 6-28. If it's low, add the appropriate amount of engine oil while being careful not to overfill.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil level is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive engine damage.4.Start the engine and check the warning light.
If the light remains illuminated even though the oil level is normal or \
after adding oil, stop the engine immediately and have your vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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7–36
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.
SignalWarning
Electric Vacuum Pump Warning Light
The light turns on if the electric vacuum pump system has a problem. Hav\
e your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
ABS Warning Light
If the ABS warning light stays on while you're driving, the ABS control unit has detected a system malfunction. If this occurs, your brakes will function normally a\
s if the vehicle had no ABS.Should this happen, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it is the result of the weak battery and does not indicate an ABS malfunction.Recharge the battery.The brake assist system does not operate while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
Check Engine Light
If this light illuminates while driving, the vehicle may have a problem.\
It is important to note the driving conditions when the light illuminated and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.The check engine light may illuminate in the following cases:
The fuel tank level being very low or approaching empty.The engine's electrical system has a problem.The emission control system has a problem.The fuel-filler cap is missing or not tightened securely.If the check engine light remains on, or it flashes continuously , do not drive at high speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Automatic Transmission Warning Light*
The light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.
CAUTION
If the automatic transmission warning light illuminates, the transmission has an electrical problem. Continuing to drive your Mazda in this condition could cause damage to your transmission. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light
A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly illuminates or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not operate in an accident.
WARNING
Never tamper with the air bag/pretensioner systems and always have an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform all servicing and repairs:Self-servicing or tampering with the systems is dangerous. An air bag/pretensioner could accidentally activate or become disabled causing serious injury or death.
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7–37
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.
SignalWarning
(Flashing)Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light*
If the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tire press\
ure warning light flashes for about 1 minute when the ignition is switched ON and then continues illuminating. Have your vehicle checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire pressure warning beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle speed immediately and avoid sudden maneuvering and braking:If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire pressure warning beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at high speeds, or perform sudden maneuvering or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen and result in an accident.To determine if you have a slow leak or a flat, pull over to a safe position where you can check the visual condition of the tire and determine if you have enough air to proceed to a place where air may be added and the system monitored again by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a tire repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:Ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous, even if you know why it is illuminated. Have the problem taken care of as soon as possible before it develops into a more serious situation that could lead to tire failure and a dangerous accident.
(Red)(Illuminate)KEY Warning Light
If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry system, it illuminates co\
ntinuously.
CAUTION
If the key warning indicator light illuminates or the push button start indicator light (amber) flashes, the engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it using the emergency operation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4-7.
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7–39
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
Taking Action
Take the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off.
SignalWarningAction to be taken
Low Fuel Warning Light
The light turns on when the remaining fuel is about 9.0 L (2.3 US gal, 1.9 Imp gal).
NOTE
The light illumination timing may vary because fuel inside the fuel tank moves around according to the driving conditions and the vehicle posture.
Add fuel.
Check Fuel Cap Warning Light
If the check fuel cap warning light illuminates while driving, the fuel-filler cap may not be installed properly.
Stop the engine and reinstall the fuel-filler cap.Refer to Fuel-Filler Cap on page 3-26
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