2016 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 Owners Manual (in English)

6–55
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
*Some models.
DESCRIPTIONFUSE RATINGPROTECTED COMPONENT
18A/C MAG7.5 AAir conditioner
19AT PUMP20 ATransmission control system*
20AT15 ATransmission control system*
21D LOCK25 APower door locks
22H/L RH20 AHeadlight (RH)
23ENGB27.5 AEngine control system
24TAIL20 ATaillights, License plate lights, Parking lights
25DRL15 A—
26ROOM25 AOverhead light
27FOG15 A—
28H/CLEAN20 A—
29STOP10 ABrake lights
30HORN15 AHorn
31H/L LH20 AHeadlight (LH)
32ABS/DSC S30 AABS, Dynamic stability control system
33HAZARD15 AHazard warning flashers, Turn signal lights
34FUEL PUMP15 AFuel system
35ENGB35 A—
36WIPER20 AWindshield wipers
37CABINB50 AFor protection of various circuits
38———
39———
40ABS/DSC M50 AABS, Dynamic stability control system
41EVVTA/R PUMP20 AEngine control system
42EVPS30 ABrake control system
43FAN130 ACooling fan
44FAN240 A—
45ENG.MAIN40 AEngine control system
46EPS60 APower steering system
47DEFOG30 ARear window defogger
48IG230 AFor protection of various circuits
49INJECTOR30 AEngine control system
50HEATER40 AAir conditioner
51———
52———
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6–56
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
*Some models.
Fuse block (Left side)
DESCRIPTIONFUSE RATINGPROTECTED COMPONENT
1RHT R30 A—
2RHT L30 A—
3———
4———
5F.OUTLET15 AAccessory sockets
6———
7AT IND7.5 AAT shift indicator*
8MIRROR7.5 APower control mirror
9R_DECK R30 A—
10R_DECK L30 A—
11F.WASHER15 AWindshield washer
12P.WINDOW30 APower windows
13———
14SRS2/ESCL15 A—
15SEAT WARM20 ASeat warmer*
16M.DEF7.5 AMirror defogger*
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6–57
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
The paintwork on your Mazda represents
the latest technical developments in
composition and methods of application.
Environmental hazards, however, can
harm the paint's protective properties, if
proper care is not taken.
Here are some examples of possible
damage, with tips on how to prevent them.
Etching Caused by Acid Rain or
Industrial Fallout
Occurrence
Industrial pollutants and vehicle emissions
drift into the air and mix with rain or dew
to form acids. These acids can settle on a
vehicle's finish. As the water evaporates,
the acid becomes concentrated and can
damage the finish.
And the longer the acid remains on the
surface, the greater the chance is for
damage.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These steps
should be taken immediately after you
suspect that acid rain has settled on your
vehicle's finish.
Damage Caused by Bird Dropping,
Insects, or Tree Sap
Occurrence
Bird droppings contain acids. If these
are not removed they can eat away the
clear and color base coat of the vehicle's
paintwork.
When insects stick to the paint surface and
decompose, corrosive compounds form.
These can erode the clear and color base
coat of the vehicle's paintwork if they are
not removed.
Tree sap will harden and adhere
permanently to the paint finish. If you
scratch the sap off while it is hard, some
vehicle paint could come off with it.
Prevention
It is necessary to have your Mazda washed
and waxed to preserve its finish according
to the instructions in this section. This
should be done as soon as possible.
Bird droppings can be removed with a soft
sponge and water. If you are traveling and
these are not available, a moistened tissue
may also take care of the problem. The
cleaned area should be waxed according to
the instructions in this section.
Insects and tree sap are best removed with
a soft sponge and water or a commercially
available chemical cleaner.
Another method is to cover the affected
area with dampened newspaper for one to
two hours. After removing the newspaper,
rinse off the loosened debris with water.
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6–58
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Water Marks
Occurrence
Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt and
lime. If moisture containing these minerals
settles on the vehicle and evaporates, the
minerals will concentrate and harden to
form white rings. The rings can damage
your vehicle's finish.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These steps
should be taken immediately after you find
water marks on your vehicle's finish.
Paint Chipping
Occurrence
Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown
in the air by another vehicle's tires hits
your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping
Keeping a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead reduces the chances
of having your paint chipped by flying
gravel.
NOTE
 The paint chipping zone varies with the
speed of the vehicle. For example, when
traveling at 90 km/h (56 mph), the paint
chipping zone is 50 m (164 ft). In low temperatures a vehicle's finish
hardens. This increases the chance of
paint chipping. Chipped paint can lead to rust forming
on your Mazda. Before this happens,
repair the damage by using Mazda
touch-up paint according to the
instructions in this section. Failure to
repair the affected area could lead to
serious rusting and expensive repairs.
Follow all label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
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6–59
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Maintaining the Finish
Washing
CAUTION
 When the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
 If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a
cloth. If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of the
windshield when the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is
switched ON as fingers could be pinched
or the wipers and wiper blades damaged
when the wipers activate automatically.
If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off
completely (when it is most likely
that the engine is left running) this is
particularly important when clearing ice
and snow.
 Do not spray water in the engine
compartment. Otherwise, it could result
in engine-starting problems or damage
to electrical parts. When washing and waxing the vehicle,
be careful not to apply excessive force
to any single area of the vehicle hood.
Otherwise, you could dent the vehicle.
 Do not use automatic car washing
machines and car washing devices using
high water pressure. Make sure that the fuel lid is closed
and lock the doors. Otherwise, the fuel
lid may be forcefully opened by water
pressure causing damage to the vehicle
or fuel lid.
To help protect the finish from rust
and deterioration, wash your Mazda
thoroughly and frequently, at least once a
month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here are
some examples of how scratching could
occur.
Scratches occur on the paint surface when:
 The vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign matter. The vehicle is washed with a rough, dry,
or dirty cloth. The vehicle is washed at a car wash that
uses brushes that are dirty or too stiff. Cleansers or wax containing abrasives
are used.
NOTE
 Mazda is not responsible for scratches
caused by automatic car washes or
improper washing. Scratches are more noticeable on
vehicles with darker paint finishes.
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6–60
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
 Rinse off any dirt or other foreign matter
using lukewarm or cold water before
washing. Use plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth. Rub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle. Take your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained. Do not use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
CAUTION
Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may damage the
protective coating; also, cleaners and
detergents may discolor or deteriorate
the paint.
Pay special attention to removing salt, dirt,
mud, and other foreign material from the
underside of the fenders, and make sure
the drain holes in the lower edges of the
doors and rocker panels are clean.
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits
can damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Do not allow
soap to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
WARNING
Dry off brakes that have become
wet by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.
Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for
metallic, mica, and solid colors.
3. When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take off
the wax. Rewax these areas even if the rest
of the vehicle does not need it.
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6–61
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Repairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced,
make sure the body shop applies anti-
corrosion materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.
Bright-Metal Maintenance
 Use tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool. To prevent corrosion on bright-
metal surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster. During cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
CAUTION
Do not use steel wool, abrasive
cleaners, or strong detergents
containing highly alkaline or caustic
agents on chrome-plated or anodized
aluminum parts. This may result in
damage to the protective coating
and cause discoloration or paint
deterioration.
Underbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and wheel
housings with lukewarm or cold water at
the end of each winter. Try also to do this
every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt.
It will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped there
will cause rusting.
WARNING
Dry off brakes that have become
wet by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
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6–62
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
CAUTION
Do not use any detergent other than
mild detergent. Before using any
detergent, verify the ingredients.
Otherwise, the product could discolor
or stain the aluminum wheels.
NOTE
 Do not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent
on aluminum wheels. They may damage
the coating. Always use a sponge or soft cloth to
clean the wheels.
Rinse the wheels thoroughly with
lukewarm or cold water. Also, be sure
to clean the wheels after driving on
dusty or salted roads to help prevent
corrosion.
Convertible Top Maintenance
The convertible top is made of a special
high-grade material, but if it's not taken
good care of, hardening, staining, and
loss of luster will result. Maintain it under
these guidelines.
Washing
Do not wait until the convertible top gets
really dirty before cleaning it. Dirt that's
there too long will cause deterioration.
1. Before washing, remove dust and
coarse particulate with a soft brush.
2. Gently clean the convertible top with
a synthetic neutral detergent, lots of
water, and a soft brush.
3. Rinse it thoroughly with clean water to
remove all the soap.
4. Wipe it as dry as you can before the
water dries on it.
5. Then allow it to dry completely before
lowering it.
CAUTION
 Automatic and high-pressure car washes
are harmful to a convertible top. Avoid
them. Do not spray water directly on the
area where the window glass and
the convertible top meet. This would
probably cause water to enter the cabin. Do not spray water directly on the seam
area of the body and the convertible top
as it could result in water penetrating the
cabin and trunk.
 Some leather treatment products can
ruin the convertible top's gloss. Be careful
of the one you choose. Test on an inconspicuous, small corner of
the convertible top if you are not sure. Do not wipe the convertible top using
alcohol, chlorine bleach, or organic
solvents such as thinner, benzene, or
gasoline. Otherwise, they may cause
discoloration or stains.
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