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
3–7
Before Driving
Keys
NOTE
The panic button will work whether any
door or the trunk lid is open or closed.
(Turning on the alarm)
Pressing the panic button for 1 second or
more will trigger the alarm for about 2
minutes and 30 seconds, and the following
will occur:
The horn sounds intermittently. The hazard warning lights flash.
(Turning off the alarm)
The alarm stops by pressing any button on
the key.
Operational Range
The system operates only when the driver
is in the vehicle or within operational
range while the key is being carried.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Starting the engine may be possible
even if the key is outside of the vehicle
and extremely close to a door and
window, however, always start the
engine from the driver's seat.
If the vehicle is started and the key
is not in the vehicle, the vehicle will
not restart after it is shut off and the
ignition is switched to off. The trunk is out of the assured
operational range, however, if the key
(transmitter) is operable the engine will
start.
With the advanced keyless function
Interior antenna
Operational range
Without the advanced keyless function
Operational range
Interior antenna
NOTE
The engine may not start if the key is
placed in the following areas:
Around the dashboard In the storage compartments
Key Suspend Function
If a key is left in the vehicle, the
functions of the key left in the vehicle are
temporarily suspended to prevent theft of
the vehicle.
To restore the functions, press the unlock
button on the functions-suspended key in
the vehicle.
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 72015/03/10 9:54:37
3–24
Before Driving
Fuel and Emission
Engine Exhaust (Carbon monoxide)
WARNING
Do not drive your vehicle if you smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle:
Engine exhaust gas is dangerous. This gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless, odorless, and poisonous. When inhaled, it can cause loss of consciousness and
death. If you smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, keep all windows fully open and contact
an Authorized Mazda Dealer immediately.
Do not run the engine when inside an enclosed area:
Running the engine inside an enclosed area, such as a garage, is dangerous. Exhaust
gas, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could easily enter the cabin. Loss of
consciousness or even death could occur.
Open the windows or adjust the heating or cooling system to draw fresh air when
idling the engine:
Exhaust gas is dangerous. When the vehicle is stopped with the windows closed and
the engine running for a long time even in an open area, exhaust gas, which contains
poisonous carbon monoxide, could enter the cabin. Loss of consciousness or even death
could occur.
Clear snow from underneath and around your vehicle, particularly the tail pipe, before
starting the engine:
Running the engine when a vehicle is stopped in deep snow is dangerous. The exhaust
pipe could be blocked by the snow, allowing exhaust gas to enter the cabin. Because
exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide, it could cause loss of consciousness or
even death to occupants in the cabin.
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 242015/03/10 9:54:41
3–42
Before Driving
Security System
NOTE
The theft deterrent system can also be
armed by activating the auto relock
function with both the doors, the trunk
lid and the hood closed.
Refer to Transmitter on page 3-4. The system will disarm if one of the
following operations takes place within
20 seconds after pressing the lock
button:
Unlocking any door. Opening any door. Opening the hood. Switching the ignition ON.
To rearm the system, do the arming
procedure again. When the doors are locked by pressing
the lock button on the transmitter
or using the auxiliary key while the
theft-deterrent system is armed, the
hazard warning lights will flash once to
indicate that the system is armed.
To Turn Off an Armed System
An armed system can be turned off using
any one of the following methods:
Pressing the unlock button on the
transmitter. Starting the engine with the push button
start. (With the advanced keyless function)
Pressing a request switch on the doors.
The hazard warning lights will flash twice.
NOTE
When the doors are unlocked by pressing
the unlock button on the transmitter while
the theft-deterrent system is turned off, the
hazard warning lights will flash twice to
indicate that the system is turned off.
To Stop the Alarm
A triggered alarm can be turned off using
any one of the following methods:
Pressing the unlock button on the
transmitter. Starting the engine with the push button
start. (With the advanced keyless function)
Pressing a request switch on the doors. Pressing the electric trunk lid opener
while the key is being carried.
The hazard warning lights will flash twice.
Theft-Deterrent Labels
A label indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System is
in the console box.
Mazda recommends that you affix it to the
lower rear corner of a front door window.
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 422015/03/10 9:54:46
3–43
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a
few precautions in the first 1,000 km
(600 miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of the vehicle.
Do not race the engine. Do not maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time. Do not drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods of
time. Avoid unnecessary hard stops. Avoid full-throttle starts.
Saving Fuel and
Protection of the
Environment
How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save fuel and
reduce CO2.
Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving. Avoid fast starts. Drive at lower speeds. Anticipate when to apply the brakes
(avoid sudden braking). Follow the maintenance schedule
(page 6-4) and have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer perform inspections and
servicing. Use the air conditioner only when
necessary. Slow down on rough roads. Keep the tires properly inflated. Do not carry unnecessary weight. Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving. Keep the wheels in correct alignment. Keep windows closed at high speeds. Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
WARNING
Never stop the engine when going down
a hill:
Stopping the engine when going
down a hill is dangerous. This causes
the loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident.
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 432015/03/10 9:54:46
4–1*Some models.
4When Driving
Information concerning safe driving and stopping.
Start/Stop Engine ................................4-2
Ignition Switch ...............................4-2
Starting the Engine .........................4-3
Turning the Engine Off ..................4-8
Instrument Cluster and Display ........4-9
Meters and Gauges .........................4-9
Warning/Indicator Lights .............4-16
Transmission ......................................4-21
Manual Transmission
Operation ......................................4-21
Automatic Transmission
Controls ........................................4-24
Switches and Controls ......................4-35
Lighting Control ...........................4-35
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ....4-40
Windshield Wipers and Washer ...4-41
Rear Window Defogger ...............4-45
Horn .............................................4-46
Hazard Warning Flasher ...............4-46
HomeLink Wireless Control
System* .........................................4-47
Brake ..................................................4-51
Brake System ...............................4-51
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)* ...........4-53
ABS/TCS/DSC ...................................4-55
Antilock Brake System (ABS) .....4-55
Traction Control System (TCS) ...4-56
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ...4-57
Fuel Economy Monitor .....................4-59
Fuel Economy Monitor* ...............4-59
Drive Selection ...................................4-61
Drive Selection* ...........................4-61
Power Steering...................................4-63
Power Steering .............................4-63
i-ACTIVSENSE.................................4-64
i-ACTIVSENSE*..........................4-64
Adaptive Front Lighting System
(AFS)* ..........................................4-65
High Beam Control System
(HBC)*..........................................4-66
Lane Departure Warning System
(LDWS)* ......................................4-69
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
System* .........................................4-74
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA)* .......................................4-81
Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC)* ...........................................4-84
Radar Sensors (Rear)* ..................4-87
Cruise Control ...................................4-89
Cruise Control* .............................4-89
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ....4-93
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System* .........................................4-93
MX-5_8EU4-EA-15D_Edition1.indb 12015/03/10 9:54:47
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
4–3
When Driving
Start/Stop Engine
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The indicator light
(amber) turns off. (The indicator light
(amber) illuminates when the ignition
is switched ON and the engine is not
running.)
Some indicator lights/warning lights
should be inspected before the engine is
started (page 4-16).
NOTE
When the push button start is pressed to
ON, the sound of the fuel pump motor
operating near the fuel tank can be heard.
This does not indicate an abnormality.
Starting the Engine
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.
NOTE
The key must be carried because the key
carries an immobilizer chip that must
communicate with the engine controls at
short range. The engine can be started when the
push button start is pressed from off,
ACC, or ON. The push button start system functions
(function which can start the engine
by only carrying the key) 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 push button
start system functions have 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 32015/03/10 9:54:48