2017 MAZDA MX5 MIATA ignition

7 –24 If Trouble Arises
Battery Runs Out
CAUTION Use only a 12 V booster system. You can damage a 12 V starter, ignition system, and other
electrical parts beyond repair with a 24 V power supply (two 12 V batteries in series or a
24 V motor generator set). Jumper cables
Booster battery Discharged battery
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 24 2016/08/11 20:30:00

7 –27 If Trouble Arises
Overheating
OverheatingIf the high engine coolant temperature
warning light turns on, the vehicle loses
power, or you hear a loud knocking or
pinging noise, the engine is probably too
hot.
WARNING Pull over to a safe location, then
switch the ignition 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 turns on:
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.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 27 2016/08/11 20:30:01

7 –33 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
If a Warning Light Turns On or FlashesIf any warning light turns on/flashes, take appropriate action f or each light. There is no
problem if the light turns off, however if the light does not turn off or turns on/flashes again,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
(Vehicles with type B audio)
The warning contents can be verified on the center display.
1. If the warning light is turned on, select icon on the home screen to display the
application screen.
2. Select “Vehicle Status Monitor”.
3. Select “Warning Guidance” to display the current warnings.
4. Select the applicable warning to view the warning details.
Stop Vehicle in Safe Place ImmediatelyIf any of the following warning lights turns on, the system may have a malfunction. Stop the
vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Signal Warning
Brake System Warning
Light This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning/Warning light inspection
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 brake warning light remains illuminated even though the parking brake is
released, the brake fluid may be low or there could be a problem with the brake system.
Park the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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.
CAUTION In addition, the effectiveness of the braking may diminish so you may need to
depress the brake pedal more strongly than normal to stop the vehicle.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 33 2016/08/11 20:30:02

7 –37 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
Automatic
Transmission
Indication/Warning
Light *
The indication/light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.
CAUTION If the automatic transmission warning indication/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.
(Illuminate)
TCS/DSC Indicator
Light If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or the brake assist system may have a malfunction and
they may not operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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.
(Flashing)
Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
Warning Light *
If the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tire pressure warning light
flashes. 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.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 37 2016/08/11 20:30:03

7 –38 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
(Red)
KEY Warning
Indication *
“Keyless System malfunction” is displayed
This message is displayed if the advanced keyless entry & push button start system has a
problem.
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION If the message is indicated, 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 4-9 .
(Amber)
KEY Warning
Indication *
“Ignition is on” is displayed
This message is displayed when the driver's door is opened without switching the ignition
off.
“Key not detected” is displayed
This message is displayed when any of the following operations is performed with the key
out of the operational range or placed in areas inside the cabi n where it is difficult for the
key to be detected. 
The push button start is pressed with the ignition switched off 
The ignition is switched on 
All doors are closed without switching the ignition off
(Red)
(Illuminate)
KEY Warning
Light *
If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry system, it illuminates continuously.
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 4-9 .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 38 2016/08/11 20:30:04

7 –39 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
(Illuminate)
Lane Departure
Warning System
(LDWS) Warning
Indication/Warning
Light *

The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. 
The LDWS does not operate when the warning indication/warning light illuminates.
CAUTION 
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions. Have your
vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

When the warning indication/warning light illuminates while driving the vehicle.
When the system is canceled automatically, the warning indication/warning
light illuminates. Normally, the system restores automatically and the warning
indication/warning light turns off, however, if the warning indication/warning light
illuminates, there may be a problem with the system.

The warning indication/warning light does not illuminate when the ignition is
switched ON.

Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same
manufacture, brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with significantly
different wear patterns on the same vehicle. If such improper tires are used, the LDWS
may not operate normally.

When an emergency spare tire is used, the system may not operate normally.
NOTE If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or
obstructed, the light turns on temporarily. If the light remains turned on, there may be a
problem with the system.
(Amber)
High Beam Control
System (HBC)
Warning Indication/
Warning Light *
The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or
obstructed, the warning indication/warning light illuminates temporarily. If the warning
indication/warning light illuminates, there may be a problem with the system.
Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM)
Warning Indication *
The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors
can detect, the system may pause. However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM)
OFF Indicator
Light *
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. 
The light does not turn on when the ignition is switched ON. 
The light remains on even when the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can be operated.
The light turns on while driving the vehicle.
NOTE If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors
can detect, the system may pause (The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light in
the instrument cluster illuminates). However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 39 2016/08/11 20:30:04

7 –41 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds Taking ActionTake the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off. Signal Warning Action to be taken
Seat Belt Warning Light Except Mexico
The seat belt warning light turns on if the driver
or passenger's seat is occupied and the seat belt
is not fastened with the ignition switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger's seat is
occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a speed
faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph), the warning
light flashes. After a short time, the warning
light stops flashing, but remains illuminated.
NOTE 
The warning light flashes for about 6 seconds
if the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the
ignition is switched ON. 
To allow the passenger occupant classification
sensor to function properly, do not place
and sit on an additional seat cushion on the
passenger's seat. The sensor may not function
properly because the additional seat cushion
could cause sensor interference. 
If a small child is seated on the passenger's
seat, the warning light may not operate.
Mexico
The seat belt warning light turns on if the driver
or passenger's seat is occupied and the seat belt
is not fastened with the ignition switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger's seat is
occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a speed
faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph), the warning
light flashes. After a short time, the warning
light stops flashing, but remains illuminated. If
a seat belt remains unfastened, the warning light
flashes again for a given period of time.
NOTE 
Placing heavy items on the passenger's seat
may cause the passenger's seat belt warning
function to operate depending on the weight
of the item. 
To allow the passenger seat weight sensor to
function properly, do not place and sit on an
additional seat cushion on the passenger's
seat. The sensor may not function properly
because the additional seat cushion could
cause sensor interference. 
If a small child is seated on the passenger's
seat, the warning light may not operate. Fasten the seat belts.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 41 2016/08/11 20:30:04

7 –44 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.KEY Indication (White)/KEY Warning Light (Red) *
Take the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off. Signal Cause Action to be taken
(White)
KEY Indication *
The advanced key battery is dead. Replace the key battery (page 6-38 ).
(Red)
(Flashing)
KEY Warning Light *
(Red)
(Flashing)
KEY Warning Light *
The advanced key is not within the
operation range.
Bring the advanced key into the operation
range (page 3-7 ).The advanced key is placed in areas inside
the cabin where it is difficult for the key to
be detected.
A key from another manufacturer similar to
the advanced key is in the operation range. Take the key from another manufacturer
similar to the advanced key out of the
operation range.
Without the ignition switched off, the
advanced key is taken out of the cabin, and
then all the doors are closed. Bring the advanced key back into the
cabin.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 44 2016/08/11 20:30:05