2017 MAZDA MX5 MIATA brakes

4 –65 When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing and
reapplying that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal ABS system operation. Continue to
depress the brake pedal without pumping
the brakes.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26 .
WARNING Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for unsafe
and reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), driving on ice and snow,
and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction
and road contact because of water on
the road surface). You can still have an
accident. NOTE 
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid. 
The sound of the ABS operating may
be heard when starting the engine
or immediately after starting the
vehicle, however, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 65 2016/08/11 20:28:58

4 –66 When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Traction Control System
(TCS) The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by controlling
engine torque and braking. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque and operates the brakes to
prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26 .
WARNINGDo not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) as a substitute for safe
driving:
The Traction Control System (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.
Use snow tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are covered
with ice and/or snow:
Driving without proper traction devices
on snow and/or ice-covered roads
is dangerous. The Traction Control
System (TCS) alone cannot provide
adequate traction and you could still
have an accident. NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-68 ).
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
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.
NOTE 
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly. 
On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 66 2016/08/11 20:28:58

6 –4 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance (U.S.A., Canada, and Puerto
Rico) Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
(severe driving conditions) apply. 
Repeated short-distance driving 
Driving in dusty conditions 
Driving with extended use of brakes 
Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used 
Driving on rough or muddy roads 
Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation 
Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates 
Driving in extremely hot conditions 
Driving in mountainous conditions continually
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2. (Canada residents follow Schedule 2.)
Vehicles using Engine Oil Flexible Maintenance
Engine Oil Flexible Maintenance is available for U.S.A. and Pue rto Rico residents whose
vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions apply: 
Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation such as polic e car, taxi or driving
school car 
Driving in dusty conditions
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 with engine oil fixed maintenance.
Once engine oil flexible maintenance is selected, the vehicle ca lculates the remaining oil life
based on engine operating conditions. The vehicle lets you know when an oil change is due
by illuminating the wrench indicator light in the instrument cluster. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 500 km (300 mile) or 15 days. Refer page 6-20 for the details.
Mazda Genuine 0W-20 Oil and Castrol ®
0W-20 Oil are required to achieve optimum
performance.
NOTE 
Please ensure that the Flexible Oil Maintenance Setting is reset after each Oil and Filter
replacement. 
For maintenance guidelines beyond the miles/months listed, follow the maintenance
intervals provided in the Scheduled Maintenance Tables.
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6 –5 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Schedule 1U.S.A. and Puerto Rico residents - Engine oil flexible maintenance interval
Use when the maintenance monitor for “Oil Change” is set to “Flexible”. For details,
see maintenance monitor. (page 6-20 )Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
×1000 km 16 32 48 64 80 96 11 2 128
×1000 miles 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
ENGINE
Drive belts I I
Engine oil & filter *1
Replace when wrench indicator light is ON. (Max interval: 12
months/16,000 km (10,000 miles))
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant *2
Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after
that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years.
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter Replace when any equivalent timing of replacing engine oil.
(Max interval: 36 months/60,000 km (37,500 miles))
Fuel lines and hoses *3
I I I I
Hoses and tubes for emission *3
I I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles).
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I I
Disc brakes I I I I I I I I
Manual transmission oil Replace every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 4 years.
Tire (Rotation) *4
Rotate when any equivalent timing of replacing engine oil.
(Max interval: 8,000 km (5,000 miles))
Steering operation and linkages I I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I I
Rear differential oil *5
Driveshaft dust boots I I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields I I
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *6
Inspect annually.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 5 2016/08/11 20:29:37

6 –7 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled MaintenanceU.S.A. and Puerto Rico residents - Fixed maintenance interval
Use when the maintenance monitor for “Oil Change” is set to “Fixed”. For details, see
maintenance monitor. (page 6-20 )Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
×1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
×1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
ENGINE
Drive belts I
Engine oil & filter R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant *1
Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after
that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years.
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter R
Fuel lines and hoses *2
I I
Hoses and tubes for emission *2
I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles).
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Disc brakes I I I I
Manual transmission oil R
Tire (Rotation) *3*4
Rotate every 12,000 km (7,500 miles).
Steering operation and linkages I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I
Rear differential oil *5
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years.
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *6
Inspect annually.
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
T: Tighten
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 7 2016/08/11 20:29:38

6 –9 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Schedule 2U.S.A. and Puerto Rico residents - Severe driving conditions maintenance interval Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Drive belts I I
Engine oil & filter Flexible *1
Replace when wrench indicator light is ON. (Max interval: 12
months/16,000 km (10,000 miles))
Fixed R R R R R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant *2
Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after
that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years.
Engine coolant level I I I I I I I I I I I I
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter *3
Replace when any equivalent timing of replacing engine oil.
(Max interval: 36 months or 60,000 km (37,500 miles))
Fuel lines and hoses *4
I I I
Hoses and tubes for emission *4
I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I I I I I I I I I I
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes I I I I
I I
Manual transmission oil Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 2 years.
Tire (Rotation) *5
Rotate when any equivalent timing of replacing engine oil.
(Max interval: 8,000 km (5,000 miles))
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear *5
I I I I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I
Rear differential oil *6
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years.
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6 –11 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled MaintenanceCanada residents Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Drive belts I I
Engine oil & filter R R R R R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant *1
Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after
that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years.
Engine coolant level I I I I I I I I I I I I
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter I I I I I I I I I I I I
Replace every 56,000 km (35,000 miles) or 3 years.
Fuel lines and hoses *2
I I I
Hoses and tubes for emission *2
I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I I I I I I I I I I
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes Inspect every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 1 years.
Manual transmission oil Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 2 years.
Tire (Rotation) *3
Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles).
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear *3
I I I I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I
Rear differential oil *4
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years.
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L L L L L
Washer fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *5
Inspect annually.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 11 2016/08/11 20:29:39

6 –13 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance (Mexico)Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
(severe driving conditions) apply. 
Repeated short-distance driving 
Driving in dusty conditions 
Driving with extended use of brakes 
Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used 
Driving on rough or muddy roads 
Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation 
Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates 
Driving in extremely hot conditions 
Driving in mountainous conditions continually
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2.
NOTE
For maintenance guidelines beyond the kilometers/months listed, follow the maintenance
intervals provided in the Scheduled Maintenance Tables.
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