2017 MAZDA MX5 MIATA tow

4 –50 When Driving
Switches and Controls
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals The ignition must be switched ON to use
the turn and lane-change signals.
Turn SignalsMove the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.
If the indicator light continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to its
original position. Right turn
Left turnRight lane change
Left lane change OFF
The turn signal indicators in the instrument
cluster flash according to the operation of
the turn signal lever to show which signal
is working. NOTE 
If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, one
of the turn signal bulbs may be burned
out. 
A personalized function is available to
change the turn indicator sound volume.
(page 9-9 )
Lane-Change Signals Move the lever halfway toward the
direction of the lane change—until the
indicator flashes— and hold it there. It will
return to the off position when released.
Three-Flash Turn Signal After releasing the turn signal lever, the
turn signal indicator flashes three times.
The operation can be cancelled by moving
the lever in the direction opposite to which
it was operated.
NOTE
The three-flash turn signal function can be
switched to operable/inoperable using the
personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-9 .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 50 2016/08/11 20:28:54

4 –54 When Driving
Switches and Controls NOTE 
Switching the auto-wiper lever from the
to the position while driving
activates the windshield wipers once,
after which they operate according to
the rainfall amount. 
The auto-wiper control may not operate
when the rain sensor temperature is
about -10 °C (14 °F) or lower, or about
85 °C (185 °F) or higher. 
If the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be
able to sense the amount of rainfall
correctly and the auto-wiper control
may not operate properly. 
If dirt or foreign matter (such as ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres
to the windshield above the rain sensor,
or if the windshield is iced, it could
cause the wipers to move automatically.
However, if the wipers cannot remove
this ice, dirt or foreign matter, the auto-
wiper control will stop operation. In
this case, set the wiper lever to the low
speed position or high speed position
for manual operation, or remove the ice,
dirt or foreign matter by hand to restore
the auto-wiper operation. 
If the auto-wiper lever is left in the
position, the wipers could operate
automatically from the effect of strong
light sources, electromagnetic waves, or
infrared light because the rain sensor
uses an optical sensor. It is
recommended that the auto-wiper lever
be switched to the
position other
than when driving the vehicle under
rainy conditions. 
The auto-wiper control functions can
be turned off. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-9 . Windshield Washer Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid. WasherOFF
NOTE
If the windshield washer is turned on when
the windshield wipers are not operating,
the windshield wipers operate a few times.
If the washer does not work, inspect the
fluid level (page 6-31 ). If the fluid level
is normal, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 54 2016/08/11 20:28:55

4 –57 When Driving
Switches and Controls
*Some models.Hazard Warning Flasher The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway in an emergency.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that they must take extreme caution
when near it.
Depress the hazard warning flasher and
all the turn signals will flash. The hazard
warning indicator lights in the instrument
cluster flash simultaneously.
NOTE 
The turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning lights are on. 
Check local regulations about the use of
hazard warning lights while the vehicle
is being towed to verify that it is not in
violation of the law. HomeLink Wireless
Control System *
NOTE
HomeLink and HomeLink house icon
are registered trademarks of Gentex
Corporation.
The HomeLink system replaces up to
3 hand-held transmitters with a single
built-in component in the auto-dimming
mirror. Pressing the HomeLink button on
the auto-dimming mirror activates garage
doors, gates and other devices surrounding
your home.
HomeLink button Indicator light
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 57 2016/08/11 20:28:55

4 –64 When Driving
Brake
WARNINGDo not rely completely on Hill Launch
Assist (HLA):
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is an auxiliary
device for accelerating from a stop
on a slope. The system only operates
for about two seconds and therefore,
relying only on the system, when
accelerating from a stop is dangerous
because the vehicle may move (roll)
unexpectedly and cause an accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on
the vehicle's load or if it is towing
something. In addition, for vehicles
with a manual transmission, the
vehicle could still roll depending on
how the clutch pedal or the accelerator
pedal is operated.
Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the
vehicle. NOTE 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate on a gentle slope. In addition,
the gradient of the slope on which the
system will operate changes depending
on the vehicle's load. 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate if the parking brake is applied,
the vehicle has not stopped completely,
or the clutch pedal is released. 
While Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is
operating, the brake pedal may feel
stiff and vibrate, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction. 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate while the TCS/DSC indicator
light is illuminated.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-26 . 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
turn off even if the DSC OFF switch is
pressed to turn off the TCS/DSC.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 64 2016/08/11 20:28:57

4 –76 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.High Beam Control System (HBC) *
The High Beam Control System (HBC) determines the conditions in front of the vehicle
using the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) while driving in darknes s to automatically switch
the headlights between high and low beams.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-18 .
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (19 mph) or more, the headlights are
switched to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching in the opposite
direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the following occurs: 
The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle approaching in the
opposite direction. 
The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads in well-lit cities and
towns. 
The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).
Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC)The recognition distance of the
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
varies according to the
surrounding conditions.
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning Lights on page 4-26 .
CAUTION 
Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera,
otherwise the system will not operate normally. 
Do not rely excessively on the High Beam Control System (HBC) and drive the vehicle while
paying sufficient attention to safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and
low beams manually if necessary.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 76 2016/08/11 20:29:00

4 –97 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSENOTE 
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot detect target objects
correctly, and each system may be unable to operate normally. 
The height of the vehicle ahead is low. 
You drive your vehicle at the same speed as the vehicle ahead. 
Headlights are not turned on during the night or when going through a tunnel. 
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) may not be able to detect
target objects correctly. 
When driving next to walls with no patterning (including fences and longitudinally
striped walls). 
The taillights of the vehicle ahead are turned off. 
A vehicle is outside the illumination range of the headlights. 
The vehicle is making a sharp turn, or ascending or descending a steep slope. 
Entering or exiting a tunnel. 
Heavy luggage is loaded causing the vehicle to tilt. 
Strong light is shone at the front of the vehicle (back light or high-beam light from on-
coming vehicles). 
There are many light emitters on the vehicle ahead. 
When the vehicle ahead is not equipped with taillights or the taillights are turned off at
nighttime. 
The vehicle ahead has a special shape. For example, a vehicle towing a trailer house
or a boat, or a vehicle carrier carrying a vehicle with its front pointed rearward.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 97 2016/08/11 20:29:03

5 –16 Interior Features
Audio System Weak signal noise
In suburban areas, broadcast signals
become weak because of distance from the
transmitter. Reception in such fringe areas
is characterized by sound breakup.
Strong signal noise
This occurs very close to a transmitter
tower. The broadcast signals are extremely
strong, so the result is noise and sound
breakup at the radio receiver.
Station drift noise
When a vehicle reaches the area of two
strong stations broadcasting at similar
frequencies, the original station may be
temporarily lost and the second station
picked up. At this time there will be some
noise from this disturbance. Station 2
88.3 MHzStation 1
88.1 MHz Operating Tips for CD Player Condensation phenomenon
Immediately after turning on the heater
when the vehicle is cold, the CD or
optical components (prism and lens) in
the CD player may become clouded with
condensation. At this time, the CD will
eject immediately when placed in the unit.
A clouded CD can be corrected simply by
wiping it with a soft cloth. Clouded optical
components will clear naturally in about
an hour. Wait for normal operation to
return before attempting to use the unit.
Handling the CD player
The following precautions should be
observed. 
Do not use deformed or cracked CDs.
The disc may not eject resulting in a
malfunction. 
Do not use non-conventional discs such
as heart-shaped, octagonal discs, etc.
The disc may not eject resulting in a
malfunction.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 16 2016/08/11 20:29:10

5 –88 Interior Features
Bluetooth ®
Close the windows and/or the
convertible top to reduce loud noises
from outside the vehicle, or turn down
the airflow of the air-conditioning
system while Bluetooth ®
Hands-Free is
being used. 
Make sure the vents are not directing air
up towards the microphone.
NOTE
If the voice recognition performance is not
satisfactory.
Refer to Voice Recognition Learning
Function (Speaker Enrollment) (Type A)
on page 5-89 .
Refer to Troubleshooting on page 5-129 .
Security Setting (Type A)If a passcode is set, the system cannot be
activated unless the passcode is input.
NOTE
Do this function only when parked. It is
too distracting to attempt while driving
and you may make too many errors to be
effective.
Passcode setting
1. Press the pick-up button or talk button
with a short press.
2. Say: [Beep] “Setup”
3. Prompt: “Select one of the following:
Pairing options, confirmation prompts,
language, passcode, select phone or
select music player.”
4. Say: [Beep] “Passcode”
5. Prompt: “Passcode is disabled. Would
you like to enable it?”
6. Say: [Beep] “Yes”
7. Prompt: “Please say a 4-digit
passcode. Remember this passcode. It
will be required to use this system.” 8. Say: [Beep] “XXXX” (Say a desired
4-digit passcode, “PCode”.)
9. Prompt: “Passcode XXXX (Passcode,
PCode). Is this correct?”
10. Say: [Beep] “Yes”
11. Prompt: “Passcode is enabled.”
Using Bluetooth ®
Hands-Free with a
passcode
1. Press the pick-up button or talk button
with a short press.
2. Prompt: “Hands-Free system is
locked. State the passcode to continue.”
3. Say: [Beep] “XXXX” (Say the set
passcode “PCode”.)
4. If the correct passcode is input, voice
guidance “XXXXXX... (Ex. “Mary's
device”) (Device tag) is connected” is
announced.
If the passcode is incorrect, voice
guidance “XXXX (4-digit passcode,
Pcode) incorrect passcode, please try
again” is announced.
Canceling the passcode
NOTE
Do this function only when parked. It is
too distracting to attempt while driving
and you may make too many errors to be
effective.
1. Press the pick-up button or talk button
with a short press.
2. Say: [Beep] “Setup”
3. Prompt: “Select one of the following:
Pairing options, confirmation prompts,
language, passcode, select phone or
select music player.”
4. Say: [Beep] “Passcode”
5. Prompt: “Passcode is enabled. Would
you like to disable it?”
6. Say: [Beep] “Yes”
7. Prompt: “Passcode is disabled.”
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 88 2016/08/11 20:29:24