2017 MAZDA MX5 MIATA ECO mode

4 –30 When Driving
Instrument Cluster and Display
*Some models.Signal Indicator Lights Page
(Green) *
High Beam Control System (HBC) Indicator Light 4-78*
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF Indicator Light *1
4-90*
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) OFF Indicator
Light *1
4-82
(White/Amber) Cruise Main Indication/Indicator Light 4-101
(Green) Cruise Set Indication/Indicator Light 4-101
*1 The light turns on when the ignition is switched on for an operation check, and turns off a few seconds later or
when the engine is started. If the light does not turn on or remains turned on, have the vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Wrench Indication/Indicator
Light *
Type A instrument cluster
Perform maintenance in accordance with
the message.
Type B instrument cluster
When the ignition is switched ON, the
wrench indicator light is illuminated and
then turns off after a few seconds.
The wrench indicator light is illuminated
when the preset maintenance period
arrives. Verify the content and perform
maintenance.
Refer to Maintenance Monitor on page
6-20 . Low Engine Coolant Temperature
Indicator Light (Blue)
The light illuminates continuously when
the engine coolant temperature is low and
turns off after the engine is warm.
If the low engine coolant temperature
indicator light remains illuminated after
the engine has been sufficiently warmed
up, the temperature sensor could have
a malfunction. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 30 2016/08/11 20:28:49

4 –40 When Driving
Transmission Second gear fixed mode
When the selector lever is moved back
while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h
(6.2 mph) or less, the transmission is set in
the second gear fixed mode. The gear is
fixed in second while in this mode for
easier acceleration from a stop and driving
on slippery roads such as snow-covered
roads.
If the selector lever is moved back
or
forward
while in the second gear fixed
mode, the mode will be canceled.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 40 2016/08/11 20:28:51

4 –41 When Driving
TransmissionShift gear (shifting) speed limit
For each gear position while in the manual mode, the speed limi t is set as follows: When the
selector lever is operated within the range of the speed limit, the gear is shifted.
Shift up
The gear does not shift up while the vehicle speed is lower than the speed limit.
Shift down
The gear does not shift down while the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit.
If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit and the gear does not shift down, the gear
position indication flashes 2 times to notify the driver that th e gear cannot be shifted.
Kickdown
When the accelerator pedal is depressed fully while driving, the gear shifts down.
However, the gears do not kickdown while the DSC is turned off.
NOTE
The gear also shifts down using kickdown while in the second ge ar fixed mode.
Auto-shift down
The gear shifts down automatically depending on the vehicle speed during deceleration.
NOTE
If the vehicle comes to a stop while in the second gear fixed mo de, the gear remains in
second.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 41 2016/08/11 20:28:51

4 –43 When Driving
Transmission
*Some models. Direct Mode *
Direct mode can be used for temporarily
switching gears by operating the steering
shift switch while the vehicle is being
driven with the selector lever in the D
range.
While in direct mode, the D and M
indication illuminate and the gear position
in use is illuminated.
Direct mode is canceled (released) under
the following conditions. 
The UP switch ( ) is pulled
rearward for a certain amount of time or
longer. 
The vehicle is driven for a certain
amount of time or longer (time differs
depending on the driving conditions
while operating). 
The vehicle is stopped or moving at a
slow speed.
Gear position indicationDirect mode indication NOTE
Shifting up and down while in direct mode
may not be possible depending on the
vehicle speed. In addition, because direct
mode is canceled (released) depending
on the rate of acceleration or if the
accelerator is fully depressed, use of the
manual shift mode is recommended if you
need to drive the vehicle in a particular
gear for long periods.
Driving Tips
WARNING Do not let the vehicle move in a
direction opposite to the direction
selected by the selector lever:
Do not let the vehicle move backward
with the selector lever in a forward
position, or do not let the vehicle
move forward with the selector lever
in the reverse position. Otherwise, the
engine may stop, causing the loss of
the power brake and power steering
functions, and make it difficult to
control the vehicle which could result
in an accident.
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transmission will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 43 2016/08/11 20:28:52

4 –47 When Driving
Switches and Controls
*Some models.Auto-light control *
When the headlight switch is in the position and the ignition is switched ON, the light
sensor senses the surrounding lightness or darkness and automatically turns the headlights,
other exterior lights and dashboard illumination on or off.
CAUTION 
Do not shade the light sensor by adhering a sticker or a label on the windshield. Otherwise
the light sensor will not operate correctly. 
The light sensor also works as a rain sensor for the auto-wiper control. 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 could be
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 particularly tempting to leave the
engine running. This is particularly important when clearing ice and snow.
NOTE 
The headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination may not turn off
immediately even if the surrounding area becomes well-lit because the light sensor
determines that it is night time if the surrounding area is continuously dark for several
minutes such as inside long tunnels, traffic jams inside tunnels , or in indoor parking lots.
In this case, the lights turn off if the light switch is turned to the position.
The dashboard illumination can be adjusted by rotating the knob in the instrument cluster.
Also, the day/night mode can be changed by rotating the knob until a beep sound is heard.
To adjust the brightness of the dashboard illumination:
Refer to Dashboard Illumination on page 4-15 .
The sensitivity of the auto-light control may be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-9 .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 47 2016/08/11 20:28:53

4 –69 When Driving
Fuel Economy Monitor
*Some models.Fuel Economy Monitor *
For vehicles with type B audio, the Fuel Consumption informatio n is displayed by operating
each icon in the display.
In addition, after completing a trip, the total energy efficiency to date is displayed in the
ending display when the ending display is turned on.
1. Select the icon on the home screen to display the applications screen.
2. Select the “Fuel Economy Monitor”.
3. Operate the commander switch or touch the screen and display the menu.
NOTE
When the menu is displayed by touching the screen, the display is hidden automatically after
6 seconds.
4. Select the icon in the menu and perform the operation. Each ico n operates as follows:Indication on display Control status
Hides the menu display.
Displays the application screen.
Resets the fuel economy data.
Displays the following setting screen. 
Ending display on/off switching 
On/off switching for function which synchronizes
reset fuel economy data to trip meter (Trip A)
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 69 2016/08/11 20:28:59

4 –71 When Driving
Drive Selection
*Some models.Drive Selection *
Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle's drive mode. When the sport mode
is selected, vehicle's response against accelerator operation is enhanced. This provides
additional quick acceleration which may be needed to safely mak e maneuvers such as lane
changes, merging onto freeways, or passing other vehicles.
CAUTION Do not use the sport mode when driving on slippery roads such as wet or snow-covered
roads. It may cause tire slipping.
NOTE 
When the sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds increases and it may
increase fuel consumption. Mazda recommends that you cancel the sport mode on normal
driving. 
Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions: 
ABS/TCS/DSC is operating 
Cruise control is operating. 
Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 71 2016/08/11 20:28:59

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