2017 MAZDA MX5 MIATA engine

3 –46 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback) NOTE
Do not open/close the roof with the engine
stopped. Otherwise the vehicle's battery
power could be depleted.
5. Slightly slide the seats back if they are
in the foremost position.
6. Continue pressing the retractable
fastback switch in the close direction
until the rear roof is completely closed. NOTE 
If the retractable fastback switch is
pressed in the close direction, a warning
beep sounds. 
If the windows are closed, the windows
automatically open partially when the
rear roof opens. 
The roof keeps closing and the
operation indicator light flashes while
the retractable fastback switch is
pressed in the close direction. 
If the switch is released while the roof
is closing, the roof stops closing. If the
switch is pressed in the close direction
again, the roof resumes closing. 
When the operation is finished, a beep
sound is heard and the operation
indicator light turns off.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 46 2016/08/11 20:28:37

3 –47 Before Driving
Security System
Modification and Add-On
Equipment Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
and the theft-deterrent systems' operation
if the system has been modified or if any
add-on equipment has been installed.
CAUTION To avoid damage to the vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
and the theft-deterrent systems or the
vehicle.
Immobilizer System The immobilizer system allows the
engine to start only with a key the system
recognizes.
If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized key, the engine
will not start, thereby helping to prevent
vehicle theft.
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the key, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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. 
To avoid damage to the key, do not: 
Drop the key. 
Get the key wet. 
Expose the key to any kind of
magnetic field. 
Expose the key to high temperatures
on places such as the dashboard or
hood, under direct sunlight. 
If the engine does not start with the
correct key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 47 2016/08/11 20:28:37

3 –48 Before Driving
Security System NOTE 
The keys carry a unique electronic code.
For this reason, and to assure your
safety, obtaining a replacement key
requires some waiting time. They are
only available through an Authorized
Mazda Dealer. 
Always keep a spare key in case one
is lost. If a key is lost, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible. 
If you lose a key, an Authorized Mazda
Dealer will reset the electronic codes of
your remaining keys and immobilizer
system. Bring all the remaining keys to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer to reset.
Starting the vehicle with a key that has
not been reset is not possible.
OperationNOTE 
The engine may not start and security
indicator light may illuminate or flash
if the key is placed in an area where it
is difficult for the system to detect the
signal, such as on the dashboard. Move
the key to a location within the signal
range, switch the ignition off, and then
restart the engine. 
Signals from a TV or radio station, or
from a transceiver or mobile telephone
could interfere with your immobilizer
system. If you are using the proper key
and the engine fails to start, check the
security indicator light. Arming
The system is armed when the ignition is
switched from ON to off.
The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes every 2 seconds
until the system is disarmed.
Disarming
The system is disarmed when the
ignition is switched ON with the correct
programmed key. The security indicator
light illuminates for about 3 seconds and
then turns off. If the engine does not start
with the correct key, and the security
indicator light remains illuminated or
flashing, try the following:
Make sure the key is within the
operational range for signal transmission.
Switch the ignition off, and then restart the
engine. If the engine does not start after
3 or more tries, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
NOTE 
If the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving,
do not shut off the engine. Go to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer and have it
checked. If the engine is shut off while
the indicator light is flashing, you will
not be able to restart it. 
Because the electronic codes are
reset when the immobilizer system
is repaired, the keys are needed.
Make sure to bring all the keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer so that they
can be programmed.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 48 2016/08/11 20:28:38

3 –50 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 SystemAn 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_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 50 2016/08/11 20:28:38

3 –51 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_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 51 2016/08/11 20:28:38

3 –53 Before Driving
Driving Tips
Rocking the Vehicle WARNING Do not spin the wheels at more than
56 km/h (35 mph), and do not allow
anyone to stand behind a wheel when
pushing the vehicle:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning the
wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries.
CAUTION Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transmission failure, and
tire damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the accelerator
slightly and slowly move the shift lever
from 1 (D) to R. Winter Driving Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag of
sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to check
the following: 
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the
radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page
6-29 . 
Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity. 
Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that the
vehicle will be driven in (page 6-27 ).
Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections. 
Use washer fluid made with antifreeze—
but do not use engine coolant antifreeze
for washer fluid (page 6-31 ).
NOTE 
Do not use the parking brake in freezing
weather as it may freeze. Instead, shift
to P with an automatic transmission and
to 1 or R with a manual transmission.
Block the rear wheels. 
Remove snow before driving. Snow left
on the windshield is dangerous as it
could obstruct vision. 
Do not open or close the soft top when
the temperature is 5 °C (41 °F) or less.
The material of the soft top could be
damaged by freezing. 
Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield. 
Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows and
mirrors as it could result in the glass
cracking.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 53 2016/08/11 20:28:39

3 –55 Before Driving
Driving Tips
Driving In Flooded Area WARNING Dry off brakes that have become
wet by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
CAUTION Do not drive the vehicle on flooded
roads as it could cause short circuiting
of electrical/electronic parts, or
engine damage or stalling from
water absorption. If the vehicle has
been immersed in water, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. Overloading WARNING Be careful not to overload your vehicle:
The gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of the vehicle are on the
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label
on the driver's door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an accident
or vehicle damage. You can estimate
the weight of the load by weighing the
items (or people) before putting them
in the vehicle.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 55 2016/08/11 20:28:40

4 –1 *Some models.4 When Driving Information concerning safe driving and stopping.
Start/Stop Engine ................................ 4-4
Ignition Switch
............................... 4-4
Starting the Engine
......................... 4-5
Turning the Engine Off
................ 4-10
Instrument Cluster and Display ...... 4-11
Meters and Gauges
....................... 4-11
Multi-information Display and INFO
Switch *
......................................... 4-18
Warning/Indicator Lights
............. 4-26
Transmission ...................................... 4-31
Manual Transmission
Operation
...................................... 4-31
Automatic Transmission
Controls
........................................ 4-34
Switches and Controls ...................... 4-45
Lighting Control
........................... 4-45
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
.... 4-50
Windshield Wipers and Washer
... 4-51
Rear Window Defogger
............... 4-55
Horn
............................................. 4-56
Hazard Warning Flasher
............... 4-57
HomeLink Wireless Control
System *
......................................... 4-57
Brake .................................................. 4-61
Brake System
............................... 4-61
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) *
........... 4-63 ABS/TCS/DSC ................................... 4-65
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
..... 4-65
Traction Control System (TCS)
... 4-66
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ... 4-67
Fuel Economy Monitor ..................... 4-69
Fuel Economy Monitor *
............... 4-69
Drive Selection ................................... 4-71
Drive Selection *
........................... 4-71
Power Steering ................................... 4-73
Power Steering ............................. 4-73
i-ACTIVSENSE ................................. 4-74
i-ACTIVSENSE *
.......................... 4-74
Adaptive Front Lighting System
(AFS) *
.......................................... 4-75
High Beam Control System
(HBC) *
.......................................... 4-76
Lane Departure Warning System
(LDWS) *
...................................... 4-79
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
System *
......................................... 4-85
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) *
....................................... 4-92
Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC) *
........................................... 4-95
Radar Sensors (Rear) *
.................. 4-98
Cruise Control ................................. 4-100
Cruise Control *
........................... 4-100
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 1 2016/08/11 20:28:40