2017 MAZDA MX5 MIATA ignition

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 –49 Before Driving
Security System
*Some models.Theft-Deterrent System *
If the theft-deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle,
which could result in the vehicle or its
contents being stolen, the alarm alerts the
surrounding area of an abnormality by
sounding the horn and flashing the hazard
warning lights.
The system will not function unless it's
properly armed. So when you leave the
vehicle, follow the arming procedure
correctly.
OperationSystem triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights flash for about 30
seconds when the system is triggered by
any one of the following: 
Unlocking a door with the key, door
lock switch, or an inside door-lock knob. 
Forcing open a door, the hood or the
trunk lid. 
Opening the hood by operating the hood
release handle. 
Switching the ignition ON without using
the push button start.
If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until the driver's
door is unlocked with the transmitter.
(With the advanced keyless function)
The lights and horn can also be
deactivated by pressing the request switch
on a door. NOTE 
The trunk lid does not open while the
theft-deterrent system is operating. 
If the battery goes dead while the theft-
deterrent system is armed, the horn will
activate and the hazard warning lights
will flash when the battery is charged or
replaced.
How to Arm the System 1. Close the windows and the convertible
top securely.
2. Switch the ignition OFF.
3. Make sure the hood, the doors, and the
trunk lid are closed.
4. Press the lock button on the transmitter
or lock the driver's door from the
outside with the auxiliary key.
The hazard warning lights will flash
once.
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
Press the door-lock switch “ ” while
any door is open and then close both of
the doors.
(With the advanced keyless function)
Press a request switch.

The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes twice per
second for 20 seconds.
5. After 20 seconds, the system is fully
armed.
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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 –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

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

4 –4 When Driving
Start/Stop Engine
Ignition Switch Push Button Start PositionsThe system operates only when the key is
within operational range.
Each time the push button start is pressed,
the ignition switches in the order of off,
ACC, and ON. Pressing the push button
start again from ON switches the ignition
off.
Indicator light
NOTE 
The engine starts by pressing the push
button start while depressing the clutch
pedal (manual transmission) or the
brake pedal (automatic transmission).
To switch the ignition position, press the
push button start without depressing the
pedal. 
Do not leave the ignition switched
ON while the engine is not running.
Doing so could result in the battery
going dead. If the ignition is left in
ACC (For automatic transmission, the
selector lever is in the P position, and
the ignition is in ACC), the ignition
switches off automatically after about
25 minutes. Off
The power supply to electrical devices
turns off and the push button start indicator
light (amber) also turns off.
In this position the steering wheel is
locked.
WARNING Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the selector lever
is in P (automatic transmission) or in 1st
gear or R (manual transmission):
Leaving the driver's seat without
switching the ignition off, setting the
parking brake, and shifting the selector
lever to P (automatic transmission) or
to 1st gear or R (manual transmission)
is dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur which could
result in an accident.
In addition, if your intention is to leave
the vehicle for even a short period, it
is important to switch the ignition off,
as leaving it in another position will
disable some of the vehicle's security
systems and run the battery down.
ACC (Accessory)
Some electrical accessories will operate
and the indicator light (amber) illuminates.
NOTE
The keyless entry system does not function
while the push button start has been
pressed to ACC, and the doors will not
lock/unlock even if they have been locked
manually.
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4 –5 When Driving
Start/Stop EngineON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The indicator light
(amber) turns off. (The indicator light
(amber) illuminates when the ignition
is switched ON and the engine is not
running.)
Some indicator lights/warning lights
should be inspected before the engine is
started (page 4-18 ).
NOTE
When the push button start is pressed to
ON, the sound of the fuel pump motor
operating near the fuel tank can be heard.
This does not indicate an abnormality.
Starting the Engine WARNING Radio waves from the key may affect
medical devices such as pacemakers:
Before using the key near people who
use medical devices, ask the medical
device manufacturer or your physician
if radio waves from the key will affect
the device.
NOTE 
The key must be carried because the key
carries an immobilizer chip that must
communicate with the engine controls at
short range. 
The engine can be started when the
push button start is pressed from off,
ACC, or ON. 
The push button start system functions
(function which can start the engine
by only carrying the key) can be
deactivated to prevent any possible
adverse effect on a user wearing a
pacemaker or other medical device. If
the system is deactivated, you will be
unable to start the engine by carrying
the key. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for details. If the push button
start system functions have been
deactivated, you can start the engine by
following the procedure indicated when
the key battery goes dead.
Refer to Engine Start Function When
Key Battery is Dead on page 4-8 .
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4 –6 When Driving
Start/Stop Engine 
After starting a cold engine, the engine
speed increases and a whining sound
from the engine compartment can be
heard.
This is for improved exhaust gas
purification and does not indicate any
parts defect. 
Engine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
1. Make sure you are carrying the key.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Continue to press the brake pedal
firmly until the engine has completely
started.
5. (Manual transmission)
Continue to press the clutch pedal
firmly until the engine has completely
started.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
(Manual transmission)
The starter will not operate if the clutch
pedal is not depressed sufficiently.
(Automatic transmission)
The starter will not operate if the selector
lever is not in P or N and the brake pedal
is not depressed sufficiently. 6. Verify that the KEY indicator light
(green) in the instrument cluster and the
push button start indicator light (green)
illuminate.

Indicator light
Push button start
KEY indicator light
(green)/ KEY

warning light (red)
NOTE 
If the push button start indicator light
(green) flashes, make sure that the key is
being carried. 
If the push button start indicator light
(green) flashes with the key being
carried, touch the key to the push
button start and start the engine. Refer
to Engine Start Function When Key
Battery is Dead on page 4-8 .
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