2017 MAZDA MX5 MIATA warning lights

7 –37 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
Automatic
Transmission
Indication/Warning
Light *
The indication/light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.
CAUTION If the automatic transmission warning indication/light illuminates, the transmission
has an electrical problem. Continuing to drive your Mazda in this condition could cause
damage to your transmission. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
(Illuminate)
TCS/DSC Indicator
Light 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.
Air Bag/Seat Belt
Pretensioner System
Warning Light A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly
illuminates or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these
occur, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not operate
in an accident.
WARNING Never tamper with the air bag/pretensioner systems and always have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer perform all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the systems is dangerous. An air bag/pretensioner
could accidentally activate or become disabled causing serious injury or death.
(Flashing)
Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
Warning Light *
If the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tire pressure warning light
flashes. Have your vehicle checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire
pressure warning beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle speed immediately and avoid
sudden maneuvering and braking:
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire
pressure warning beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at high
speeds, or perform sudden maneuvering or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen
and result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak or a flat, pull over to a safe position where you can
check the visual condition of the tire and determine if you have enough air to proceed
to a place where air may be added and the system monitored again by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer or a tire repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous, even if you know why it is illuminated.
Have the problem taken care of as soon as possible before it develops into a more
serious situation that could lead to tire failure and a dangerous accident.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 37 2016/08/11 20:30:03

7 –38 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
(Red)
KEY Warning
Indication *
“Keyless System malfunction” is displayed
This message is displayed if the advanced keyless entry & push button start system has a
problem.
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION If the message is indicated, or the push button start indicator light (amber) flashes, the
engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it using the emergency
operation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4-9 .
(Amber)
KEY Warning
Indication *
“Ignition is on” is displayed
This message is displayed when the driver's door is opened without switching the ignition
off.
“Key not detected” is displayed
This message is displayed when any of the following operations is performed with the key
out of the operational range or placed in areas inside the cabi n where it is difficult for the
key to be detected. 
The push button start is pressed with the ignition switched off 
The ignition is switched on 
All doors are closed without switching the ignition off
(Red)
(Illuminate)
KEY Warning
Light *
If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry system, it illuminates continuously.
CAUTION If the key warning indicator light illuminates or the push button start indicator light
(amber) flashes, the engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it
using the emergency operation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4-9 .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 38 2016/08/11 20:30:04

7 –39 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
(Illuminate)
Lane Departure
Warning System
(LDWS) Warning
Indication/Warning
Light *

The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. 
The LDWS does not operate when the warning indication/warning light illuminates.
CAUTION 
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions. Have your
vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

When the warning indication/warning light illuminates while driving the vehicle.
When the system is canceled automatically, the warning indication/warning
light illuminates. Normally, the system restores automatically and the warning
indication/warning light turns off, however, if the warning indication/warning light
illuminates, there may be a problem with the system.

The warning indication/warning light does not illuminate when the ignition is
switched ON.

Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same
manufacture, brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with significantly
different wear patterns on the same vehicle. If such improper tires are used, the LDWS
may not operate normally.

When an emergency spare tire is used, the system may not operate normally.
NOTE If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or
obstructed, the light turns on temporarily. If the light remains turned on, there may be a
problem with the system.
(Amber)
High Beam Control
System (HBC)
Warning Indication/
Warning Light *
The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or
obstructed, the warning indication/warning light illuminates temporarily. If the warning
indication/warning light illuminates, there may be a problem with the system.
Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM)
Warning Indication *
The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors
can detect, the system may pause. However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM)
OFF Indicator
Light *
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. 
The light does not turn on when the ignition is switched ON. 
The light remains on even when the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can be operated.
The light turns on while driving the vehicle.
NOTE If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors
can detect, the system may pause (The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light in
the instrument cluster illuminates). However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 39 2016/08/11 20:30:04

7 –40 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
Retractable
Fastback Warning
Indication *
The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
LED Headlight
Warning Light This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in the LED hea dlight. Have your vehicle
inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 40 2016/08/11 20:30:04

7 –41 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds Taking ActionTake the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off. Signal Warning Action to be taken
Seat Belt Warning Light Except Mexico
The seat belt warning light turns on if the driver
or passenger's seat is occupied and the seat belt
is not fastened with the ignition switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger's seat is
occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a speed
faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph), the warning
light flashes. After a short time, the warning
light stops flashing, but remains illuminated.
NOTE 
The warning light flashes for about 6 seconds
if the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the
ignition is switched ON. 
To allow the passenger occupant classification
sensor to function properly, do not place
and sit on an additional seat cushion on the
passenger's seat. The sensor may not function
properly because the additional seat cushion
could cause sensor interference. 
If a small child is seated on the passenger's
seat, the warning light may not operate.
Mexico
The seat belt warning light turns on if the driver
or passenger's seat is occupied and the seat belt
is not fastened with the ignition switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger's seat is
occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a speed
faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph), the warning
light flashes. After a short time, the warning
light stops flashing, but remains illuminated. If
a seat belt remains unfastened, the warning light
flashes again for a given period of time.
NOTE 
Placing heavy items on the passenger's seat
may cause the passenger's seat belt warning
function to operate depending on the weight
of the item. 
To allow the passenger seat weight sensor to
function properly, do not place and sit on an
additional seat cushion on the passenger's
seat. The sensor may not function properly
because the additional seat cushion could
cause sensor interference. 
If a small child is seated on the passenger's
seat, the warning light may not operate. Fasten the seat belts.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 41 2016/08/11 20:30:04

7 –42 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning Action to be taken
Door-Ajar/Trunk
lid-Ajar Warning
Indication/Warning Light The light turns on if any door/trunk lid is
not closed securely. Close the door/trunk lid securely.
Low Fuel Warning Light The light turns on when the remaining fuel
is about 9.0 L (2.3 US gal, 1.9 Imp gal).
NOTE The light illumination timing may
vary because fuel inside the fuel tank
moves around according to the driving
conditions and the vehicle posture. Add fuel.
Check Fuel Cap Warning
Light If the check fuel cap warning light
illuminates while driving, the fuel-filler
cap may not be installed properly. Stop the engine and reinstall the fuel-filler
cap.
Refer to Fuel-Filler Cap on page 3-26
Low Washer Fluid Level
Warning Indication/
Warning Light *
This warning light indicates that little
washer fluid remains. Add washer fluid (page 6-31 ).
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 42 2016/08/11 20:30:04

7 –43 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning Action to be taken
(Illuminate)
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light *
When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sound is heard (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires.
WARNING If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or flashes,
or the tire pressure warning beep
sound is heard, decrease vehicle
speed immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking:
If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or flashes,
or the tire pressure warning beep
sound is heard, it is dangerous to
drive the vehicle at high speeds, or
perform sudden maneuvering or
braking. Vehicle drivability could
worsen and result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak
or a flat, pull over to a safe position
where you can check the visual
condition of the tire and determine
if you have enough air to proceed to
a place where air may be added and
the system monitored again by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer or a tire
repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why
it is illuminated. Have the problem
taken care of as soon as possible
before it develops into a more serious
situation that could lead to tire
failure and a dangerous accident. Inspect the tires and adjust to the specified
inflation pressure (page 6-41 ).
NOTE 
Perform tire pressure adjustment when
the tires are cold. Tire pressure will
vary according to the tire temperature,
therefore let the vehicle stand for 1
hour or only drive it 1.6 km (1 mile) or
less before adjusting the tire pressures.
When pressure is adjusted on hot tires
to the cold inflation pressure, the TPMS
warning light/beep may turn on after
the tires cool and pressure drops below
specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning
light, resulting from the tire air
pressure dropping due to cold ambient
temperature will remain illuminated
even if the ambient temperature rises.
In this case, it will also be necessary to
adjust the tire air pressures. If the TPMS
warning light illuminates due to a drop
in tire air pressure, make sure to check
and adjust the tire air pressures. 
Tires lose air naturally over time and
the TPMS cannot tell if the tires are
getting too soft over time or you have
a flat. However, when you find one low
tire in a set of four-that is an indication
of trouble; you should have someone
drive the vehicle slowly forward so you
can inspect any low tire for cuts and any
metal objects sticking through tread or
sidewall. Put a few drops of water in the
valve stem to see if it bubbles indicating
a bad valve. Leaks need to be addressed
by more than simply reinflating the tire
as leaks are dangerous — take it to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 43 2016/08/11 20:30:05

7 –44 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.KEY Indication (White)/KEY Warning Light (Red) *
Take the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off. Signal Cause Action to be taken
(White)
KEY Indication *
The advanced key battery is dead. Replace the key battery (page 6-38 ).
(Red)
(Flashing)
KEY Warning Light *
(Red)
(Flashing)
KEY Warning Light *
The advanced key is not within the
operation range.
Bring the advanced key into the operation
range (page 3-7 ).The advanced key is placed in areas inside
the cabin where it is difficult for the key to
be detected.
A key from another manufacturer similar to
the advanced key is in the operation range. Take the key from another manufacturer
similar to the advanced key out of the
operation range.
Without the ignition switched off, the
advanced key is taken out of the cabin, and
then all the doors are closed. Bring the advanced key back into the
cabin.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 44 2016/08/11 20:30:05