2 –5 Essential Safety Equipment
Seats
* Some models. Seat Warmer *
The seats are electrically heated. The
ignition must be switched ON.
Press the seat warmer switch while the
ignition is switched ON to operate the seat
warmer. The indicator lights turn on to
indicate that the seat warmer is operating.
The mode changes as follows each time
the seat warmer switch is pressed.
LowMidHighOFF
WARNING Be careful when using the seat warmer:
The heat from the seat warmer may be
too hot for some people, as indicated
as follows, and could cause a low-
temperature burn.
Infants, small children, elderly
people, and physically challenged
people
People with delicate skin
People who are excessively fatigued
People who are intoxicated
People who have taken sleep-
inducing medicine such as sleeping
pills or cold medicine Do not use the seat warmer with
anything having high moisture-
retention ability such as a blanket or
cushion on the seat:
The seat may be heated excessively
and cause a low-temperature burn.
Do not use the seat warmer even when
taking a short nap in the vehicle:
The seat may be heated excessively
and cause a low-temperature burn.
Do not place heavy objects with sharp
projections on the seat, or insert
needles or pins into it:
This could cause the seat to become
excessively heated and result in injury
from a minor burn.
CAUTION Do not use organic solvents to clean
the seat. It may damage the seat
surface and the heater.
NOTE
If the ignition is switched off while the
seat warmer is operating (High, Mid or
Low) and then switched ON again, the
seat warmer will automatically operate
at the temperature set before switching
off the ignition.
Use the seat warmer when the engine
is running. Leaving the seat warmer
on for long periods with the engine not
running could cause the battery power
to be depleted.
The temperature of the seat warmer
cannot be adjusted beyond High, Mid
and Low because the seat warmer is
controlled by a thermostat.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 5 2016/08/11 20:28:21
3 –1 *Some models.3 Before Driving Use of various features, including keys, doors, mirrors and windows.
Keys ...................................................... 3-2
Keys
............................................... 3-2
Keyless Entry System
.................... 3-3
Advanced Keyless Entry System ....... 3-8
Advanced Keyless Entry
System *
........................................... 3-8
Operational Range
......................... 3-9
Doors and Locks ................................ 3-10
Door Locks
................................... 3-10
Trunk Lid
..................................... 3-18
Inside Trunk Release Lever *
........ 3-20
Fuel and Emission ............................. 3-22
Fuel and Engine Exhaust
Precautions
................................... 3-22
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap
................ 3-25
Steering Wheel ................................... 3-27
Steering Wheel
............................. 3-27
Mirrors ............................................... 3-28
Mirrors
......................................... 3-28
Windows ............................................. 3-31
Power Windows
........................... 3-31
Convertible Top (Soft Top) ............... 3-34
Convertible Top (Soft Top)
.......... 3-34 Convertible Top
(Retractable Fastback)
..................... 3-39
Convertible Top (Retractable
Fastback)
...................................... 3-39
Security System ................................. 3-47
Modification and Add-On
Equipment
.................................... 3-47
Immobilizer System
..................... 3-47
Theft-Deterrent System *
............... 3-49
Driving Tips ....................................... 3-51
Break-In Period
............................ 3-51
Saving Fuel and Protection of the
Environment
................................. 3-51
Hazardous Driving
....................... 3-52
Floor Mat
..................................... 3-52
Rocking the Vehicle
..................... 3-53
Winter Driving
............................. 3-53
Driving In Flooded Area
.............. 3-55
Overloading
.................................. 3-55
Driving on Uneven Road
............. 3-56
Towing ................................................ 3-57
Trailer Towing
.............................. 3-57
Recreational Towing
.................... 3-57
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 1 2016/08/11 20:28:27
3 –3 Before Driving
KeysNOTE
The driver must carry the key to ensure the
system functions properly. Auxiliary ke yTransmitter
Ke y code number plate
To use the auxiliary key, pull out the
auxiliary key from the transmitter while
pressing the knob. Knob
Keyless Entry System This system uses the key buttons to
remotely lock and unlock the doors and
the fuel-filler lid, and opens the trunk lid.
The system can start the engine without
having to take the key out of your purse or
pocket.
It can also help you signal for attention or
help.
Operating the theft-deterrent system is
also possible on theft-deterrent system-
equipped vehicles.
System malfunctions or warnings are
indicated by the following warning lights
or beeps.
For vehicles with the type A instrument
cluster, check the displayed message for
more information and, if necessary, have
the vehicle inspected at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer, according to the indication.
KEY Warning Light (Red)
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-26 .
Ignition Not Switched Off (STOP)
Warning Beep
Refer to Ignition Not Switched Off
(STOP) Warning Beep on page 7-49 .
Key Removed from Vehicle Warning
Beep
Refer to Key Removed from Vehicle
Warning Beep on page 7-50 .
If you have a problem with the key,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If your key is lost or stolen, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible for a replacement and to make the
lost or stolen key inoperative.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 3 2016/08/11 20:28:28
3 –7 Before Driving
KeysNOTE
The panic button will work whether any
door or the trunk lid is open or closed.
(Turning on the alarm)
Pressing the panic button for 1 second or
more will trigger the alarm for about 2
minutes and 30 seconds, and the following
will occur:
The horn sounds intermittently.
The hazard warning lights flash.
(Turning off the alarm)
The alarm stops by pressing any button on
the key.
Operational RangeThe system operates only when the driver
is in the vehicle or within operational
range while the key is being carried.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Starting the engine may be possible
even if the key is outside of the vehicle
and extremely close to a door and
window, however, always start the
engine from the driver's seat.
If the vehicle is started and the key
is not in the vehicle, the vehicle will
not restart after it is shut off and the
ignition is switched to off.
The trunk is out of the assured
operational range, however, if the key
(transmitter) is operable the engine will
start. With the advanced keyless function Interior antenna
Operational range
Without the advanced keyless function
Operational rangeInterior antenna
NOTE
The engine may not start if the key is
placed in the following areas:
Around the dashboard
In the storage compartments or the
center console
Key Suspend Function
If a key is left in the vehicle, the
functions of the key left in the vehicle are
temporarily suspended to prevent theft of
the vehicle.
To restore the functions, press the unlock
button on the functions-suspended key in
the vehicle.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 7 2016/08/11 20:28:29
3 –8 Before Driving
Advanced Keyless Entry System
*Some models.Advanced Keyless Entry
System *
WARNINGRadio 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.
The advanced keyless function allows you
to lock/unlock the door , or open the trunk
lid while carrying the key.
System malfunctions or warnings are
indicated by the following warning lights
or beeps.
Request switch Inoperable Warning
Beep
Refer to Request Switch Inoperable
Warning Beep (With the advanced
keyless function) on page 7-50 .
Key Left-in-Trunk Warning Beep
Refer to Key Left-in-luggage
Compartment Warning Beep (With the
advanced keyless function) on page
7-50 .
Key Left-in-vehicle Warning Beep
Refer to Key Left-in-vehicle Warning
Beep (With the advanced keyless
function) on page 7-50 . NOTE
The advanced keyless entry system
functions 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 advanced
keyless entry system has 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 .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 8 2016/08/11 20:28:29
3 –11 Before Driving
Doors and Locks
*Some models.NOTE
Always stop the engine and lock the
doors. In addition, to prevent theft of
valuables, do not leave them inside the
cabin.
If the key is left in the following areas
and you leave the vehicle, the doors
may be locked depending on the radio
wave conditions even if the key is left in
the vehicle.
Around the dashboard
In the storage compartments or the
center console
Next to a communication device such
as a mobile phone
When the ignition is switched to ACC
or ON, the vehicle lock-out prevention
feature prevents you from locking
yourself out of the vehicle.
Both doors will automatically unlock if
they are locked using the power door
locks with any door open.
If both the doors are closed even though
the trunk lid is open, both the doors will
lock.
The vehicle lock-out prevention feature
does not operate while the ignition is
switched off.
When any door is opened from the
outside while the key is inside the
vehicle, the closed doors are locked.
Both the doors are automatically
unlocked by closing the open door.
(With the advanced keyless function)
The beep sound is heard for about 10
seconds to notify the driver that the key
has been left in the vehicle.
(Without the advanced keyless
function)
The horn sound is heard twice to notify
the driver that the key has been left in
the vehicle.
(Door unlock (control) system with
collision detection) *
This system automatically unlocks the
doors in the event the vehicle is involved
in an accident to allow passengers to
get out of the vehicle immediately and
prevent being trapped inside. While the
ignition is switched ON and in the event
the vehicle receives an impact strong
enough to inflate the air bags, both the
doors are automatically unlocked after
about 6 seconds have elapsed from the
time of the accident.
The doors may not unlock depending on
how an impact is applied, the force of
the impact, and other conditions of the
accident.
If door-related systems or the battery
is malfunctioning, the doors will not
unlock.
When opening a door, the power
windows open a little automatically.
When closing the door, the power
windows close automatically. This is a
function for improving the sealability,
and it does not mean there is a problem.
If the vehicle battery is disconnected for
vehicle maintenance or other reasons,
the power windows will not open
or close automatically. If the power
windows do not open or close, the
automatic open/close mechanism for the
windows must be reset.
Refer to Operating the Power Windows
on page 3-31 .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 11 2016/08/11 20:28:30
3 –18 Before Driving
Doors and Locks Operation from outside
To lock the passenger door with the door-
lock knob from the outside, press the
door-lock knob to the lock position and
close the door (holding the door handle in
the open position is not required).
This does not operate the other door locks. Door-lock knob
NOTE
When locking the door this way:
Be careful not to leave the key inside the
vehicle.
The driver's door lock knob cannot be
used while the driver's door is open. Trunk Lid WARNING Never allow a person to ride in the
trunk:
Allowing a person to ride in the trunk
is dangerous. The person in the trunk
could be seriously injured or killed
during sudden braking or a collision.
Do not drive with the trunk lid open:
Exhaust gas in the cabin of a vehicle
is dangerous. An open trunk lid in a
moving vehicle will cause exhaust
gas to be drawn into the cabin. This
gas contains CO (carbon monoxide),
which is colorless, odorless, and highly
poisonous, and it can cause loss of
consciousness and death. Moreover, an
open trunk lid could cause occupants
to fall out in an accident.
CAUTION
Before opening the trunk lid, remove
any snow and ice accumulation on it.
Otherwise, the trunk lid could close
under the weight of the snow and ice
resulting in injury.
Be careful when opening/closing the
trunk lid during strong winds. If a strong
gust blows against the trunk lid, it could
close suddenly resulting in injury.
Fully open the trunk lid and make sure
that it stays open. If the trunk lid is only
opened partially, it could slam shut
by vibration or wind gusts resulting in
injury.
When loading or unloading luggage in
the trunk, turn off the engine. Otherwise,
you could get burned by the heat of the
exhaust gas.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 18 2016/08/11 20:28:31
3 –22 Before Driving
Fuel and Emission
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions Fuel RequirementsVehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL,
which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
This vehicle will perform best with fuel listed in the table. Fuel Octane Rating *
(Anti-knock index)
Premium unleaded fuel
91 [(R M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
*
U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gaso line station pumps.
Regular unleaded fuel with an octane rating from 87 to 90 (91 t o 95 RON) can be used, but
this will reduce performance slightly, such as reduced engine output, and engine knocking.
Fuel with a rating lower than 87 octane (91 RON) will negativel y affect the emission control
system performance and could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.
CAUTION
USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors and will lead to
deterioration of the emission control system and or failures.
This vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10 % ethanol by
volume. Damage to the vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this recommendation, or
if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of any kind if your vehicle engine
is performing poorly.
Never add fuel system additives, otherwise the emission control system could be damaged.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer for details.
Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compo unds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10 %. Gasoline conta ining alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name "Gasohol".
Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not be
covered by the warranty.
Gasohol containing more than 10 % ethanol.
Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 22 2016/08/11 20:28:32