2017 MAZDA MX5 MIATA towing

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 –57 Before Driving
Towing
Trailer TowingYour Mazda is not designed for towing.
Never tow a trailer with your Mazda.
Recreational Towing An example of "recreational towing" is
towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.
The transmission is not designed for
towing this vehicle on all 4 wheels.
When doing recreational towing refer
to "Towing Description" (page 7-30 )
and "Tiedown Hooks" (page 7-31 ) and
carefully follow the instructions.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 57 2016/08/11 20:28:40

4 –64 When Driving
Brake
WARNINGDo not rely completely on Hill Launch
Assist (HLA):
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is an auxiliary
device for accelerating from a stop
on a slope. The system only operates
for about two seconds and therefore,
relying only on the system, when
accelerating from a stop is dangerous
because the vehicle may move (roll)
unexpectedly and cause an accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on
the vehicle's load or if it is towing
something. In addition, for vehicles
with a manual transmission, the
vehicle could still roll depending on
how the clutch pedal or the accelerator
pedal is operated.
Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the
vehicle. NOTE 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate on a gentle slope. In addition,
the gradient of the slope on which the
system will operate changes depending
on the vehicle's load. 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate if the parking brake is applied,
the vehicle has not stopped completely,
or the clutch pedal is released. 
While Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is
operating, the brake pedal may feel
stiff and vibrate, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction. 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate while the TCS/DSC indicator
light is illuminated.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-26 . 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
turn off even if the DSC OFF switch is
pressed to turn off the TCS/DSC.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 64 2016/08/11 20:28:57

4 –97 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSENOTE 
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot detect target objects
correctly, and each system may be unable to operate normally. 
The height of the vehicle ahead is low. 
You drive your vehicle at the same speed as the vehicle ahead. 
Headlights are not turned on during the night or when going through a tunnel. 
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) may not be able to detect
target objects correctly. 
When driving next to walls with no patterning (including fences and longitudinally
striped walls). 
The taillights of the vehicle ahead are turned off. 
A vehicle is outside the illumination range of the headlights. 
The vehicle is making a sharp turn, or ascending or descending a steep slope. 
Entering or exiting a tunnel. 
Heavy luggage is loaded causing the vehicle to tilt. 
Strong light is shone at the front of the vehicle (back light or high-beam light from on-
coming vehicles). 
There are many light emitters on the vehicle ahead. 
When the vehicle ahead is not equipped with taillights or the taillights are turned off at
nighttime. 
The vehicle ahead has a special shape. For example, a vehicle towing a trailer house
or a boat, or a vehicle carrier carrying a vehicle with its front pointed rearward.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 97 2016/08/11 20:29:03

7 –1 *Some models.7 If Trouble Arises Helpful information on what to do if a problem arises with the vehicle.
Parking in an Emergency ................... 7-2
Parking in an Emergency
............... 7-2
Flat Tire ................................................ 7-3
Tool Storage
................................... 7-3
Emergency Flat Tire Repair Kit
..... 7-5
Changing a Tire
............................ 7-16
Battery Runs Out .............................. 7-23
Jump-Starting
............................... 7-23
Emergency Starting .......................... 7-26
Starting a Flooded Engine
............ 7-26
Push-Starting
................................ 7-26
Overheating ....................................... 7-27
Overheating
.................................. 7-27
When Fuel-Filler Lid Cannot be
Opened ............................................... 7-29
When Fuel-Filler Lid Cannot be
Opened
......................................... 7-29
Emergency Towing ............................ 7-30
Towing Description
...................... 7-30
Tiedown Hooks *
........................... 7-31 Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning
Sounds
................................................ 7-33
If a Warning Light Turns On or
Flashes
.......................................... 7-33
Message Indicated in Multi-
information Display *
.................... 7-45
Message Indicated on Display
..... 7-46
Warning Sound is Activated
......... 7-48
When Trunk Lid Cannot be
Opened
............................................... 7-52
When Trunk Lid Cannot be
Opened
......................................... 7-52
When the Roof Cannot be Closed .... 7-57
When the Roof Cannot be
Closed
.......................................... 7-57
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 1 2016/08/11 20:29:55

7 –26 If Trouble Arises
Emergency Starting
Starting a Flooded Engine If the engine fails to start, it may be
flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).
Follow this procedure:
1. If the engine does not start within
five seconds on the first try, wait ten
seconds and try again.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the accelerator all the way and
hold it there.
4. Depress the clutch pedal (Manual
transmission) or the brake pedal
(Automatic transmission), then
press the push button start. If the
engine starts, release the accelerator
immediately because the engine will
suddenly rev up.
5. If the engine fails to start, crank it
without depressing the accelerator.
If the engine still does not start using the
previous procedure, have your vehicle
inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Push-Starting Do not push-start your Mazda.
WARNING Never tow a vehicle to start it:
Towing a vehicle to start it is
dangerous. The vehicle being towed
could surge forward when its engine
starts, causing the two vehicles to
collide. The occupants could be injured.
CAUTION Do not push-start a vehicle that has a
manual transmission. It can damage
the emission control system.
NOTE
You cannot start a vehicle with an
automatic transmission by pushing it.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 26 2016/08/11 20:30:00

7 –30 If Trouble Arises
Emergency Towing
Towing Description We recommend that towing be done only
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a
commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary
to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
drive wheels (rear wheels) off the ground.
If excessive damage or other conditions
prevent this, use wheel dollies.
Wheel dollies
When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake. CAUTION 
Do not tow the vehicle pointed
backward with driving wheels on the
ground. This may cause internal damage
to the transmission. 
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 30 2016/08/11 20:30:01

7 –31 If Trouble Arises
Emergency Towing
*Some models.Tiedown Hooks *
CAUTION Do not use the front and rear tiedown
eyelets for towing the vehicle.
They have been designed only for
securing the vehicle to a transport
vessel during shipping.
Using the eyelets for any other purpose
could result in the vehicle being
damaged.
Tiedown Hooks1. Remove the tiedown eyelet and the lug
wrench from the luggage compartment
(page 7-3 ).
2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or similar
tool with a soft cloth to prevent damage
to a painted bumper, and open the cap
located on the front or rear bumper.
Front Rear
CAUTION Do not use excessive force as it may
damage the cap or scratch the painted
bumper surface.
NOTE
Remove the cap completely and store it so
as not to lose it.
3. Securely install the tiedown eyelet
using the lug wrench or equivalent.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Front

Lug wrench
Tiedown eyelet
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 31 2016/08/11 20:30:01