2017 MAZDA MX5 MIATA transmission

3 –15 Before Driving
Doors and LocksFront passenger's door
Unlock Lock
To lock both the doors and the fuel-filler
lid from an open door, press the lock side
of the door lock switch and then close the
door.
NOTE
When locking the doors this way, be
careful not to leave the key inside the
vehicle.
Auto Lock/Unlock Function
WARNING Do not pull the inner handle on a door:
Pulling the inner handle on a
door while the vehicle is moving
is dangerous. Passengers can fall
out of the vehicle if the door opens
accidentally , which could result in
death or serious injury. 
When the vehicle speed exceeds 20
km/h (12 mph), both doors and the fuel-
filler lid lock automatically. 
When the ignition is switched off, both
doors and the fuel-filler lid unlock
automatically.
These functions can also be disabled so
that they do not operate. Auto lock/unlock function setting
change using door-lock switch
The doors and the fuel-filler lid can be
set to lock or unlock automatically by
selecting any one of the functions from the
following table and using the driver's door-
lock switch on the interior door panel.
NOTE 
Function number 3 in the following
table is the factory setting for your
vehicle. 
There are only a total of six auto lock/
unlock settings available for automatic
transmission vehicles, and three for
manual transmission vehicles. Be sure
to press the unlock side of the driver's
door-lock switch the correct number of
times according to the selected function
number. If the switch is mistakenly
pressed seven times on an automatic
transmission vehicle or four times on a
manual transmission, the procedure will
be cancelled. If this occurs, start the
procedure from the beginning. Function
number Function *1
1 The auto door-lock function is
disabled.
2 Both the doors and the fuel-filler lid
lock automatically when the vehicle
speed is about 20 km/h (12 mph) or
more.
3 (Factory
Setting) Both the doors and the fuel-filler lid
lock automatically when the vehicle
speed is about 20 km/h (12 mph) or
more. Both the doors and the fuel-
filler lid unlock when the ignition is
switched from ON to Off.
4 (Automatic transmission vehicles
only)
When the ignition is switched ON and
the selector lever is shifted from park
(P) to any other gear position, both
the doors and the fuel-filler lid lock
automatically.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 15 2016/08/11 20:28:30

3 –16 Before Driving
Doors and Locks Function
number Function *1
5 (Automatic transmission vehicles
only)
When the ignition is switched ON and
the selector lever is shifted from park
(P) to any other gear position, both
the doors and the fuel-filler lid lock
automatically.
When the selector lever is shifted to
park (P) while the ignition is switched
ON, both the doors and the fuel-filler
lid unlock automatically.
6 (Automatic transmission vehicles
only)
Both the doors and the fuel-filler lid
lock automatically when the vehicle
speed is about 20 km/h (12 mph) or
more.
When the selector lever is shifted to
park (P) while the ignition is switched
ON, both the doors and the fuel-filler
lid unlock automatically.
*1 Other settings for the auto door lock function are
available at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. For
details consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Refer
to Personalization Features on page 9-9 .
Settings can be changed using the
following procedure.
1. Safely park the vehicle. Both doors
must remain closed.
2. Switch the ignition ON.
3. Press and hold the lock side of the
driver's door-lock switch within 20
seconds of switching the ignition ON,
and make sure a beep sound is heard
about eight seconds afterwards.
4. Refer to the auto lock/unlock function
setting table, determine the function
number for the desired setting. Press
the unlock side of the driver's door-lock
switch the same number of times as the
selected function number (Ex. If you
select function 2, press the unlock side
of the switch only 2 times). 5. Three seconds after the function setting
has been changed, a beep sound will
beep in the amount of the selected
function number. (Ex. Function number
3 = 3 beep sounds)
(Manual transmission vehicles)
Press 2 times
Press 3 timesCurrent Function Number
Function Number 1
Function Number 2
Function Number 3
Press 4 timesPress unlock side of
lock switch once
Cancel setting Cancel setting
Function set (The
number of beeps
heard is the same as
the selected function
number) Press lock side of
lock switch
Wait for 3 second
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 16 2016/08/11 20:28:31

3 –17 Before Driving
Doors and Locks(Automatic transmission vehicles) Press unlock side of
lock switch once
Press 2 times
Press 3 timesCurrent Function Number
Function Number 1
Function Number 2
Press 4 timesFunction Number 3
Press 5 timesFunction Number 4
Press 7 timesFunction Number 5
Press 6 times
Function Number 6
Cancel setting Cancel setting
Function set (The
number of beeps
heard is the same as
the selected function
number) Press lock side of
lock switch
Wait for 3 second
NOTE 
The doors cannot be locked or unlocked
while the setting function is being
performed. 
The procedure can be cancelled by
pressing the lock side of the driver's
door-lock switch. Locking, Unlocking with Door-
Lock Knob Operation from inside
To lock any door from the inside, press the
door-lock knob.
To unlock, pull it outward.
This does not operate the other door locks. Lock
Unlock
NOTE
The red indication can be seen when the
door-lock knob is unlocked. Red indication
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 17 2016/08/11 20:28:31

3 –45 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback) Opening the Roof1. Park on a hard, level surface off the
right-of-way and firmly set the parking
brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake with the brake
pedal depressed.
4. Start the Engine.
NOTE
Do not open/close the roof with the engine
stopped. Otherwise the vehicle's battery
power could be depleted.
5. Continue pressing the retractable
fastback switch in the open direction
until the roof is completely open. NOTE 
If the retractable fastback switch is
pressed in the open direction, a warning
beep sounds. 
If the windows are closed, the windows
automatically open partially when the
rear roof opens.
After the rear roof is opened and
the retractable fastback switch is
continuously pressed in the open
direction, the power windows close
completely.
Once you remove your hand from the
switch, the power windows do not
close even if it is operated again. If this
happens, completely close the power
windows using the power window
switch. 
The roof keeps opening and the
operation indicator light flashes while
the retractable fastback switch is
pressed in the open direction. 
If the switch is released while the roof is
opening, the roof stops opening. If the
switch is pressed in the open direction
again, the roof resumes opening. 
When the operation is finished, a beep
sound is heard and the operation
indicator light turns off. 
When the roof is half-open, the front
roof resumes opening after the rear roof
is completely open.
Closing the Roof
1. Park on a hard, level surface off the
right-of-way and firmly set the parking
brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake with the brake
pedal depressed.
4. Start the Engine.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 45 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 –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 –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 –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