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 –28 When Driving
Instrument Cluster and Display
*Some models.Signal Warning Lights Page
Seat Belt Warning Light 7-41*
Door-Ajar Warning Light 7-41*
Door-Ajar Warning Indication 7-41*
Trunk lid-Ajar Warning Indication 7-41*
Low Fuel Warning Indication/Warning Light 7-41
Check Fuel Cap Warning Light *1
7-41*
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Indication/Warning Light 7-41
*1 The light turns on when the ignition is switched on for an operation check, and turns off a few seconds later or
when the engine is started. If the light does not turn on or remains turned on, have the vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
*2 The light turns on continuously when the parking brake is applied.
Indication/Indicator Lights
These lights turn on or flash to notify the user of the system o peration status or a system
malfunction. Signal Indicator Lights Page*
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Indicator Light *1
2-37
(White/Green) *
KEY Indicator/Indicator Light 3-8
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 28 2016/08/11 20:28:48
4 –51 When Driving
Switches and Controls
Windshield Wipers and
Washer The ignition must be switched ON to use
the wipers.
WARNING Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the windshield,
affect your visibility, and could result in
an accident.
Only use windshield washer fluid mixed
with anti-freeze protection in freezing
weather conditions:
Using windshield washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection in freezing
weather conditions is dangerous as
it could freeze on the windshield and
block your vision which could cause
an accident. In addition, make sure
the windshield is sufficiently warmed
using the defroster before spraying the
washer fluid. NOTE
If the windshield wipers are operated
under cold weather conditions or
during snowfall, they could stop due to
accumulated snow on the windshield.
If the windshield wipers stop due to
accumulated snow on the windshield,
park the vehicle in a safe place, turn the
wiper switch off, and then remove the
accumulated snow. If the wiper switch is
turned to another position other than OFF,
the wipers will operate. If the wipers do
not operate even though the wiper switch
is turned to a position other than OFF,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
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4 –54 When Driving
Switches and Controls NOTE
Switching the auto-wiper lever from the
to the position while driving
activates the windshield wipers once,
after which they operate according to
the rainfall amount.
The auto-wiper control may not operate
when the rain sensor temperature is
about -10 °C (14 °F) or lower, or about
85 °C (185 °F) or higher.
If the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be
able to sense the amount of rainfall
correctly and the auto-wiper control
may not operate properly.
If dirt or foreign matter (such as ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres
to the windshield above the rain sensor,
or if the windshield is iced, it could
cause the wipers to move automatically.
However, if the wipers cannot remove
this ice, dirt or foreign matter, the auto-
wiper control will stop operation. In
this case, set the wiper lever to the low
speed position or high speed position
for manual operation, or remove the ice,
dirt or foreign matter by hand to restore
the auto-wiper operation.
If the auto-wiper lever is left in the
position, the wipers could operate
automatically from the effect of strong
light sources, electromagnetic waves, or
infrared light because the rain sensor
uses an optical sensor. It is
recommended that the auto-wiper lever
be switched to the
position other
than when driving the vehicle under
rainy conditions.
The auto-wiper control functions can
be turned off. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-9 . Windshield Washer Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid. WasherOFF
NOTE
If the windshield washer is turned on when
the windshield wipers are not operating,
the windshield wipers operate a few times.
If the washer does not work, inspect the
fluid level (page 6-31 ). If the fluid level
is normal, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 54 2016/08/11 20:28:55
6 –16 Maintenance and Care How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Essential Information ........................................................................ 6-2
Introduction
................................................................................... 6-2
Scheduled Maintenance ..................................................................... 6-4
Scheduled Maintenance (U.S.A., Canada, and Puerto Rico)
........ 6-4
Scheduled Maintenance (Mexico)
.............................................. 6-13
Maintenance Monitor
.................................................................. 6-20
Owner Maintenance ......................................................................... 6-22
Owner Maintenance Precautions
................................................ 6-22
Hood
............................................................................................ 6-24
Engine Compartment Overview
................................................. 6-26
Engine Oil
................................................................................... 6-27
Engine Coolant
............................................................................ 6-29
Brake/Clutch Fluid
...................................................................... 6-31
Washer Fluid
............................................................................... 6-31
Body Lubrication
........................................................................ 6-32
Wiper Blades
............................................................................... 6-33
Battery
......................................................................................... 6-36
Key Battery Replacement
........................................................... 6-38
Tires ............................................................................................. 6-41
Light Bulbs
.................................................................................. 6-45
Fuses
........................................................................................... 6-54
Appearance Care .............................................................................. 6-59
Exterior Care ............................................................................... 6-59
Interior Care
................................................................................ 6-68
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6 –10 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L L L L L
Washer fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *7
Inspect annually.
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Engine oil flexible maintenance is available for U.S.A. and Puer to Rico residents whose vehicle is operated
mainly where none of the following conditions apply.
Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation such as polic e car, taxi or driving school car
Driving in dusty conditions
If any do apply, follow fixed maintenance.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year o r within 16,000 km (10,000 miles) since last
engine oil and filter change. Reset the engine oil data whenever replacing the engine oil regardless of the
message/wrench indicator light display.
*2 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Usin g engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*3 If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, clean and if necessary, replace the air filter more often
than the recommended intervals.
*4 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*5 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed so that the system operates
normally (if equipped).
*6 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
*7 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when perf orming the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date .
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6 –11 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled MaintenanceCanada residents Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Drive belts I I
Engine oil & filter R R R R R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant *1
Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after
that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years.
Engine coolant level I I I I I I I I I I I I
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter I I I I I I I I I I I I
Replace every 56,000 km (35,000 miles) or 3 years.
Fuel lines and hoses *2
I I I
Hoses and tubes for emission *2
I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I I I I I I I I I I
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes Inspect every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 1 years.
Manual transmission oil Replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 2 years.
Tire (Rotation) *3
Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles).
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear *3
I I I I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I
Rear differential oil *4
Driveshaft dust boots I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years.
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L L L L L
Washer fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *5
Inspect annually.
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6 –14 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Schedule 1 Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 11 0 120
ENGINE
Drive belts I I I
Engine oil & filter R R R R R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I I
Engine coolant *1
Replace at first 200,000 km or 10 years; after that, every
100,000 km or 5 years
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter R R R R R R
Fuel lines and hoses I *2
I *2
I
Hoses and tubes for emission I *2
I *2
I
Fuel filter Replace every 60,000 km
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs I I I I I I I I I I I I
Replace every 120,000 km
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I I I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I I I I I
Brake fluid R R R
Disc brakes I I I I I I I I I I I I
Manual transmission oil R
Tire (Rotation) *3
Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear *3
I I I I I I I I I I I I
Steering operation and linkages I I I I I I I I I I I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I I I I
Rear differential oil *4
Driveshaft dust boots I I I I I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T T T T
Exhaust system and heat shields I I I I I I
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L L L L L
Washer fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *5
Inspect annually.
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