Page 65 of 564

Luggage or other items placed under the passe nger seat or between the passenger seat and
driver seat that push up the passenger seat bottom.
An object, such as a seat cushion, is put on the passenger's seat or between the passenger's
back and the seatback.
A seat cover is put on the passenger's seat.
Luggage or other items are placed on the seat with the child in the child-restraint system.
The seat is washed.
Liquids are spilled on the seat.
The passenger seat is moved backward, pushing into luggage or other items placed behind
it.
Luggage or other items are placed between the passenger seat and driver seat.
An electric device is put on the passenger's seat.
An additional electrical device, such as a seat warmer is installed to the surface of the
passenger seat.
The passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems will deactivate if the
passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns on.
CAUTION
To assure proper deployment of the front air bag and to prevent damage to the sensor in
the seat cushion:
Do not place sharp objects on the seat cushion or leave heavy luggage on them.
Do not spill any liquids on the seats or under the seats.
To allow the sensors to function pr operly, always perform the following:
Adjust the seats as far back as possible an d always sit upright against the seatbacks with
seat belts worn properly.
If you place your child on the passenger seat , secure the child-restraint system properly
and slide the passenger seat as far back as possible.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-53
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06
Page 66 of 564

NOTE
The system requires about 10 seconds to alternate between turning the passenger front
and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system on or off.
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may turn on repeatedly if luggage or
other items are put on the passenger seat, or if the temperature of the vehicle's interior
changes suddenly.
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may turn on for 10 seconds if the
electrostatic capacity on the passenger seat changes.
The air bag/seat belt pretensioner system wa rning light might turn on if the passenger
seat receives a severe impact.
If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not turn on after installing a
child-restraint system on the passenger seat, first, re-install your child-restraint system
according to the procedure in this owner's manual. Then, if the passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light still does not turn on, and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns on when an occupant is seated
directly in the passenger seat, have the passenger re-adjust their posture by sitting with
their feet on the floor, and then re-fasteni ng the seat belt. If the passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light remains turned on, slide the passenger seat as far back as
possible. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-54
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06
Page 67 of 564
Constant Monitoring
The following components of the air bag systems are monitored by a diagnostic system:
Front air bag sensors
Crash sensors, and diagnostic module (SAS unit)
Side crash sensors
Air bag modules
Seat belt pretensioners
Air bag/Seat belt pretensioner system warning light
Related wiring
Passenger occupant classification sensor
Passenger occupant classification module
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light
The diagnostic module continuously monitors the system's readin ess. This begins when the
ignition is switched ON and contin ues while the vehicle is being driven.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-55
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06
Page 68 of 564
MEMO
2-56
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06
Page 69 of 564

3Before Driving
Use of various features, including keys, doors, mirrors and windows.
Keys.................................................... 3-2 Keys.............................................. 3-2
Keyless Entry System................... 3-4
Advanced Keyless Entry
System............................................... 3-11 Advanced Keyless Entry System
*.....
.................................................... 3-11
Operational Range...................... 3-12
Doors and Locks.............................. 3-13 Door Locks................................. 3-13
Trunk Lid.................................... 3-22
Inside Trunk Release Lever
*...... 3-24
Fuel and Emission........................... 3-25 Fuel and Engine Exhaust
Precautions................................. 3-25
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap.............. 3-28
Mirrors............................................. 3-30 Mirrors........................................ 3-30
Windows........................................... 3-33 Power Windows..........................3-33
Convertible Top (Soft Top)............. 3-36 Convertible Top (Sof t Top).........3-36
Convertible Top (Hardtop)............. 3-41
Convertible Top (Har dtop)......... 3-41
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......................3-52Floor Mat.................................... 3-52
Rocking the Vehicle....................3-53
Winter Driving............................3-53
Driving In Flooded A rea............ 3-55
Overloading................................ 3-56
Driving on Uneven Road............ 3-57
Towing.............................................. 3-58 Trailer Towing............................ 3-58
Recreational Towing................... 3-58
*Some models.3-1
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06
Page 70 of 564

Keys
WARNING
Do not leave the key in your vehicle with
children and keep them in a place where
your children will not find or play with
them:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the key is
dangerous. This could result in someone
being badly injured or even killed. Children
may find these keys to be an interesting toy
to play with and could cause the power
windows or other controls to operate, or
even make the vehicle move.
CAUTION
Because the key (transmitter) uses
low-intensity radio waves, it may not
function correctly under the following
conditions:
The key is carried with communication
devices such as cellular phones.
The key contacts or is covered by a
metal object.
The key is near electronic devices such
as personal computers.
Non-Mazda genuine electronic
equipment is installed in the vehicle.
There is equipment which discharges
radio waves near the vehicle.
The key (transmitter) may consume
battery power excessively if it receives
high-intensity radio waves. Do not place
the key near electronic devices such as
televisions or personal computers.
To avoid damage to the key
(transmitter), DO NOT:
Drop the key.
Get the key wet.
Disassemble the key.
Expose the key to high temperatures
on places such as the dashboard or
hood, under direct sunlight.
Expose the key to any kind of magnetic
field.
Place heavy objects on the key.
Put the key in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Put any magnetized objects close to
the key.
NOTE
The driver must carry the key to ensure the
system functions properly.
Ty p e A
Auxiliary key
Transmitter
Removing the auxiliary key
Pull out the auxiliary key from the
transmitter while pressing the knob.
Knob
Before Driving
Keys
3-2
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06
Page 71 of 564
Ty p e B
Auxiliary key
Transmitter
Removing the auxiliary key
1. Remove the lower cover while
pressing the knob in the direction of
the arrow.
2. Remove the auxiliary key.
Installing the auxiliary key
1. Install the auxiliary key as theillustration.
2. Insert the tabs of the lower cover intothe slots of the transmitter and install
the lower cover.
Key code number plate
A code number is stamped on the plate
attached to the key set; detach this plate
and store it in a safe place (not in the
vehicle) for use if you need to make a
replacement key (auxiliary key).
Also write down the code number and
keep it in a separate safe and convenient
place, but not in the vehicle.
If your key (auxiliary key) is lost, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer, and have
your code number ready.
Key code
number plate
Before Driving
Keys
3-3
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06
Page 72 of 564

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 s ignal 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 4-27.
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 7-49.
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.
CAUTION
Radio equipment like this is governed by
laws in the United States.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority
to operate the equipment.
NOTE
The keyless entry system operation may
vary due to local conditions.
The keyless entry system is fully
operational (door/fuel-filler lid lock/
unlock) when the ignition is switched
off. The system does not operate if the
ignition is switched to any position other
than off.
If the key does not operate when
pressing a button or the operational
range becomes too small, the battery
may be weak. To install a new battery,
refer to Key Battery Replacement (page
6-34).
Before Driving
Keys
3-4
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition2 _old 2019-8-29 16:18:06