2021 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA RF engine

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 5seconds on the first try, wait 10
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.
WA R N I N G
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
2 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.
If Trouble Arises
Emergency Starting
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Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating or the high engine coolant
temperature warning light turns on, the
vehicle loses power, or you hear a loud
knocking or pinging noise, the engine is
probably too hot.
WARNING
Pull over to a safe location, then switch
the ignition off and make sure the fan is
not running before attempting to work
near the cooling fan:
Working near the cooling fan when it is
running is dangerous. The fan could
continue running indefinitely even if the
engine has stopped and the engine
compartment temperature is high. You
could be hit by the fan and seriously
injured.
Do not remove either cooling
system cap when the engine and radiator
are hot:
When the engine and radiator are hot,
scalding coolant and steam may shoot out
under pressure and cause serious injury.
Open the hood ONLY after steam is no
longer escaping from the engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you.
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating or the high engine coolant
temperature warning light turns on:

1. Drive safely to the side of the road and
park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in park (P), a manual
transmission in neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Turn off the air conditioner.
5. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from the engine
compartment.

If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Do not go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.

If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine
until it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the engine
temperature will increase. Stop the
engine and call an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
If Trouble Arises
Overheating
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6. Make sure the cooling fan is operating,then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
7. When cool, check the coolant level. If it is low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.

If you find a leak or other damage, or if
coolant is still leaking:
Stop the engine and call an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Coolant reservoir
Cooling fan
Cooling system cap
If you find no problems, the engine is
cool, and no leaks are obvious:
Carefully add coolant as required (page
6-22).
CAUTION
If the engine continues to overheat or
frequently overheats, have the cooling
system inspected. The engine could be
seriously damaged unless repairs are
made. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
If Trouble Arises
Overheating
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SignalWarning
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution System Wa r n i n g If the electronic brake force di
stribution control unit determines that some compo‐
nents are operating incorrectly , the control unit may illuminate the brake system
warning light and the ABS warni ng light simultaneously. The problem is likely to be
the electronic brake force distribution system.
WA R N I N G
Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminated.
Have the vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the brakes inspected as
soon as possible:
Driving when the brake system warning li ght and ABS warning light are illuminated
simultaneously is dangerous.
When both lights are illuminate d, the rear wheels could lock more quickly in an emer‐
gency stop than under normal circumstances.
Charging System Warn‐ ing Indication/Warning Light If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a
malfunction of the alter‐
nator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. Co nsult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated be‐
cause the engine could stop unexpectedly.
Engine Oil Warning Light This warning light indicates low engine oil pressure.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil pressure is
low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive
engine damage.
If the light illuminates or the w arning indication is displayed while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way o n level ground.
2. Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain b ack into the oil pan.
3. Inspect the engine oil level (p age 6-21). If it's low, add the appropriate amount of
engine oil while being careful not to overfill.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil level is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive
engine damage.
4. Start the engine and check the warning light.

If the light remains illuminated even though the oil level is normal or after adding oil,
stop the engine immediately and have your vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
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SignalWarning
(Red)
High Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Indication/Warning
Light The light flashes when the engine coolant temperature is extrem
ely high, and illumi‐
nates when the engine coolant temperature increases further.
Handling Procedure
Flashing light
Drive slowly to reduce engine l oad until you can find a safe place to stop the vehicle
and wait for the engine to cool down.
Illuminated light
This indicates the possibility of overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe place immedi‐
ately and stop the engine.
Refer to Overheating on page 7-27.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle with the high engi ne coolant temperature warning light illumi‐
nated. Otherwise, it could resu lt in damage to the engine.
Power Steering Mal‐
function Indication*
The message is displayed if the electric power steering has a m alfunction.
If the message is displayed, stop the vehicle in a safe place a nd do not operate the
steering wheel. There is no probl em if the message in the display turns off after a
while. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer if the message is dis played continuously.
NOTE
If the message is displayed, the power steering will not operate normally. In this
case, the steering wheel can still be op erated, however, the operation may feel
heavy compared to normal, or the steer ing wheel could vibrate when turning.
Repeatedly jerking the steering wheel left and right while the vehicle is stopped or
moving extremely slowly will cause the power steering system to go into protective
mode which will make the steerin g feel heavy, but this does not indicate a problem.
If this occurs, park the vehicle safely and wait several minutes for the system to
return to normal.
Power Steering Mal‐ function Indicator
Light
*
The light illuminates/flashes if the electric power steering ha s a malfunction.
If the light illuminates/flashes, stop the vehicle in a safe pl ace and do not operate the
steering wheel. There is no problem if the light turns off afte r a while. Contact an Au‐
thorized Mazda Dealer if the lig ht illuminates/flashes continuously.
NOTE
If the indicator light illuminates/flashes, the power steering will not operate nor‐
mally. If this happens, the steering wheel can still be operated, however, the opera‐
tion may feel heavy compared to normal , or the steering wheel could vibrate when
turning.
Repeatedly jerking the steering wheel left and right while the vehicle is stopped or
moving extremely slowly will cause the power steering system to go into protective
mode which will make the steerin g feel heavy, but this does not indicate a problem.
If this occurs, park the vehicle safely and wait several minutes for the system to
return to normal.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
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▼Contact Authorized Mazda Deal
er and Have Vehicle Inspected
If any of the following warning lights o r the indicator light turns on/flashes, the system may
have a malfunction. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have your vehicle inspected.
SignalWarning
Master Warning In‐
dication/Warning
Light
*
Type A instrument cluster
(Master warning indication)
Displays when notification of the system malfunctions is required.
Check the message indicated in th e display and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
(Master warning light)
The master warning light display s when a warning message occurs.
This indicates a malfunction with the vehicle system. Check the message indicated in the
display and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
For details, refer to the explanations for the warning/indicato r lights, in the warning/indi‐
cator lights section, which match the symbol in the upper part of the display.
If a message is not indicated in the display, operate the INFO switch to display the “Warn‐
ing” screen.
Refer to Message Indicated in Mu lti-information Display and INFO switch on page 4-19.
Type B instrument cluster
The light illuminates continuously if any one of the following occurs. Consult an Author‐
ized Mazda Dealer.
There is a malfunction in the battery management system.There is a malfunction in the brake switch.
Electric Vacuum
Pump Warning Light The light turns on if the electric vacuum pump system has a pro
blem. Have your vehicle
inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
ABS Warning Light If the ABS warning light stays
on while you're driving, the ABS control unit has detected
a system malfunction. If this occurs, your brakes will function normally as if the vehicle
had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an A uthorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it is the result of the weak battery and does
not indicate an ABS malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
The brake assist system does not operate while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
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SignalWarning
Check Engine LightIf this light illuminates while dr
iving, the vehicle may have a problem. It is important to
note the driving conditions when the light illuminated and cons ult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
The check engine light may illumi nate in the following cases:
The engine's electrical system has a problem.The emission control system has a problem.The fuel tank level being very low or approaching empty.The fuel-filler cap is missing or not tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on, or it flashes continuously , do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Automatic Trans‐
mission Indication/
Warning Light
*
The indication/light illuminates when the transmission has a pr oblem.
CAUTION
If the automatic transmission warning indication/light illuminates, the transmission has an
electrical problem. Continuing to drive your Mazda in this condition could cause damage to
your transmission. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
(Turns on)
TCS/DSC Indicator Light If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or the brake assist system
may have a malfunction and
they may not operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an Authori zed Mazda Dealer.
Air Bag/Seat Belt
Pretensioner System Warning Light A system malfunction is indicated
if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly illu‐
minates or does not illuminate a t all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these oc‐
cur, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not operate
in an accident.WA R N I N G
Never tamper with the air bag/pretensioner systems and always have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer perform all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the systems is dangerous. An air bag/pretensioner could
accidentally activate or become disabled causing serious injury or death.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
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SignalWarning
(Flashing)
Tire Pressure Moni‐ toring System
Warning Light If the tire pressure monitoring s
ystem has a malfunction, the tire pressure warning light
flashes. Have your vehicle check ed by an Authorized Mazda Deale r as soon as possible.
WARNING
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pres‐
sure warning beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle speed immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking:
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire pres‐
sure warning beep sound is heard, it is dang erous to drive the vehicle at high speeds, or
perform sudden maneuver ing or braking. Vehicle drivabilit y could worsen and result in an
accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak or a flat, pull over to a safe position where you can
check the visual condition of the tire and determine if you have enough air to proceed to a
place where air may be added and the system monitored again by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer or a tire repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous, even if you know why it is illuminated. Have
the problem taken care of as soon as possible before it develops into a more serious situa‐
tion that could lead to tire failure and a dangerous accident.
(Amber)
KEY Warning Indi‐
cation
*
“Keyless System malfunction” is displayed
This message is displayed if the advanced keyless entry & push button start system has a
problem.
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
If the message is indicate d, or the push button star t indicator light (amber)
flashes, the en‐
gine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it using the emergency oper‐
ation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Deal‐
er as soon as possible.
Refer to Emergency Operation for St arting the Engine on page 4-10.
“Ignition is on” is displayed
This message is displayed when the driver's door is opened with out switching the ignition
off.
“Key not detected” is displayed
This message is displayed when any of the following operations is performed with the key
out of the operational range or placed in areas inside the cabi n where it is difficult for the
key to be detected.
The push button start is presse d with the ignition switched offThe ignition is switched onAll doors are closed without switching the ignition off
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
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