brake MAZDA MODEL MX-5 2016 Smart Start Guide (in English)
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4
Emergency Engine Stop
Pushing and holding the START/STOP button or repeatedly pushing  
the button while the engine is running will turn the engine OFF. Use only in 
case of an emergency.
If the START/STOP ENGINE button indicator light flashes AMBER, this could 
indicate a problem with the engine starting system. You may not be able to start 
the engine or switch the ignition to ACC or ON. Have your vehicle inspected at an 
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE: The engine may not start if the key cannot be detected. The Key 
Indicator Light may flash RED  or “Key not detected” may be displayed if the key 
is placed in the cup holder.
Starting The Engine
STARTING THE ENGINE WITH   
ACCELERATED WARM-UP SYSTEM (AWS)
The MX-5 is equipped with SKYACTIV combustion technology. 
This technology includes AWS (Accelerated Warm-up System) for 
optimal emission performance during cold starting conditions.
While Carrying the Key…
•    Start the engine by pushing the START/
STOP ENGINE button while pushing the 
clutch pedal (M/ T) or the brake pedal (A / T).
•     What you will notice? On start-up, the 
engine speed and sound are higher (1500 RPM) for 
less than 1 minute to quickly bring the catalyst to 
efficient operating temperature. The RPM will reduce 
to idle once the temperature is achieved. This is 
normal engine operation under cold start conditions.
•    What this does?  This heats up the catalytic 
converter faster to reduce emissions and allows 
Mazda to use an exhaust header on the engine (to 
improve efficiency and horsepower).
•    Shut the engine OFF by making sure the vehicle is in park (A / T) and 
setting the parking brake, then push the START/STOP ENGINE button.
•    Activate Accessories (ACC ) by pushing the START/STOP ENGINE 
button once without pushing the clutch or brake pedal. 
•    Turn the ignition to the ON position by pushing the START/STOP 
ENGINE button twice without pushing the clutch or brake pedal.
START/STOP 
Indicator Light
NOTE: Yo u   can drive 
the vehicle during AWS 
activation, no need to wait.
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TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)
For your safety, the MX-5 is equipped with TPMS that detects low tire 
pressure in one or more tires. If the tire pressure starts getting low i\
n 
one or more tires, the system alerts the driver by turning on a light in\
 the 
instrument cluster (pp. 31-32) and sounding an alarm.
What to do? Don’t ignore the TPMS warning light. Stop and check your tire 
pressure (when tires are cold) and inflate them to the proper pressure. Properly 
inflated tires are safer, last longer, and increase fuel economy.
In the following cases, the TPMS must be “initialized” so the syst\
em can 
operate normally.
•   The tire pressure is adjusted (up or down) in one or more tires.
•    A tire rotation is performed.
•    Any tire or wheel is replaced.
•    The vehicle’s battery is disconnected, replaced or completely dead. 
Initialization Process (TPMS Warning Light  is Illuminated)
 1   Park the vehicle in a safe place and firmly apply the parking brake.
  2   Let the tires cool, then adjust the tire pressure to the specified pressure 
(See tire label located on the driver’s side door opening) on all four (4) tires.
3   Switch the ignition ON, but leave the vehicle parked.
4     Push and hold the TPMS “Set Switch” (left side  
of dash) until the TPMS warning light 
 in the 
instrument cluster flashes twice and a beep sound is 
heard once.
Tires
CAUTION:  If the TPMS “Set Switch” is pushed without adjusting the tire 
pressure, the system cannot detect the normal tire pressure. The TPMS 
warning light may not turn on, even if the tire pressure is low, or it may turn on if 
the tire pressure is normal.
NOTE: Drastic changes in temperature or altitude may cause the TPMS warning 
light to turn on.
INSTANT MOBILITY SYSTEM (IMS)
The IMS emergency flat tire repair 
kit (located in the trunk) is for a 
temporary repair of a slightly damaged 
flat tire, resulting from running over 
nails, or similar sharp objects on the 
road surface. Refer to your Owner’s 
Manual for complete details.
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CAUTION: Before lowering soft top, please pay close attention to the folding 
points on each side of the soft top, and make sure nothing is stored in the well 
otherwise damage could occur.
MANUAL CONVERTIBLE TOP
When raising or lowering the manual convertible top, the vehicle must be 
stopped on level ground with parking brake set, windows lowered a minimum 
of 1 inch and all items in the convertible top storage area removed.
To  L o w e r :
  1  Slide release button A  while pulling latch B rearward to disengage.
  2  Pull front of top rearward to release from windshield header.
•   If opening from 
outside vehicle, 
grasp side of top, 
near windshield 
header.
•   
If opening from 
inside vehicle,   
use either handle.
Convertible Top
GOOD:  OK TO 
LOWER 
SOFT TOP! CAUTION: 
 
DO NOT  LOWER   
SOFT TOP!
B
A
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INFORMATION DISPLAYDASHBOARD 
ILLUMINATION/
 
DIMMER
1/TRIP 
METER2 
Instrument Cluster
TACHOMETER
GLOSSARY OF WARNING AND INDICATOR LIGHTS
*TPMS NOTE: Low ambient temperature and/or high altitude causes tire pressures to drop 
and may turn the TPMS warning light on. If the warning light comes on, check the tire pressure 
and fill the tires as soon as possible, preferably before moving the vehicle and warming up 
the tires. Initialize system (p. 6). Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold.
NOTE: See Owner’s Manual for more details and explanations.
    Low Engine Oil Pressure
  Traction Control System (TCS)/  
  Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)  
 
On: TCS/DSC malfunction   
  Flashing: TCS/DSC operating
  Shift Position Indicator 
   Power Steering Malfunction
   Air Bag/Front Seat Belt 
Pretensioner System Malfunction
  Turn Signals/  
  Hazard Warning Indicator
   Check Engine
  Master Warning
    Tire Pressure Monitoring System 
(TPMS) Warning* (p. 6) On/ Warning Beep: Low tire pressure in one 
 
or more tires. Flashing: TPMS Malfunction
   Security Indicator
  Cruise Main Indicator   
 ON  ( AMBER )/Cruise Set   
  Indicator ON ( GREEN)
  Lights ON (Exterior)  (p. 25)
   Seat Belt Unbuckled/Malfunction 
  Headlight High Beams On
  Brake Warning  
 Parking brake on/low brake fluid/malfunction
   Charging System Malfunction
  Antilock Brake System   
 (ABS)  Malfunction
   Low Fuel Level
  High Beam Control ON (p. 28) 
  
Headlight Warning
OFF   Dynamic Stability Control 
 
(DSC) OFF
IMPORTANT: When 
your Mazda Connect 
display setting is set on 
“AUTO”, the instrument  cluster and display may become dimmer 
when the headlights 
are on. If the display 
and instrument cluster  become too dim or 
too bright when the  headlights are on, simply 
rotate the dimmer  knob located on your 
instrument cluster to 
adjust the brightness.
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HILL LAUNCH ASSIST (HLA)
HL A helps assist you when accelerating the vehicle from a stop while on  
a hill or slope. 
When the brake pedal is released and the accelerator pedal is pushed,   
HL A prevents the vehicle from rolling forward or backward. It operates on   
a downward slope when the shift lever is in the reverse (R) position, and on 
an upward slope when the shift lever is in a position other than the reverse 
(R) position.
NOTE: The HL A system will hold the vehicle for a maximum of 2.0 seconds while 
the driver is changing from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.
Transmission
ACTIVE ADAPTIVE SHIFT (AAS) CONTROL
A AS will automatically adjust how and when the transmission shifts gears 
based on road conditions and your driving style.
The transmission may stay in a lower gear longer than usual when going up or 
down hills or driving around corners. This feature gives you better control and 
a more connected driving experience.
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