MAZDA MODEL MX-5 2017 Owners Manual (in English)

3–45
Before Driving
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)
Opening the Roof
1. Park on a hard, level surface off the
right-of-way and ¿ rmly 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.
N O T E
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.


N O T E
 
y If the retractable fastback switch is
pressed in the open direction, a warning
beep sounds.
 


y 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.
 

y The roof keeps opening and the
operation indicator light À ashes while
the retractable fastback switch is
pressed in the open direction.
 


y 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.
 


y When the operation is ¿ nished, a beep
sound is heard and the operation
indicator light turns off.
 


y 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 ¿ rmly 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.
/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD

3–46
Before Driving
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)
N O T E
Do not open/close the roof with the engine
stopped. Otherwise the vehicle's battery
power could be depleted.

5. Slightly slide the seats back if they are
in the foremost position.
6. Continue pressing the retractable
fastback switch in the close direction
until the rear roof is completely closed.


N O T E
 
y If the retractable fastback switch is
pressed in the close direction, a warning
beep sounds.
 


y If the windows are closed, the windows
automatically open partially when the
rear roof opens.
 

y The roof keeps closing and the
operation indicator light À ashes while
the retractable fastback switch is
pressed in the close direction.
 


y If the switch is released while the roof
is closing, the roof stops closing. If the
switch is pressed in the close direction
again, the roof resumes closing.
 


y When the operation is ¿ nished, a beep
sound is heard and the operation
indicator light turns off.

/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD

3–47
Before Driving
Security System
M o d i¿ cation and Add-On
Equipment
Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
and the theft-deterrent systems' operation
if the system has been modi¿ ed or if any
add-on equipment has been installed.

CAUTION
To avoid damage to the vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
and the theft-deterrent systems or the
vehicle.

Immobilizer System
The immobilizer system allows the
engine to start only with a key the system
recognizes.

If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized key, the engine
will not start, thereby helping to prevent
vehicle theft.
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the key, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
 


¾ Radio equipment like this is governed by
laws in the United States.
  Changes or modifi cations not expressly
approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
 


¾ To avoid damage to the key, do not: 



¾ Drop the key.



¾ Get the key wet.



¾ Expose the key to any kind of
magnetic fi eld.
 


¾ Expose the key to high temperatures
on places such as the dashboard or
hood, under direct sunlight.
 


¾ If the engine does not start with the
correct key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or fl ashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD

3–48
Before Driving
Security System
N O T E
 


y 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.
 


y Always keep a spare key in case one
is lost. If a key is lost, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
 


y 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.

Operation
N O T E
 


y The engine may not start and security
indicator light may illuminate or À ash
if the key is placed in an area where it
is dif¿ cult 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.
 


y 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 À ashes 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
À ashing, 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.
N O T E
 


y If the security indicator light À ashes
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 À ashing, you will
not be able to restart it.
 


y 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.

/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD

3–49
Before Driving
Security System
*Some models.
Theft-Deterrent System *
If the theft-deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle,
which could result in the vehicle or its
contents being stolen, the alarm alerts the
surrounding area of an abnormality by
sounding the horn and À ashing the hazard
warning lights.

The system will not function unless it's
properly armed. So when you leave the
vehicle, follow the arming procedure
correctly.
Operation
System triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights À ash for about 30
seconds when the system is triggered by
any one of the following:
 


y Unlocking a door with the key, door
lock switch, or an inside door-lock knob.
 


y Forcing open a door, the hood or the
trunk lid.
 


y Opening the hood by operating the hood
release handle.
 


y Switching the ignition ON without using
the push button start.

If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until the driver's
door is unlocked with the transmitter.
(With the advanced keyless function)
The lights and horn can also be
deactivated by pressing the request switch
on a door.
N O T E
 


y The trunk lid does not open while the
theft-deterrent system is operating.
 


y If the battery goes dead while the theft-
deterrent system is armed, the horn will
activate and the hazard warning lights
will À ash when the battery is charged or
replaced.

How to Arm the System
1. Close the windows and the convertible
top securely.
2. Switch the ignition OFF.
3. Make sure the hood, the doors, and the
trunk lid are closed.
4. Press the lock button on the transmitter
or lock the driver's door from the
outside with the auxiliary key.
The hazard warning lights will À ash
once.
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
Press the door-lock switch “
” while
any door is open and then close both of
the doors.
(With the advanced keyless function)
Press a request switch.

The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster À ashes twice per
second for 20 seconds.


5. After 20 seconds, the system is fully
armed.

/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD

3–50
Before Driving
Security System
N O T E
 


y The theft-deterrent system can also be
armed by activating the auto relock
function with both the doors, the trunk
lid and the hood closed.
  Refer to Transmitter on page 3-4 .



y The system will disarm if one of the
following operations takes place within
20 seconds after pressing the lock
button:
 


y Unlocking any door.



y Opening any door.



y Opening the hood.



y Switching the ignition ON. 
 To rearm the system, do the arming
procedure again.
 


y When the doors are locked by pressing
the lock button on the transmitter
or using the auxiliary key while the
theft-deterrent system is armed, the
hazard warning lights will À ash once to
indicate that the system is armed.

To Turn Off an Armed System
An armed system can be turned off using
any one of the following methods:
 


y Pressing the unlock button on the
transmitter.
 


y Starting the engine with the push button
start.
 


y (With the advanced keyless function) 


y
 Pressing a request switch on the doors.

The hazard warning lights will À ash twice.
N O T E
When the doors are unlocked by pressing
the unlock button on the transmitter while
the theft-deterrent system is turned off, the
hazard warning lights will À ash twice to
indicate that the system is turned off.

To Stop the Alarm
A triggered alarm can be turned off using
any one of the following methods:
 


y Pressing the unlock button on the
transmitter.
 


y Starting the engine with the push button
start.
 


y (With the advanced keyless function) 


y
 Pressing a request switch on the doors.


y
 Pressing the electric trunk lid opener
while the key is being carried.


The hazard warning lights will À ash twice.
Theft-Deterrent Labels

A label indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System is
in the console box.

Mazda recommends that you af¿ x it to the
lower rear corner of a front door window.
/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD

3–51
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a
few precautions in the ¿ rst 1,000 km
(600 miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of the vehicle.
 


y Do not race the engine.



y Do not maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
 


y Do not drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods of
time.
 


y Avoid unnecessary hard stops.



y Avoid full-throttle starts.
Saving Fuel and
Protection of the
Environment
How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save fuel and
reduce CO2.
 


y Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
 


y Avoid fast starts.



y Drive at lower speeds.



y Anticipate when to apply the brakes
(avoid sudden braking).
 


y Follow the maintenance schedule
(page 6-4 ) and have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer perform inspections and
servicing.
 


y Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
 


y Slow down on rough roads.



y Keep the tires properly inÀ ated.



y Do not carry unnecessary weight.



y Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
 


y Keep the wheels in correct alignment.



y Keep windows closed at high speeds.



y Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.

WARNING
Never stop the engine when going down
a hill:
Stopping the engine when going
down a hill is dangerous. This causes
the loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident.

/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD

3–52
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Hazardous Driving
WARNING
Be extremely careful if it is necessary to
downshift on slippery surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear
while driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident.

When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
 


y Be cautious and allow extra distance for
braking.
 


y Avoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
 


y Do not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
  Refer to Antilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 4-65 .
 


y If you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the rear
wheels.
 


y For more traction in starting on slippery
surfaces such as ice or packed snow,
use sand, rock salt, chains, carpeting,
or other nonslip material under the rear
wheels.

N O T E
Use snow chains only on the rear wheels.
Floor Mat
We recommend the use of Genuine
Mazda À oor mats.
WARNING
Make sure the fl oor mats are hooked on
the retention pins to prevent them from
bunching up under the foot pedals:
Using a fl oor mat that is not secured is
dangerous as it will interfere with the
accelerator and brake pedal operation,
which could result in an accident.

Do not install two fl oor mats, one on top
of the other, on the driver's side:
Installing two fl oor mats, one on top
of the other, on the driver's side is
dangerous as the retention pins can
only keep one fl oor mat from sliding
forward.
Loose fl oor mat(s) will interfere with
the foot pedal and could result in an
accident.
If using an all weather mat for winter
use always remove the original fl oor
mat.


When setting a À oor mat, position the À oor
mat so that its grommets are inserted over
the pointed end of the retention posts.
/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD

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, À ares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag of
sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to check
the following:
 


y Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the
radiator.
  Refer to Engine Coolant on page
6-29 .
 


y Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
 


y Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that the
vehicle will be driven in (page 6-27 ).




y Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
 


y Use washer À uid made with antifreeze—
but do not use engine coolant antifreeze
for washer À uid (page 6-31 ).

N O T E




y 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.
 


y Remove snow before driving. Snow left
on the windshield is dangerous as it
could obstruct vision.
 


y 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.
 


y Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
 


y Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows and
mirrors as it could result in the glass
cracking.
/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD

3–54
Before Driving
Driving Tips
 


y Drive slowly. Braking performance
can be adversely affected if snow or
ice adheres to the brake components. If
this situation occurs, drive the vehicle
slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal
and lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.

Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. InÀ ate snow
tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2 , 4.3 psi) more
than recommended on the tire pressure
label (driver's door frame), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire pressure
shown on the tires.

The vehicle is originally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, Mazda recommends that
you replace the tires originally equipped
on your vehicle with snow tires during the
winter months.
WARNING
Use only the same size and type tires
(snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four
wheels:
Using tires diff erent in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly aff ected and result in
an accident.

CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.

Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
CAUTION
 


¾ Chains may aff ect handling.



¾ Do not go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is lower.
 


¾ Drive carefully and avoid bumps, holes,
and sharp turns.
 


¾ Avoid locked-wheel braking.







¾ Do not use chains on roads that are free
of snow or ice. The tires and chains could
be damaged.
 


¾ Chains may scratch or chip aluminum
wheels.

N O T E
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system
may not function correctly when using tire
chains.

Install the chains on the rear tires only.
Do not use chains on the front tires.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Installing the chains
1. Secure the chains on the rear tires as
tightly as possible.
Always follow the chain manufacturer's
instructions.
2. Retighten the chains after driving
1/2—1 km (1/4—1/2 mile).

/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD/:A(4'#,A'FKVKQPKPFD