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

4–27
When Driving
Instrument Cluster and Display
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge (Without Multi-information
Display)
Indicates engine coolant temperature.
CAUTION
If the high engine coolant temperature
warning light (red) turns on, there is
a possibility of overheating. Park the
vehicle in a safe place immediately and
take appropriate measures. If the vehicle
continues to be driven, it could cause
damage to the engine.
Refer to Overheating on page 7-24 .
NOTE
  During normal driving, the engine
coolant temperature stabilizes at 100
°C (210 °F) or less, and the gauge
indicates a range lower than 100 °C
(210 °F).
  If the engine load increases and the
engine coolant temperature exceeds
100 °C (210 °F), the gauge indicates
the engine coolant temperature.
Fuel Gauge (Without Multi-
information Display)
The fuel gauge shows approximately
how much fuel is remaining in the tank
when the ignition is switched ON. We
recommend keeping the tank over 1/4 full.
Full
1/4 Full
Empty
If the low fuel warning light illuminates or
the fuel level is very low, refuel as soon as
possible.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-42 .
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4–36
When Driving
Instrument Cluster and Display
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
The blue gauge indicates that the engine
coolant temperature is low, and the red
gauge indicates that the engine coolant
temperature is high and overheating.
CAUTION
If the high engine coolant temperature
warning light (red) turns on, there is
a possibility of overheating. Park the
vehicle in a safe place immediately and
take appropriate measures. If the vehicle
continues to be driven, it could cause
damage to the engine.
Refer to Overheating on page 7-24 .
NOTE
  The temperature unit (Centigrade/
Fahrenheit) of the engine coolant
gauge display changes in conjunction
with the temperature unit of the
outside temperature display.
 Refer to Personalisation Features on
page 9-10 .
  During normal driving, the engine
coolant temperature stabilizes at 100
°C (210 °F) or less, and the gauge
indicates a range lower than 100 °C
(210 °F).
  If the engine load increases and the
engine coolant temperature exceeds
100 °C (210 °F), the gauge indicates
the engine coolant temperature.
Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately
how much fuel is remaining in the tank
when the ignition is switched ON. We
recommend keeping the tank over 1/4 full.
Full
1/4 Full
Empty
If the fuel level is low, ( ) and ( ) turn an
amber colour. Refuel as soon as possible.
Refer to Taking Action on page 7-41 .
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4–37
When Driving
Instrument Cluster and Display
*Some models.
NOTE
  After refuelling, it may require some
time for the indicator to stabilize. In
addition, the indicator may deviate
while driving on a slope or curve
since the fuel moves in the tank.
  The display indicating a quarter
or less remaining fuel has more
segments to show the remaining fuel
level in greater detail.
  The direction of the arrow ( )
indicates that the fuel-¿ ller À ap is on
the left side of the vehicle.
Outside Temperature Display
When the ignition is switched ON, the
outside temperature is displayed.
NOTE
Under the following conditions, the
outside temperature display may differ
from the actual outside temperature
depending on the surroundings and
vehicle conditions:
 


 Signi¿ cantly cold or hot
temperatures.
 


 Sudden changes in outside
temperature.
 


 The vehicle is parked.



 The vehicle is driven at low speeds.
Changing the Temperature Unit of the
Outside Temperature Display (Vehicles
with Type B/C)
The outside temperature unit can be
switched between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Settings can be changed by operating the
centre display screen.
Refer to Personalisation Features on page
9-10 .
NOTE
When the temperature unit indicated
in the outside temperature display is
changed, the temperature unit indicated
in the engine coolant gauge display
changes in conjunction with it.
Outside Temperature Warning
*
When the outside temperature is low, the
indicationÀ ashes and a beep sound is
heard to warn the driver of the possibility
of icy roads.
If the outside temperature is lower than
about 4 °C (39 °F), the outside temperature
display and the
mark À ashes for about
ten seconds and a beep sound is heard
once.
NOTE
If the outside temperature is lower than
-20 °C (-4 °F), the beep sound does not
operate. However, the
mark
illuminates.
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5–7
Interior Features
Air-Conditioning System
WARNING
Do not use the position in cold or
rainy weather:
Using the
position in cold or rainy
weather is dangerous as it will cause
the windows to fog up. Your vision will
be hampered, which could lead to a
serious accident.
Rear window defogger switch
Press the rear window defogger switch to
defrost the rear window.
Refer to Rear Window Defogger on page
4-77 .
Heating
1. Set the mode selector dial to the
position.
2. Set the air intake selector to the outside
air position (indicator light turns off).
3. Set the temperature control dial to the
hot position.
4. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.
5. If dehumidi¿ ed heating is desired, turn
on the air conditioner.
NOTE
  If the windscreen fogs up easily, set
the mode selector dial to the
position.  If cooler air is desired at face level,
set the mode selector dial at the
position and adjust the temperature
control dial to maintain maximum
comfort.
  The air to the À oor is warmer than
air to the face (except when the
temperature control dial is set at the
extreme hot or cold position).
Cooling (With air conditioner)
1. Set the mode selector dial to the
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
cold position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.
4. Turn on the air conditioner by pressing
the A/C switch.
5. After cooling begins, adjust the fan
control dial and temperature control
dial as needed to maintain maximum
comfort.
CAUTION
If the air conditioner is used while
driving up long hills or in heavy traf¿ c,
monitor the engine coolant temperature
warning light to see if it is illuminated or
À ashing (page 4-42 ).
The air conditioner may cause engine
overheating. If the warning light is
illuminated or À ashing, turn the air-
conditioning off (page 7-24 ).
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6–5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
*5 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the engine oil and oil ¿ lter at
every 10,000 km (6,250 miles) or shorter.
a) Purpose of vehicle use is police car, taxi or driving school car.
b) Driving in dusty conditions
c) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
d) Driving for long period in cold temperatures or driving regularly at short distance only
e) Driving in extremely hot conditions
f) Driving in mountainous conditions continually
*6 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Using engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*7 Inspect the battery electrolyte level, speci¿ c gravity and outer appearance. The sealed battery only requires an
outer appearance inspection.
*8 If the brakes are used extensively (for example, continuous hard driving or mountain driving) or if the vehicle
is operated in extremely humid climates, replace the brake À uid annually.
*9 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
*10 Tyre rotation is recommended every 10,000 km (6,250 miles).
*11 The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed so that the system operates
normally (if equipped).
*12 Check the tyre repair À uid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tyre repair À uid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
Except Europe
I s r a e l
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometres, whichever comes ¿ rst
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144
×1000 km 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km or 6 years.
Fuel ¿ lter Replace every 135,000 km.
Evaporative system (if installed) I I I
Fuel lines and hoses
I I
I
I I
I
Drive belts
*1 I I I I I I I I I I I I
Engine oil & oil ¿ lter *2 R R R R R R R R R R R R
Air ¿ lter *3 C C C R C C C R C C C R
Cooling system I I I I I I
Engine coolant
*4 Replace at ¿ rst 195,000 km or 10 years; after that, every
90,000 km or 5 years.
Battery
*5 I I I I I I I I I I I I
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I I I I I I I I I I I
Brake À uid
*6 I R I R I R I R I R I R
Parking brake I I I I I I I I I I I I
Power brake unit (Brake booster) and hoses I I I I I I I I I I I I
Disc brakes I I I I I I I I I I I I
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6–6
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometres, whichever comes ¿ rst
Months 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144
×1000 km 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
Steering operation and linkages I I I I I I
Manual transmission oil R R
Rear differential oil
*7
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play I I I I I I I I I I I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 75,000 km.
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T T T T T T T T T T T
Body condition (for rust, corrosion and
perforation) Inspect annually.
Tyres (including spare tyre) (with inÀ ation
pressure adjustment)
*8 I I I I I I I I I I I I
Emergency À at tyre repair kit (if installed)
*9 Inspect annually.
Chart symbols:
I : Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, ¿ ll up, or replace if necessary.
R : Replace
C : Clean
T : Tighten
D : Drain
Remarks:
*1 Also inspect the air conditioner drive belts, if installed.
If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, inspect the drive belts at every
10,000 km or shorter.
a) Driving in dusty conditions
b) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
c) Driving for long period in cold temperatures or driving regularly at short distance only
d) Driving in extremely hot conditions
e) Driving in mountainous conditions continually
*2 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the engine oil and oil ¿ lter at
every 10,000 km or shorter.
a) Purpose of vehicle use is police car, taxi or driving school car.
b) Driving in dusty conditions
c) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
d) Driving for long period in cold temperatures or driving regularly at short distance only
e) Driving in extremely hot conditions
f) Driving in mountainous conditions continually
*3 If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, clean and if necessary, replace the air ¿ lter more often
than the recommended intervals.
*4 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Using engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*5 Inspect the battery electrolyte level, speci¿ c gravity and outer appearance. The sealed battery only requires an
outer appearance inspection.
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6–9
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
*3 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the engine oil and oil ¿ lter
more often than the recommended intervals.
a) Purpose of vehicle use is police car, taxi or driving school car.
b) Driving in dusty conditions
c) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
d) Driving for long period in cold temperatures or driving regularly at short distance only
e) Driving in extremely hot conditions
f) Driving in mountainous conditions continually
*4 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Using engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*5 If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, clean and if necessary, replace the air ¿ lter more often
than the recommended intervals.
*6 Inspect the battery electrolyte level, speci¿ c gravity and outer appearance. If the vehicle is operated in
extremely hot and cold areas, inspect the battery electrolyte level, speci¿ c gravity and appearance every 10,000
km (6,250 miles) or 6 months. The sealed battery only requires an outer appearance inspection.
*7 If the brakes are used extensively (for example, continuous hard driving or mountain driving) or if the vehicle
is operated in extremely humid climates, replace the brake À uid annually.
*8 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
*9 The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed so that the system operates
normally (if equipped).
*10 Check the tyre repair À uid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tyre repair À uid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
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6–12
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Owner Maintenance Precautions
R o u t i n e S e r v i c e
We highly recommend that these items be inspected daily, or at least every week.
 


 Engine Oil Level (page 6-20 )



 Engine Coolant Level (page 6-20 )



 Brake and clutch Fluid Level (page 6-22 )



 Washer Fluid Level (page 6-23 )



 Battery Maintenance (page 6-30 )



 Tyre InÀ ation Pressure (page 6-34 )
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.
As explained in the Introduction (page 6-2 ), several procedures can be done only by a
quali¿ ed service technician with special tools.
Improper do-it yourself maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty
coverage. For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the
vehicle. If you are unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an
expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and À uids. Please
dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil and À uid changes of your vehicle to an Authorised
Mazda Repairer.
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6–20
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Inspecting Engine Oil Level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes
for the oil to return to the sump.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
reinsert it fully.
MIN MAX
OK
5. Pull it out again and examine the level.
The level is normal if it is between the
MIN and MAX marks.
If it is near or below MIN, add enough
oil to bring the level to MAX.
CAUTION
Do not over¿ ll the engine oil. This may
cause engine damage.
6. Make sure the O-ring on the dipstick is
positioned properly before reinserting
the dipstick.
7. Reinsert the dipstick fully.
Engine Coolant
Inspecting Coolant Level
WARNING
Do not use a match or live À ame in the
engine compartment. DO NOT ADD
COOLANT WHEN THE ENGINE IS
HOT:
A hot engine is dangerous. If the
engine has been running, parts of the
engine compartment can become very
hot. You could be burned. Carefully
inspect the engine coolant in the
coolant reservoir, but do not open it.
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 inde¿ nitely 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.
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6–21
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
NOTE
Changing the coolant should be done
by an expert repairer, we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer.
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year—at the beginning of
the winter season—and before travelling
where temperatures may drop below
freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections of
all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are swollen or
deteriorated.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the FULL and LOW
marks on the coolant reservoir when the
engine is cool.
Coolant reservoir
Cooling fan
Cooling system cap
If it is at or near LOW, add enough coolant
to the coolant reservoir to provide freezing
and corrosion protection and to bring the
level to FULL.
Securely tighten the coolant reservoir tank
cap after adding coolant.
CAUTION
  Radiator coolant will damage paint.  Rinse it off quickly if spilled.


 Use only soft (demineralised) water
in the coolant mixture. Water that
contains minerals will cut down on
the coolant's effectiveness.
  Do not add only water. Always add a
proper coolant mixture.
  The engine has aluminium parts and
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent
corrosion and freezing.
  DO NOT USE coolants Containing
Alcohol, methanol, Borate or
Silicate.
 These coolants could damage the
cooling system.
  DO NOT MIX alcohol or methanol
with the coolant. This could damage
the cooling system.
  Do not use a solution that contains
more than 60% antifreeze.
 This would reduce effectiveness.
 
 If the “FL22” mark is shown on or
near the cooling system cap, use
of FL-22 is recommended when
replacing engine coolant. Using
engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine
and cooling system.
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