parking MAZDA MODEL SPEED MX-5 MIATA 2005 User Guide

Black plate (97,1)
WARNING
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
Dry the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is normal.
qParking Brake
CAUTION
Driving with the parking brake on will
cause excessive wear of the brake
linings or pads.
NOTE
For parking in snow, refer to Winter
Driving (page 4-10) regarding parking
brake use.
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal, then pull the
brake handle fully upward.
Releasing the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal, then pull the
handle up and press the button. Lower the
handle all the way down while holding in
the button.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Black plate (98,1)
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning/
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
Low brake fluid level warning
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-20).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. Even if the light goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light on.
In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-25).
WARNING
Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. It indicates that
your brakes may not work at all or
that they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains on, after
checking that the parking brake is
fully released, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don't drive
with this light on, and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don't drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8T72-EA-04G

Black plate (102,1)
Automatic Transmission Controls
Indicates the shift lever can be shifted freely into any position.
Indicates that you must hold in the lock-release button to shift.
Indicates that you must depress the brake pedal and hold in the lock-
release button to shift (The ignition switch must be in the ON position).
Various Lockouts:
qTransmission Ranges
The shift lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transmission and prevents the
rear wheels from rotating.
WARNING
Holding the Vehicle with P:
Only setting the shift lever to the P
position without using the parking
brake to hold the vehicle is dangerous.
If P fails to hold, the vehicle could
move and cause an accident. To hold
the vehicle, set the shift lever to P AND
set the parking brake.
CAUTION
lShifting into P, N or R while the
vehicle is moving can damage your
transmission.
lShifting into a driving gear or
reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transmission.
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except under
rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-9).
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Starting and Driving
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Black plate (103,1)
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transmission are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
WARNING
Shifting from N or P:
It's dangerous to shift from N or P
into a driving gear when the engine is
running faster than idle. If this is
done, the vehicle could move suddenly,
causing an accident or serious injury.
If the engine is running faster than
idle, don't shift from N or P into a
driving gear.
Shifting into N while Driving:
Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury. Do not shift into N when
driving the vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause
transmission damage.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transmission will automatically
shift through a 4-gear sequence.
2 (Second)
The 2 position is helpful when driving in
heavy, slow-moving traffic and climbing
hills, for engine braking assist when going
down hills, or for starting on slick
surfaces and other situations where gentle
acceleration may be necessary.
Do not exceed 104 km/h (64 mph) in the
2 position.
1 (Low)
Use the 1 position for maximum power in
hard-pulling situations, or for climbing
and descending very steep grades.
Do not exceed 59 km/h (36 mph) in the 1
position.
WARNING
Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which 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. Do not use sudden engine
braking on slippery road surfaces or at
high speeds.
qShift-Lock System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
To shift from P:
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Push and hold the lock-release button.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Black plate (113,1)
qEngine Oil Pressure Gauge
Engine oil pressure is normal when the
engine oil pressure gauge needle points
halfway between L and H with the engine
running.
If the needle on the gauge doesn't move
after starting the engine, follow steps 1
through 3.
If the engine oil pressure gauge moves to
L (low) while you are driving, drive to the
side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Set the parking brake. Then follow
steps 1 through 3.
1. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-16). If it's low,
add oil.
2. Start the engine.
3. If the needle still doesn't move, have your vehicle checked at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the oil pressure
is low. It could result in extensive
engine damage.
qDashboard Illumination
When the headlight switch is in the
orposition, rotate the thumb-wheel
to adjust the brightness of the dashboard
lights.
Dim Bright
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Black plate (115,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Immobilizer System Warning Light 5-26
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light5-27
O/D OFF Indicator Light5-27
Cruise Set Indicator Light5-27
Turn-Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights5-27
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning/
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Low brake fluid level warning
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-20).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light on.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Black plate (116,1)
In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-25).
WARNING
Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system warning
light on is dangerous. It indicates that
your brakes may not work at all or
that they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains on, after
checking that the parking brake is
fully released, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don't drive
with this light on, and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don't drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
qCharging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.
qCheck Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Black plate (121,1)
Lighting Control
qHeadlights
To turn on the lights, turn the headlight
switch on the end of the control lever.
Switch Position
Headlights Off Off On
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker lights Off On On
NOTE
To prevent discharging the battery, don't
leave the lights on while the engine is
off.
q
Lights-On Reminder
If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a beep sound
will be heard when any door is opened.
qHeadlight High-Low Beam
Push the lever forward for high beam.
Pull it back for low.
High beam
Low beam
q Flashing the Headlights
To flash the headlights, pull the lever fully
toward you. The headlight switch need
not be on, and the lever will return to the
normal position when released.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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Black plate (123,1)
Daytime Running Lights
(Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
NOTE
The running lights go off when the
parking brake is applied.
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
WARNING
Frozen Washer Fluid:
Using windshield washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection in freezing
temperatures is dangerous. The
washer fluid could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision. You
could have an accident. Don't use the
washer without first warming the
windshield and never use plain tap
water.
NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam
the wiper blades, the wiper motor is
protected from motor breakdown,
overheating and possible fire by a
circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the
blades, but only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper
switch and park off the right-of-way,
and remove the snow and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and
the blades should operate normally. If
they don't resume functioning, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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Black plate (128,1)
Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the fan control
dial on for a long period of time when
the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowl grille to improve the system
efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
qOutside/Recirculated Air Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
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