warning MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2002 Owner's Guide

3-20
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F

Raising the Convertible Top
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
firmly set the parking brake.
2. Lower the side windows, then turn off the ignition.
3. Pull down the sunvisors.
4. Undo the fasteners and straps.
5. Remove the top covering and store it properly in the trunk.
6. Unlock the top latches and open them fully.
7. Hold the top lift handle and pull the top up and forward until it ’s against the
windshield header. 8. After securely hooking the top latches
onto the windshield header, push each
latch up with the palm of your hand
until the lock buttons click and the
latches are locked.
Sunvisor Sunvisor
Windshield header
Fastening Mechanisms:
It is dangerous to place your hands or
fingers near the fastening
mechanism. Your hands or fingers
could be caught and injured by the
mechanism. Always keep your hands
and fingers away from the fastening
mechanisms when moving the top.
Fastening Mechanisms:
It is dangerous to place your hands or
fingers near the fastening
mechanism. Your hands or fingers
could be caught and injured by the
mechanism. Always keep your hands
and fingers away from the fastening
mechanisms when moving the top.
WARNING
WARNING
J07L(02MY).book Page 20 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM

3-22
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F

Detachable Hardtop Precautions
• Before removing or installing the
hardtop, stop in a safe place off the
right-of-way and park on a level
surface.
Detachable Hardtop
Top latch assembly
Side latch assemblyRear deck latch
Rear deck stud
Rear window defroster coupler
Standing in a Moving Vehicle:
Standing in the vehicle when it ’s
moving is a dangerous way to ride.
During a sudden maneuver or
collision you could be seriously
injured or even killed.
Don ’t stand in the vehicle when its
moving.
WARNINGHardtop and Rollover Accidents:
Rollover accidents on a hardtop
vehicle are dangerous. The hardtop is
not as strong as a regular steel roof.
Rollover accidents could dislodge or
crush the hardtop and cause serious
injuries or even death.
Always drive safely and observe the
speed limit.
WARNING
J07L(02MY).book Page 22 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM

3-24
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F
7. Slide the hardtop rearward while pressing down on the rear deck latches
to unlock the latches.
8. Lift the hardtop straight off the body to prevent damage to the rear deck latches
and studs.
Rear deck latch
Hardtop
Rear deck stud
Fastening Mechanisms:
It is dangerous to place your hands or
fingers near the fastening
mechanism. Your hands or fingers
could be caught and injured by the
mechanism. Always keep your hands
and fingers away from the fastening
mechanisms when moving the top.
Wi nd shiel d ’s Edges:
Not being careful of the windshield ’s
edges when getting into or out of the
vehicle is dangerous. The
windshield ’s edges could scratch and
cause injuries.
Be careful of the windshield ’s edges
when getting into or out of the
vehicle.
• Be careful not to strike the body
with any of the protruding hardtop
latches.
• Use extreme care when carrying the
hardtop to prevent scratching or
other damage to it.
WARNING
CAUTION
J07L(02MY).book Page 24 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM

3-28
Knowing Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F
Security 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 the
theft of your vehicle.

Immobilizer System Warning
Light
If the immobilizer system is working
properly, the light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON or
START position. The light will go out
when confirmation by the immobilizer
system is completed.
If the light flashes rapidly, fails to come
on, or comes on and stays on, it indicates
a system malfunction. If any of these
occur, contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
Immobilizer System
Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by Mazda could
void the user
’s authority to operate the
equipment.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of
the FCC Rules and with RSS-210 of
Industry Canada. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1)
This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation. (Outside
transmissions may momentarily
interfere with the device ’s operation.)
CAUTION
J07L(02MY).book Page 28 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM

3-29
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F

Maintenance
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the key, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
• If the warning light comes on and
stays on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position, the
engine will not start.
• Signals from a TV or radio station,
or from a transceiver or a mobile
telephone, could interfere with your
immobilizer system. If you are
using the proper key and your
engine fails to start, check the
warning light. If it is flashing,
remove the ignition key and wait 2
seconds or more, then reinsert it and
try starting the engine again. If it
doesn
’t start after 3 or more tries,
contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
• If the warning light flashes
continuously while you are driving,
don’
t shut off the engine. Go to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer and have
it checked. If you shut off the
engine while the light is flashing
you won ’t be able to restart it.
• To avoid damage to the key, do not:

Drop the key.
 Get the key wet.
 Expose the key to any kind of
magnetic field.
 Expose the key to high
temperatures on places such as
the dashboard or hood, under
direct sunlight.
• When starting the engine, do not let
the following materials touch the
key grip. The engine may not start:

Spare keys.
 Keys for other vehicles equipped
with an immobilizer system.
 Metal objects that touch or pass
through the hole in the key.
CAUTION
J07L(02MY).book Page 29 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM

3-31
Knowing Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F
Mirrors

Outside Mirrors
Check the mirrors
’ angles before driving.
Power control mirror
The ignition switch must be in the ACC or
ON position.
To a d j u s t :
1. Move the selector switch to the left or right to choose the mirror.
2. Depress the perimeter switch in the appropriate direction. Folding the mirror
Fold the outside mirror rearward until it is
flush with the vehicle.Mirrors
Convex Mirror (Passenger Side):
Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears. Be
sure to look over your shoulder or to
check your inside mirror before
changing lanes.
WARNING
Outside mirror
Selector switch
Perimeter switch
Driving with Mirrors Folded In:
Driving with the outside mirrors
folded in is dangerous. Your rear view
will be restricted, and you could have
an accident. Always return the
outside mirrors to the driving position
before you start driving.
WARNING
J07L(02MY).book Page 31 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM

3-32
Knowing Your Mazda
Mirrors
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F

Rearview Mirror (With Day/
Night Function)
Before driving, adjust the rearview mirror
to center on the scene through the rear
window. Do this with the day/night lever
in the day position.
Push the lever forward for day driving.
Pull it back to reduce glare from
headlights.
Blocked View:
Cargo stacked higher than the
seatbacks is dangerous. It can block
your view in the rearview mirror,
which might cause you to hit another
car when changing lanes. Don
’t stack
things higher than the seatbacks.
Day/Night lever
Day Night
WARNING
J07L(02MY).book Page 32 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM

4-3
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F
Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system (the catalytic converter is part of
this system) that enables your vehicle to comply with existing exhaust emissions
requirements.
Emission Control System
Parking Over Things That Burn:
Parking over or near anything inflammable, such as dry grass, is dangerous. Even
with the engine turned off, the exhaust system could ignite it because the exhaust
system gets very hot during normal use. A resulting fire could cause serious injury or
death. Never park over or near anything inflammable.
Ignoring the following precautions could cause lead to accumulate on the catalyst inside
the converter or cause the converter to get very hot. Either condition will damage the
converter and cause poor performance.
•USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
• Don
’t drive your Mazda with any sign of engine malfunction.
• Don
’t coast with the ignition switch turned off.
• Don
’t descend steep grades in gear with the ignition switch turned off.
• Don
’t operate the engine at high idle for more than 5 minutes.
• Don
’t tamper with the emission control system. All inspections and adjustments must
be made by a qualified technician.
• Don
’t try to push-start or pull-start your vehicle.
NOTE
Under U.S. federal law, any modification to the original-equipment emission control
system before the first sale and registration of a vehicle is subject to penalties. In some
states, such modification made on a used vehicle is also subject to penalties.
WARNING
CAUTION
J07L(02MY).book Page 3 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM

4-4
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide)
Carbon Monoxide:
Engine exhaust is dangerous. This gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless, odorless, and poisonous. When inhaled, it can cause loss of consciousness
and death. If you smell exhaust gas inside your vehicle, keep all windows fully open
and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer immediately.
Exhaust Gas in Enclosed Area:
Running the engine inside an enclosed area, such as a garage, is dangerous. Exhaust
gas, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could easily enter the cabin. Loss of
consciousness or even death could occur. Don’t run the engine when inside an
enclosed area.
Idling with the Windows Closed:
Exhaust gas is dangerous. When your vehicle is stopped with the windows closed and
the engine running for a long time in an open area, exhaust gas, which contains
poisonous carbon monoxide, could enter the cabin. Loss of consciousness or even
death could occur. Open the windows or adjust the heating or cooling system to draw
fresh air.
Snow Blocking the Exhaust Gas:
Running the engine when a vehicle is stopped in deep snow is dangerous. The exhaust
pipe could be blocked by the snow, allowing exhaust gas to enter the cabin. Because
exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide, anyone in the cabin could be
injured or killed. Clear the snow from underneath and around your vehicle before
starting the engine.
WARNING
J07L(02MY).book Page 4 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM

4-5
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q42-EA-01F
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirror
(s), and outside lights are clean.
• Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
• Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
• If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way. •
Are all doors closed and locked?
• Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
• Is everyone
’s seat belt fastened?
• Do all the lights work?
• Check all gauges.
• Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
• Release the parking brake and make
sure the parking brake warning light
goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch fluid, washer fluid, and other
fluid levels should be inspected daily,
weekly, or at refueling, depending on
the fluid. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
J07L(02MY).book Page 5 Monday, June 11, 2001 4:52 PM