fuel MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2003 User Guide

5-12
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Shift-Lock Override
If the shift lever won
’t move from P with
the brake pedal depressed, continue to
hold down the pedal.
1. Remove the shift-lock override cover with a screwdriver.
2. Insert a screwdriver and push it down.
3. Push and hold the lock-release button.
4. Move the shift lever.
5. Take the vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the system
checked.

Overdrive
Overdrive operation
In D, the transmission automatically shifts
to overdrive, which improves fuel
economy and reduces noise. To allow engine braking when going
down a steep grade, make sure the
overdrive button is in the off position.
And for a smoother ride with less shifting,
don
’t use it when:
• Going up a steep grade.
• Driving in stop-and-go traffic.
• Pulling heavy loads.
To turn off the overdrive, push the
button.
The transmission will then shift through a
3-gear sequence in D.
Shift patterns without overdrive:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd
2 = 2nd
1 = 1st
To turn it on, push the button again.
Shift patterns with overdrive:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
2 = 2nd
1 = 1st
Shift lever
Overdrive button
J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book Page 12 Monday, February 3, 2003 1:16 PM

5-17
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
1 Speedometer .............................................................................................................5-18
2 Odometer and Trip Meter .........................................................................................5-18
3 Tachometer ...............................................................................................................5-19
4 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge .........................................................................5-19
5 Fuel Gauge ................................................................................................................5-20
6 Engine Oil Pressure Gauge .......................................................................................5-20
Meters and Gauges
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5-18
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Speedometer
The speedometer indicates the speed of
the vehicle.

Odometer and Trip Meter
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
The display mode can be changed from
odometer to trip meter A to trip meter B
and then back to odometer by pressing the
selector. The selected mode will be
displayed. Odometer
When this mode is selected, ODO will be
displayed.
The odometer records the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.
Tr i p m e t e r
The trip meter can record the total
distance of two trips. One is recorded in
trip meter A, and the other is recorded in
trip meter B.
For instance, trip meter A can record the
distance from the point of origin, and trip
meter B can record the distance from
where the fuel tank is filled.
When trip meter A is selected, pressing
the selector again within one second will
change to trip meter B mode.
When trip meter A is selected, TRIP A
will be displayed. When trip meter B is
selected, TRIP B will be displayed.
The trip meter records the total distance
the vehicle is driven until the meter is
again reset. Return it to "0.0" by holding
the selector depressed for more than 1
second. Use this meter to measure trip
distances and to compute fuel
consumption.
Selector
Odometer
Trip meter A Press the selector
Press the selector
Press the selector
Trip meter B
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5-20
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is in the tank. We recommend
keeping the tank over 1/4 full. When the
low fuel warning light illuminates or
when the needle is near E, refuel as soon
as possible.

Engine 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 8-13). 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.
Don ’t run the engine if the oil pressure
is low. It could result in extensive
engine damage.
CAUTION
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5-22
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Warning/Indicator Lights
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-24
Charging System Warning Light 5-25
Check Engine Light 5-26
ABS Warning Light 5-26
Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light 5-27
Low Fuel Warning Light 5-27
Seat Belt Warning Light 5-27
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
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5-26
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Check 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.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
• The fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
• The engine
’s electrical system has a
problem.
• The emission control system has a
problem.
• The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on, do
not drive at high speeds and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.

ABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you
’re driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function
normally as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer 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.
WARNING
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5-27
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
is OK, the warning light comes on when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position or after the engine is cranked.
After about 6 seconds it goes out.
A system malfunction is indicated when the
warning light constantly flashes, stays on or
doesn
’t come on at all when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system may
not work in an accident.

Low Fuel Warning Light
This warning light signals that the fuel
tank will soon be empty.
Refuel as soon as possible.

Seat Belt Warning Light
If the driver
’s seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, the seat belt warning light
will remain on until the belt is fastened.
If the system does not operate correctly,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to charge
the battery, uneven rpm occurs and the
ABS warning light comes on. This is due
to a weak battery, not a malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
Self-Servicing the Air Bag/
Pretensioner Systems:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled. This
could cause serious injuries. Never
tamper with the systems and always
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform all servicing and repairs.
WARNING
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7-13
In Case of an Emergency
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Emergency Starting
If the engine fails to start, it may be
flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).
Follow this procedure:
1. Depress the accelerator all the way and hold it there.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and hold it there —for up to 10
seconds. If the engine starts, release the
key and accelerator immediately
because the engine will suddenly rev
up.
3. If the engine fails to start, crank it without using the accelerator —for up
to 10 seconds. The battery is in the trunk.
Jump-starting is dangerous if done
incorrectly. So follow the procedure
carefully. If you feel unsure about jump-
starting, we strongly recommend that you
have a competent service technician do
the work.
Starting a Flooded EngineJump-Starting
Battery-Related Explosion:
Flames and sparks near open battery
cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas,
produced during normal battery
operation, could ignite and cause the
battery to explode. An exploding
battery can cause serious burns and
injuries. Keep all flames, including
cigarettes, and sparks away from
open battery cells.
Frozen Battery:
Jump-starting a frozen battery is
dangerous. It may rupture or explode,
causing serious injury.
Don
’t jump-start a frozen battery .
Use only a 12 V booster system. You
can damage a 12 V starter, ignition
system, and other electrical parts
beyond repair with a 24 V power
supply (two 12 V batteries in series or
a 24 V motor generator set).
WARNING
CAUTION
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8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Schedule 1
I:
Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean
ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
IGNITION SYSTEM
CHASSIS and BODY
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if equipped)
*According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your
emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage period to ensure long-term reliability.
Maintenance Interval
(Number of months or kilometers
(miles), whichever comes first)Months 6 12182430364248
× 1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
× 1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
Engine valve clearance I
Engine timing belt Replace every 96,000km (60,000miles)
Drive belt (tension) II
Engine oil RRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter RRRRRRRR
Cooling system II
Engine coolant Replace at first 72,000km (45,000miles) or 36 months ;
after that, every 48,000km (30,000miles) or 24 months
Idle speed II
Air filter CCRC
Fuel lines and hoses
*II
Hoses and tubes for emission
*I
Spark plugs RR
Brake lines, hoses and connections II
Disc brakes II
Steering operation and linkages II
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil R
Front suspension ball joints II
Driveshaft dust boots II
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body II
Exhaust system heat shields II
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLL
Refrigerant amount IIII
Compressor operation IIII
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8-5
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Schedule 2
I:
Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
C: Clean
ENGINE
COOLING SYSTEM
FUEL SYSTEM
IGNITION SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
*According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your
emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage period to ensure long-term reliability. Maintenance Interval
(Number of months or kilometers (miles),
whichever comes first) Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
× 1000 km 8 1624324048566472808896
× 1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Engine valve clearance I
Engine timing belt Replace every 96,000km (60,000miles)
Drive belts (tension) II
Engine oil Puerto Rico
Replace every 5,000km (3,000miles) or 3 months
others RRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter RRRRRRRRRRRR
Cooling system II
Engine coolant Replace at first 72,000km (45,000miles) or 36 months ;
after that, every 48,000km (30,000miles) or 24 months
Engine coolant level IIIIIIIIIIII
Idle speed II
Air filter CCRC
Fuel lines and hoses
*II
Hoses and tubes for emission*I
Spark plugs RR
Function of all lights IIIIIIIIIIII
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