maintenance MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2004 Owners Manual

A Word to Mazda Owners
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
Thank you for choosing a Mazda. We at Mazda design and build vehicles with complete
customer satisfaction in mind.
To help ensure enjoyable and trouble-free operation of your Mazda, read this manual
carefully and follow its recommendations.
An Authorized Mazda Dealer knows your vehicle best. So when maintenance or service is
necessary, that’s the place to go.
Our nationwide network of Mazda professionals is dedicated to providing you with the best
possible service.
We assure you that all of us at Mazda have an ongoing interest in your motoring pleasure
and in your full satisfaction with your Mazda product.
Mazda Motor CorporationHIROSHIMA, JAPAN
©2003 Mazda Motor Corporation
Printed in Japan Sep. 2003(Print2)
Important Notes About This Manua
l
Keep this manual in the glove box as a handy reference for the safe and enjoyable use of
your Mazda. Should you resell the vehicle, leave this manual with it for the next owner.
All specifications and descriptions are accurate at the time of printing. Because
improvement is a constant goal at Mazda, we reserve the right to make changes in
specifications at any time without notice and without obligation.
Air Conditioning and the Environment
Your Mazda’s genuine air conditioner is filled with HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that
has been found not to damage the earth’s ozone layer. If the air conditioner does not
operate properly, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Please be aware that this manual applies to all models, equipment and options. As a
result, you may find some explanations for equipment not installed on your vehicle.
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Table of Contents
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Interior, exterior views and part identification of your Mazda.
Essential Safety Equipment
Use of safety equipment, including seats, seat belt system, SRS air bags and
child-restraint systems.
Knowing Your Mazda
Explanation of basic operations and controls; opening/closing and adjustment
of various parts.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Important information about driving your Mazda.
Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Interior Comfort
Use of various features for drive comfort, including air-conditioning and audio
system.
In Case of an Emergency
Helpful information on what to do in an emergency.
Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Important consumer information including warranties and add-on equipment.
Specifications
Technical information about your Mazda.
Index
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2-30
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G

Maintenance
The air bag systems do not require regular
maintenance. But if any of the following
occurs, take your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible:
• The air bag system warning light
flashes.
• The air bag system warning light
remains illuminated.
• The air bag system warning light
remains off when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.
• The air bags inflate.
Damaged Air Bag Sensors:
Driving with damaged air bag sensors
is dangerous. A collision, even one
not strong enough to inflate the air
bags, could damage the sensors. If
there was a subsequent collision, a
damaged sensor would not inflate the
air bags. Always have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer inspect the air bag
systems after a collision.
Removing Interior Parts:
Removing any components such as
the front dashboard, the steering
wheel or parts containing air bag
parts or sensors is dangerous. These
parts contain essential air bag parts.
The air bag could accidentally
activate and cause serious injuries.
Always have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer remove these parts.
Air Bag Disposal:
Improper disposal of an air bag or a
vehicle with live air bags in it can be
extremely dangerous. Unless all
safety procedures are followed, injury
can result. Ask an Authorized Mazda
Dealer how to safely dispose of an air
bag or how to scrap an air bag
equipped vehicle.
WARNING
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3-3
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
This system locks and unlocks the doors
and opens the trunk.
It can also help you signal for attention in
an emergency.
Press the button slowly and accurately.
Keyless Entry System*
To avoid damage to the transmitter, do
not:
•Drop it.
• Get it wet.
• Disassemble it.
• Expose it to heat or sunlight.
CAUTION
NOTE
•The keyless entry system is
designed to operate up to about 2.5
m (8 ft) from the center of the
vehicle, but this may vary because
of local conditions.
• The system doesn
’t operate when
the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
• If the transmitter does not operate
when pressing a button or the
operation range becomes too small,
the battery may be dead. To install a
new battery, refer to Maintenance
(page 3-5).
• Additional transmitters can be
obtained at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. Up to 3 transmitters can be
used with the keyless entry system
per vehicle. Bring all transmitters to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer when
the electronic codes need to be
reset.
*Some models.
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3-5
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
Panic button
You can use the button to turn on the
alarm, which allows you to signal for
attention in an emergency.
Turning on the alarm
Pressing the button once will trigger the
alarm for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds,
and do the following:
•The horn sounds intermittently.
• The hazard warning lights flash.
Turning off the alarm
Press any button on the transmitter.

Transmitter Maintenance
NOTE
The alarm will work whether any door
is open or closed.
• Make sure the battery is installed
with the correct pole facing upward.
Battery leakage could occur if it is
not installed correctly.
• When replacing the battery, be
careful not to bend the electrical
terminals or get oil on them. Also
be careful not to get dirt in the
transmitter as it could damage it.
• Danger of battery explosion if it is
incorrectly replaced.
• Replace only with the same type
battery (CR2025 or the equivalent).
• Dispose of used batteries according
to the following instructions.

Insulate the plus and minus
terminals of the battery using
cellophane or equivalent tape.
 Never disassemble.
 Never throw the battery into fire
and/or water.
 Never deform or crush.
CAUTION
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3-22
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
9. If the rear window defroster coupler is disconnected, connect the coupler.

Taking Care of the Top
Refer to convertible top maintenance
(page 8-45) for information on taking care
of the top.Make sure the top is securely locked
by pushing up on it.
Driving with the top unlocked could
damage the top.
NOTE
Make sure the top is securely locked
by pushing up on it. If it still sounds
loose (rattles) after being locked by the
top latches, have it inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Rear window defroster coupler
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3-28
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
7. Push each top latch up with the palm of your hand until the lock buttons click
and the latches are locked.
8. Push each side latch down with the palm of your hand until the lock
buttons click and the latches are
locked. 9. Reconnect the rear window defroster
coupler.

Detachable Hardtop Appearance
Care
Refer to detachable hardtop maintenance
(page 8-46) for information on detachable
hardtop appearance care.
After installation, verify that all latches
are secure. Operating the vehicle with
unlocked latches may cause hardtop
damage or loss.
Side latch
CAUTION
NOTE
If the top rattles even when all latches
are secure, drive slowly and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer for
inspection.
Rear window defroster coupler
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3-31
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G

Maintenance
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the key, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Modification and Add-On
Equipment
Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
system
’s operation if the system has been
modified or if any add-on equipment has
been installed to it.
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.
NOTE
• The keys carry a unique electronic
code. For this reason, and to assure
your safety, replacement keys
require some waiting time to obtain.
They are only available through an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
• Always keep a replacement key, in
case one is lost. If a key is lost,
contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
• If you lose a key, an Authorized
Mazda Dealer will reset the
electronic codes of your remaining
keys and immobilizer system.
Starting the vehicle with a key that
has not been reset is not possible.
To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to it.
CAUTION
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4-5
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirrors,
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?
• Is the seat adjusted properly?
• 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
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4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S15-EA-03G
Driving Tips
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
•Don
’t race the engine.
• Don
’t maintain one constant speed for
long.
• Don
’t drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
• Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
• Avoid full-throttle starts. How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
•
Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
• Avoid fast starts.
• Keep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
• Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
• Slow down on rough roads.
• Keep the tires properly inflated.
• Don
’t carry unnecessary weight.
• Don
’t rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
• Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
• Keep windows closed at high speeds.
• Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
Break-In PeriodMoney-Saving Suggestions
Coasting:
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. Never stop the engine when
going down a hill.
WARNING
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