brakes MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2006 User Guide

Black plate (176,1)
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
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.
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 8-21).
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 out have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes
an indicator of leakage. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible even if the brake light is no
longer illuminated.
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, have the vehicle
towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
q ABS Warning Lightí
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
5-40
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page176
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:3 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (177,1)
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.
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.
qElectronic Brake Force
Distribution System Warningí
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 and the ABS warning light
on at the same time. The problem is likely
to be an electronic brake force distribution
system.
WARNING
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, have
the vehicle towed to 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.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-41íSome models.
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page177
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:3 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (271,1)
Scheduled Maintenance (North America)
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
apply.
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 (Canada and Puerto Rico residents follow Schedule 2).
lRepeated short-distance driving
lDriving in dusty conditions
lDriving with extended use of brakes
lDriving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used
lDriving on rough or muddy roads
lExtended periods of idling or low-speed operation
lDriving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
NOTE
After the prescribed period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the
recommended intervals.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-3
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page271
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:5 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (273,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
×1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
×1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Flat tire repair kit (if installed)
*3Inspect annually
Steering operation and linkages II
Front and rear suspension and ball joints II
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil R
Driveshaft dust boots II
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLL
Chart symbols
I:Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean
Remarks
*1 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*2 According to state/provincial 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/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-5
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page273
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:5 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (275,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Flat tire repair kit (if installed)
*3Inspect annually
Steering operation and linkages II
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Front and rear suspension and ball joints II
Manual transmission oil RR
Rear differential oil RR
Driveshaft dust boots II
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Chart symbols
I:Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean
Remarks
*1 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*2 According to state/provincial 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/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-7
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page275
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:5 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (277,1)
qSchedule
Maintenance
Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 ×1000miles
6.25 12.5 18.752531.25 37.5 43.755056.25 62.5 68.757581.25 87.5 93.75100
Engine valve clearance Audible inspect every 120,000 km (75,000 miles), if noisy, adjust
Engine oil
*1RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter*1RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Drive belts*2IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Cooling system IIIIIIII
Engine coolant FL22 type
*3R
Others Replace every 2 years
Air filter
*4CCRCCRCC
Fuel filter Replace every 60,000 km (37,500 miles)
Fuel lines and hoses IIIIIIII
Spark plugs Replace every 100,000 km (62,500 miles)
Evaporative system (if installed) IIIIIIII
Battery electrolyte level and
specific gravity IIIIIIII
Brake lines, hoses and
connections IIIIIIII
Brake fluid
*5IIIRIIIRIIIRIIIR
Parking brake IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power brake unit (Brake booster)
and hoses IIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid, lines, hoses
and connections IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages IIIIIIII
Manual transmission oil R
Rear differential oil R R
Front and rear suspension and
ball joints IIII
Driveshaft dust boots IIII
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 80,000 km (50,000 miles)
Bolts and nuts on chassis and
body TTTTTTTT
Body condition
(for rust, corrosion and perfora-
tion) Inspect annually
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-9
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page277
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:5 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (278,1)
Maintenance
IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 ×1000miles
6.25 12.5 18.752531.25 37.5 43.755056.25 62.5 68.757581.25 87.5 93.75100
Tire
(with inflation pressure adjust-
ment) IIIIIIII
Flat tire repair kit (if installed)
*6Inspect annually
Chart symbols
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
T: Tighten
C: Clean
Remarks
*1 If the vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions, change the engine oil and oil filter more often
than recommended intervals.
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
*2 Also inspect and adjust the power steering and air conditioner drive belts, if installed.
*3 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*4 If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, clean and if necessary, replace the air filter more often than the recommended intervals.
*5 If the brakes are used extensively (for example, continuous hard driving or mountain driving) or if the vehicle is operated in extremely humid climates, change the brake fluid annually.
*6 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
8-10
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page278
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:5 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (289,1)
Brake/Clutch Fluid
qInspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and clutch
linings. If it is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch system inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qAdding Brake/Clutch Fluid
WARNING
Spilled Brake Fluid:
Spilled brake fluid is dangerous. If it
gets in your eyes, they could be
seriously injured. If this happens,
immediately flush your eyes with water
and get medical attention. Brake fluid
spilled on a hot engine could cause a
fire. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on yourself or on the engine.
Low Brake/Clutch Fluid Levels:
Low brake/clutch fluid levels are
dangerous. Low levels could signal
brake lining wear or a brake system
leak. Your brakes could fail and cause
an accident. If you find a low fluid
level, have the brakes and clutch
inspected.
If the fluid level is low, add fluid until it
reaches MAX.
Before adding fluid, thoroughly clean the
area around the cap.
CAUTION
lBrake and clutch fluid will damage
painted surfaces. If brake or clutch
fluid does get on a painted surface,
wipe it off immediately.
lUsing nonspecified brake and clutch
fluids (page 10-4) will damage the
systems. Mixing different fluids will
also damage them.
If the brake/clutch system frequently
requires new fluid, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-21
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page289
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:5 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (319,1)
Insects, tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
industrial fallout, and similar deposits can
damage the finish if not removed
immediately. When prompt washing with
plain water is ineffective, use a mild soap
made for use on vehicles.
Thoroughly rinse off all soap with
lukewarm or cold water. Don't allow soap
to dry on the finish.
After washing the vehicle, dry it with a
clean chamois to prevent water spots from
forming.
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.
Waxing
Your vehicle needs to be waxed when
water no longer beads on the finish.
Always wash and dry the vehicle before
waxing it. In addition to the vehicle body,
wax the metal trim to maintain its luster.
1. Use wax which contains no abrasives.Waxes containing abrasive will remove
paint and could damage bright metal
parts.
2. Use a good grade of natural wax for metallic, mica, and solid colors. 3. When waxing, coat evenly with the
sponge supplied or a soft cloth.
4. Wipe off the wax with a soft cloth.
NOTE
A spot remover to remove oil, tar, and
similar materials will usually also take
off the wax. Rewax these areas even if
the rest of the vehicle doesn't need it.
q Repairing Damage to the Finish
Deep scratches or chips on the finish
should be repaired promptly. Exposed
metal quickly rusts and can lead to major
repairs.
CAUTION
If your Mazda is damaged and needs
metal parts repaired or replaced, make
sure the body shop applies anti-
corrosion materials to all parts, both
repaired and new. This will prevent
them from rusting.
qBright-Metal Maintenance
lUse tar remover to remove road tar and
insects. Never do this with a knife or
similar tool.
lTo prevent corrosion on bright-metal
surfaces, apply wax or chrome
preservative and rub it to a high luster.
lDuring cold weather or in coastal areas,
cover bright-metal parts with a coating
of wax or preservative heavier than
usual. It would also help to coat them
with noncorrosive petroleum jelly or
some other protective compound.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-51
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page319
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:6 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (320,1)
CAUTION
Don't use steel wool, abrasive cleaners,
or strong detergents containing highly
alkaline or caustic agents on chrome-
plated or anodized aluminum parts.
This may result in damage to the
protective coating and cause
discoloration or paint deterioration.
qUnderbody Maintenance
Road chemicals and salt used for ice and
snow removal and solvents used for dust
control may collect on the underbody. If
not removed, they will speed up rusting
and deterioration of such underbody parts
as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust
system, even though these parts may be
coated with anti-corrosive material.
Thoroughly flush the underbody and
wheel housings with lukewarm or cold
water at the end of each winter. Try also
to do this every month.
Pay special attention to these areas
because they easily hide mud and dirt. It
will do more harm than good to wet
down the road grime without removing
it.
The lower edges of doors, rocker panels,
and frame members have drain holes that
should not be clogged. Water trapped
there will cause rusting.
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.
q Aluminum Wheel Maintenance
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
NOTE
lDon't use a wire brush or any
abrasive cleaner, polishing
compound, or solvent on aluminum
wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lOnly use a mild soap or neutral
detergent and always use a sponge or
soft cloth to clean the wheels.
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or
cold water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on dusty or
salted roads. This helps prevent
corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an
automatic car wash that uses high-
speed or hard brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster,
wax the wheels.
8-52
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page320
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:6 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F