tow MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2006 Owner's Manual

Black plate (264,1)
NOTE
lBefore installing the battery cover,
make sure both of the cables
connecting the negative battery
terminal (right side of battery) are
connected with the cables routed
toward the right and back of the
battery as shown in the figure.
lVerify that the covers are securely
installed.
Push-Starting
WARNING
Towing a Vehicle to Start It:
Towing a vehicle to start it is
dangerous. The vehicle being towed
could surge forward when its engine
starts, causing the two vehicles to
collide. The occupants could be
injured. Never tow a vehicle to start it.
You can't start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission by pushing it.
CAUTION
Do not push-start a vehicle that has a
manual transmission. It can damage the
emission control system.
7-26
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Starting
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Towing Description
We recommend that towing be done only
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a
commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
rear wheels off the ground. If excessive
damage or other conditions prevent this,
use wheel dollies.
Wheel dollies
CAUTION
Don't tow the vehicle pointed forward
with driving wheels on the ground. This
may cause internal damage to the
transmission.
CAUTION
Don't tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
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Tiedown Hooks
CAUTION
Don't use the tiedown hooks under the
front and rear for towing.
They are designed ONLY for tying
down the vehicle when it's being
transported. Using them for towing will
damage the bumper.
qTiedown Hooks
1. Remove the tiedown eyelet, lug
wrench, and jack lever from the trunk
(page 7-5).
2. Wrap the jack lever with a soft cloth to prevent damage to the bumper and
open the cap located on the front and
rear bumper.
Front
Rear
CAUTION
The cap cannot be completely removed.
Do not use excessive force as it may
damage the cap or scratch the painted
bumper surface.
3. Securely install the tiedown eyelet using the lug wrench.
Lug wrench
Front
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In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
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Lug wrenchRear
4. Hook the tying rope to the tiedowneyelet.
Front
Rear
CAUTION
If the tiedown eyelet is not securely
tightened, it may loosen or disengage
from the bumper when tying down the
vehicle. Make sure that the tiedown
eyelet is securely tightened to the
bumper.
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
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Recreational Towing
An example of“recreational towing ”is
towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.
The transmission is not designed for
towing this vehicle on all 4 wheels.
When doing recreational towing refer to
“ Towing Description ”(page 7-27) and
“ Tiedown Hooks ”(page 7-28) and
carefully follow the instructions.
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In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F

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Air Filter
CAUTION
Don't drive without an air filter. This
could result in excessive engine wear.
This air filter may be cleaned with
compressed air and reused, or replaced,
depending on its condition. Unless it is
very dirty, simply shake it to remove
foreign particles. Each time you inspect it,
wipe inside the air cleaner housing with a
damp cloth.
q Replacing the Air Filter
NOTE
If the vehicle is operated in very dusty
or sandy areas, replace the filter more
often than recommended intervals.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is turned off.
2. Unfasten the clamps.
3. Lift off the air filter cover and remove the filter.
Air filter cover
Air filter
4. Wipe inside the air cleaner housing with a damp cloth.
5. Clean or replace the filter.
6. Install in the reverse order of removal.
NOTE
Install the filter element so that the
bottom edge surface with the printed
part number is visible and pointed
towards the front of the vehicle.
Replace the filter according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
8-24
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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3. Remove the metal stiffeners from theblade rubber and install them in new
blades.
CAUTION
lDon't bend or discard the stiffeners.
You need to use them again.
lIf the metal stiffeners are switched,
the blade's wiping efficiency could
be reduced.
So don't use the driver's side metal
stiffeners on the passenger's side, or
vice versa.
lBe sure to reinstall the metal
stiffeners in the new blade rubber so
that the curve is the same as it was in
the old blade rubber. 4. Carefully insert the new blade rubber.
Then install the blade assembly in the
reverse order of removal.
NOTE
Install the blade so that the tabs are
toward the bottom of the wiper arm.
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Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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NOTE
lRemove the battery cover before
performing battery maintenance.
Battery cover
lBefore installing the battery cover,
make sure both of the cables
connecting the negative battery
terminal (right side of battery) are
connected with the cables routed
toward the right and back of the
battery as shown in the figure.
qBattery Maintenance
To get the best service from a battery:
lKeep it securely mounted.
lKeep the top clean and dry.
lKeep terminals and connections clean,
tight, and coated with petroleum jelly
or terminal grease.
lRinse off spilled electrolyte
immediately with a solution of water
and baking soda.
lIf the vehicle will not be used for an
extended time, disconnect the battery
cables.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when they are not being used on the road. It is
recommended that tires generally be replaced when they are 6 years or older. Heat
caused by hot climates or frequent high loading conditions can accelerate the aging
process. Regarding the manufacturing week and year is indicated with 4 digit. Refer to
The tire labeling on page 9-18.
qSafety Practices
The way you drive has a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety. So cultivate
good driving habits for your own benefit.
lObserve posted speed limits
lAvoid fast starts, stops and turns
lAvoid potholes and objects on the road
lDo no run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking
CAUTION
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you suspect your tire
or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your speed. Drive with caution until
you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect the tire for damage. If the tire is under-
inflated or damaged, deflate it, remove the tire and rim and replace it with your spare
tire. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest vehicle or tire
dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Vehicle Loading
NOTE
This vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer.
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehicle and/or trailer, to keep
your loaded vehicle weight within its design rating capability, with or without a trailer.
Properly loading your vehicle will provide maximum return of vehicle design performance.
Before loading your vehicle, familiarize yourself with the following terms for determining
your vehicle's weight ratings, with or without a trailer, from the vehicle's Safety
Certification Label and Tire and Load Information Label:
WARNING
Overloaded Vehicle:
Overloading a vehicle is dangerous. The results of overloading can have serious
consequences in terms of passenger safety. Too much weight on a vehicle's suspension
system can cause spring or shock absorber failure, brake failure, handling or steering
problems, irregular tire wear, tire failure or other damage.
Overloading makes a vehicle harder to drive and control. It also increases the distance
required for stopping. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail completely,
particularly on steep grades. The load a tire will carry safely is a combination of the
size of the tire, its load range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Never overload the vehicle and always observe the vehicle's weight ratings from the
vehicle's Safety Certification and Tire and Load Information labels.
Base Curb Weight is the weight of the vehicle including a full tank of fuel and all
standard equipment. It does not include passengers, cargo, or optional equipment.
9-30
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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Form No.8U35-EA-05F