ECO mode MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2006 Owners Manual

Black plate (3,1)
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
Important Notes About This Manual
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.
Event Data Recorder
This vehicle is equipped with an event data recorder. In the event of a crash, this device records data related to
vehicle dynamics and safety systems for a short period of time. These data can help provide a better
understanding of the circumstances in which crashes and injuries occur and lead to the designing of safer
vehicles.
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.
©2005 Mazda Motor Corporation
Printed in Japan Nov. 2005(Print4)
A Word to Mazda Owners
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page3
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:2 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (17,1)
Seat Belt Precautions
Seat belts help to decrease the possibility of severe injury during accidents and sudden
stops. Mazda recommends that the driver and passenger always wear seat belts.
All of the seat belt retractors are designed to keep the lap/shoulder belts out of the way
when not in use.
The driver's seat belt has no provisions for child-restraint systems and has only an
emergency locking mode. The driver may wear it comfortably, and it will lock during a
collision.
However, the passenger's seat lap/shoulder belt retractors operate in two modes: emergency
locking mode, and for child-restraint systems, automatic locking mode.
Your vehicle is equipped with LATCH lower anchors for securing the LATCH child-
restraint system in the passenger seat but there is no child-restraint tether available. As
there is no rear seat on this vehicle, the preferred location for children, following the
manufacturer's instructions on the LATCH child restraint-system and this owner's manual is
important (page 2-23).
WARNING
Not Wearing Seat Belts:
Not wearing a seat belt is extremely dangerous. During a collision, occupants not
wearing seat belts could hit someone or things inside the vehicle or even be thrown out
of the vehicle. They could be seriously injured or even killed. In the same collision,
occupants wearing seat belts would be much safer. Always wear your seat belt and
make sure all occupants are properly restrained.
Seat Belt Damaged During an Accident:
Using a damaged seat belt is dangerous. An accident could damage the belt webbing
of the seat belt in use. A damaged seat belt cannot provide adequate protection in a
collision. Air bags and pretensioners work together, but whether a seat was occupied
or not, if any air bag deployed and whether a seat belt pretensioner deployed or not,
all seat belts and air bags must be inspected and replaced if necessary. Have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect all seat belt systems in use during an accident before
they are used again.
Twisted Seat Belts:
Twisted seat belts are dangerous. In a collision, the full width of the belt isn't available
to absorb the impact. This puts more force on the bones beneath the belt, which could
cause serious injury or death. Don't wear twisted seat belts.
Essential Safety Equipment
Seat Belt Systems
2-5
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page17
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:2 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (22,1)
Seat Belt Pretensioner and
Load Limiting Systems
For optimum protection, the driver and
passenger seat belts are equipped with
pretensioner and load limiting systems.
In moderate or greater frontal or near-
frontal accidents, the air bag and
pretensioner systems deploy
simultaneously. The pretensioners take up
slack in the seat belts as the air bags are
expanding. The seat belt pretensioner
system cannot provide adequate
protection in an accident if the seat belt is
not fastened properly. The load limiting
system releases belt webbing in a
controlled manner to reduce belt force on
the occupant's chest.
WARNING
Incorrect Positioning of the Driver
and Passenger Seat Belts:
Incorrect positioning of the driver and
passenger seat belts is dangerous.
Without proper positioning, the
pretensioner and load limiting systems
cannot provide adequate protection in
an accident and this could result in
serious injury. Wear seat belts only as
recommended in this owner's manual
(page 2-8).
WARNING
Expended Seat Belt Pretensioners:
Air bags may deploy, and the
corresponding pretensioner(s) will
also deploy at the same time. Use of
seat belts with the pretensioner system
expended is dangerous. Like the air
bags, the seat belt pretensioners will
only function once. After they are
expended, they will not function again
and must be replaced immediately. If
the seat belt pretensioners are not
replaced, the risk of injury in a
collision will increase. Always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect the
seat belt pretensioners and air bags
after any collision. Expended seat belt
pretensioners and air bags must be
replaced after any collision which
caused them to deploy. Additionally,
the load limiter will only limit loads on
the chest once in a collision and is
another reason to have the seat belts
inspected.
Modification or Testing of the
Pretensioner System:
Modifying the components or wiring
of the pretensioner system, including
the use of electronic testing devices is
dangerous. You could accidentally
activate it or make it inoperable which
would prevent it from activating in an
accident. The occupants or repairers
could be seriously injured. Never
modify the components or wiring, or
use electronic testing devices on the
pretensioner system.
2-10
Essential Safety Equipment
Seat Belt Systems
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page22
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:2 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (23,1)
WARNING
Pretensioner System Disposal:
Improper disposal of the pretensioner
system or a vehicle with non-
deactivated pretensioners is
dangerous. Unless all safety
procedures are followed, injury could
result. Ask an Authorized Mazda
Dealer how to safely dispose of the
pretensioner system or how to scrap a
pretensioner-equipped vehicle.
NOTE
lThe pretensioner system will only
activate in a moderate or greater
frontal or near-frontal collision. It
will not activate in most rollovers,
side or rear impacts.
lSome smoke (non-toxic gas) will be
released when the air bags and
pretensioners deploy. This does not
indicate a fire. This gas normally has
no effect on occupants, however,
those with sensitive skin may
experience light skin irritation. If
residue from the deployment of the
air bags or the pretensioner system
gets on the skin or in the eyes, wash
it off as soon as possible.
qAir Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
is normal, the warning light illuminates
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,
constantly illuminates or doesn't
illuminate 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.
WARNING
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 causing
serious injury or death. Never tamper
with the systems and always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer perform all
servicing and repairs.
Essential Safety Equipment
Seat Belt Systems
2-11
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page23
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:2 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (53,1)
NOTE
lThe system requires about 10 seconds to alternate between turning the passenger front
and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system on or off.
lThe passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate repeatedly if
luggage or other items are put on the passenger seat, or if the temperature of the
vehicle's interior changes suddenly.
lThe passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate for 10 seconds if the
total seated weight on the passenger seat changes.
lYou must deactivate the passenger air bag using the key (page 2-30) and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driver and passenger buckle switches
The buckle switches on the seat belts detect whether or not the seat belts are securely
fastened and further control the deployment of the air bags.
qHow the Side Air Bags Workí
When air bag crash sensors detect a side impact of greater than moderate force, an
electrical current is sent to the inflators.
Gases are produced to inflate the side air bags and after the inflation, the side air bags
quickly deflate.
The side air bags will function only once. After that, the side air bags will not work again
and must be replaced. Only an Authorized Mazda Dealer can replace the systems.
The side air bag will deploy only on the
side the vehicle receives the force of the
impact.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-41íSome models.
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page53
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:2 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (57,1)
qConstant Monitoring
The following components of the air bag
systems are monitored by a diagnostic
system:
lSAS unit
lCrash sensor
lAir bag modules
lSide crash sensorsí
lSeat belt pretensioners
lRelated wiring
lFront passenger air bag deactivation
switch
lDriver seat slide position sensor
lFront passenger seat weight sensors
lDriver and front passenger seat belt
buckle switches
The diagnostic module continuously
monitors the system's readiness. This
begins when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position and continues while
the vehicle is being driven.
q Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
is normal, the warning light illuminates
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,
constantly illuminates or doesn't
illuminate 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.
WARNING
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 causing
serious injury or death. Never tamper
with the systems and always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer perform all
servicing and repairs.
q
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:
lThe air bag system warning light
flashes.
lThe air bag system warning light
remains illuminated.
lThe air bag system warning light does
not illuminate when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position.
lThe air bags have deployed.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-45íSome models.
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page57
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:2 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (86,1)
Door Locks
WARNING
Unattended Children and Pets:
Leaving a child or an animal
unattended in a parked vehicle is
dangerous. In hot weather,
temperatures inside a vehicle can
become high enough to cause brain
damage or even death. Always take all
children and animals with you or
leave a responsible person with them.
Keys and Children:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the
key is dangerous. This could result in
someone being badly injured or even
killed. They could play with power
windows or other controls, or even
make the vehicle move. Don't leave the
keys in your vehicle with children and
keep them in a place where your
children will not find or play with
them.
Unlocked Doors:
Unlocked doors in a moving vehicle
are dangerous. Passengers can fall out
if a door is accidentally opened and
can more easily be thrown out in an
accident. So keep both doors locked
when driving.
WARNING
Vehicles Left Unlocked:
Leaving your vehicle unlocked is
dangerous as children could lock
themselves in a hot vehicle, which
could result in death. Also, a vehicle
left unlocked becomes an easy target
for thieves and intruders. Always close
all the windows, lock the doors and
take the key with you when leaving
your vehicle unattended.
qLocking, Unlocking with Keyí
Either door can be locked/unlocked with
the key.
Turn the key toward the front to unlock,
toward the back to lock.
Unlock
Lock
qLocking, Unlocking with Request
Switch (with Advanced Key)
The doors can be locked/unlocked by
operating the request switch while
carrying the advanced key outside the
vehicle, refer to Operations Using
Advanced Keyless Functions (page 3-7).
3-28
Knowing Your Mazda
íSome models.
Doors and Locks
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page86
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:3 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (117,1)
Theft-Deterrent Systemí
The theft-deterrent system is designed to
prevent your vehicle or its contents from
being stolen when both doors, hood, and
trunk lid are locked.
If forcible entry is attempted, the system
sounds the horn and flashes the hazard
warning lights.
NOTE
lThe theft-deterrent system operates
with the key or the keyless entry
system transmitter.
l(With advanced key)
The theft-deterrent system can also
be operated using a request switch or
the start knob.
The system operates only when the
driver is in the vehicle or within
operational range while the advanced
key is being carried.
lThe system will not function unless
it is properly armed. To properly
secure the vehicle, always make sure
both windows are completely closed
and both doors and the trunk lid are
locked before leaving the vehicle.
Remember to take your key and
transmitter.
qOperation
System triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights flash for about 25
seconds when the system is triggered by
any one of the following:
lForcing open a door, the hood or the
trunk lid.
lOpening a door by operating an inside
door-lock knob.
lOpening the hood by operating the
hood release handle.
lOpening the trunk lid by operating the
trunk lid release button.
If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until a door is
unlocked or the trunk lid is opened with
the key or with the transmitter.
(With advanced key)
The lights and horn can also be
deactivated by pressing a request switch.
q How to Arm the System
1. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
(With advanced key)
Turn the start knob to the LOCK
position.
2. Make sure the hood and the trunk lid are closed. Close and lock both doors
from the outside using the key. If you
have the keyless entry system, press
the lock button on the transmitter.
(With advanced key)
Press a request switch on the doors or
the lock button on the transmitter.
The hazard warning lights will flash
once to indicate that the system is
armed.
(Without advanced key)
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
Close the hood and the trunk lid . Press
the area on the door-lock switch
marked “LOCK ”once. Close both
doors.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
3-59íSome models.
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page117
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:3 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (143,1)
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.
qAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)í
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
is about to lock up, the ABS responds by
automatically releasing and reapplying
that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal when the ABS operates. Don't
pump the brakes, continue to press down
on the brake pedal.
WARNING
ABS:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident. So don't rely on
ABS as a substitute for safe driving.
NOTE
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
qABS Warning Lightí
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-7íSome models.
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page143
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:3 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F

Black plate (144,1)
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.
qBrake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become worn,
the built-in wear indicators contact the
disc plates. This causes a screeching noise
to warn that the pads should be replaced.
When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
5-8
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
MX-5_8U35-EA-05F_Edition4 Page144
Thursday, October 6 2005 11:3 AM
Form No.8U35-EA-05F