check engine light MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2008 Owners Manual

Black plate (71,1)
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-39).
NOTE
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the sound of the fuel pump motor
operating near the fuel tank can be heard. This
does not indicate an abnormality.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the start knob;
then it returns to the ON position. The
brake warning light can be checked after
the engine is started (page 5-39).
Starting the engine
NOTE
lEngine-starting is controlled by the spark
ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Standard
requirements regulating the impulse
electrical field strength of radio noise.
lThe advanced key must be carried because
the advanced key carries an immobilizer
chip that must communicate with the engine
controls at short range.
lWhen starting the engine, be sure the start
knob is securely attached before trying to
operate it. If the knob becomes detached
from the ignition switch, re-attach it by
pushing it on to the ignition switch.
1. Make sure the advanced key is beingcarried.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat belts.
3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

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Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap
WARNING
When removing the fuel cap, loosen the
cap slightly and wait for any hissing to
stop. Then remove it:Fuel spray is dangerous. Fuel can
burn skin and eyes and cause illness
if ingested. Fuel spray is released
when there is pressure in the fuel
tank and the fuel cap is removed too
quickly.
Before refueling, stop the engine, and
always keep sparks and flames away
from the filler neck: Fuel vapor is dangerous. It could be
ignited by sparks or flames causing
serious burns and injuries.
Additionally, use of the incorrect fuel
filler cap or not using a fuel filler cap
may result in fuel leak, which could
result in serious burns or death in an
accident.
CAUTION
Always use only a genuine Mazda
fuel cap or an approved equivalent,
available at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. The wrong cap can result in a
serious malfunction of the fuel and
emission control systems. It may also
cause the check engine light in the
instrument cluster to illuminate.
qFuel-Filler Lid
The remote fuel-filler lid release is
mounted in the seat side box.
To open the seat side box, unlock it and
pull the release catch.
To open the fuel-filler lid, pull on the
remote fuel-filler lid release.
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Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

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qFuel-Filler Cap
To remove the filler cap, turn it
counterclockwise.
To close the filler cap, turn it clockwise
until two or more clicks are heard.
Close
Open
CAUTION
Make sure the fuel-filler cap is
tightened securely. The check engine
light may illuminate when the cap
isn't tightened securely. If the light
remains on (even after you have
tightened the cap securely, driven,
and restarted the engine several
times), it may indicate a different
problem. Contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Hood
WARNING
Always check that the hood is closed
and securely locked:
A hood that is not closed and
securely locked is dangerous as it
could fly open while the vehicle is
moving and block the driver's vision
which could result in a serious
accident.
qOpening the Hood
1. With the vehicle parked, pull the
release handle to unlock the hood.
Release handle
2. Insert your hand into the hood opening
and Slide the hood latch to the right
and lift the hood.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

Black plate (119,1)
CAUTION
ØDo not drive the vehicle with the
hardtop open halfway.
Ø Do not perform the procedure in a
strong wind as it could cause an
unexpected accident.
Ø Two adults are required to
perform the procedure, especially
when lifting up the hardtop. Do
not do it alone so as not to cause
injury or vehicle damage.
Ø Some steps in the procedure
require using multiple tools at the
same time and a certain level of
technical expertise. In addition,
holding your body extended over
the car can result in muscle strains
so Mazda recommends having the
hardtop checked at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
Use a suitable means of illumination, such as a
flashlight, to improve visibility under the deck
lid when performing this task.
Before closing manually
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of- way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position while depressing the brake
pedal.
4. Turn on the hazard warning flasher if it is needed.
WARNING
Verify that the ignition switch is in the
LOCK position before manually
operating the hardtop: Manually retracting the hardtop with
the ignition switch not in the LOCK
position is dangerous as the retractor
motors could turn on suddenly and
cause injury resulting from hands or
fingers being pinched in the
mechanism.
Manual closing
Tool preparation
Locate the following tools in the glove
box.
Refer to Tool Storage on page 7-5.
Rope
Eyebolt
Allen wrench
Opening the deck
1. Remove the antenna if it is installed.
Refer to Detachable Type on page 6-9.
CAUTION
Do the procedure with the antenna
removed. The antenna may be
damaged if it is left installed.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

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qOperation
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition
switch is turned from the ON position to
the ACC or LOCK position. The security
indicator light in the instrument cluster
flashes every 2 seconds until the system is
disarmed.
Disarming
The system is disarmed when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position with
the registered advanced key.
The security indicator light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and goes out.
If the engine doesn't start with the correct
ignition key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. NOTE
lThe engine may not start and the security
indicator light may illuminate or flash if the
advanced key is placed in an area where it
is difficult for the system to detect the
signal, such as on the dashboard, or in the
glove box. Move the advanced key to
another place, turn the ignition switch to
the LOCK position, and then restart the
engine.
lSignals 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 advanced key and
the engine fails to start, check the security
indicator light. If the indicator light is
flashing, turn the ignition switch to the
ACC or LOCK position and wait for a
while, then restart the engine. If it doesn't
start after 3 or more tries, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, don't
shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If the
engine is shut off while the indicator light is
flashing, you won't be able to restart it.
lSince the electronic codes are reset when
repairing the immobilizer system, the
advanced key (including auxiliary key) are
needed. Bring all the advanced keys
(including auxiliary keys) to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
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Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Form No.8X49-EA-07F

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If the engine doesn't start with the correct
ignition key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lIf the security indicator light comes on and
stays on when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position, the engine will not start.
lSignals 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 security
indicator 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.
lIf the security indicator 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.
lSince the electronic codes are reset when
repairing the immobilizer system, the keys
are needed. Bring all the existing keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qMaintenance
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the key, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lThe keys carry a unique electronic code.
For this reason, and to assure your safety,
obtaining replacement key requires some
waiting time. They are only available
through an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lAlways keep a spare key, in case one is lost.
If a key is lost, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
lIf you lose a key, an Authorized Mazda
Dealer will reset the electronic codes of
your remaining keys and immobilizer
system. Bring all the remaining keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to reset.
Starting the vehicle with a key that has not
been reset is not possible.
qModification 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.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
system or the vehicle.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Black plate (141,1)
Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
fluid leaks.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch fluid,
washer fluid, and other fluid levels should be
inspected. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?lIs the seat adjusted properly?lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs each occupant's seat belt fastened?lCheck all gauges.lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
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Black plate (155,1)
Releasing the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and pull the
parking brake lever upwards, then press
the release button. While holding the
button, lower the parking brake lever all
the way down to the released position.
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 8-25).
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
Do not drive with the brake system
warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible: Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated 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
illuminated, after checking that the
parking brake is fully released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Black plate (185,1)
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine
can cause serious engine damage
(page 7-18).
qFuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is remaining in the tank when
the ignition switch is in the ON position.
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.
Low fuel
warning light
NOTElAfter refueling, it may require some time for
the needle to stabilize. In addition, the
needle may deviate while driving on a slope
or curve since the fuel moves in the tank.
lThe direction of the arrow () shows that
the fuel-filler lid is on the left side of the
vehicle.
q Engine Oil Pressure Gauge
Normal range
Engine oil pressure is normal when the
engine oil pressure gauge needle points
within the normal range.
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 8-22). 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.
CAUTION
Don't run the engine if the oil
pressure is low. It could result in
extensive engine damage.
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Black plate (187,1)
Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-41
Charging System Warning Light5-42
Check Engine Light5-42
ABS Warning Light5-41
Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light5-43
Low Fuel Warning Light5-43
Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep5-44
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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