overheating MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2009 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MAZDA, Model Year: 2009, Model line: MODEL MX-5 MIATA, Model: MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2009Pages: 444, PDF Size: 5.47 MB
Page 146 of 444

Black plate (146,1)
Floor Mat
WARNING
Make sure the floor mats are hooked
on the retention pins to prevent them
from bunching up under the foot
pedals:Using a floor mat that is not secured
is dangerous as it will interfere with
the accelerator and brake pedal
operation, which could result in an
accident.
Do not install two floor mats, one on
top of the other, on the driver's side: Installing two floor mats, one on top
of the other, on the driver's side is
dangerous as the retention pins can
only keep one floor mat from sliding
forward.
In using a heavy duty floor mat for
winter use always remove the
original floor mat.
Loose floor mat(s) will interfere with
the foot pedal and could result in an
accident.
When setting a floor mat, position the
floor mat so that its eyelets are inserted
over the pointed end of the retention
posts.
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at more than 56
km/h (35 mph), and do not allow
anyone to stand behind a wheel when
pushing the vehicle:When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is
dangerous. The spinning tire could
overheat and explode. This could
cause serious injuries.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transmission failure,
and tire damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
MX-5_8Z78-EA-08K_Edition1 Page146
Thursday, October 23 2008 1:53 PM
Form No.8Z78-EA-08K
Page 172 of 444

Black plate (172,1)
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on theload weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power
steering system.
5-20
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
MX-5_8Z78-EA-08K_Edition1 Page172
Thursday, October 23 2008 1:53 PM
Form No.8Z78-EA-08K
Page 190 of 444

Black plate (190,1)
Automatic Transmission
Red zone
CAUTION
Do not run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine
damage.
qEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.
If the needle is near H, it indicates
overheating.
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.
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.
5-38
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
MX-5_8Z78-EA-08K_Edition1 Page190
Thursday, October 23 2008 1:53 PM
Form No.8Z78-EA-08K
Page 210 of 444

Black plate (210,1)
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the
windshield, affect your visibility, and
could result in an accident.
Only use windshield washer fluid
mixed with anti-freeze protection in
freezing weather conditions: Using windshield washer fluid
without anti-freeze protection in
freezing weather conditions is
dangerous as it could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision
which could cause an accident.
In addition, make sure the
windshield is sufficiently warmed
using the defroster before spraying
the washer fluid. NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam the wiper
blades, the wiper motor is protected from
motor breakdown, overheating and possible
fire by a circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the blades, but
only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper switch and
park off the right-of-way, and remove the snow
and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and the
blades should operate normally. If they do not
resume functioning, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. Drive to
the side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Wait until the weather clears before trying
to drive with the wipers inoperative.
q
Windshield Wipers
Turn the wipers on by pulling the lever
down.
INT ―Intermittent
LO ―Low speed
HI ―High speed
For a single wiping cycle, push the lever
up to MIST.
MIST ―Mist
5-58
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
MX-5_8Z78-EA-08K_Edition1 Page210
Thursday, October 23 2008 1:53 PM
Form No.8Z78-EA-08K
Page 215 of 444

Black plate (215,1)
5. Press and hold the just-trainedHomeLink button and observe the
indicator light.
If the indicator light stays on constantly,
programming is complete and your
device should activate when the
HomeLink button is pressed and released.
NOTE
To program the remaining two HomeLink
buttons, begin with “Programming ”― step 2.
Do not repeat step 1.
If the indicator light blinks rapidly for
two seconds and then turns to a
constant light, continue with
“ Programming ”steps 6 ―8to complete
the programming of a rolling code
equipped device (most commonly a
garage door opener).
6. At the garage door opener receiver (motor-head unit) in the garage, locate
the “learn ”or “smart ”button. This can
usually be found where the hanging
antenna wire is attached to the motor-
head unit.
7. Firmly press and release the “learn ”or
“ smart ”button. (The name and color of
the button may vary by manufacturer.)
NOTE
There are 30 seconds in which to initiate step
8.
8. Return to the vehicle and firmly press,
hold for two seconds and release the
programmed HomeLink button. Repeat
the “press/hold/release ”sequence a
second time, and, depending on the
brand of the garage door opener (or
other rolling code equipped device),
repeat this sequence a third time to
complete the programming process. HomeLink should now activate your
rolling code equipped device.
NOTE
To program the remaining two HomeLink
buttons, begin with
“Programming ”― step 2.
Do not repeat step 1.
For questions or comments, please contact
HomeLink at www.homelink.com or1-
800-355-3515.
q Gate operator/Canadian
Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require
transmitter signals to “time-out ”(or quit)
after several seconds of transmission ―
which may not be long enough for
HomeLink to pick up the signal during
programming. Similar to this Canadian
law, some U.S. gate operators are
designed to “time-out ”in the same
manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having
difficulties programming a gate operator
by using the “Programming ”procedures
(regardless of where you live), replace
“ Programming HomeLink ”step 3 with
the following:
NOTE
If programming a garage door opener or gate
operator, it is advised to unplug the device
during the “cycling ”process to prevent
possible overheating.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-63
MX-5_8Z78-EA-08K_Edition1 Page215
Thursday, October 23 2008 1:53 PM
Form No.8Z78-EA-08K
Page 225 of 444

Black plate (225,1)
CAUTION
When using the air conditioner while
driving up long hills or in heavy
traffic, closely monitor the
temperature gauge (page 5-38).
The air conditioner may cause engine
overheating. If the gauge indicates
overheating, turn the air conditioner
off (page 7-18).
NOTE
lWhen maximum cooling is desired, set the
temperature control dial to the extreme cold
position and set the air intake selector to
the recirculated air mode, then turn the fan
control dial fully clockwise.
lIf warmer air is desired at floor level, set
the mode selector dial at the
or
position and adjust the temperature control
dial to maintain maximum comfort.
lThe air to the floor is warmer than air to
the face (except when the temperature
control dial is set at the extreme hot or cold
position).
q Ventilation
1. Set the mode selector dial to theor
position.
2. Set the air intake selector to the outside air mode.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the desired position.
4. Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.
qWindshield Defrosting and Defogging
1. Set the mode selector dial to the
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the desired position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.
WARNING
Do not defog the windshield using the
position with the temperature
control set to the cold position: Using the
position with the
temperature control set to the cold
position is dangerous as it will cause
the outside of the windshield to fog
up. Your vision will be hampered,
which could lead to a serious
accident. Set the temperature control
to the hot or warm position when
using the
position.
NOTE
lFor maximum defrosting, set the
temperature control dial to the extreme hot
position and turn the fan control dial fully
clockwise.
lIf warm air is desired at the floor, set the
mode selector dial to the
position.lIn the,,orposition, the air
conditioner is automatically turned on
(however, the indicator light does not
illuminate) and the outside air mode is
automatically selected to defrost the
windshield.
In the
orposition, the outside air
mode cannot be changed to the recirculated
air mode.
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
6-9
MX-5_8Z78-EA-08K_Edition1 Page225
Thursday, October 23 2008 1:53 PM
Form No.8Z78-EA-08K
Page 301 of 444

Black plate (301,1)
7In Case of an Emergency
Helpful information on what to do in an emergency.
Parking in an Emergency ............................................................. 7-2Parking in an Emergency .......................................................... 7-2
Flat Tire ......................................................................................... 7-3 Flat Tire
í.................................................................................. 7-3
Tool Storage .............................................................................. 7-5
Instant Mobility System (IMS) Emergency Flat Tire Repair
Kit
í.......................................................................................... 7-7
Changing a Tire ....................................................................... 7-13
Overheating ................................................................................. 7-18 Overheating ............................................................................. 7-18
Emergency Starting .................................................................... 7-20 Starting a Flooded Engine ....................................................... 7-20
Jump-Starting .......................................................................... 7-21
Push-Starting ........................................................................... 7-24
Emergency Towing ..................................................................... 7-25 Towing Description ................................................................. 7-25
Tiedown Hooks ....................................................................... 7-26
Recreational Towing ............................................................... 7-28
7-1íSome models.
MX-5_8Z78-EA-08K_Edition1 Page301
Thursday, October 23 2008 1:54 PM
Form No.8Z78-EA-08K
Page 311 of 444

Black plate (311,1)
14. Install the compressor hose to the tirevalve.
Valve Compressor hose
15. Insert the compressor plug into the
interior accessory socket and turn the
ignition switch to the ACC position
(page 6-83).
Compressor plug
Center console
Compressor
CAUTION
ØBefore pulling out the compressor
plug from the electrical socket,
make sure the compressor power
switch is off.
Ø The compressor turns on and off
with the push-button switch.
16. Turn the compressor switch on and inflate the tire carefully to the correct
inflation pressure.
WARNING
Never operate the compressor above
300 kPa (3.1 kgf/cm2, 3 bar, 43.5 psi):
Operating the compressor above 300
kPa (3.1 kgf/cm
2, 3 bar, 43.5 psi) is
dangerous. When the inflation
pressure rises above 300 kPa (3.1
kgf/cm
2, 3 bar, 43.5 psi), heated air
will be exhausted from the back of
the compressor and you could be
burned.
CAUTION
If the compressor operates slowly or
becomes hot, it indicates
overheating. Turn the compressor off
immediately and leave it turned off
for 30 minutes or longer.
NOTE
lCheck the tire inflation pressure label
(driver's door frame) for the correct tire
inflation pressure.
lDo not use the compressor for longer than
10 minutes because using the compressor
for long periods could damage it.
lIf the tire does not inflate, repair of the tire
may not be possible. If the tire does not
reach the correct inflation pressure within a
10-minute period, it probably has received
more extensive damage. When this happens,
the emergency flat tire repair kit cannot be
used to repair the tire. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the tire has been over-inflated, loosen the
screw cap on the compressor and bleed
some of the air out.
17. When the tire has been inflated to the proper inflation pressure, turn the
compressor switch off and remove the
compressor hose from the tire valve.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-11
MX-5_8Z78-EA-08K_Edition1 Page311
Thursday, October 23 2008 1:54 PM
Form No.8Z78-EA-08K
Page 318 of 444

Black plate (318,1)
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.
WARNING
Turn off the ignition switch and
make sure the fan is not running before
attempting to work near the cooling
fan: Working near the cooling fan when it
is running is dangerous. The fan
could continue running indefinitely
even if the engine has stopped and
the engine compartment temperature
is high. You could be hit by the fan
and seriously injured.
Do not remove the cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot: When the engine and radiator are
hot, scalding coolant and steam may
shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury.
Open the hood ONLY after steam is no
longer escaping from the engine: Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you.
NOTE
Once the engine coolant exceeds a preset
temperature, an electrical cooling fan turns
on. It will continue running for about 10
minutes after the ignition switch is turned to
off.
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in park (P), a manual
transmission in neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Turn off the air conditioner.
5. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Don't go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the
engine temperature will increase.
Stop the engine and call an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6. Make sure the cooling fan is operating, then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
7. When cool, check the coolant level. If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
7-18
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
MX-5_8Z78-EA-08K_Edition1 Page318
Thursday, October 23 2008 1:54 PM
Form No.8Z78-EA-08K
Page 319 of 444

Black plate (319,1)
If you find a leak or other damage, or if
coolant is still leaking:
Stop the engine and call an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Cooling system cap
Coolant reservoir
If you find no problems, the engine is
cool, and no leaks are obvious:
Carefully add coolant as required (page
8-20).
CAUTION
If the engine continues to overheat or
frequently overheats, have the
cooling system inspected. The engine
could be seriously damaged unless
repairs are made. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
7-19
MX-5_8Z78-EA-08K_Edition1 Page319
Thursday, October 23 2008 1:54 PM
Form No.8Z78-EA-08K