automatic transmission MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2018 Owner's Manual

Direct Mode*
Direct mode can be used for temporarily
switching gears by operating the steering
shift switch while the vehicle is being
driven with the selector lever in the D
range.
While in direct mode, the D and M
indication illuminate a nd the gear position
in use is illuminated.
Direct mode is canceled (released) under
the following conditions.
The UP switch () is pulled
rearward for a certain amount of time or
longer.
The vehicle is driven for a certain
amount of time or longer (time differs
depending on the driving conditions
while operating).
The vehicle is stopped or moving at a
slow speed.

Gear position indication
Direct mode indication
NOTE
Shifting up and down while in direct mode
may not be possible depending on the
vehicle speed. In addition, because direct
mode is canceled (released) depending on
the rate of acceleration or if the
accelerator is fully depressed, use of the
manual shift mode is recommended if you
need to drive the ve hicle in a particular
gear for long periods.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
4-42*Some models.
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Driving Tips
WA R N I N G
Do not let the vehicle move in a direction
opposite to the direction selected by the
selector lever:
Do not let the vehicle move backward with
the selector lever in a forward position, or
do not let the vehicle move forward with
the selector lever in the reverse position.
Otherwise, the engine may stop, causing
the loss of the power brake and power
steering functions, and make it difficult to
control the vehicle which could result in an
accident.
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transmission will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
NOTE
The accelerator pedal may initially feel
heavy as it is being depressed, then feel
lighter as it is depressed further. This
change in pedal force aids the engine
control system in determining how much
the accelerator pedal has been
depressed for performing kickdown, and
functions to control whether or not
kickdown should be performed.
While the selector lever is in the M
position and the DSC is turned off,
manual shift mode does not switch to
automatic shift mode even if the
accelerator pedal is completely
depressed. Operate the selector lever.
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. Desce nd slowly, using the
brakes only occasionally to prevent them
from overheating.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
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The headlights turn off if the lever is
pulled again while the headlights are
illuminated.
▼ Leaving Home Light
The leaving home light turns on the lights
when the transmitte
r unlock button is
pressed while away from the vehicle.
The following light s turn on when the
leaving home light is operated.
Low beams, Parking lights, Taillights,
License plate lights.
To turn on the lights
When the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are in the following conditions, the
headlights will il luminate when the
transmitter unlock button is pressed and
the vehicle receives the transmitter signal.
The headlights turn off after a certain
period of time has elapsed (30 seconds).
Ignition switch: off
Headlight switch: , , or
Lock button
Unlock
button
NOTE
Operation of the leaving home light can
be turned on or off.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.
When the transmitter lock button is
pressed and the vehicle receives the
transmitter signal, the headlights turn
off.
When the headlight switch is turned to
the
position, the headlights turn off.
▼ Headlight Leveling
The number of passengers and weight of
cargo in the luggage compartment change
the angle of the headlights.

The angle of the headlights will be
automatically adjusted when turning on
the headlights.
▼Daytime Running Lights
Some countries requir
e moving vehicles to
have their lights on (daytime running
lights) during the daytime.

The daytime running lights turn on
automatically when the vehicle starts
moving.
They turn off when the parking brake is
operated or the shift lever is shifted to the
P position (automatic transmission
vehicle).
NOTE
(Except Canada)
The daytime running lights can be
deactivated.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-9.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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WA R N I N G
Do not drive with worn disc pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is dangerous.
The brakes could fail and cause a serious
accident. As soon as you hear a screeching
noise consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
▼Brake Assist
During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the brake
pedal with greater force, the brake assist
system provides braking assistance, thus
enhancing braking performance.

When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, the brakes apply
more firmly.
NOTE
When the brake pedal is depressed hard
or depressed more quickly, the pedal
will feel softer but the brakes will apply
more firmly. This is a normal effect of
the brake assist operation and does not
indicate a malfunction.
When the brake pedal is depressed hard
or depressed more quickly, a motor/
pump operation noise may be heard.
This is a normal effect of the brake
assist and does not indicate a
malfunction.
The brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the
vehicle's main braking system.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)*
HLA is a function which assists the driver
in accelerating from a stop while on a
slope. When the driver releases the brake
pedal and depresses the accelerator pedal
while on a slope, the f
unction prevents the
vehicle from rolling. The braking force is
maintained automatically after the brake
pedal is released on a steep grade.
For vehicles with a manual transmission,
HLA operates on a downward slope when
the shift lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when the
shift lever is in a po sition other than the
reverse (R) position.
For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, HLA operates on a
downward slope when the selector lever is
in the reverse (R) position, and on an
upward slope when the selector lever is in
a forward gear.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on HLA:
HLA is an auxiliary device for accelerating
from a stop on a slope. The system only
operates for about two seconds and
therefore, relying only on the system, when
accelerating from a stop is dangerous
because the vehicle may move (roll)
unexpectedly and cause an accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on the
vehicle's load or if it is towing something. In
addition, for vehicles with a manual
transmission, the vehicle could still roll
depending on how the clutch pedal or the
accelerator pedal is operated.
Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the vehicle.
When Driving
Brake
4-62*Some models.
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NOTE
The BSM will operate when all of the following conditions are met:
The ignition is switched ON.
The BSM switch is pressed and the BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster is
turned off.
The vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.
The BSM will not operate under the following circumstances.
The vehicle speed falls below about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) even though the BSM OFF
indicator light is turned off.
The shift lever (manual transmission)/selector lever (automatic transmission) is shifted
to reverse (R) and the vehicle is reversing.
In the following cases, the BSM OFF indicator light turns on and operation of the system
is stopped. If the BSM OFF indicator light re mains illuminated, have the vehicle inspected
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Some problem with the system including the BSM warning lights is detected.
A large deviation in the installation position of a radar sensor (rear) on the vehicle has
occurred.
There is a large accumulation of snow or ice on the rear bumper near a radar sensor
(rear). Remove any snow, ice or mud on the rear bumper.
Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods.
The temperature near the radar sensors (rear) becomes extremely hot due to driving for
long periods on slopes during the summer.
The battery voltage has decreased.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.
A vehicle is in the detection area at the rear in an adjacent driving lane but it does not
approach. The BSM determines the condition based on radar detection data.
A vehicle is traveling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed for an extended
period of time.
Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.
A vehicle in an adjacent driving lane is attempting to pass your vehicle.
A vehicle is in an adjacent lane on a road with extremely wide driving lanes. The
detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set at the road width of expressways.
In the following cases, the activation of the BSM warning lights and the warning beep
may not occur or they may be delayed.
A vehicle makes a lane change from a driving lane two lanes over to an adjacent lane.
Driving on steep slopes.
Crossing the summit of a hill or mountain pass.
The turning radius is small (making a sharp turn, turning at intersections).
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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When there is a difference in the height between your driving lane and the adjacent
lane.
Directly after pressing the BSM switch and the system becomes operable.
If the road width is extremely narrow, vehicles two lanes over may be detected. The
detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set according to the road width of
expressways.
The BSM warning lights may turn on in reaction to stationary objects on the road or the
roadside such as guardrails, tunnels, sidewalls, and parked vehicles.
Objects such as guardrails and concrete walls
running alongside the vehicle.Places where the width between guardrails or
walls on each side of the vehicle narrows.
The walls at the entrance and exits of tunnels,
turnouts.
A BSM warning light may flash or the warning beep may be activated several times when
making a turn at a city intersection.
Turn off the BSM while pulling a trailer or wh
ile an accessory such as a bicycle carrier is
installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radar’s radio waves will be blocked
causing the system to not operate normally.
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the BSM
warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.
Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors.
The door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffi c Alert (RCTA) function when the shift lever
(manual transmission) or the selector lever (automatic transmission) is shifted to the
reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on page 4-91.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)*
The RCTA system is designed to assist the driver in checking the area to the rear of the
vehicle on both sides while the vehicle is reversing by alertin g the driver to the presence of
vehicles approaching the rear of the vehicle.
The RCTA system detects vehicles approaching from the left and right sides of the vehicle
while the vehicle is being reversed out of a parking space, and notifies the driver of possible
danger using the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights and the warning buzzer.
Detection areas
Your vehicle
RCTA operation
1. The RCTA system operates when the shift lever (manual transmi ssion) or the selector
lever (automatic transmission) is shifted to the reverse (R) position.
2. If there is the po ssibility of a collision with an approachin g vehicle, the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) warning light flashes and the warning beep is activated
simultaneously.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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(Automatic transmission)
The selector lever is in the P or N
position.
(Manual transmission)
The shift lever is in the neutral
position.
The parking brake is applied.
Release the SET/ or RESUME/
switch at the desired speed, otherwise
the speed will continue increasing while
the RESUME/
switch is pressed and
held, and continue decreasing while the
SET/
switch is pressed and held
(except when the accelerator pedal is
depressed).
On a steep grade, the vehicle may
momentarily slow down while ascending
or speed up while descending.
The cruise control will cancel if the
vehicle speed decreases below 21 km/h
(13 mph) when the cruise control is
activated, such as when climbing a steep
grade.
The cruise control may cancel at about
15 km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed,
such as when climbing a long, steep
grade.
The vehicle speed preset using the cruise
control is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
Type A Instrument Cluster
Type B Instrument Cluster
▼ To Increase Cruising Speed
Follow either of these procedures.
To increase speed using cruise control
switch
Press the RESUME/ switch and hold it.
Your vehicle will accelerate. Release the
switch at the desired speed.

Press the RESUME/
switch and release
it immediately to adjust the preset speed.
Multiple operations will increase the
preset speed according to the number of
times it is operated.
Increasing speed with a single
RESUME/
switch operation
Instrument cluster d isplay for vehicle
speed indicated in km /h: 1 km/h (0.6 mph)
Instrument cluster d isplay for vehicle
speed indicated in mph: 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
When Driving
Cruise Control
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To increase speed using accelerator
pedal
Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate
to the desired speed. Press the SET/
switch and release it immediately.
NOTE
Accelerate if you want to speed up
temporarily when the cruise control is on.
Greater speed will not interfere with or
change the set speed. Take your foot off
the accelerator to return to the set speed.
▼To Decrease Cruising Speed
Press the SET/ switch and hold it. The
vehicle will gradually slow.
Release the switch at the desired speed.

Press the SET/
switch and release it
immediately to adjust the preset speed.
Multiple operations will decrease the
preset speed according to the number of
times it is operated.
Decreasing speed w ith a single SET/
switch operation
Instrument cluster display for vehicle
speed indicated in km/h: 1 km/h (0.6 mph)
Instrument cluster d isplay for vehicle
speed indicated in mph: 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
▼ To Resume Cruising Speed at More
Than 25 km/h (16 mph)
If the cruise control system temporarily
canceled (such as by applying the brake
pedal) and the system is still activated, the
most recent set speed will automatically
resume when the RESUME/
switch is
pressed.
If vehicle speed is below 25 km/h (16
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 25
km/h (16 mph) or more and press the
RESUME/
switch.
▼ To Temporarily Cancel
To temporarily cancel the system, use one
of these methods:
Slightly depress t
he brake pedal.
(Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal.
Press the OFF/CANCEL switch.
If the RESUME/
switch is pressed when
the vehicle speed is 25 km/h (16 mph) or
higher, the system reverts to the previously
set speed.
NOTE
If any of the following conditions occur,
the cruise control system is temporarily
canceled.
The parking brake is applied.
(Automatic transmission)
The selector lever is in the P or N
position.
(Manual transmission)
The shift lever is in the neutral
position.
When the cruise control system is
temporarily canceled by even one of the
applicable cancel conditions, the speed
cannot be re-set.
When Driving
Cruise Control
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(Automatic transmission)
The cruise control cannot be cancelled
while driving in manual mode (selector
lever shifted from D to M position).
Therefore, engine braking will not be
applied even if the transmission is
shifted down to a lower gear. If
deceleration is required, lower the set
speed or depress the brake pedal.
▼To Deactivate
When a cruising sp
eed has been set
(cruise set indicator light/cruise set
indication(green) turns on)
Long-press the OFF/ CANCEL switch or
press the OFF/CANCEL switch 2 times.
When a cruising speed has not been set
(cruise main indicator light (amber)/
cruise main indication (white)turns on)
Press the OFF/CANCEL switch.
When Driving
Cruise Control
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