towing MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2020 Owners Manual

3Before Driving
Use of various features, including keys, doors, mirrors and windows.
Keys.................................................... 3-2 Keys.............................................. 3-2
Keyless Entry System................... 3-4
Advanced Keyless Entry
System............................................... 3-11 Advanced Keyless Entry System
*.....
.................................................... 3-11
Operational Range...................... 3-12
Doors and Locks.............................. 3-13 Door Locks................................. 3-13
Trunk Lid................. ................... 3-22
Inside Trunk Release Lever
*...... 3-24
Fuel and Emission........................... 3-25 Fuel and Engine Exhaust
Precautions................................. 3-25
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap.............. 3-28
Mirrors............................................. 3-30 Mirrors........................................ 3-30
Windows........................................... 3-33 Power Windows..........................3-33
Convertible Top (Soft Top)............. 3-36 Convertible Top (Sof t Top).........3-36
Convertible Top (Hardtop)............. 3-41
Convertible Top (Har dtop)......... 3-41
Security System............................... 3-47 Modification and Add-On
Equipment...................................3-47
Immobilizer System....................3-47
Theft-Deterrent System
*.............3-49
Driving Tips..................................... 3-51 Break-In Period.......................... 3-51
Saving Fuel and Protection of the
Environment............................... 3-51
Hazardous Driving.... ..................3-52
Floor Mat.................................... 3-52
Rocking the Vehicle....................3-53
Winter Driving............................3-53
Driving In Flooded A rea............ 3-55
Overloading................................ 3-56
Driving on Uneven Road............ 3-57
Towing.............................................. 3-58 Trailer Towing............................ 3-58
Recreational Towing................... 3-58
*Some models.3-1
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Trailer Towing
Your Mazda is not designed for towing.
Never tow a trailer with your Mazda.
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 7-30) and
"Tiedown Hooks" (page 7-31) and
carefully follow the instructions.
Before Driving
To w i n g
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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 function 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 position 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 2 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.
NOTE
ï‚·HLA does not operate on a gentle slope.
In addition, the gradient of the slope on
which the system will operate changes
depending on the vehicle's load.
ï‚·HLA does not operate if the parking
brake is applied, the vehicle has not
stopped completely, or the clutch pedal
is released.
ï‚·While HLA is operating, the brake pedal
may feel stiff and vibrate, however, this
does not indicate a malfunction.
ï‚·HLA does not operate while the
TCS/DSC indicator light is illuminated.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-36.
ï‚·HLA does not turn off even if the DSC
OFF switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS/DSC.
When Driving
Brake
4-64*Some models.
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CAUTION
In the following cases, turn the system off to prevent a mis-operation:
The vehicle is being towed or when towing another vehicle.
 The vehicle is on a chassis roller.
 When driving on rough roads such as in areas of dense grass or off-road.
Refer to Stopping the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system Operation on page 4-104 on
how to turn off the SCBS system.
NOTE
ï‚·The SCBS system will operate under the following conditions.
ï‚·The engine is running.
ï‚·The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system warning indication/warning light (amber)
does not illuminate.
ï‚·(Rear-end coll ision warning)
The vehicle speed is about 4 to 80 km/h (2 to 50 mph).
ï‚·(Brake control (Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) brake))
The vehicle speed is about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph).
ï‚·The SCBS system is not turned off.
ï‚·Under the following conditions, the SCBS system may not operate normally:
ï‚·The SCBS system will not operate if the driver is deliberately performing driving
operations (accelerator pedal and steering wheel).
ï‚·If there is the possibility of pa rtial contact with a vehicle ahead.
ï‚·The vehicle is driven on a slippery road surface such as wet roads or icy or snow-bound
roads.
ï‚·The braking performance is adversely affected due to cold temperatures or wet brakes.
ï‚·The vehicle is driven at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
ï‚·The accelerator pedal is depressed.
ï‚·The brake pedal is depressed.
ï‚·The steering wheel is being operated.
ï‚·The selector lever is being operated.
ï‚·In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines that there is a
vehicle ahead and the SCBS may operate.
ï‚·Objects on the road at the entrance to a curve.
ï‚·Vehicles passing in the opposite lane while making a curve.
ï‚·Metal objects, bumps, or protruding objects on the road.
ï‚·When passing through a toll gate.
ï‚·When passing through low gates, narrow gates, car washing machines, or tunnels.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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NOTE
ï‚·In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot detect target objects
correctly, and each system may be unable to operate normally.
ï‚·The height of the vehicle ahead is low.
ï‚·You drive your vehicle at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
ï‚·Headlights are not turned on during the night or when going through a tunnel.
ï‚·In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) may not be able to detect
target objects correctly.
ï‚·Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow.
ï‚·The window washer is being used or the windshield wipers are not used when it's
raining.
ï‚·Ice, fog, snow, frost, rainfall, dirt, or foreign matter such as a plastic bag is stuck on the
windshield.
ï‚·Trucks with low loading platforms and vehicl es with an extremely low or high profile.
ï‚·When driving next to walls with no patterning (including fences and longitudinally
striped walls).
ï‚·The taillights of the vehicle ahead are turned off.
ï‚·A vehicle is outside the illumi nation range of the headlights.
ï‚·The vehicle is making a sharp turn, or ascending or descending a steep slope.
ï‚·Entering or exiting a tunnel.
ï‚·Heavy luggage is loaded causing the vehicle to tilt.
ï‚·Strong light is shone at the front of the vehicle (back light or high-beam light from
on-coming vehicles).
ï‚·There are many light emitters on the vehicle ahead.
ï‚·When the vehicle ahead is not equipped with taillights or the taillights are turned off at
nighttime.
ï‚·Elongated luggage or cargo is loaded onto installed roof rails and covers the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
ï‚·Exhaust gas from the vehicle in front, sand, snow, and water vapor rising from
manholes and grating, and water splashed into the air.
ï‚·When towing a malfunctioning vehicle.
ï‚·The vehicle is driven with tires having significantly different wear.
ï‚·The vehicle is driven on down slopes or bumpy roads.
ï‚·There are water puddles on the road.
ï‚·The surroundings are dark such as during the night, early evening, or early morning, or
in a tunnel or indoor parking lot.
ï‚·The illumination brightness of the headlights is reduced or the headlight illumination is
weakened due to dirt or a deviated optical axis.
ï‚·The target object enters the blind spot of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
ï‚·A person or object bursts onto the road from the shoulder or cuts right in front of you.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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ï‚·You change lanes and approach a vehicle ahead.
ï‚·When driving extremely close to the target object.
ï‚·Tire chains or a temporary spare tire is installed.
ï‚·The vehicle ahead has a special shape. For example, a vehicle towing a trailer house or
a boat, or a vehicle carrier carrying a vehicle with its front pointed rearward.
ï‚·If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot operate normally due to backlight or fog,
the system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily
stopped and the following warning lights turn on. However, this does not indicate a
malfunction.
ï‚·High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
ï‚·Lane Departure Warning System (LDW S) warning indication/warning light
ï‚·Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warn ing indication/warning light (amber)
ï‚·If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot operate normally due to high temperatures,
the system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily
stopped and the following warn ing lights turn on. However, this does not indicate a
malfunction. Cool down the area around the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) such as by
turning on the air conditioner.
ï‚·High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
ï‚·Lane Departure Warning System (LDW S) warning indication/warning light
ï‚·Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warn ing indication/warning light (amber)
ï‚·If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects that the windshield is dirty or foggy, the
system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily stopped
and the following warning lights turn on. Ho wever, this does not indicate a problem.
Remove the dirt from the windshield or press the defroster switch and defog the
windshield.
ï‚·High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
ï‚·Lane Departure Warning System (LDW S) warning indication/warning light
ï‚·Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warn ing indication/warning light (amber)
ï‚·If there are recognizable cracks or damage caused by flying gravel or debris on the
windshield, always have the windshield replaced. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer
for replacement.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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7If Trouble Arises
Helpful information on what to do if a problem arises with the vehicle.
Parking in an Emergency................. 7-2 Parking in an Emergency..............7-2
Flat Tire.............................................. 7-3 Tool Storage..................................7-3
Emergency Flat Tire Repair
Kit................................................. 7-5
Changing a Tire.......................... 7-17
Battery Runs Out............................ 7-23 Jump-Starting............................. 7-23
Emergency Starting.........................7-26 Starting a Flooded Engine.......... 7-26
Push-Starting.............................. 7-26
Overheating......................................7-27 Overheating................................ 7-27
When Fuel-Filler Lid Cannot be
Opened..............................................7-29 When Fuel-Filler Lid Cannot be
Opened........................................7-29
Emergency Towing.......................... 7-30
Towing Description.................... 7-30
Tiedown Hooks
*......................... 7-31
Warning/Indicator Lights and
Warning Sounds.............................. 7-33 If a Warning Light Turns On or
Flashes........................................ 7-33
Message Indicated in Multi-
information Display
*.................. 7-45
Message Indicated on
Display........................................7-46
Warning Sound is Activated....... 7-48
When Trunk Lid Cannot be
Opened..............................................7-52 When Trunk Lid Cannot be
Opened........................................7-52
When the Roof Cannot be
Closed............................................... 7-57 When the Roof Cannot be
Closed......................................... 7-57
*Some models.7-1
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Starting a Flooded Engine
If the engine fails to start, it may be
flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).

Follow this procedure:

1. If the engine does not start within 5seconds on the first try, wait 10
seconds and try again.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the accelerator all the way and hold it there.
4. Depress the clutch pedal (Manual transmission) or the brake pedal
(Automatic transmission), then press
the push button start. If the engine
starts, release the accelerator
immediately because the engine will
suddenly rev up.
5. If the engine fails to start, crank it
without depressing the accelerator.

If the engine still does not start using the
previous procedure, have your vehicle
inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Push-Starting
Do not push-start your Mazda.
WA R N I N G
Never tow 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
2 vehicles to collide. The occupants could
be injured.
CAUTION
Do not push-start a vehicle that has a
manual transmission. It can damage the
emission control system.
NOTE
You cannot start a vehicle with an
automatic transmission by pushing it.
If Trouble Arises
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
drive wheels (rear wheels) off the ground.
If excessive damage or other conditions
prevent this, use wheel dollies.
Wheel dollies

When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake.
CAUTION
Do not tow the vehicle pointed backward
with driving wheels on the ground. This
may cause internal damage to the
transmission.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
If Trouble Arises
Emergency Towing
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Tiedown Hooks*
CAUTION
Do not use the front and rear tiedown
eyelets for towing the vehicle.
They have been designed only for securing
the vehicle to a transport vessel during
shipping.
Using the eyelets for any other purpose
could result in the vehicle being damaged.
â–¼Tiedown Hooks
1. Remove the tiedown eyelet and the lug
wrench from the luggage compartment
(page 7-3).
2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or similar
tool with a soft c loth to prevent
damage to a painted bumper, and open
the cap located on the front or rear
bumper.
Front
Rear
CAUTION
Do not use excessive force as it may
damage the cap or scratch the painted
bumper surface.
NOTE
Remove the cap completely and store it
so as not to lose it.
3. Securely install the tiedown eyelet using the lug wrench or equivalent.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Front
Lug wrench
Tiedown eyelet
If Trouble Arises
Emergency Towing
*Some models.7-31
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