check engine MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA POWER RETRACTABLE HARDTOP 2008 User Guide

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
5-39
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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.
qABS Warning Lightí
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-41íSome models.
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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 the electronic brake force
distribution system.
WARNING
Do not drive with both the ABS warning
light and brake warning light
illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have
the brakes inspected as soon as
possible:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are illuminated at the same time is
dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the
rear wheels could lock more quickly
in an emergency stop than under
normal circumstances.
qCharging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated because the engine could
stop unexpectedly.
qCheck Engine Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and goes off when the engine is
started.
5-42
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
lThe fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
lThe engine's electrical system has a
problem.
lThe emission control system has a
problem.
lThe fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
q Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
is working properly, the warning light
illuminates when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position or after the
engine is cranked. The warning light turns
off after a specified period of time. A system malfunction is indicated if the
warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or does not
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
Never tamper with the air bag/
pretensioner systems and always have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform
all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled causing
serious injury or death.
qLow Fuel Warning Light
Low fuel
warning light
This warning light signals that the fuel
tank will soon be empty.
Refuel as soon as possible.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-43
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Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not leave the fan control dial on for a long
period of time with the ignition switch in the
ACC position when the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowl grille to improve the system
efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
NOTE
The air conditioner may be used along with the
heater to dehumidify the air.
qOutside/Recirculated Air Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
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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
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MaintenanceInterval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 90 96
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
×1000 miles
6.25 12.5 18.752531.25 37.5 43.755056.25 62.5 68.757581.25 87.5 93.75100
Tires
(with inflation pressure adjustment) IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
Flat tire repair kit (if installed)
*6Inspect annually
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
T: Tighten
C: Clean
Remarks:
*1 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the engine oil and oil filter
more often than the recommended intervals.
a) Driving in dusty conditions.
b) Extended periods of idling or low speed operation
c) Driving for long period in cold temperatures or driving regularly at short distance only
*2 Also inspect and adjust the power steering and air conditioner drive belts, if installed.
*3 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*4 If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, clean and if necessary, replace the air filter more often than the recommended intervals.
*5 If the brakes are used extensively (for example, continuous hard driving or mountain driving) or if the vehicle is operated in extremely humid climates, replace the brake fluid annually.
*6 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when performing the periodic maintenance. Replace the tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
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qCapacities
(Approximate Quantities)
Item Capacity
Engine oil With oil filter
replacement6-speed manual
transmission
4.55 L (4.81 US qt, 4.00 Imp qt)
Except 6-speed manual
transmission 4.45 L (4.70 US qt, 3.92 Imp qt)
Without oil filter replacement 4.05 L (4.28 US qt, 3.56 Imp qt)
Coolant 7.5 L (7.9 US qt, 6.6 Imp qt)
Manual transmission oil 5-speed transmission
2.0 L (2.1 US qt, 1.8 Imp qt)
6-speed transmission 2.1 L (2.2 US qt, 1.8 Imp qt)
Automatic transmission fluid 7.4 L (7.8 US qt, 6.5 Imp qt)
Rear differential oil 0.7 L (0.7 US qt, 0.6 Imp qt)
Fuel tank 48 L (12.7 US gal, 10.6 Imp gal)
Check oil and fluid levels with dipsticks or reservoir gauges.
q Dimensions
Item Vehicle specification
Overall length With license plate holder
3,995 mm (157.3 in)
Without license plate holder 3,990 mm (157.1 in)
Overall width 1,720 mm (67.7 in)
Overall height Soft top
1,245 mm (49.0 in)
Hardtop 1,255 mm (49.4 in)
Track, front 1,490 mm (58.7 in)
Track, rear 1,495 mm (58.9 in)
Wheelbase 2,330 mm (91.7 in)
qWeights
Item Weight
Without power retractable hardtop With power retractable
hardtop
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) 1,396 kg (3,078 lbs) 1,416 kg (3,122 lbs)
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) Front 714 kg (1,574 lbs) 714 kg (1,574 lbs)
Rear 682 kg (1,504 lbs) 702 kg (1,548 lbs)
Specifications
10-5
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T
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-72
TiedownHook .......................................... 7-26
Tire Information ................................ 9-23
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-27 System error activation .............. 5-31
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light .............................. 5-29
Tires and wheels ......................... 5-31
Tires Flat Tire ........................................ 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-33
Replacement ............................... 8-34
Rotation ...................................... 8-34
Snow tires .................................... 4-8
Specifications ............................. 10-6
Tire chains .................................... 4-9
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-21
Tool ..................................................... 7-5
Tool Storage ........................................ 7-5
Towing Description ................................. 7-25
Emergency towing ..................... 7-25
Hook .......................................... 7-26
Recreational towing ................... 7-27
Trailer towing ............................. 4-11
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-23 TCS/DSC indicator light ............ 5-23
Trailer Towing ................................... 4-11
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-35
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-29 Inside trunk release lever ............ 3-32
Trunk Light ....................................... 6-41
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-56
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-41
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................. 5-39 ABS ............................................ 5-41
Air bag system ........................... 5-43
Automatic transmission .............. 5-45
Brake system .............................. 5-41
Charging system ......................... 5-42
Check engine .............................. 5-42
Door-ajar .................................... 5-45
Flat tire ....................................... 5-48
KEY Warning Light
(Red)/KEY Indicator Light
(Green) ....................................... 5-48
Low fuel ..................................... 5-43
Seat belt ...................................... 5-44
Seat belt pretensioner system ..... 5-43
Tire pressure monitoring
system ........................................ 5-46
Warranty ............................................ 9-12
Washer Fluid ..................................... 8-26
Weights ............................................. 10-5
Wheel Replacement .......................... 8-35
Windblocker ...................................... 6-45
Windows Power windows .......................... 3-33
Windshield Washer ........................... 5-57
Windshield Wipers ............................ 5-57 Blades replacement .................... 8-28
Winter Driving .................................... 4-8
11-6
Index
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