check engine light MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA PRHT 2011 Owners Manual

Black plate (76,1)
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 5-42).
NOTE
When the ignition is switched ON, 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 5-42).
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.
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Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
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Form No.8BR3-EA-10F

Black plate (104,1)
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap
WARNING
When removing the fuel-filler 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-filler 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-filler 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.8BR3-EA-10F

Black plate (105,1)
qFuel-Filler Cap
To remove the fuel-filler cap, turn it
counterclockwise.
To close the fuel-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 is
not 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. NOTE
The removed cap can be attached to the inner
side of the lid during refueling to prevent fuel
on the cap from dripping onto the vehicle.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
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Form No.8BR3-EA-10F

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. Switch the ignition off while depressing the brake pedal.
4. Turn on the hazard warning flasher if it is needed.
WARNING
Verify that the ignition is switched off
before manually operating the hardtop:
Manually retracting the hardtop with
the ignition not switched off 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
6-14.
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.8BR3-EA-10F

Black plate (130,1)
qOperation
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition is
switched from ON to ACC or OFF. 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
is switched ON with the registered
advanced key.
The security indicator light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and goes out.
If the engine does not start with the
correct advanced 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, switch the ignition off, 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, switch the ignition to ACC or
switch the ignition off and wait for a while,
then restart the engine. If it does not start
after 3 or more tries, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, do not
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 will not 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.8BR3-EA-10F

Black plate (134,1)
qOperation
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition is
switched from ON to ACC or OFF.
The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes every two
seconds until the system is disarmed.
Disarming
The system is disarmed when the ignition
is switched ON with the correct ignition
key.
The security indicator light illuminates for
about three seconds and goes out.
If the engine does not 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 illuminates
and stays on or flashes when the ignition is
switched ON, 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 does not start after 3 or more
tries, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, do not
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 will not 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.
q
Modification 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.
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.
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Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Form No.8BR3-EA-10F

Black plate (145,1)
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 the steering wheel adjusted properly?lIs each occupant's seat belt fastened?lCheck all gauges.lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition is switched ON.
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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Form No.8BR3-EA-10F

Black plate (149,1)
Winter Driving
lCarry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
lHave the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 8-20.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lInspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
lUse washer fluid made with
antifreeze ―but do not use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-23).
lDo not use the parking brake in
freezing weather as it may freeze.
Instead, shift to P with an automatic
transmission and to 1 or R with a
manual transmission. Block the rear
wheels.
lDo not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
lNever use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows
and mirrors as it could result in the
glass cracking.
lBraking performance can be adversely
affected if snow or ice adheres to the
brake equipment. If this situation
occurs, drive the vehicle slowly,
releasing the accelerator pedal and
lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.
q Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver's door frame), but
never more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, Mazda recommends that
you replace the tires originally equipped
on your vehicle with snow tires during the
winter months.
WARNING
Use only the same size and type tires
(snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four
wheels: Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly affected and result
in an accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system may
not function correctly when using tires with
steel wire reinforcement in the sidewalls (page
5-34).
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Form No.8BR3-EA-10F

Black plate (150,1)
qTire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
CAUTION
Ø Chains may affect handling.
Ø Do not go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
Ø Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
Ø Avoid locked-wheel braking.
Ø Do not use chains on roads that
are free of snow or ice. The tires
and chains could be damaged.
Ø Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system may
not function correctly when using tire chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires.
Do not use chains on the front tires.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Installing the chains
1. Secure the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions.
2. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 ―1 km (1/4 ―1/2 mile).
Driving In Flooded Area
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle on flooded
roads as it could cause short
circuiting of electrical/electronic
parts, or engine damage or stalling
from water absorption. If the vehicle
has been immersed in water, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Form No.8BR3-EA-10F

Black plate (162,1)
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and then firmly
pull the parking brake lever fully upwards
with sufficient force to hold the vehicle in
a stationary position.
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:
Brake system warning
Illuminates when there is a malfunction in
the brake switch.
Parking brake warning
The light illuminates when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switched
to START or ON. It turns 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
depress 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, open the
hood and check the brake fluid level
immediately, and then add fluid if
required (page 8-22).
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.
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8BR3-EA-10F