steering MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA PRHT 2012 Owner's Manual

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If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:
GearVehicle speed
M6 →M5 190 km/h (118 mph)
M6 →M4 125 km/h (77 mph)
M5 →M4 125 km/h (77 mph)
M5 →M3 78 km/h (48 mph)
M4 →M3 78 km/h (48 mph)
M4 →M2 50 km/h (31 mph)
M3 →M2 50 km/h (31 mph)
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 53 km/h (33 mph)
M4 to M5 59 km/h (37 mph)
M5 to M6 78 km/h (49 mph)
For cruising
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 22 km/h (14 mph)
M2 to M3 27 km/h (17 mph)
M3 to M4 41 km/h (26 mph)
M4 to M5 56 km/h (35 mph)
M5 to M6 64 km/h (40 mph)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steep downgrade , downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
q Direct Modeí
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
indicator lights illuminate and the gear
position in use is illuminated.
Direct mode is canceled (released) under
the following conditions.
lThe vehicle is driven at a constant
speed.
lThe needle in the tachometer
approaches the red zone.
lThe vehicle is driven at a constant
speed and the accelerator pedal is
heavily depressed.
lThe vehicle is stopped or moving at a
slow speed.
Gear position indicator
Direct mode indicator
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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 vehicle
in a particular gear for long periods.
qDriving Tips
WARNING
Do not allow the vehicle to move in
reverse on an up-slope while the
selector lever is in a forward gear
position, or move forward on a down-
slope while the selector lever is in the
reverse position.
Otherwise, the engine will 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.
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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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.
Cruise Controlí
With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 30 km/h (19 mph).
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control under the
following conditions:Using the cruise control under the
following conditions is dangerous
and could result in loss of vehicle
control.
ØHilly terrain
Ø Steep inclines
Ø Heavy or unsteady traffic
Ø Slippery or winding roads
Ø Similar restrictions that require
inconsistent speed
qCruise Main Indicator Light
(Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator
Light (Green)
The indicator light has two colors.
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)
The indicator light illuminates amber
when the ON/OFF switch is pressed and
the cruise control system is activated.
Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)
The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.
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Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
í
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 5-9) and TCS (page
5-26).
WARNING
Do not rely on the dynamic stability
control as a substitute for safe driving:The dynamic stability control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident.
CAUTION
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
ØUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
ØUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
ØDo not mix worn tires.
Ø The DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
Ø If repair or replacement of the
steering or other surrounding
equipment is necessary, have it
done at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. If the center position of the
steering deviates, the DSC may not
operate correctly because there is
a sensor in the steering which
detects driving conditions.
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Starting and Driving
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qDSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off (page 5-28).
If the light stays on when the TCS/DSC is
not switched off, take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The dynamic
stability control may have a malfunction.
NOTE
If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is
replaced, the DSC will be inoperable. In this
case, the DSC OFF indicator light flashes and
the TCS/DSC indicator light illuminates.
To make the DSC operable, do the following
procedure with the battery connected.
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Turn the steering clockwise fully, then turn
it counterclockwise fully.
3. Make sure the DSC OFF indicator turn off.
4. Switch the ignition off, then switch the ignition to ON again.
5. Make sure the TCS/DSC indicator light turns off.
If the TCS/DSC indicator light and the DSC
OFF indicator light remain illuminated even
after switching the ignition from ON to OFF,
and back to ON, attempt the procedure again.
If this still does not resolve the issue, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q DSC OFF Switch
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will go out.
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Gear position indicator
The gear position indicator displays the
gear in use while in either manual shift or
direct mode.
qTCS/DSC Indicator Lightí
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lIn addition to the indicator light flashing, a
slight lugging sound will come from the
engine. This indicates that the TCS is
operating properly.
lOn slippery surfaces, such as fresh snow, it
will be impossible to achieve high rpm
when the TCS is on.
qDSC OFF Indicator Lightí
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off (page 5-28).
If the light stays on when the TCS/DSC is
not switched off, take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The dynamic
stability control may have a malfunction.
NOTE
If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is
replaced, the DSC will be inoperable. In this
case, the DSC OFF indicator light flashes and
the TCS/DSC indicator light illuminates.
To make the DSC operable, do the following
procedure with the battery connected.
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Turn the steering clockwise fully, then turn
it counterclockwise fully.
3. Make sure the DSC OFF indicator turn off.
4. Switch the ignition off, then switch the ignition to ON again.
5. Make sure the TCS/DSC indicator light turns off.
If the TCS/DSC indicator light and the DSC
OFF indicator light remain illuminated even
after switching the ignition from ON to OFF,
and back to ON, attempt the procedure again.
If this still does not resolve the issue, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Horn
To sound the horn, press themark on
the steering wheel.
Hazard Warning Flasher
The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway in an emergency.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that they must take extreme caution
when near it.
Depress the hazard warning flasher and all
the turn signals will flash.
NOTE
lThe turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning lights are on.
lCheck local regulations about the use of
hazard warning lights while the vehicle is
being towed to verify that it is not in
violation of the law.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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Operating Tips for Audio
System
WARNING
Do not adjust the audio control
switches while driving the vehicle:Adjusting the audio while driving the
vehicle is dangerous as it could
distract your attention from the
vehicle operation which could lead to
a serious accident. Always adjust the
audio while the vehicle is stopped.
Even if the audio control switches are
equipped on the steering wheel, learn
to use the switches without looking
down at them so that you can keep
your maximum attention on the road
while driving the vehicle.
CAUTION
For the purposes of safe driving,
adjust the audio volume to a level
that allows you to hear sounds
outside of the vehicle including car
horns and particularly emergency
vehicle sirens.
NOTE
lTo prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the audio system
on for a long period of time when the
engine is not running.
lIf a cellular phone or CB radio is used in
or near the vehicle, it could cause noise to
occur from the audio system, however, this
does not indicate that the system has been
damaged.
q Radio Reception
AM characteristics
AM signals bend around such things as
buildings or mountains and bounce off the
ionosphere. Therefore, they can reach
longer distances than FM signals. Because
of this, two stations may sometimes be
picked up on the same frequency at the
same time.
Station 2
Station 1 Ionosphere
FM characteristics
An FM broadcast range is usually about
40
―50 km (25 ―30 miles) from the
source. Because of extra coding needed to
break the sound into two channels, stereo
FM has even less range than monaural
(non-stereo) FM.
FM Station
40—50km
(25—30 miles)
Interior Comfort
Audio System
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Audio Control Switch
Operation
í
When the audio unit is turned on,
operation of the audio unit from the
steering wheel is possible.
NOTE
Because the audio unit will be turned off under
the following conditions, the switches will be
inoperable.
lWhen the ignition is switched off.lWhen the power button on the audio unit is
pressed and the audio unit is turned off.
lWhen the CD being played is ejected and
the audio unit is turned off.
Without Bluetooth Hands-Free
With Bluetooth Hands-Free
Voice recognition/hands-free switch
NOTElThe voice recognition/hands-free switch is
operable with the audio unit turned off.
lMazda has installed this system to prevent
distraction while driving the vehicle and
using audio controls on the dashboard.
Always make safe driving your first priority.
qAdjusting the Volume
To increase the volume, press up the
volume switch.
To decrease the volume, press down the
volume switch.
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CAUTION
Depending on the portable audio
device, noise may occur when using
the device with it connected to the
accessory socket equipped on the
vehicle. (If noise occurs, do not use
the accessory socket.)
NOTE
lBefore using the auxiliary jack, read the
manufacturer's instructions for the product
being connected.
lUse a commercially-available, non-
impedance (3.5
) stereo mini plug for
connecting the portable audio unit to the
auxiliary jack. Before using the auxiliary
jack, read the manufacturer's instructions
for connecting a portable audio unit to the
auxiliary jack.
lTo prevent discharging of the battery, do
not use the auxiliary input for long periods
with the engine off or idling.
lNoise may occur depending on the product
connected to the auxiliary jack.
lWith regard to connecting a portable audio
or similar device to a power source, use the
battery for the device, not the accessory
socket.
lInsert the plug to the auxiliary jack
securely.
lInsert or remove the plug with the plug
perpendicular to the auxiliary jack hole.
lInsert or remove the plug by holding its
base.
To listen to a portable audio unit
1. Switch the ignition to ACC or ON.
2. Insert the connection plug into the auxiliary jack.
3. Press the power/volume dial to turn the audio system on. 4. Press the AUX button (
) of the
audio unit or the mode switch (
)
of the audio control switches on the
steering wheel to change to the AUX
mode.
Audio Unit Audio Control
Switches
NOTElSet the volume of the portable audio unit to
the maximum within the range that the
sound does not become distorted, then
adjust the volume using the power/volume
dial of the audio unit or the volume switch
(
,) of the audio control switch.lAudio adjustments other than audio volume
can only be done using the portable audio
device.
lIf the connection plug is pulled out from the
auxiliary jack while in AUX mode, noise
may occur.
Interior Comfort
Audio System
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