tow MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA RF 2020 User Guide

If dirt or foreign matter (such as ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres to
the windshield above the rain sensor, or
if the windshield is iced, it could cause
the wipers to move automatically.
However, if the wipers cannot remove
this ice, dirt or foreign matter, the
auto-wiper control will stop operation.
In this case, set the wiper lever to the
low speed position or high speed
position for manual operation, or
remove the ice, dirt or foreign matter by
hand to restore the auto-wiper
operation.
If the auto-wiper lever is left in the
AUTO position, the wipers could
operate automatically from the effect of
strong light sources, electromagnetic
waves, or infrared light because the rain
sensor uses an optical sensor. It is
recommended that the auto-wiper lever
be switched to the OFF position other
than when driving the vehicle under
rainy conditions.
If the headlight switch and the
windshield wiper switch are in AUTO,
and the wipers are operated at low or
high speed by the auto wiper control for
several seconds, bad weather conditions
are determined and the headlights may
be turned on.
The auto-wiper control functions can be
turned off. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-9.
▼ Windshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid.

Washer
OFF
NOTE
If the windshield wash
er is turned on when
the windshield wipers are not operating,
the windshield wipers operate a few times.
If the washer does no t work, inspect the
fluid level (page 6-27). If the fluid level
is normal, consult a n Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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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. The hazard
warning indicator lights in the instrument
cluster flash simultaneously.
NOTE
The turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning lights are on.
Check 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.
HomeLink WirelessControl System
*
NOTE
HomeLink and HomeLink house icon are
registered trademarks of Gentex
Corporation.
The HomeLink system replaces up to 3
hand-held transmitters with a single
built-in component in the auto-dimming
mirror. Pressing the HomeLink button on
the auto-dimming mirror activates garage
doors, gates and other devices surrounding
your home.

HomeLink button
Indicator light
WA R N I N G
Do not use the HomeLink system with any
garage door opener that lacks the safety
stop and reverse feature:
Using the HomeLink system with any
garage door opener that lacks the safety
stop and reverse feature as required by
federal safety standards is dangerous. (This
includes garage doors manufactured
before April 1, 1982.)
When Driving
Switches and Controls
*Some models.4-57
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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
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.
HLA does not operate if the parking
brake is applied, the vehicle has not
stopped completely, or the clutch pedal
is released.
While HLA is operating, the brake pedal
may feel stiff and vibrate, however, this
does not indicate a malfunction.
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.
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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High Beam Control System (HBC)*
The HBC determines the conditions in front of the vehicle using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) while driving in darkness to automatically switch the headlights between
high and low beams.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-105.
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (19 mph) or more, the headlights are
switched to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or appr oaching in the opposite
direction.
The system switches the headlight s to low beams when one of the following occurs:
The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehi cle approaching in the
opposite direction.
The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roa ds in well-lit cities and
towns.
The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).
Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC)
The recognition distance of the
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
varies according to the
surrounding conditions.
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on page 7-36.
CAUTION
Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify th e headlight units, or remove the camera,
otherwise the system will not operate normally.
 Do not rely excessively on the HBC and drive the vehicle while paying sufficient attention to
safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and low beams manually if
necessary.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-78*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
The SCBS system will operate under the following conditions.
The engine is running.
The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system warning indication/warning light (amber)
does not illuminate.
(Rear-end coll ision warning)
The vehicle speed is about 4 to 80 km/h (2 to 50 mph).
(Brake control (Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) brake))
The vehicle speed is about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph).
The SCBS system is not turned off.
Under the following conditions, the SCBS system may not operate normally:
The SCBS system will not operate if the driver is deliberately performing driving
operations (accelerator pedal and steering wheel).
If there is the possibility of pa rtial contact with a vehicle ahead.
The vehicle is driven on a slippery road surface such as wet roads or icy or snow-bound
roads.
The braking performance is adversely affected due to cold temperatures or wet brakes.
The vehicle is driven at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
The accelerator pedal is depressed.
The brake pedal is depressed.
The steering wheel is being operated.
The selector lever is being operated.
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines that there is a
vehicle ahead and the SCBS may operate.
Objects on the road at the entrance to a curve.
Vehicles passing in the opposite lane while making a curve.
Metal objects, bumps, or protruding objects on the road.
When passing through a toll gate.
When passing through low gates, narrow gates, car washing machines, or tunnels.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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NOTE
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot detect target objects
correctly, and each system may be unable to operate normally.
The height of the vehicle ahead is low.
You drive your vehicle at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
Headlights are not turned on during the night or when going through a tunnel.
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) may not be able to detect
target objects correctly.
Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow.
The window washer is being used or the windshield wipers are not used when it's
raining.
Ice, fog, snow, frost, rainfall, dirt, or foreign matter such as a plastic bag is stuck on the
windshield.
Trucks with low loading platforms and vehicl es with an extremely low or high profile.
When driving next to walls with no patterning (including fences and longitudinally
striped walls).
The taillights of the vehicle ahead are turned off.
A vehicle is outside the illumi nation range of the headlights.
The vehicle is making a sharp turn, or ascending or descending a steep slope.
Entering or exiting a tunnel.
Heavy luggage is loaded causing the vehicle to tilt.
Strong light is shone at the front of the vehicle (back light or high-beam light from
on-coming vehicles).
There are many light emitters on the vehicle ahead.
When the vehicle ahead is not equipped with taillights or the taillights are turned off at
nighttime.
Elongated luggage or cargo is loaded onto installed roof rails and covers the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
Exhaust gas from the vehicle in front, sand, snow, and water vapor rising from
manholes and grating, and water splashed into the air.
When towing a malfunctioning vehicle.
The vehicle is driven with tires having significantly different wear.
The vehicle is driven on down slopes or bumpy roads.
There are water puddles on the road.
The surroundings are dark such as during the night, early evening, or early morning, or
in a tunnel or indoor parking lot.
The illumination brightness of the headlights is reduced or the headlight illumination is
weakened due to dirt or a deviated optical axis.
The target object enters the blind spot of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
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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You change lanes and approach a vehicle ahead.
When driving extremely close to the target object.
Tire chains or a temporary spare tire is installed.
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.
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.
High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDW S) warning indication/warning light
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warn ing indication/warning light (amber)
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.
High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDW S) warning indication/warning light
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warn ing indication/warning light (amber)
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.
High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDW S) warning indication/warning light
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warn ing indication/warning light (amber)
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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Voice Recognition
▼Basic Operation Method
Activating Voice Recognition
Press the talk button.
Ending Voice Recognition
Use one of the following methods:
Press the hang-up button.
Say, “Cancel”.
Operate the commander switch or the
center display (only when vehicle is
stopped).
Skipping Voice Guidance (for faster
operation)
Press and release the talk button.
Troubleshooting for Voice Recognition
If you do not understand an operation
method while in the voice recognition
mode, say “Tutorial” or “Help”.
Commands useable anytime during
voice recognition
“Go Back” and “Cancel” are commands
which can be used at anytime during voice
recognition.
Returning to previous operation
To return to the previous operation, say,
“Go Back” while in voice recognition
mode.
Cancel
To put the Bluetooth
® Hands-Free system
in standby mode, say, “Cancel” while in
voice recognition mode.
To prevent a deterioration in the voice
recognition rate and voice quality, the
following points should be observed:
The voice recogn ition cannot be
performed while voice guidance or the
beep sound is operating. Wait until the
voice guidance or the beep sound is
finished before saying your commands.
Phone related commands are available
only when your phone is connected via
Bluetooth
®. Make sure your phone is
connected via Bluetooth
® before you
operate phone related voice commands.
Music play commands, such as Play
Artist and Play Album can be used only
in USB audio mode.
Do not speak too sl owly or loudly (no
loud voice).
Speak clearly, without pausing between
words or numbers.
Dialects or different wording other than
hands-free prompts cannot be recognized
by voice recognition. Sp eak in the wording
specified by the voice commands.
It is not necessary to face the
microphone or approach it. Speak the
voice commands while maintaining a
safe driving position.
Close the windows and/or the convertible
top to reduce loud noises from outside the
vehicle, or turn down the airflow of the
climate control syst em while Bluetooth
®
Hands-Free is being used.
Make sure the vents are not directing air
up towards the microphone.
NOTE
If the voice recognition performance is not
satisfactory.
Refer to Troubleshooting on page 5-79.
Interior Features
Audio Set
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Weak signal noise
In suburban areas, broadcast signals
become weak because of distance from the
transmitter. Reception in such fringe areas
is characterized by sound breakup.
Strong signal noise
This occurs very close to a transmitter
tower. The broadcast signals are extremely
strong, so the result is noise and sound
breakup at the radio receiver.
Station drift noise
When a vehicle reaches the area of 2
strong stations broadcasting at similar
frequencies, the original station may be
temporarily lost and the second station
picked up. At this time there will be some
noise from this disturbance.
Station 2
88.3 MHz
Station 1
88.1 MHz
▼
Operating Tips for MP3
MP3 stands for MPEG Audio Layer 3,
which is standardized voice compression
established by the ISO
*1 working group
(MPEG).
Use of MP3 allows for audio data to be
compressed to approximately a tenth of
the source data size.
This unit plays files with the extension
(.mp3) as MP3 files.
*1 International Organization for Standardization
CAUTION
Do not use an audio file extension on files
other than audio files. In addition, do not
change the audio file extension. Otherwise,
the unit will not recognize the file correctly
resulting in noise or a malfunction.
Interior Features
Appendix
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CAUTION
Do not bend or discard the
stiffeners.
You need to use them again.
 If the metal stiffeners are switched,
the blade's wiping efficiency could be
reduced.
So do not use the driver's side metal
stiffeners on the passenger's side, or
vice versa.
 Be sure to reinstall the metal
stiffeners in the new blade rubber so
that the curve is the same as it was in
the old blade rubber.
4. Carefully insert th e new blade rubber.
Then install the blade assembly in the
reverse order of removal.
NOTE
Install the blade so that the tabs are
toward the bottom of the wiper arm.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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