engine overheat MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA RF 2020 Owners Manual

Rocking the Vehicle
WA R N I N G
Do not spin the wheels at more than 56
km/h (35 mph), and do not allow anyone
to stand behind a wheel when pushing the
vehicle:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning the
wheels at high speed is dangerous. The
spinning tire could overheat and explode.
This could cause serious injuries.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transmission failure, and tire
damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the accelerator
slightly and slowly move the shift lever/
selector lever from 1 (D) to R position.
Winter Driving
Carry 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 check
the following:
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the
radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 6-25.
Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that the
vehicle will be driven in (page 6-23).
Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
Use washer flu id made with
antifreeze―but do not use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid (page
6-27).
NOTE
Do 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.
Remove snow before driving. Snow left
on the windshield is dangerous as it
could obstruct vision.
Do not open or close the soft top when
the temperature is 5 °C (41 °F) or less.
The material of the soft top could be
damaged by freezing.
Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
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▼Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
(Without Multi-information
Display)
Indicates engine coolant temperature.
CAUTION
If the high engine coolant temperature
warning light (red)
flashes, there is a
possibility of overheating. Drive slowly to
reduce engine load until you can find a safe
place to stop the vehicle and wait for the
engine to cool down.
Refer to Overheating on page 7-27.
NOTE
The temperature unit (Centigrade/
Fahrenheit) of the engine coolant gauge
display changes in conjunction with the
temperature unit of the outside
temperature display.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.
During normal driving, the engine
coolant temperature stabilizes at 100 °C
(210 °F) or less, and the gauge indicates
a range lower than 100 °C (210 °F).
If the engine load increases and the
engine coolant temperature exceeds
100 °C (210 °F), the gauge indicates the
engine coolant temperature.
▼ Fuel Gauge (Without
Multi-information Display)
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is remaining in the tank when
the ignition is switched ON. We
recommend keeping the tank over 1/4 full.

Full
1/4 Full
Empty
If the low fuel warni
ng light illuminates or
the fuel level is very low, refuel as soon as
possible.
If inconsistency in engine performance or
stalling occurs due to low fuel level
conditions, refuel the vehicle as soon as
possible and add at least 10 L (2.7 US gal,
2.2 Imp gal) of fuel.
Refer to Taking Action on page 7-40.
NOTE
After refueling, it may require some time
for the indicator to stabilize. In addition,
the indicator may deviate while driving
on a slope or curve since the fuel moves
in the tank.
When Driving
Instrument Cluster and Display
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▼Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
Displays the engine coolant temperature.
The blue gauge indicates that the engine
coolant temperature is low, and the red
gauge indicates that the engine coolant
temperature is high and overheating.
The engine coolant temperature gauge can
be switched to indicate only the high
engine coolant temperature range by
pressing the panel light control switch.
CAUTION
If the high engine coolant temperature
warning light (red) flashes, there is a
possibility of overheating. Drive slowly to
reduce engine load until you can
find a safe
place to stop the vehicle and wait for the
engine to cool down.
Refer to Overheating on page 7-27.
NOTE
The temperature unit (Centigrade/
Fahrenheit) of the engine coolant gauge
display changes in conjunction with the
temperature unit of the outside
temperature display.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.
▼ Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is remaining in the tank when
the ignition is switched ON. We
recommend keeping the tank over 1/4 full.

Full
1/4 Full
Empty
If the fuel level is low, () and () turn an
amber color. Refuel as soon as possible.
If inconsistency in e ngine performance or
stalling occurs due to low fuel level
conditions, refuel the vehicle as soon as
possible and add at least 10 L (2.7 US gal,
2.2 Imp gal) of fuel.
Refer to Taking Action on page 7-40.
When Driving
Instrument Cluster and Display
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Driving Tips
WA R N I N G
Do not let the vehicle move in a direction
opposite to the direction selected by the
selector lever:
Do not let the vehicle move backward with
the selector lever in a forward position, or
do not let the vehicle move forward with
the selector lever in the reverse position.
Otherwise, the engine may 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.
NOTE
The accelerator pedal may initially feel
heavy as it is being depressed, then feel
lighter as it is depressed further. This
change in pedal force aids the engine
control system in determining how much
the accelerator pedal has been
depressed for performing kickdown, and
functions to control whether or not
kickdown should be performed.
While the selector lever is in the M
position and the DSC is turned off,
manual shift mode does not switch to
automatic shift mode even if the
accelerator pedal is completely
depressed. Operate the selector lever.
Climbing steep gra des 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 the load 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.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
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Brake System
▼Foot Brake
This vehicle has pow
er-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.

Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But the distance required to
stop will be greater than usual.
WA R N I N G
Do not coast with the engine stalled or
turned off,
find a safe place to stop:
Coasting with the engi ne stalled or turned
off is dangerous. Braking will require more
effort, and the brake's power-assist could
be depleted if you pump the brake. This will
cause longer stopping distances or even an
accident.
Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep hills:
Driving with your foot continuously on the
brake pedal or steadily applying the brakes
for long distances is dangerous. This causes
overheated brakes, resulting in longer
stopping distances or even total brake
failure. This could cause loss of vehicle
control and a serious accident. Avoid
continuous application of the brakes.
Dry off brakes that have become wet by
driving slowly, releasing the accelerator
pedal and lightly applying the brakes
several times until the 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 with your foot held on the
clutch pedal or brake pedal, or hold the
clutch pedal depressed halfway
unnecessarily. Doing so could result in
the following:
 The clutch and brake parts will wear
out more quickly.
 The brakes can overheat and adversely
affect brake performance.
 Always depress the brake pedal with the
right foot. Applying the brakes with the
unaccustomed left foot could slow your
reaction time to an emergency situation
resulting in insufficient braking
operation.
When Driving
Brake
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WA R N I N G
Do not use the position in cold or rainy
weather:
Using the
position in cold or rainy
weather is dangerous as it will cause the
windows to fog up. Your vision will be
hampered, which could lead to a serious
accident.
Rear window defogger switch
Press the rear window defogger switch to
defrost the rear window.
Refer to Rear Window Defogger on page
4-55.
▼ Heating
1. Set the mode sel
ector dial to the
position.
2. Set the air intake selector to the outside
air position (indicator light turns off).
3. Set the temperature control dial to the
hot position.
4. Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.
5. If dehumidified heating is desired, turn
on the air conditioner.
NOTE
If the windshield fogs up easily, set the
mode selector dial to the
position.
If cooler air is desired at face level, set
the mode selector dial at the
position
and adjust the temperature control dial
to maintain maximum comfort.
The air to the floor is warmer than air
to the face (except wh en the temperature
control dial is set at the extreme hot or
cold position).
▼ Cooling
1. Set the mode selector dial to the
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
cold position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.
4. Turn on the air conditioner by pressing the A/C switch.
5. After cooling begins, adjust the fan control dial and temperature control
dial as needed to maintain maximum
comfort.
CAUTION
If the air conditioner is used while driving
up long hills or in heavy traffic, monitor the
high engine coolant temperature warning
indication/warning light to see if it is
illuminated or flashing (page 7-33).
The air conditioner may cause engine
overheating. If the warning light is
illuminated or flashing, turn the air
conditioner off (page 7-27).
NOTE
When maximum cooling is desired, set
the temperature control dial to the
extreme cold position and set the air
intake selector to the recirculated air
position, then turn the fan control dial
fully clockwise.
If warmer air is desired at floor level,
set the mode selector dial at the
position and adjust the temperature
control dial to maintain maximum
comfort.
Interior Features
Climate Control System
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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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Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating or the high engine coolant
temperature warning light turns on, the
vehicle loses power, or you hear a loud
knocking or pinging noise, the engine is
probably too hot.
WA R N I N G
Pull over to a safe location, then switch
the ignition off 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 either 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.
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating or the high engine coolant
temperature warning light turns on:

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 the engine
compartment.

If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Do not 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.
If Trouble Arises
Overheating
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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 is low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.

If you find a leak or other damage, or if
coolant is still leaking:
Stop the engine and call an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Coolant reservoir
Cooling fan
Cooling system cap
If you find no problems, the engine is
cool, and no leaks are obvious:
Carefully add coolant as required (page
6-25).
CAUTION
If the engine continues to overheat or
frequently overheats, have the cooling
system inspected. The engine could be
seriously damaged unless repairs are
made. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
If Trouble Arises
Overheating
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SignalWarning
(Red)
High Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Indication/Warning
Light The light flashes when the engine coolant temperature is extrem
ely high, and illumi‐
nates when the engine coolant temperature increases further.
Handling Procedure
Flashing light
Drive slowly to reduce engine l oad until you can find a safe place to stop the vehicle
and wait for the engine to cool down.
Illuminated light
This indicates the possibility of overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe place immedi‐
ately and stop the engine.
Refer to Overheating on page 7-27.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle with the high engi ne coolant temperature warning light illumi‐
nated. Otherwise, it could resu lt in damage to the engine.
Power Steering Mal‐
function Indication*
The message is displayed if the electric power steering has a m alfunction.
If the message is displayed, stop the vehicle in a safe place a nd do not operate the
steering wheel. There is no probl em if the message in the display turns off after a
while. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer if the message is dis played continuously.
NOTE
If the message is displayed, the power steering will not operate normally. In this
case, the steering wheel can still be op erated, however, the operation may feel
heavy compared to normal, or the steer ing wheel could vibrate when turning.
Repeatedly jerking the steering wheel left and right while the vehicle is stopped or
moving extremely slowly will cause the power steering system to go into protective
mode which will make the steerin g feel heavy, but this does not indicate a problem.
If this occurs, park the vehicle safely and wait several minutes for the system to
return to normal.
Power Steering Mal‐ function Indicator
Light
*
The light illuminates/flashes if the electric power steering ha s a malfunction.
If the light illuminates/flashes, stop the vehicle in a safe pl ace and do not operate the
steering wheel. There is no problem if the light turns off afte r a while. Contact an Au‐
thorized Mazda Dealer if the lig ht illuminates/flashes continuously.
NOTE
If the indicator light illuminates/flashes, the power steering will not operate nor‐
mally. If this happens, the steering wheel can still be operated, however, the opera‐
tion may feel heavy compared to normal , or the steering wheel could vibrate when
turning.
Repeatedly jerking the steering wheel left and right while the vehicle is stopped or
moving extremely slowly will cause the power steering system to go into protective
mode which will make the steerin g feel heavy, but this does not indicate a problem.
If this occurs, park the vehicle safely and wait several minutes for the system to
return to normal.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.7-35
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