trailer MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA RF 2021 Owners Manual

3Before Driving
Use of various features, including keys, doors, mirrors and windows.
Keys.................................................... 3-2 Keys.............................................. 3-2
Keyless Entry System................... 3-4
Advanced Keyless Entry
System...............................................3-10 Advanced Keyless Entry System
*.....
.................................................... 3-10
Operational Range...................... 3-11
Doors and Locks.............................. 3-12 Door Locks................................. 3-12
Trunk Lid................. ................... 3-19
Inside Trunk Release Lever
*...... 3-21
Fuel and Emission........................... 3-22 Fuel and Engine Exhaust
Precautions................................. 3-22
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap.............. 3-25
Mirrors............................................. 3-27 Mirrors........................................ 3-27
Windows........................................... 3-30 Power Windows..........................3-30
Convertible Top (Soft Top)............. 3-33 Convertible Top (Sof t Top).........3-33
Convertible Top (Hardtop)............. 3-38
Convertible Top (Har dtop)......... 3-38
Security System............................... 3-44 Modification and Add-On
Equipment...................................3-44
Immobilizer System....................3-44
Theft-Deterrent System
*.............3-46
Driving Tips..................................... 3-48 Break-In Period.......................... 3-48
Saving Fuel and Protection of the
Environment............................... 3-48
Hazardous Driving.... ..................3-49
Floor Mat.................................... 3-49
Rocking the Vehicle....................3-50
Winter Driving............................3-50
Driving In Flooded Area............ 3-52
Overloading................................ 3-53
Driving on Uneven Road............ 3-54
Towing.............................................. 3-55 Trailer Towing............................ 3-55
Recreational Towing................... 3-55
*Some models.3-1
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

Driving on Uneven Road
Your vehicle's suspension and underbody can be damaged if driven on rough/uneven roads
or over speed bumps at excessive speeds. Use care and reduce sp eed when traveling on
rough/uneven roads or over speed bumps.

Use care not to damage the vehicle's underbody, bumpers or muff ler(s) when driving under
the following conditions:
Ascending or descending a slope with a sharp transition angle
Ascending or descending a driveway or trailer ramp with a sharp transition angle

This vehicle is equipped with low profile tires allowing class-leading performance and
handling. As a result, the sidewa ll of the tires are very thin and the tires and wheels can be
damaged if driven through potholes or on rough/uneven roads at excessive speeds. Use care
and reduce speed when traveling on rough/uneven roads or throug h potholes.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-54
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

Trailer Towing
Your Mazda is not designed for towing.
Never tow a trailer with your Mazda.
Recreational Towing
An example of "recreational towing" is
towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.
The transmission is not designed for
towing this vehicle on all 4 wheels.
When doing recreational towing refer to
"Towing Description " (page 7-30) and
"Tiedown Hooks" (page 7-31) and
carefully follow the instructions.
Before Driving
To w i n g
3-55
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

When there is a difference in the height between your driving lane and the adjacent
lane.
Directly after the BSM system becomes operable by changing the setting.
If the road width is extremely narrow, vehicles two lanes over may be detected. The
detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set according to the road width of
expressways.
The BSM warning lights may turn on in reaction to stationary objects on the road or the
roadside such as guardrails, tunnels, sidewalls, and parked vehicles.
Objects such as guardrails and concrete walls
running alongside the vehicle.Places where the width between guardrails or
walls on each side of the vehicle narrows.
The walls at the entrance and exits of tunnels,
turnouts.
A BSM warning light may flash or the warning beep may be activated several times when
making a turn at a city intersection.
Turn off the BSM while pulling a trailer or wh
ile an accessory such as a bicycle carrier is
installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radar’s radio waves will be blocked
causing the system to not operate normally.
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the BSM
warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.
Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors.
The door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffi c Alert (RCTA) function when the shift lever
(manual transmission) or the selector lever (automatic transmission) is shifted to the
reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on page 4-96.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-87
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

The battery voltage has decreased.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.
The vehicle speed when reversing is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.
The radar sensor (rear) detection area is obstructed by a nearby wall or parked vehicle.
(Reverse the vehicle to a position where the radar sensor detection area is no longer
obstructed.)
Your vehicle
A vehicle is approaching directly from the rear of your vehicle.
Your vehicle
The vehicle is parked at an angle.
Your vehicle
Directly after the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system becomes operable using the
personalization feature.
Radio wave interference from a radar sensor equipped on a nearby parked vehicle.
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator lights equipped on the door mirrors.
Snow or ice adheres to the door mirrors.
The door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
Turn off the RCTA system while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle
carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicl e. Otherwise, the radio waves emitted by the
radar will be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-98
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

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
4-106
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

Vehicle shapes which do not reflect radar waves well such as empty trailers with a low
vehicle height and sports cars.
Vehicles are shipped with the direction of the radar sensors (rear) adjusted for each
vehicle to a loaded vehicle condition so that the radar sensors (rear) detect approaching
vehicles correctly. If the direction of the radar sensors (rear) has deviated for some
reason, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
For repairs or replacement of the radar sensors (rear), or bumper repairs, paintwork, and
replacement near the radar sensors, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Turn off the system while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle carrier
is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radio waves emitted by the radar will
be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.
The radar sensors are regulated by the relevant radio wave laws of the country in which
the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is driven abroad, authorization from the country in
which the vehicle is driven may be required.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-108
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

Ve h i c l e L o a d i n g
WA R N I N G
Do not tow a trailer with this vehicle:
Towing a trailer with this vehicle is dangerous because it has not been designed to tow a
trailer and doing so will affect the drive system which could result in vehicle damage.
This section will guide you in the proper loading of your vehic le, to keep your loaded
vehicle weight within its desi gn rating capability. Properly lo ading your vehicle will provide
maximum return of vehicle design performance. Before loading yo ur vehicle, familiarize
yourself with the following terms for determining your vehicle' s weight ratings, from the
vehicle's Safety Certification La bel and Tire and Load Information Label:
WA R N I N G
Overloaded Vehicle:
Overloading a vehicle is dangerous. The results of overloading can have serious consequences
in terms of passenger safety. Too much weight on a vehicle's suspension system can cause
spring or shock absorber failure, brake failu re, handling or steering problems, irregular tire
wear, tire failure or other damage.
Overloading makes a vehicle harder to drive an d control. It also increases the distance
required for stopping. In cases of serious overloading, brakes can fail completely, particularly
on steep grades. The load a tire will carry safely is a combination of the size of the tire, its load
range, and corresponding inflation pressure.
Never overload the vehicle and always observe th e vehicle's weight ratings from the vehicle's
Safety Certification and Tire and Load Information labels.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-36
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old
2020-8-28 13:50:01

Steps for Determining the Correct Load Limit
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit-
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should never
exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle's placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers t hat will be riding in your
vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo an d luggage load capacity. For
example, if the “XXX” amount equ als 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150 lb passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 650 lbs.
(1400 － 750 (5 × 150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loa ded on the vehicle. That
weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage lo ad capacity calculated
in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towi ng a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred to your
vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-42
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01

Index
Collision warning...................... 4-101
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
Indicator Light (Red).................4-101
Stopping the Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS) System
Operation................................... 4-102
Specifications...................................... 9-4
Speedometer...................................... 4-13
SRS Air Bags How the SRS air bags work........ 2-43
Limitations to SRS air bag.......... 2-47
Monitoring................................... 2-55
Passenger occupant classification
system.......................................... 2-49
SRS air bag deployment
criteria.......................................... 2-46
Supplemental restraint system
components.................................. 2-42
Starting the Engine..............................4-5
Steering Wheel
Horn............................................. 4-57
Storage Compartments ...................... 5-42
Back trim storage box................. 5-43
Console box................................. 5-42
Seat side box............................... 5-42
Sunvisors........................................... 5-35
T
Tachometer........................................ 4-14
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-46
Tiedown Hook............................................ 7-31
Tires................................................... 6-34 Flat tire.......................................... 7-3
Replacing a tire........................... 6-36
Replacing a wheel....................... 6-36
Snow tires.................................... 3-51
Specifications.................................9-9
Tire chains................................... 3-51
Tire inflation pressure................. 6-34
Tire rotation................................. 6-35
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS)..................................... 8-23
Tire Inflation Pressure Warning
Beep...................................................7-50
Tire Information................................ 8-25
Tire Pressure Monitoring System.... 4-114
To w i n g
Recreational towing.....................3-55
Trailer towing.............................. 3-55
Towing Description........................... 7-30
Traction Control System (TCS)........ 4-67 TCS/DSC indicator light............. 4-67
Traffic Sign Recognition System
(TSR)................................................. 4-90
Transmitter.......................................... 3-5
Trip Computer................................... 4-17
Trip Meter......................................... 4-13
Trouble Battery runs out........................... 7-23
Emergency starting...................... 7-26
Emergency towing....................... 7-30
Flat tire.......................................... 7-3
Overheating................................. 7-27
Parking in an emergency............... 7-2
When fuel-filler lid cannot be
opened..........................................7-29
When the roof cannot be
closed........................................... 7-57
When trunk lid cannot be
opened..........................................7-52
Trunk Lid............ .............................. 3-19
Inside trunk release lever............ 3-21
When trunk lid cannot be
opened..........................................7-52
Turn Signals...................................... 4-51
V
Vanity Mirrors................................... 5-35
Vehicle Information Labels................. 9-2
10-7
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01