MAZDA MX5 MIATA 2017 Owners Manual

3 –35 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Soft Top)
CAUTION 
Remove leaves or other matter that may accumulate on and around the convertible top.
If leaves or other matter block the drain filter, water may enter the vehicle. Clean the drain
filter at least once a year.
Refer to Convertible Top Maintenance on page 6-64 .
Before opening the convertible top, make sure the rear window defogger switch is turned
off. Otherwise the heat generated from the defogger could damage the convertible top and
the internal material. 
Before lowering or raising the convertible top, stop in a safe place off the right-of-way and
park on a level surface. 
Make sure nothing is on the convertible top or near the back window when raising or
lowering the convertible top.
Even small objects may interfere and cause damage. 
Do not drive through an automatic car wash; it may damage the convertible top. 
Do not raise or lower the convertible top when the temperature is below 5 °C (41 °F) ; this
will damage the convertible top material. 
Do not lower the convertible top when it's wet. If the convertible top dries while folded, it
will deteriorate and mold. 
Lowering the convertible top while it's wet can also cause water to drip into the passenger
compartment. 
Do not raise or lower the convertible top in a strong wind as it could damage the
convertible top or cause an unexpected accident.
NOTE 
The power windows go down automatically in conjunction with the convertible top
opening/closing. However, this is a function for improving the operability, and it does not
mean there is a problem. If the vehicle battery is disconnected for vehicle maintenance or
other reasons, the power windows will not go down automatically. If the power windows
do not go down, the automatic open/close mechanism for the windows must be reset.
Refer to Operating the Power Windows on page 3-31 .
The windblocker reduces the amount of wind coming into the cabin from behind when
driving with the convertible top opened.
Refer to Windblocker on page 5-140 .
When lowering the convertible top, make sure objects inside the vehicle are not blown
away by the wind. 
Secure all loose objects inside before driving with the convertible top down. 
To help prevent burglary or vandalism and to ensure that the passenger compartment
stays dry, close the convertible top securely and lock both doors when leaving the vehicle. 
The soft top is made of high quality material and if it is not maintained correctly, the
material could harden, becomes stained, or have an uneven gloss.
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3 –36 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Soft Top) Lowering the Convertible Top
CAUTION Do not sit on the folded convertible
top. Otherwise, the convertible top
could be damaged or you may fall off
and be injured.
1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. If the engine is running, turn it off.
3. Make sure there are no objects which
have been placed in the area where the
convertible top is to be retracted.
4. With the lock release button depressed
forward, pull back the top latch lever to
unlock it.

Top latchLock release button
5. Remove the striker from the anchor.

Anchor
Striker NOTE
If the power windows do not go down
automatically, fully open the windows or
open the doors.
6. Standing outside of the vehicle, hold
the convertible top along the front edge
and pull it toward the vehicle rear.
Front edge
NOTE
To lower the convertible top from inside
the vehicle, use the convertible top's
handles.
Convertible top's handles
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3 –37 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Soft Top)7. Move the convertible top rearward and
fold it while pressing the rear glass
lightly with your hand.

8. With the back end of the convertible
top pressed, press the front end until a
latch sound is heard.
Lightly rock the retracted convertible
top to make sure it is securely locked.

Raising the Convertible Top
1. Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. If the engine is running, turn it off. 3. Pull up the unlock lever to disengage
the lock.
Unlock Le ve r
4. Standing outside of the vehicle, hold
the convertible top along the front edge
and pull it towards the vehicle front.
Front edge
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3 –38 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Soft Top) NOTE 
If the power windows do not go down
automatically, fully open the windows
or open the doors. 
To raise the convertible top from inside
the vehicle, use the convertible top's
handles.
Convertible top's handles
5. Sitting in a seat, grasp the convertible
top's handles, and press the convertible
top against the windshield.
Make sure the striker engages with the
anchor, move the top latch slowly, and
then push the top latch upward until a
latch sound is heard.
Convertible top's handles
StrikerAnchor CAUTION 
Driving with the convertible top not fully
locked could damage the convertible
top.
If the red indicator is visible on the lock
release button, the convertible top is not
locked. After locking the convertible top,
verify that the red indicator is not visible.
Locked position
Unlocked position
Red indicator
Do not spray water directly near the
seam of the window and convertible top
when flushing away dirt on the soft top
with water. Otherwise, water may enter
the vehicle.
Refer to Convertible Top Maintenance on
page 6-64 .
NOTE 
The convertible top may be constricted
if it is left retracted for a long period.
Therefore, if the top has become
constricted, it may be difficult to hook
the top latch striker to the anchor. 
Make sure the convertible top is
securely locked by pushing up on it.
If it still sounds loose (rattles) after
being locked by the top latch, have
it inspected at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
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3 –39 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)The Retractable fastback opens/closes electrically by operating switches in the vehicle.
When opening/closing the roof and window glass operate together. The front roof is stored
in the storage area under rear roof. Front roof
Rear roof
Open
Close
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3 –40 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback) Retractable Fastback Precautions
WARNINGAlways confirm that there are no people around the vehicle before operating the roof:
If the roof were to operate unexpectedly, it could result in an accident and serious injury
from someone getting caught in the mechanism.
Sit in the seat with the seat belt correctly fastened when the vehicle is moving:
Standing in the vehicle, or sitting on the rear roof or center console when the vehicle is
moving is a dangerous way to ride. During a sudden maneuver or collision you could be
seriously injured or even killed.
Always keep your hands and fingers away from the fastening mechanisms when
moving the roof:
It is dangerous to place your hands or fingers near the fastening mechanisms. Your hands
or fingers could be caught and injured by the mechanism.
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3 –41 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)
CAUTION 
When getting in or out of the vehicle with the roof open, be careful not to hit your head or
body on the corner of the windshield glass. It may cause an injury. 
Do not drive with the roof partially opened; this could damage the roof or cause an
unexpected accident. 
Children should not be allowed to play with the retractable fastback switch. 
Do not place objects or cargo around the rear roof, rear glass, or the front roof storage area.
Even small objects may interfere and cause damage. 
Remove leaves that accumulate on and around the roof. If the leaves are not removed, they
may block the water drainage outlets. 
Before opening the roof, make sure the rear window defogger switch (Defroster) is turned
off. Otherwise the heat generated from the defogger could damage the roof and the
internal material. 
When opening/closing the roof, verify that there is no obstruction above the roof
(about 1.6 m (5 ft 2 in) from the ground) so as not to damage the roof or the obstruction. 
When opening/closing the roof, do not apply any load to the front roof or the rear roof. The
opening/closing mechanism of the roof may be damaged. 
Do not spray water directly near the seam of the window and roof when washing off dirt on
the roof with water. Otherwise, water may enter the cabin.
Refer to Retractable Fastback Maintenance on page 6-66 .
Open/close the roof with the vehicle parked on a hard, level ground in a safe place where
the vehicle does not obstruct traffic. If the roof is opened/closed on a slope or bump, the
opening/closing mechanism of the roof may be damaged. 
Do not drive through an automatic car wash as it may damage the roof. 
Do not open or close the roof forcefully when the ambient temperature is low and the roof
or the surrounding area is frozen as it could damage the roof. 
Opening the roof while it is wet can also cause water to drip into the passenger
compartment. 
Do not open or close the roof in a strong wind as it could damage the roof.
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3 –42 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback) NOTE 
When opening the roof, make sure objects inside the vehicle are not blown away by the
wind. 
Secure all loose objects inside before driving with the roof down. 
To help prevent burglary or vandalism and to ensure that the passenger compartment
stays dry, close the roof securely and lock both doors when leaving the vehicle. 
The power windows lower automatically in conjunction with the roof opening/closing.
This is a function for improving the operability and it does not indicate a problem.
If the vehicle battery is disconnected for vehicle maintenance or other reasons, the power
windows will not lower automatically. If the power windows do not lower, reset the power
window automatic open/close function.
Refer to Operating the Power Windows on page 3-31 .
The windblocker reduces the amount of wind coming into the cabin from behind when
driving with the roof opened.
Refer to Windblocker on page 5-140 .
Operation IndicationOperation Indicator Light
When illuminated
This indicates that the roof is only partially open.
When flashing
This indicates that the roof is being open/closed. (During switch operation)
When not illuminated
This indicates that the roof is open/closed fully.
NOTE
If the operation indicator light flashes quickly, there may be a system malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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3 –43 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)Roof operation display
The roof operation status is indicated on the multi-information display.
The following table shows display examples when opening the roof: Operation Roof status Indication
Before operation Roof closed
During operation Rear roof opened
Rear roof opened
Front roof opened
Rear roof opened
Front roof stored
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3 –44 Before Driving
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback) Operation Roof status Indication
Operation complete Rear roof closed
Operation ConditionsIf the following conditions have been
satisfied, the roof can be opened/closed. 
The ignition is switched ON. 
Shift/selector lever is in a position other
than R (reverse). 
Vehicle speed is 10 km/h (6.2 mph) or
less. 
The trunk lid is closed.
CAUTION If the vehicle speed exceeds 10 km/h
(6.2 mph) during the opening/closing
operation, the opening/closing
operation of the roof stops midstream.
If the roof stops midstream, visibility at
the rear may be impaired or damage
to the roof may occur which could
lead to an accident. Operate the
switch again with the vehicle stopped,
depending on the road and traffic
conditions, to complete opening/
closing operation of the roof. NOTE
If the roof cannot be closed even after the
operation conditions are all met, have it
checked at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The roof can be closed manually as an
emergency measure.
Refer to When the Roof Cannot be Closed
on page 7-57 .
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