flat tire MAZDA MX5 MIATA 2017 Service Manual

7 –37 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
Automatic
Transmission
Indication/Warning
Light *
The indication/light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.
CAUTION If the automatic transmission warning indication/light illuminates, the transmission
has an electrical problem. Continuing to drive your Mazda in this condition could cause
damage to your transmission. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
(Illuminate)
TCS/DSC Indicator
Light If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or the brake assist system may have a malfunction and
they may not operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Air Bag/Seat Belt
Pretensioner System
Warning Light A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly
illuminates or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these
occur, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not operate
in an accident.
WARNING Never tamper with the air bag/pretensioner systems and always have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer perform all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the systems is dangerous. An air bag/pretensioner
could accidentally activate or become disabled causing serious injury or death.
(Flashing)
Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
Warning Light *
If the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tire pressure warning light
flashes. Have your vehicle checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire
pressure warning beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle speed immediately and avoid
sudden maneuvering and braking:
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire
pressure warning beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at high
speeds, or perform sudden maneuvering or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen
and result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak or a flat, pull over to a safe position where you can
check the visual condition of the tire and determine if you have enough air to proceed
to a place where air may be added and the system monitored again by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer or a tire repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous, even if you know why it is illuminated.
Have the problem taken care of as soon as possible before it develops into a more
serious situation that could lead to tire failure and a dangerous accident.
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7 –43 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning Action to be taken
(Illuminate)
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System Warning Light *
When the warning light illuminates, and
the warning beep sound is heard (about 3
seconds), tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires.
WARNING If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or flashes,
or the tire pressure warning beep
sound is heard, decrease vehicle
speed immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking:
If the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light illuminates or flashes,
or the tire pressure warning beep
sound is heard, it is dangerous to
drive the vehicle at high speeds, or
perform sudden maneuvering or
braking. Vehicle drivability could
worsen and result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak
or a flat, pull over to a safe position
where you can check the visual
condition of the tire and determine
if you have enough air to proceed to
a place where air may be added and
the system monitored again by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer or a tire
repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is
dangerous, even if you know why
it is illuminated. Have the problem
taken care of as soon as possible
before it develops into a more serious
situation that could lead to tire
failure and a dangerous accident. Inspect the tires and adjust to the specified
inflation pressure (page 6-41 ).
NOTE 
Perform tire pressure adjustment when
the tires are cold. Tire pressure will
vary according to the tire temperature,
therefore let the vehicle stand for 1
hour or only drive it 1.6 km (1 mile) or
less before adjusting the tire pressures.
When pressure is adjusted on hot tires
to the cold inflation pressure, the TPMS
warning light/beep may turn on after
the tires cool and pressure drops below
specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning
light, resulting from the tire air
pressure dropping due to cold ambient
temperature will remain illuminated
even if the ambient temperature rises.
In this case, it will also be necessary to
adjust the tire air pressures. If the TPMS
warning light illuminates due to a drop
in tire air pressure, make sure to check
and adjust the tire air pressures. 
Tires lose air naturally over time and
the TPMS cannot tell if the tires are
getting too soft over time or you have
a flat. However, when you find one low
tire in a set of four-that is an indication
of trouble; you should have someone
drive the vehicle slowly forward so you
can inspect any low tire for cuts and any
metal objects sticking through tread or
sidewall. Put a few drops of water in the
valve stem to see if it bubbles indicating
a bad valve. Leaks need to be addressed
by more than simply reinflating the tire
as leaks are dangerous — take it to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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7 –51 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models. Tire Inflation Pressure Warning
Beep *
The warning beep sound will be heard
for about 3 seconds when there is any
abnormality in tire inflation pressures
(page 4-105 ).
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
System Warning Beep *
Driving forward
The warning beep operates when the turn
signal lever is operated to the side where
the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
light is illuminated.
NOTE
A personalized function is available to
change the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
warning beep sound volume.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-9 .
Reversing
If a moving object such as a vehicle or
two-wheeled vehicle approaches on the
left or right from behind your vehicle, the
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
sound is activated. Lane Departure Warning Sound *
While the system is operating, if the
system determines that the vehicle may
depart from the lane, it sounds a warning
sound. NOTE 
The volume of the LDWS warning sound
can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9 . 
The type of the LDWS warning sound
can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9 .
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8 –23 Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
WARNING Keep your vehicle's tires properly inflated and not overloaded:
Driving with improperly inflated or overloaded tires is dangerous. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure. The temperature grade for this tire is established for a
tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.
These grades will be added to the sidewalls of passenger vehicle tires over the next several
years according to a schedule established by the NHTSA and the tire manufacturers.
The grade of tires available as standard or optional equipment on Mazda vehicles may vary
with respect to grade.
ALL PASSENGER VEHICLE TIRES MUST CONFORM TO THESE GRADES AND TO
ALL OTHER FEDERAL TIRE-SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
UNIFORM TIRE QUALITY GRADINGQuality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewa ll between tread shoulder
and maximum section width.
For example:
TREADWEAR 200 TRACTION AA TEMPERATURE A UTQGS MARK (example)
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8 –24 Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
Tire LabelingFederal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized i nformation on the sidewall of
all tires. This information identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire
and also provides a tire identification number for safety standa rd certification and in case of
a recall.
Information on Passenger Vehicle TiresPlease refer to the sample below.
1. TIN: U.S. DOT tire identification number
2. Passenger car tire
3. Nominal width of tire in millimeters
4. Ratio of height to width (aspect ratio)
5. Radial
6. Run-flat tire
7. Rim diameter code
8. Load index & speed symbol
9. Severe snow conditions
10. Tire ply composition and materials used
11. Max. load rating
12. Tread wear, traction and temperature grades
13. Max. permissible inflation pressure
14. SAFETY WARNING
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8 –27 Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure
This number is the greatest amount of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under
normal driving conditions.
Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature Grades
Tread wear: The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified governmen t test course. For example,
a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
Traction: The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The grades
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
Temperature: The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test whee l.
Snow Tires
In some heavy snow areas, local governments may require true sn ow tires, those with very
deeply cut tread. These tires should only be used in pairs or placed on all four wheels. Make
sure you purchase snow tires that are the same size and construction type as the other tires
on your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
The following safety warning appears on the tire's sidewall.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT FROM: 
EXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING-MATCH
TIRE DIAMETER TO RIM DIAMETER; NEVER EXCEED 40 psi (275 kPa) TO SEAT
BEADS-ONLY SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONS SHOULD MOUNT TIRES. 
TIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/DAMAGE-
FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY
CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR DAMAGE.
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8 –30 Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
Location of the Tire Label (Placard)You will find the tire label containing tire inflation pressure by tire size and other important
information on the driver's side B-pillar or on the edge of the driver's door frame.
SAMPLE
Recommended Tire Inflation PressureOn the tire label you will find the recommended tire inflation pr essure in both kPa and
psi for the tires installed as original equipment on the vehicl e. It is very important that the
inflation pressure of the tires on your vehicle is maintained at the recommended pressure.
You should check the tire pressure regularly to insure that the proper inflation pressure is
maintained.
Refer to Tires on page 9-8 .
NOTE
Tire pressures listed on the vehicle placard or tire information label indicate the
recommended cold tire inflation pressure, measured when the tires are cold, after the vehicle
has been parked for at least 3 hours. As you drive, the temperature in the tire warms up,
increasing the tire pressure.
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8 –31 Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
WARNING Always check the tire inflation pressures on a regular basis according to the
recommended tire inflation pressure on the tire label and in conjunction with the
information in this owner's manual:
Driving your vehicle with under-inflated tires is dangerous.
Under-inflation is the most common cause of failures in any kind of tire and may result
in severe cracking, tread separation or “blowout”, with unexpected loss of vehicle
control and increased risk of injury. Under-inflation increases sidewall flexing and
rolling resistance, resulting in heat buildup and internal damage to the tire. It results in
unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. A tire can lose up to
half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat!
It is impossible to determine whether or not tires are properly inflated just by looking at
them.
Checking Tire Pressure1. When you check the air pressure, make sure the tires are cold — meaning they are not hot
from driving even a mile.
2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.
3. Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.
4. Add air to achieve recommended air pressure.
5. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal st em in the center of the valve.
Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
6. Replace the valve cap.
7. Repeat with each tire, including the spare.
NOTE
Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure.
8. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that
could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.
9. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges, cracks or other
irregularities.
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8 –32 Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.) Glossary of TermsTire Placard: A label indicating the OE tire sizes, recommended inflation pressure, and the
maximum weight the vehicle can carry.
Tire Identification Number (TIN): A number on the sidewall of each tire providing
information about the tire brand and manufacturing plant, tire size, and date of manufacture.
Inflation Pressure: A measure of the amount of air in a tire.
kPa: Kilopascal, the metric unit for air pressure.
psi: Pounds per square inch, the English unit for air pressure.
B-pillar: The structural member at the side of the vehicle behind the front door.
Original Equipment (OE): Describes components originally equipped on the vehicle.
Vehicle Load Limit: The maximum value of the combination weight of occupants and
cargo.
Bead Area of the Tire: Area of the tire next to the rim.
Sidewall Area of the Tire: Area between the bead area and the tread.
Tread Area of the Tire: Area on the perimeter of the tire that contacts the road when it's
mounted on the vehicle.
Seating capacity means the total allowable number of vehicle occupants. Seating capacity
is described on the tire label.
Production options weight is the combination weight of installed regular production
options weighing over 2.3 kilograms in excess of the standard items which they replace,
and not previously considered in the curb weight or accessory weight, including heavy duty
brakes, ride levelers, roof rack, heavy duty battery, and special trim.
Rim is the metal support (wheel) for a tire or a tire and tube assembly upon which the tire
beads are seated.
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8 –33 Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
Tire MaintenanceImproper or inadequate vehicle maintenance can cause tires to w ear abnormally. Here are
some important maintenance points:
Tire Inflation PressureInspect all tire pressure monthly (including the spare) when the tires are cold. Maintain
recommended pressures for the best ride, top handling, and minimum tire wear. Use the
pressures specified on the vehicle tire information placard or t ire label for optimum service.
Tire RotationTo equalize tread wear, rotate the tires every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) at the latest or sooner
if irregular wear develops. Mazda recommends to rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) to
help increase tire life and distribute wear more evenly.
Do not include (TEMPORAR Y USE ONLY)
spare tire in rotation. Forward
Inspect the tires for uneven wear and damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused by one or a
combination of the following: 
Incorrect tire pressure 
Improper wheel alignment 
Out-of-balance wheel 
Severe braking
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to specification (page 9-8 ) and inspect the lug
nuts for tightness.
(With tire pressure monitoring system)
After adjusting the tire pressure, initialization of the tire pressure monitoring system is
necessary to make the system operate normally.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System Initialization on page 4-108 .
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