engine MAZDA MX5 MIATA 2017 Repair Manual

4 –65 When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing and
reapplying that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal ABS system operation. Continue to
depress the brake pedal without pumping
the brakes.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26 .
WARNING Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for unsafe
and reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), driving on ice and snow,
and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction
and road contact because of water on
the road surface). You can still have an
accident. NOTE 
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid. 
The sound of the ABS operating may
be heard when starting the engine
or immediately after starting the
vehicle, however, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 65 2016/08/11 20:28:58

4 –66 When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Traction Control System
(TCS) The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by controlling
engine torque and braking. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque and operates the brakes to
prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26 .
WARNINGDo not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) as a substitute for safe
driving:
The Traction Control System (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.
Use snow tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are covered
with ice and/or snow:
Driving without proper traction devices
on snow and/or ice-covered roads
is dangerous. The Traction Control
System (TCS) alone cannot provide
adequate traction and you could still
have an accident. NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-68 ).
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
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.
NOTE 
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly. 
On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 66 2016/08/11 20:28:58

4 –67 When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC) The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 4-65 ) and TCS
(page 4-66 ).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26 .
WARNING Do not rely on the Dynamic Stability
Control as a substitute for safe driving:
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident. CAUTION 
The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed: 
Use tires of the correct size specified
for your Mazda on all four wheels. 
Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels. 
Do not mix worn tires. 
The DSC may not operate correctly when
tire chains are used or a temporary spare
tire is installed because the tire diameter
changes.
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
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.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 67 2016/08/11 20:28:58

4 –68 When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC DSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off.
Refer to DSC OFF Switch on page 4-68 .
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched off, take your
vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The DSC may have a malfunction.
DSC OFF SwitchPress the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will turn off. NOTE 
When DSC is on and you attempt to free
the vehicle when it is stuck, or drive
it out of freshly fallen snow, the TCS
(part of the DSC system) will activate.
Depressing the accelerator will not
increase engine power and freeing
the vehicle may be difficult. When this
happens, turn off the TCS/DSC. 
If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine
is turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON. 
Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide
the best traction. 
If the DSC OFF switch is pressed and
held for 10 seconds or more, the DSC
OFF switch malfunction detection
function operates and the DSC system
activates automatically. The DSC OFF
indicator light turns off while the DSC
system is operative.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 68 2016/08/11 20:28:58

4 –71 When Driving
Drive Selection
*Some models.Drive Selection *
Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle's drive mode. When the sport mode
is selected, vehicle's response against accelerator operation is enhanced. This provides
additional quick acceleration which may be needed to safely mak e maneuvers such as lane
changes, merging onto freeways, or passing other vehicles.
CAUTION Do not use the sport mode when driving on slippery roads such as wet or snow-covered
roads. It may cause tire slipping.
NOTE 
When the sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds increases and it may
increase fuel consumption. Mazda recommends that you cancel the sport mode on normal
driving. 
Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions: 
ABS/TCS/DSC is operating 
Cruise control is operating. 
Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 71 2016/08/11 20:28:59

4 –73 When Driving
Power Steering
Power Steering 
Power steering is only operable when
the engine is running. If the engine is
off or if the power steering system is
inoperable, you can still steer, but it
requires more physical effort.
If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving or the steering
vibrates, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. 
The warning light notifies the driver
of system abnormalities and operation
conditions.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26 .
CAUTION Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running. This
could damage the power steering
system.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 73 2016/08/11 20:28:59

4 –104 When Driving
Cruise Control If the RESUME/ switch is pressed when
the vehicle speed is 25 km/h (16 mph) or
higher, the system reverts to the previously
set speed. NOTE 
If any of the following conditions occur,
the cruise control system is temporarily
canceled. 
The parking brake is applied. 
(Automatic transmission)
The selector lever is in the P or N
position. 
(Manual transmission)
The shift lever is in the neutral
position. 
When the cruise control system is
temporarily canceled by even one of the
applicable cancel conditions, the speed
cannot be re-set. 
(Automatic transmission)
The cruise control cannot be cancelled
while driving in manual mode (selector
lever shifted from D to M position).
Therefore, engine braking will not
be applied even if the transmission
is shifted down to a lower gear. If
deceleration is required, lower the set
speed or depress the brake pedal.
To Deactivate
When a cruising speed has been set
(cruise set indicator light/cruise set
indication(green) turns on)
Long-press the OFF/CANCEL switch or
press the OFF/CANCEL switch 2 times.
When a cruising speed has not been set
(cruise main indicator light (amber)/
cruise main indication (white)turns on)
Press the OFF/CANCEL switch.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 104 2016/08/11 20:29:05

5 –2 Interior Features
Climate Control System
Operating Tips 
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running. 
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the fan control
dial on for a long period of time with the
ignition switched ON when the engine is
not running. 
Clear all obstructions such as leaves,
snow and ice from the hood and the air
inlet in the cowl grille to improve the
system efficiency. 
Use the climate control system to defog
the windows and dehumidify the air. 
The recirculate mode should be used
when driving through tunnels or while in
a traffic jam, or when you would like to
shut off outside air for quick cooling of
the interior. 
Use the outside air position for
ventilation or windshield defrosting. 
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then
run the climate control system. 
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated. 
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient.
The refrigerant specifications are
indicated on a label attached to the
inside of the engine compartment. Check
the label before refilling the refrigerant.
If the wrong type of refrigerant is used,
it could result in a serious malfunction
of the air conditioner.
For details, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer. Label
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 2 2016/08/11 20:29:06

5 –6 Interior Features
Climate Control System Control SwitchesTemperature control dial
This dial controls temperature. Turn it
clockwise for hot and counterclockwise
for cold.
NOTE
(Type A)
When the mode is set to
, or a position
in between them with the fan control dial
in a position other than 0 and the
temperature control dial in the maximum
cold position, the air intake selector
switches to the recirculated air position
and the A/C turns on automatically.
If A/C is not desired, press the A/C switch
to turn it off.
Fan control dial
This dial allows variable fan speeds.
The fan has seven speeds.
Mode selector dial
Turn the mode selector dial to select
airflow mode (page 5-4 ).
NOTE 
The mode selector dial can be set at the
intermediate positions ( ) between
each mode. Set the dial to an
intermediate position if you want to split
the airflow between the two modes. 
For example, when the mode selector
dial is at the position between the
and positions, airflow from the floor
vent is less than that of the position. A/C switch
Press the A/C switch to turn the air
conditioner on. The indicator light on the
switch will illuminate when the fan control
dial is in any position except OFF.
Press the switch once again to turn the air
conditioner off.
NOTE
The air conditioner may not function when
the outside temperature approaches 0 °C
(32 °F).
Air intake selector
This switch controls the source of air
entering the vehicle.
Outside or recirculated air positions can be
selected. Press the switch to select outside/
recirculated air positions.
Recirculated air position (indicator light
illuminated)
Outside air is shut off. Use this position
when going through tunnels, driving in
congested traffic (high engine exhaust
areas) or when quick cooling is desired.
Outside air position (indicator light
turned off)
Outside air is allowed to enter the
cabin. Use this mode for ventilation or
windshield defrosting.
WARNING 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.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 6 2016/08/11 20:29:07

5 –7 Interior Features
Climate Control SystemRear window defogger switch
Press the rear window defogger switch to
defrost the rear window.
Refer to Rear Window Defogger on page
4-55 .
Heating1. Set the mode selector 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 when the temperature
control dial is set at the extreme hot or
cold position).
Cooling (With air conditioner)
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 engine coolant
temperature warning light to see if it is
illuminated or flashing (page 4-18 ).
The air conditioner may cause engine
overheating. If the warning light is
illuminated or flashing, turn the air-
conditioning 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. 
The air to the floor is warmer than air
to the face (except when the temperature
control dial is set at the extreme hot or
cold position).
Ventilation
1. Set the mode selector 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
desired position.
4. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 7 2016/08/11 20:29:08