check oil MAZDA MX5 MIATA 2017 Owners Manual

3 –53 Before Driving
Driving Tips
Rocking the Vehicle WARNING 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
from 1 (D) to R. 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
6-29 . 
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 6-27 ).
Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections. 
Use washer fluid made with antifreeze—
but do not use engine coolant antifreeze
for washer fluid (page 6-31 ).
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. 
Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows and
mirrors as it could result in the glass
cracking.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 53 2016/08/11 20:28:39

6 –6 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year o r within 16,000 km (10,000 miles) since last
engine oil and filter change. The system must be reset whenever replacing the engine oil regardless of the
message/wrench indicator light display.
*2 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Usin g engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*3 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*4 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed so that the system operates
normally (if equipped).
*5 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
*6 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when perf orming the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date .
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6 –8 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Remarks:
*1 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Usin g engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 To equalize tread wear for maintaining good performance in handling and braking, rotate the tires every 12,000
km (7,500 miles). However Mazda recommends to rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles) to help increase tire life
and distribute wear more evenly.
*4 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed so that the system operates
normally (if equipped).
*5 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
*6 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when perf orming the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 8 2016/08/11 20:29:38

6 –10 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first.
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L L L L L
Washer fluid level I I I I I I I I I I I I
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *7
Inspect annually.
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Engine oil flexible maintenance is available for U.S.A. and Puer to Rico residents whose vehicle is operated
mainly where none of the following conditions apply. 
Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation such as polic e car, taxi or driving school car
Driving in dusty conditions
If any do apply, follow fixed maintenance.
The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year o r within 16,000 km (10,000 miles) since last
engine oil and filter change. Reset the engine oil data whenever replacing the engine oil regardless of the
message/wrench indicator light display.
*2 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Usin g engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*3 If the vehicle is operated in very dusty or sandy areas, clean and if necessary, replace the air filter more often
than the recommended intervals.
*4 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*5 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed so that the system operates
normally (if equipped).
*6 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
*7 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when perf orming the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 10 2016/08/11 20:29:38

6 –12 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Usin g engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed so that the system operates
normally (if equipped).
*4 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
*5 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when perf orming the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 12 2016/08/11 20:29:39

6 –15 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled MaintenanceChart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Usin g engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed so that the system operates
normally (if equipped).
*4 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
*5 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when perf orming the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 15 2016/08/11 20:29:40

6 –17 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled MaintenanceMaintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
×1000 km 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Washer fluid level I I I I I I
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *5
Inspect annually.
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Usin g engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed so that the system operates
normally (if equipped).
*4 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
*5 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when perf orming the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 17 2016/08/11 20:29:40

6 –19 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled MaintenanceMaintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72
×1000 km 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 105 11 0 11 5 120
Washer fluid level I I I I I I
Emergency flat tire repair kit (if installed) *5
Inspect annually.
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
C: Clean
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Use of FL-22 is recommended when replacing engine coolant. Usin g engine coolant other than FL-22 may
cause serious damage to the engine and cooling system.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the
recommended time or kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) initialization must be performed so that the system operates
normally (if equipped).
*4 If this component has been submerged in water, the oil should be replaced.
*5 Check the tire repair fluid expiration date every year when perf orming the periodic maintenance. Replace the
tire repair fluid bottle with new one before the expiration date .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 19 2016/08/11 20:29:41

6 –25 Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance Closing the Hood1. Check under the hood area to make
certain all filler caps are in place and all
loose items (e.g. tools, oil containers,
etc.) have been removed.
2. Lift the hood, grasp the padded area on
the support rod, and secure the support
rod in the clip. Verify that the support
rod is secured in the clip before closing
the hood.

ClipPa d
3. Lower the hood slowly to a height of
about 20 cm (7.9 in) above its closed
position and then let it drop.
CAUTION When closing the hood, do not push
it excessively such as by applying your
weight. Otherwise, the hood could be
deformed.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 25 2016/08/11 20:29:42

7 –34 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds Signal Warning
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution System
Warning If the electronic brake force distribution control unit determines that some components
are operating incorrectly, the control unit may illuminate the brake system warning
light and the ABS warning light simultaneously. The problem is likely to be the
electronic brake force distribution system.
WARNING Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminated.
Have the vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the brakes
inspected as soon as possible:
Driving when the brake system warning light and ABS warning light are
illuminated simultaneously is dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the rear wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal circumstances.
Charging System
Warning Indication/
Warning Light If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated
because the engine could stop unexpectedly.
Engine Oil Warning
Light This warning light indicates low engine oil pressure.
CAUTION Do not run the engine if the oil pressure is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive
engine damage.
If the light illuminates or the warning indication is displayed while driving:
1.Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way on level ground.
2.Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan.
3.Inspect the engine oil level 6-28 . If it's low, add the appropriate amount of engine
oil while being careful not to overfill.
CAUTION Do not run the engine if the oil level is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive
engine damage.
4.Start the engine and check the warning light.
If the light remains illuminated even though the oil level is normal or after adding oil,
stop the engine immediately and have your vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
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