Mazda MX-5 (2018 year). Manual

Ignition Switch

▼ Push Button Start Positions

The system operates only when the key is
within operational range.
Each time the push button start is pressed,
the ignition switches in the order of off,
ACC, and ON. Pressing the push button
start again from ON switches the ignition
off.

Indicator light

NOTE



The engine starts by pressing the push
button start while depressing the clutch
pedal (manual transmission) or the
brake pedal (automatic transmission).
To switch the ignition position, press the
push button start without depressing the
pedal.



Do not leave the ignition switched ON
while the engine is not running. Doing
so could result in the battery going
dead. If the ignition is left in ACC (For
automatic transmission, the selector
lever is in the P position, and the
ignition is in ACC), the ignition switches
off automatically after about 25 minutes.

Off

The power supply to electrical devices
turns off and the push button start
indicator light (amber) also turns off.
In this position the steering wheel is
locked.

WARNING

Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the selector lever is in
P (automatic transmission) or in 1st gear or
R (manual transmission):
Leaving the driver's seat without switching
the ignition off, setting the parking brake,
and shifting the selector lever to P
(automatic transmission) or to 1st gear or R
(manual transmission) is dangerous.
Unexpected vehicle movement could occur
which could result in an accident.
In addition, if your intention is to leave the
vehicle for even a short period, it is
important to switch the ignition off, as
leaving it in another position will disable
some of the vehicle's security systems and
run the battery down.

ACC (Accessory)

Some electrical accessories will operate
and the indicator light (amber) illuminates.

NOTE
The keyless entry system does not function
while the push button start has been
pressed to ACC, and the doors will not
lock/unlock even if they have been locked
manually.

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-4

*Some models.

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The indicator light
(amber) turns off. (The indicator light
(amber) illuminates when the ignition is
switched ON and the engine is not
running.)
Some indicator lights/warning lights
should be inspected before the engine is
started (page 4-26).

NOTE
When the push button start is pressed to
ON, the sound of the fuel pump motor
operating near the fuel tank can be heard.
This does not indicate an abnormality.

Starting the Engine

WARNING

Radio waves from the key may affect
medical devices such as pacemakers:
Before using the key near people who use
medical devices, ask the medical device
manufacturer or your physician if radio
waves from the key will affect the device.

NOTE



The key must be carried because the key
carries an immobilizer chip that must
communicate with the engine controls at
short range.



The engine can be started when the push
button start is pressed from off, ACC, or
ON.



The push button start system functions
(function which can start the engine by
only carrying the key) can be
deactivated to prevent any possible
adverse effect on a user wearing a
pacemaker or other medical device. If
the system is deactivated, you will be
unable to start the engine by carrying
the key. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for details. If the push button
start system functions have been
deactivated, you can start the engine by
following the procedure indicated when
the key battery goes dead.
Refer to Engine Start Function When
Key Battery is Dead on page 4-8.

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-5

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27



After starting a cold engine, the engine
speed increases and a whining sound
from the engine compartment can be
heard.
This is for improved exhaust gas
purification and does not indicate any
parts defect.



1. Make sure you are carrying the key.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat

belts.

3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Continue to press the brake pedal

firmly until the engine has completely
started.

5. (Manual transmission)

Continue to press the clutch pedal
firmly until the engine has completely
started.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).

NOTE
(Manual transmission)
The starter will not operate if the
clutch pedal is not depressed
sufficiently.
(Automatic transmission)
The starter will not operate if the
selector lever is not in P or N and the
brake pedal is not depressed
sufficiently.

6. Verify that the KEY indicator light

(green) in the instrument cluster and
the push button start indicator light
(green) illuminate.

Indicator light

Push button start

KEY indicator light
(green)/ KEY
warning light (red)

NOTE



If the push button start indicator
light (green) flashes, make sure that
the key is being carried.



If the push button start indicator
light (green) flashes with the key
being carried, touch the key to the
push button start and start the
engine. Refer to Engine Start
Function When Key Battery is Dead
on page 4-8.

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-6

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

CAUTION

If the KEY warning light (red)
illuminates, or the push button start
indicator light (amber) flashes, this
could indicate a problem with the
engine starting system. This may
prevent the engine from starting or
from switching the ignition to ACC or
ON. Have your vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.

NOTE



Under the following conditions, the
KEY warning light (red) flashes after
the push button start is pressed. This
informs the driver that the push
button start will not switch to ACC
even if it is pressed from off.



The key battery is dead.



The key is out of operational
range.



The key is placed in areas where it
is difficult for the system to detect
the signal (page 3-7).



A key from another manufacturer
similar to the key is in the
operational range.



(Forced engine starting method)
If the KEY warning light (red)
illuminates, or the push button start
indicator light (amber) flashes, this
could indicate that the engine may
not start using the usual starting
method. Have your vehicle inspected
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible. If this occurs, the
engine can be force-started. Press
and hold the push button start until
the engine starts. Other procedures
necessary for starting the engine,
such as having the key in the cabin,
and depressing the clutch pedal
(manual transmission) or the brake
pedal (automatic transmission) are
required.



When the engine is force-started, the
KEY warning light (red) remains
illuminated and the push button start
indicator light (amber) remains
flashing.



(Automatic transmission)
When the selector lever is in the
neutral (N) position, the KEY
indicator light (green) and the push
button start indicator light (green)
do not illuminate.

7. Press the push button start after both

the KEY indicator light (green) in the
instrument cluster and the push button
start indicator light (green) illuminate.

NOTE



After starting the engine, the push
button start indicator light (amber)
turns off and the ignition switches to
the ON position.

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-7

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27



After pressing the push button start
and before the engine starts, the
operation sound of the fuel pump
motor from near the fuel tank can be
heard, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction.

8. After starting the engine, let it idle for

about ten seconds.

NOTE



Whether the engine is cold or warm,
it should be started without the use
of the accelerator.



If the engine does not start the first
time, refer to Starting a Flooded
Engine under Emergency Starting. If
the engine still does not start, have
your vehicle inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer (page 7-
26).

▼ Engine Start Function When Key

Battery is Dead

CAUTION

When starting the engine by holding the
transmitter over the push button start due
to a dead key battery or a malfunctioning
key, be careful not to allow the following,
otherwise the signal from the key will not
be received correctly and the engine may
not start.

Metal parts of other keys or metal objects

touch the key.

Spare keys or keys for other vehicles

equipped with an immobilizer system
touch or come near the key.

Devices for electronic purchases, or

security passage touch or come near the
key.

If the engine cannot be started due to a
dead key battery, the engine can be started
using the following procedure:
1. Continue to depress the brake pedal

firmly until the engine has completely
started.

2. (Manual transmission)

Continue to depress the clutch pedal
firmly until the engine has completely
started.

3. Verify that the push button start

indication light (green) flashes.

4. Touch the push button start using the

backside of the key (as shown) while
the push button start indicator light
(green) flashes.

Transmitter

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-8

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

NOTE
When touching the push button start
using the backside of the key as shown
in the illustration, touch the push
button start with the lock switch side of
the key facing up.

5. Verify that the push button start

indicator light (green) turns on.

6. Press the push button start to start the

engine.

NOTE



The engine cannot be started unless
the clutch pedal is fully depressed
(manual transmission) or the brake
pedal is fully depressed (automatic
transmission).



If there is a malfunction with the
push button start function, the push
button start indicator light (amber)
flashes. In this case, the engine may
start, however, have the vehicle
checked at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.



If the push button start indicator
light (green) does not illuminate,
perform the operation from the
beginning again. If it does not
illuminate, have the vehicle checked
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.



To switch the ignition position
without starting the engine, perform
the following operations after the
push button start indicator light
(green) turns on.
1. Release the clutch pedal (manual

transmission) or brake pedal
(automatic transmission).

2. Press the push button start to

switch the ignition position. The
ignition switches in the order of
ACC, ON, and off each time the
push button start is pressed. To
switch the ignition position
again, perform the operation
from the beginning.

▼ Emergency Operation for Starting

the Engine

If the KEY warning light (red) illuminates,
or the push button start indicator light
(amber) flashes, this could indicate that
the engine may not start using the usual
starting method. Have your vehicle
inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer
as soon as possible. If this occurs, the
engine can be force-started. Press and hold
the push button start until the engine starts.
Other procedures necessary for starting the
engine such as having the key in the cabin,
and depressing the clutch pedal (manual
transmission) or the brake pedal
(automatic transmission) are required.

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-9

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

Turning the Engine Off

WARNING

Do not stop the engine while the vehicle is
moving:
Stopping the engine while the vehicle is
moving for any reason other than in an
emergency is dangerous. Stopping the
engine while the vehicle is moving will
result in reduced braking ability due to the
loss of power braking, which could cause
an accident and serious injury.

1. Stop the vehicle completely.
2. (Manual transmission)

Shift into neutral and set the parking
brake.
(Automatic transmission)
Shift the selector lever to the P
position and set the parking brake.

3. Press the push button start to turn off

the engine. The ignition position is off.

CAUTION

When leaving the vehicle, make sure the

push button start is off.

NOTE



The cooling fan in the engine
compartment could turn on for a few
minutes after the ignition is switched
from ON to OFF, whether or not the A/C
is on or off, to cool the engine
compartment quickly.



When the push button start is pressed
from ON to ACC or OFF, the KEY
indicator light (green) may flash for
approximately 30 seconds indicating
that the remaining battery power of the
key is low.
Replace with a new battery before the
key becomes unusable.
Refer to Key Battery Replacement on
page 6-33.



(Automatic transmission)
If the engine is turned off while the
selector lever is in a position other than
P, the ignition switches to ACC.

▼ Emergency Engine Stop

Continuously pressing the push button
start or quickly pressing it any number of
times while the engine is running or the
vehicle is being driven will turn the engine
off immediately. The ignition switches to
ACC.

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-10

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

Meters and Gauges

Type A

Type B

Steering Switch

(With Multi-information Display)

(Without Multi-information Display)

Instrument Cluster

①

Speedometer..........................................................................................................page 4-12

②

Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector.................................................... page 4-12

③

Tachometer............................................................................................................ page 4-13

④

Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge..................................................................... page 4-13

⑤

Fuel Gauge............................................................................................................ page 4-14

⑥

Dashboard Illumination.........................................................................................page 4-14

⑦

Outside Temperature Display................................................................................page 4-15

⑧

Cruise Control Set Vehicle Speed Display............................................................page 4-16

⑨

Trip Computer and INFO Switch..........................................................................page 4-16

⑩

Multi-information Display and INFO Switch....................................................... page 4-18

When Driving

Instrument Cluster and Display

4-11

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

▼ Speedometer

The speedometer indicates the speed of the
vehicle.

▼ Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip

Meter Selector (Without
Multi-information Display)

The display mode can be changed from
odometer to trip meter A to trip meter B
and then back to odometer by pressing the
selector while one of them is displayed.
The selected mode will be displayed.

Press the selector

Odometer

Trip meter A

Trip meter B

Selector

NOTE
When the ignition is switched to ACC or
off, the odometer or trip meters cannot be
displayed, however, pressing the selector
can inadvertently switch the trip meters or
reset them during an approximate
ten-minute period in the following cases:



After the ignition is switched to off from
ON.



After the driver's door is opened.

Odometer

The odometer records the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.

Trip meter

The trip meter can record the total distance
of two trips. One is recorded in trip meter
A, and the other is recorded in trip meter
B.

For instance, trip meter A can record the
distance from the point of origin, and trip
meter B can record the distance from
where the fuel tank is filled.

When trip meter A is selected, pressing the
selector again within one second will
change to trip meter B mode.

When trip meter A is selected, TRIP A
will be displayed. When trip meter B is
selected, TRIP B will be displayed.

The trip meter records the total distance
the vehicle is driven until the meter is
again reset. Return it to “0.0” by
depressing and holding the selector for one
second or more. Use this meter to measure
trip distances and to compute fuel
consumption.

When Driving

Instrument Cluster and Display

4-12

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

NOTE



(Vehicles with type B audio)
If the fuel economy data is reset using
the fuel economy monitor, or trip A is
reset using the trip meter when the
function which synchronizes the fuel
economy monitor and the trip meter is
on, the fuel economy data and trip A are
reset simultaneously.
Refer to Fuel Economy Monitor on page
4-68.



Only the trip meters record tenths of
kilometers (miles).



The trip record will be erased when:



The power supply is interrupted
(blown fuse or the battery is
disconnected).



The vehicle is driven over 9999.9 km
(mile).

▼ Tachometer

The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute (rpm).

CAUTION

Do not run the engine with the tachometer
needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine damage.

Striped zone

Red zone

NOTE
When the tachometer needle enters the
STRIPED ZONE, this indicates to the
driver that the gears should be shifted
before entering the RED ZONE.

▼ Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge

(Without Multi-information
Display)

Indicates engine coolant temperature.

CAUTION

If the high engine coolant temperature
warning light (red) turns on, there is a
possibility of overheating. Park the vehicle
in a safe place immediately and take
appropriate measures. If the vehicle
continues to be driven, it could cause
damage to the engine.
Refer to Overheating on page 7-27.

NOTE



The temperature unit (Centigrade/
Fahrenheit) of the engine coolant gauge
display changes in conjunction with the
temperature unit of the outside
temperature display.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.



During normal driving, the engine
coolant temperature stabilizes at 100 °C
(210 °F) or less, and the gauge indicates
a range lower than 100 °C (210 °F).

When Driving

Instrument Cluster and Display

4-13

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27



If the engine load increases and the
engine coolant temperature exceeds
100 °C (210 °F), the gauge indicates the
engine coolant temperature.

▼ Fuel Gauge (Without

Multi-information Display)

The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is remaining in the tank when
the ignition is switched ON. We
recommend keeping the tank over 1/4 full.

Full

1/4 Full

Empty

If the low fuel warning light illuminates or
the fuel level is very low, refuel as soon as
possible.
Refer to Taking Action on page 7-41.

NOTE



After refueling, it may require some time
for the indicator to stabilize. In addition,
the indicator may deviate while driving
on a slope or curve since the fuel moves
in the tank.



The display indicating a quarter or less
remaining fuel has more segments to
show the remaining fuel level in greater
detail.



The direction of the arrow ( ) indicates
that the fuel-filler lid is on the left side
of the vehicle.

▼ Dashboard Illumination

(Without auto-light control)
When the position lights are turned on
with the ignition switched ON, the
brightness of the dashboard illumination is
dimmed.
(With auto-light control)
When the position lights are turned on
with the ignition switched ON, the
brightness of the dashboard illumination is
dimmed. However, when the light sensor
detects that the surrounding area is bright
such as when the position lights are turned
on in the daytime, the dashboard
illumination does not dim.

NOTE



(With auto-light control)
When the ignition is switched ON in the
early evening or at dusk, the dashboard
illumination is dimmed for several
seconds until the light sensor detects the
brightness of the surrounding area,
however, the dimmer may cancel after
the brightness is detected.



When the position lights are turned on,
the position lights indicator light in the
instrument cluster turns on.
Refer to Headlights on page 4-44.

The brightness of the instrument cluster
and dashboard illuminations can be
adjusted by rotating the knob.

When Driving

Instrument Cluster and Display

4-14

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27



The brightness decreases by rotating the
knob to the left. A beep sound will be
heard when the knob has been rotated to
the maximum dim position.



The brightness increases by rotating the
knob to the right.

Dim

Bright

Function for cancelling illumination
dimmer

The illumination dimmer can be canceled
by rotating the dashboard illumination
knob to the right until a beep sound is
heard while the instrument cluster is
dimmed with the ignition switched ON. If
the instrument cluster's visibility is
reduced due to glare from surrounding
brightness, cancel the illumination
dimmer.

NOTE



When the illumination dimmer is
canceled, the instrument cluster cannot
be dimmed even if the position lights are
turned on.



When the illumination dimmer is
canceled, the screen in the center
display switches to constant display of
the daytime screen.

▼ Outside Temperature Display

(Without Multi-information
Display)

When the ignition is switched ON, the
outside temperature is displayed.

NOTE



Under the following conditions, the
outside temperature display may differ
from the actual outside temperature
depending on the surroundings and
vehicle conditions:



Significantly cold or hot temperatures.



Sudden changes in outside
temperature.



The vehicle is parked.



The vehicle is driven at low speeds.

Changing the Temperature Unit of the
Outside Temperature Display

The outside temperature unit can be
switched between Celsius and Fahrenheit
using the following procedure.
(Vehicles with Type B audio)
Settings can be changed by operating the
center display screen.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-9.
(Vehicles without Type B audio)
1. Press the INFO switch with the

ignition switched off and continue
pressing the INFO switch for 5
seconds or longer while switching the
ignition ON. The outside temperature
display flashes.

2. Press the INFO switch to change the

outside temperature unit.

When Driving

Instrument Cluster and Display

4-15

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

3. Press and hold the INFO switch for 3

seconds or longer while the outside
temperature display is flashing. The
outside temperature display
illuminates.

NOTE
When the temperature unit indicated in the
outside temperature display is changed,
the temperature unit indicated in the
engine coolant gauge display changes in
conjunction with it.

▼ Cruise Control Set Vehicle Speed

Display (Without Multi-information
Display)

The vehicle speed preset using the cruise
control is displayed.

▼ Trip Computer and INFO Switch

(Without Multi-information
Display)

The following information can be selected
by pressing the INFO switch with the
ignition switched ON.



Approximate distance you can travel on
the available fuel



Average fuel economy



Current fuel economy



Average vehicle speed

If you have any problems with your trip
computer, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.

Distance-to-empty mode

This mode displays the approximate
distance you can travel on the remaining
fuel based on the fuel economy.

The distance-to-empty will be calculated
and displayed every second.

NOTE



Even though the distance-to-empty
display may indicate a sufficient amount
of remaining driving distance before
refueling is required, refuel as soon as
possible if the fuel level is very low or
the low fuel warning light illuminates.



The display may not change unless you
add more than approximately 9 L (2.3
US gal, 1.9 Imp gal) of fuel.



The distance-to-empty is the
approximate remaining distance the
vehicle can be driven until all the
graduation marks in the fuel gauge
(indicating the remaining fuel supply)
disappear.



If there is no past fuel economy
information such as after first
purchasing your vehicle or the
information is deleted when the battery
cables are disconnected, the actual
distance-to empty/range may differ from
the amount indicated.

When Driving

Instrument Cluster and Display

4-16

*Some models.

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

Average fuel economy mode

This mode displays the average fuel
economy by calculating the total fuel
consumption and the total traveled
distance since purchasing the vehicle,
re-connecting the battery after
disconnection, or resetting the data. The
average fuel economy is calculated and
displayed every minute.

To clear the data being displayed, press the
INFO switch for more than 1.5 seconds.
After pressing the INFO switch, - - -
L/100 km (- - - mpg) will be displayed for
about 1 minute before the fuel economy is
recalculated and displayed.

Current fuel economy mode

This mode displays the current fuel
economy by calculating the amount of fuel
consumption and the distance traveled.

Current fuel economy will be calculated
and displayed every 2 seconds.

When you've slowed to about 5 km/h (3
mph), - - - L/100 km (- - - mpg) will be
displayed.

Average vehicle speed mode

This mode displays the average vehicle
speed by calculating the distance and the
time traveled since connecting the battery
or resetting the data.
Average vehicle speed will be calculated
and displayed every 10 seconds.

To clear the data being displayed, press the
INFO switch for more than 1.5 seconds.
After pressing the INFO switch, - - - km/h
(- - - mph) will be displayed for about 1
minute before the vehicle speed is
recalculated and displayed.

When Driving

Instrument Cluster and Display

4-17

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

Multi-information Display and INFO Switch

INFO switch

Multi-information Display

The multi-information display indicates the following information.



Odometer



Trip meter



Engine coolant temperature gauge



Fuel gauge



Outside temperature



Distance-to-empty



Average fuel economy



Current fuel economy



Maintenance Monitor



Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) Display



Cruise Control Display



Compass Display



Roof Operation Display



Warning message

When Driving

Instrument Cluster and Display

4-18

*Some models.

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

The screen content changes each time the INFO switch is pressed.

Press the INFO switch

Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge,
Maintenance Monitor,
Outside Temperature,
Odometer, Fuel Gauge

Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge,
Compass,
Distance-to-empty,
Outside Temperature,
Odometer, Fuel Gauge

Warning message,
Outside
Temperature,
Odometer, Fuel
Gauge

Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge,
Trip Meter A, Average
Fuel Economy, Current
Fuel Economy, Outside
Temperature,
Odometer, Fuel Gauge

Engine Coolant
Temperature Gauge,
Trip Meter B, Average
Fuel Economy, Current
Fuel Economy, Outside
Temperature,
Odometer, Fuel Gauge

*1: Displayed only when a warning occurs.
*2: Displayed only while vehicle is being driven.

When Driving

Instrument Cluster and Display

4-19

MX-5_8GF7-EA-17J_Edition2

2017-10-31 14:07:27

Mazda MX-5 (2018 year). Manual - part 8