Mazda MX-5 (2018 year). Manual

A passenger is seated as shown in the following figure:

Luggage or other items placed under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat and

driver seat that push up the passenger seat bottom.

An object, such as a seat cushion, is put on the passenger's seat or between the passenger's

back and the seatback.

A seat cover is put on the passenger's seat.
Luggage or other items are placed on the seat with the child in the child-restraint system.
The seat is washed.
Liquids are spilled on the seat.
The passenger seat is moved backward, pushing into luggage or other items placed behind

it.

Luggage or other items are placed between the passenger seat and driver seat.
An electric device is put on the passenger's seat.
An additional electrical device, such as a seat warmer is installed to the surface of the

passenger seat.

The passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems will deactivate if the
passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns on.

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

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CAUTION

To assure proper deployment of the front air bag and to prevent damage to the sensor in

the seat cushion:

Do not place sharp objects on the seat cushion or leave heavy luggage on them.
Do not spill any liquids on the seats or under the seats.

To allow the sensors to function properly, always perform the following:

Adjust the seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the seatbacks with

seat belts worn properly.

If you place your child on the passenger seat, secure the child-restraint system properly

and slide the passenger seat as far back as possible.

NOTE



The system requires about 10 seconds to alternate between turning the passenger front
and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system on or off.



The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may turn on repeatedly if luggage or
other items are put on the passenger seat, or if the temperature of the vehicle's interior
changes suddenly.



The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may turn on for 10 seconds if the
electrostatic capacity on the passenger seat changes.



The air bag/seat belt pretensioner system warning light might turn on if the passenger
seat receives a severe impact.



If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not turn on after installing a
child-restraint system on the passenger seat, first, re-install your child-restraint system
according to the procedure in this owner's manual. Then, if the passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light still does not turn on, and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.



If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns on when an occupant is seated
directly in the passenger seat, have the passenger re-adjust their posture by sitting with
their feet on the floor, and then re-fastening the seat belt. If the passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light remains turned on, slide the passenger seat as far back as
possible. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.

SRS Air Bags

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Constant Monitoring

The following components of the air bag systems are monitored by a diagnostic system:



Front air bag sensors



Crash sensors, and diagnostic module (SAS unit)



Side crash sensors



Air bag modules



Seat belt pretensioners



Air bag/Seat belt pretensioner system warning light



Related wiring

(With Passenger Occupant Classification System)



Passenger occupant classification sensor



Passenger occupant classification module



Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light

The diagnostic module continuously monitors the system's readiness. This begins when the
ignition is switched ON and continues while the vehicle is being driven.

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

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Before Driving

Use of various features, including keys, doors, mirrors and windows.

Keys.................................................... 3-2

Keys..............................................3-2
Keyless Entry System...................3-3

Advanced Keyless Entry
System.................................................3-9

Advanced Keyless Entry System

.....

...................................................... 3-9
Operational Range...................... 3-10

Doors and Locks.............................. 3-11

Door Locks................................. 3-11
Trunk Lid....................................3-19
Inside Trunk Release Lever

...... 3-21

Fuel and Emission........................... 3-23

Fuel and Engine Exhaust
Precautions................................. 3-23
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap.............. 3-26

Steering Wheel.................................3-28

Steering Wheel........................... 3-28

Mirrors............................................. 3-29

Mirrors........................................3-29

Windows........................................... 3-32

Power Windows..........................3-32

Convertible Top (Soft Top)............. 3-35

Convertible Top (Soft Top).........3-35

Convertible Top (Hardtop).............3-40

Convertible Top (Hardtop)......... 3-40

Security System............................... 3-46

Modification and Add-On
Equipment...................................3-46
Immobilizer System....................3-46
Theft-Deterrent System

.............3-48

Driving Tips..................................... 3-50

Break-In Period.......................... 3-50
Saving Fuel and Protection of the
Environment............................... 3-50
Hazardous Driving......................3-51
Floor Mat.................................... 3-51
Rocking the Vehicle....................3-52
Winter Driving............................3-52
Driving In Flooded Area............ 3-54
Overloading................................ 3-55
Driving on Uneven Road............3-56

Towing.............................................. 3-57

Trailer Towing............................ 3-57
Recreational Towing...................3-57

*Some models.

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Keys

WARNING

Do not leave the key in your vehicle with
children and keep them in a place where
your children will not find or play with
them:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the key is
dangerous. This could result in someone
being badly injured or even killed. Children
may find these keys to be an interesting toy
to play with and could cause the power
windows or other controls to operate, or
even make the vehicle move.

CAUTION

Because the key (transmitter) uses

low-intensity radio waves, it may not
function correctly under the following
conditions:

The key is carried with communication

devices such as cellular phones.

The key contacts or is covered by a

metal object.

The key is near electronic devices such

as personal computers.

Non-Mazda genuine electronic

equipment is installed in the vehicle.

There is equipment which discharges

radio waves near the vehicle.

The key (transmitter) may consume

battery power excessively if it receives
high-intensity radio waves. Do not place
the key near electronic devices such as
televisions or personal computers.

To avoid damage to the key

(transmitter), DO NOT:

Drop the key.
Get the key wet.
Disassemble the key.
Expose the key to high temperatures

on places such as the dashboard or
hood, under direct sunlight.

Expose the key to any kind of magnetic

field.

Place heavy objects on the key.
Put the key in an ultrasonic cleaner.
Put any magnetized objects close to

the key.

A code number is stamped on the plate
attached to the key set; detach this plate
and store it in a safe place (not in the
vehicle) for use if you need to make a
replacement key (auxiliary key).
Also write down the code number and
keep it in a separate safe and convenient
place, but not in the vehicle.

If your key (auxiliary key) is lost, consult
your Authorized Mazda Dealer and have
your code number ready.

NOTE
The driver must carry the key to ensure the
system functions properly.

Auxiliary key

Transmitter

Key code number plate

Before Driving

Keys

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To use the auxiliary key, pull out the
auxiliary key from the transmitter while
pressing the knob.

Knob

Keyless Entry System

This system uses the key buttons to
remotely lock and unlock the doors and
the fuel-filler lid, and opens the trunk lid.
The system can start the engine without
having to take the key out of your purse or
pocket.
It can also help you signal for attention or
help.
Operating the theft-deterrent system is
also possible on theft-deterrent
system-equipped vehicles.

System malfunctions or warnings are
indicated by the following warning lights
or beeps.
For vehicles with the type A instrument
cluster, check the displayed message for
more information and, if necessary, have
the vehicle inspected at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer, according to the indication.



KEY Warning Light (Red)
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-26.



Ignition Not Switched Off (STOP)
Warning Beep
Refer to Ignition Not Switched Off
(STOP) Warning Beep on page 7-50.



Key Removed from Vehicle Warning
Beep
Refer to Key Removed from Vehicle
Warning Beep on page 7-50.

If you have a problem with the key,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

If your key is lost or stolen, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible for a replacement and to make the
lost or stolen key inoperative.

Before Driving

Keys

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CAUTION

Radio equipment like this is governed by
laws in the United States.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority
to operate the equipment.

NOTE



The keyless entry system operation may
vary due to local conditions.



The keyless entry system is fully
operational (door/fuel-filler lid lock/
unlock) when the ignition is switched
off. The system does not operate if the
ignition is switched to any position other
than off.



If the key does not operate when
pressing a button or the operational
range becomes too small, the battery
may be weak. To install a new battery,
refer to Key Battery Replacement (page
6-33).



Battery life is about one year. Replace
the battery with a new one if the KEY
indicator light (green) flashes in the
instrument cluster (for vehicles with a
type A instrument cluster (page 4-26),
messages are displayed in the
instrument cluster). Replacing the
battery about once a year is
recommended because the KEY warning
light/indicator light may not illuminate
or flash depending on the rate of battery
depletion.



Additional keys can be obtained at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to 6 keys
can be used with the keyless functions
per vehicle. Bring all keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer when
additional keys are required.

▼ Transmitter

Operation buttons

Operation indicator light

NOTE



The headlights turn on/off by operating
the transmitter. Refer to Leaving Home
Light on page 4-48.

Before Driving

Keys

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

(With theft-deterrent system)
The hazard warning lights flash when
the theft-deterrent system is armed or
turned off.
Refer to Theft-Deterrent System on page
3-48.



(With the advanced keyless function)
A beep sound can be heard for
confirmation when the doors and the
fuel-filler lid are locked/unlocked using
the key. If you prefer, the beep sound can
be turned off.
The volume of the beep sound can also
be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.

Use the following procedure to change the
setting.
1. Switch the ignition off and close both

of the doors and the trunk lid.

2. Open the driver's door.
3. Within 30 seconds of opening the

driver's door, press and hold the LOCK
button on the key for 5 seconds or
longer (Both of the doors and the
fuel-filler lid are locked and unlocked
when the LOCK button on the key is
pressed and held for five seconds.).
The beep sound activates at the
currently set volume. The setting
changes each time the LOCK button on
the key is pressed and the beep sound
activates at the set volume. (If the beep
sound has been set to not activate, it
will not activate.)

4. The setting change is completed by

doing any one of the following:



Switching the ignition to ACC or
ON.



Closing the driver's door.



Opening the trunk lid.



Not operating the key for 10
seconds.



Pressing any button except the
LOCK button on the key.



Pressing a request switch.

The operation indicator light flashes when
the buttons are pressed.

Lock button

To lock the doors and the fuel-filler lid,
press the lock button and the hazard
warning lights will flash once.
(With the advanced keyless function)
A beep sound will be heard once.

To confirm that both doors and the
fuel-filler lid have been locked, press the
lock button again within 5 seconds. If they
are closed and locked, the horn will sound.

NOTE



The doors and the fuel-filler lid can be
locked by pressing the lock button while
any other door or the trunk lid is open.
The hazard warning lights will not flash.
When the lock button is pressed while
any door is open and then the door is
closed, both the doors and the fuel-filler
lid are locked.



Confirm that both doors and the
fuel-filler lid are locked visually or
audibly by use of the double click.



Make sure both doors and the fuel-filler
lid are locked after pressing the button.

Before Driving

Keys

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

(With theft-deterrent system)
When the doors are locked by pressing
the lock button on the key while the
theft-deterrent system is armed, the
hazard warning lights will flash once to
indicate that the system is armed.

Unlock button

To unlock the driver's door and the
fuel-filler lid, press the unlock button and
the hazard warning lights will flash twice.
(With the advanced keyless function)
A beep sound will be heard twice.

To unlock both doors and the fuel-filler
lid, press the unlock button again within 3
seconds and two more beep sounds will be
heard.

NOTE



The system can be set to unlock both
doors by performing a single operation.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.
Use the following procedure to change
the setting.
1. Switch the ignition off and close both

of the doors and the trunk lid.

2. Open the driver's door.
3. Within 30 seconds of opening the

driver's door, press and hold the
UNLOCK button on the key for 5
seconds or longer (the sound of the
doors locking/unlocking can be
heard).

After this, the system switches the
setting each time the UNLOCK
button is pressed (the sound of the
doors locking/unlocking can be
heard).

4. The setting change is completed by

doing any one of the following:



Switching the ignition to ACC or
ON.



Closing the driver's door.



Opening the trunk lid.



Not operating the key for 10
seconds.



Pressing any button except the
UNLOCK button on the key.



Pressing a request switch.



(Auto re-lock function)
After unlocking with the key, both doors
and the fuel-filler lid will automatically
lock if any of the following operations
are not performed within about 60
seconds. If your vehicle has a
theft-deterrent system, the hazard
warning lights will flash for
confirmation.
The time required for the doors to lock
automatically can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.



A door or the trunk lid is opened.



The ignition is switched to any
position other than off.



(With theft-deterrent system)
When the doors are unlocked by
pressing the unlock button on the key
while the theft-deterrent system is turned
off, the hazard warning lights will flash
twice to indicate that the system is
turned off.

Before Driving

Keys

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Trunk button

To open the trunk lid, press and hold the
trunk button until the trunk lid opens.

Panic button

If you witness from a distance someone
attempting to break into or damage your
vehicle, press and hold the panic button to
activate the vehicle's alarm. Call
emergency services if necessary.

NOTE
The panic button will work whether any
door or the trunk lid is open or closed.

(Turning on the alarm)

Pressing the panic button for 1 second or
more will trigger the alarm for about 2
minutes and 30 seconds, and the following
will occur:



The horn sounds intermittently.



The hazard warning lights flash.

(Turning off the alarm)

The alarm stops by pressing any button on
the key.

▼ Operational Range

The system operates only when the driver
is in the vehicle or within operational
range while the key is being carried.

Starting the Engine

NOTE



Starting the engine may be possible even
if the key is outside of the vehicle and
extremely close to a door and window,
however, always start the engine from
the driver's seat.
If the vehicle is started and the key is not
in the vehicle, the vehicle will not restart
after it is shut off and the ignition is
switched to off.



The trunk is out of the assured
operational range, however, if the key
(transmitter) is operable the engine will
start.

With the advanced keyless function

Interior antenna

Operational range

Without the advanced keyless function

Operational range

Interior antenna

Before Driving

Keys

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NOTE
The engine may not start if the key is
placed in the following areas:



Around the dashboard



In the storage compartments or the
center console

▼ Key Suspend Function

If a key is left in the vehicle, the functions
of the key left in the vehicle are
temporarily suspended to prevent theft of
the vehicle.
To restore the functions, press the unlock
button on the functions-suspended key in
the vehicle.

Before Driving

Keys

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Advanced Keyless Entry

System

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.

The advanced keyless function allows you
to lock/unlock the door , or open the trunk
lid while carrying the key.

System malfunctions or warnings are
indicated by the following warning lights
or beeps.



Request switch Inoperable Warning
Beep
Refer to Request Switch Inoperable
Warning Beep (With the advanced
keyless function) on page 7-51.



Key Left-in-trunk Compartment
Warning Beep
Refer to Key Left-in-trunk
Compartment Warning Beep (With the
advanced keyless function) on page 7-
51.



Key Left-in-vehicle Warning Beep
Refer to Key Left-in-vehicle Warning
Beep (With the advanced keyless
function) on page 7-51.

NOTE
The advanced keyless entry system
functions 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 advanced
keyless entry system has 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.

Before Driving

Advanced Keyless Entry System

*Some models.

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Operational Range

The system operates only when the driver
is in the vehicle or within operational
range while the key is being carried.

NOTE
When the battery power is low, or in
places where there are high-intensity radio
waves or noise, the operational range may
become narrower or the system may not
operate. For determining battery
replacement, Refer to Keyless Entry
System on page 3-3.

▼ Locking, Unlocking the Doors

80cm (31in)

Exterior antenna

Operational range

NOTE



The system may not operate if you are
too close to the windows or door
handles.



If the key is left in the following areas
and you leave the vehicle, the doors may
be locked depending on the radio wave
conditions even if the key is left in the
vehicle.



Around the dashboard



In the storage compartments such as
the console box



Next to a communication device such
as a mobile phone

▼ Opening the Trunk Lid

80cm (31in)

Exterior antenna

Operational range

Before Driving

Advanced Keyless Entry System

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Door Locks

WARNING

Always take all children and pets with you
or leave a responsible person with them:
Leaving a child or a pet unattended in a
parked vehicle is dangerous. In hot
weather, temperatures inside a vehicle can
become high enough to cause brain
damage or even death.

Keep both doors locked when driving:
Unlocked doors in a moving vehicle are
dangerous. Passengers can fall out if a
door is accidentally opened and can more
easily be thrown out in an accident.

Always close both the windows and
convertible top, lock the doors and take the
key with you when leaving your vehicle
unattended:
Leaving your vehicle unlocked is dangerous
as children could lock themselves in a hot
vehicle, which could result in death. Also, a
vehicle left unlocked becomes an easy
target for thieves and intruders.

After closing the doors, always verify that
they are securely closed:
Doors not securely closed are dangerous, if
the vehicle is driven with a door not
securely closed, the door could open
unexpectedly resulting in an accident.

Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before opening a door:
Suddenly opening a door is dangerous. A
passing vehicle or a pedestrian could be hit
and cause an accident.

CAUTION

Always confirm the conditions around

the vehicle before opening/closing the
doors and use caution during strong
winds or when parked on an incline. Not
being aware of the conditions around
the vehicle is dangerous because fingers
could get caught in the door or a passing
pedestrian could be hit, resulting in an
unexpected accident or injury.

If the power window does not go up or

down automatically because the battery
is dead, slowly open/close the power
window while pressing the glass inward.
Otherwise, the power window may
contact the convertible top/roof and the
door cannot be opened/closed resulting
in damage to the window.

NOTE



Always stop the engine and lock the
doors. In addition, to prevent theft of
valuables, do not leave them inside the
cabin.

Before Driving

Doors and Locks

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

If the key is left in the following areas
and you leave the vehicle, the doors may
be locked depending on the radio wave
conditions even if the key is left in the
vehicle.



Around the dashboard



In the storage compartments such as
the console box



Next to a communication device such
as a mobile phone



When the ignition is switched to ACC or
ON, the vehicle lock-out prevention
feature prevents you from locking
yourself out of the vehicle.
Both doors will automatically unlock if
they are locked using the power door
locks with any door open.
If both the doors are closed even though
the trunk lid is open, both the doors and
the fuel-filler lid will lock.
The vehicle lock-out prevention feature
does not operate while the ignition is
switched off.
When any door is opened from the
outside while the key is inside the
vehicle, the closed doors are locked.
Both the doors are automatically
unlocked by closing the open door.
(With the advanced keyless function)
The beep sound is heard for about 10
seconds to notify the driver that the key
has been left in the vehicle.
(Without the advanced keyless
function)
The horn sound is heard twice to notify
the driver that the key has been left in
the vehicle.



(Door unlock (control) system with
collision detection)
This system automatically unlocks the
doors in the event the vehicle is involved
in an accident to allow passengers to get
out of the vehicle immediately and
prevent being trapped inside. While the
ignition is switched ON and in the event
the vehicle receives an impact strong
enough to inflate the air bags, both the
doors are automatically unlocked after
about 6 seconds have elapsed from the
time of the accident.
The doors may not unlock depending on
how an impact is applied, the force of
the impact, and other conditions of the
accident.
If door-related systems or the battery is
malfunctioning, the doors will not
unlock.



When opening a door, the power
windows open a little automatically.
When closing the door, the power
windows close automatically. This is a
function for improving the sealability,
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 open or
close automatically. If the power
windows do not open or close, the
automatic open/close mechanism for the
windows must be reset.
Refer to Auto-opening on page 3-34.

Before Driving

Doors and Locks

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▼ Locking, Unlocking with Auxiliary

Key

Both doors and the fuel-filler lid lock
automatically when the driver's door is
locked using the auxiliary key.
Both doors and the fuel-filler lid unlock
when the driver's door is unlocked and the
auxiliary key is held in the unlock position
for one second or longer.
Turn the auxiliary key toward the front to
lock, toward the back to unlock.

Lock

Unlock

NOTE
Holding the auxiliary key in the unlocked
position in the driver's door lock for about
a second unlocks both doors. To unlock
the driver's door and the fuel-filler lid,
insert the auxiliary key into the driver's
door lock and turn the auxiliary key
briefly to the unlock position and then
immediately return it to the center
position.

▼ Locking, Unlocking with Request

Switch (With the advanced keyless
function)

Both doors and the fuel-filler lid can be
locked/unlocked by pressing the request
switch while the key is being carried.

Request switch

To lock

To lock the doors and the fuel-filler lid,
press the request switch and the hazard
warning lights will flash once.
A beep sound will be heard once.

To unlock

Driver's door request switch

To unlock the driver's door and the
fuel-filler lid, press the request switch. A
beep sound will be heard twice and the
hazard warning lights will flash twice.
To unlock both doors and the fuel-filler
lid, press the request switch again within 3
seconds and two more beep sounds will be
heard.

Front passenger door request switch

To unlock both doors and the fuel-filler
lid, press the request switch. A beep sound
will be heard twice and the hazard
warning lights will flash twice.

Before Driving

Doors and Locks

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Mazda MX-5 (2018 year). Manual - part 4