Get Driving Your Mazda -> Starting and Driving Guide for Mazda Mx-5 SUV Second Generation (1998-2004)

Ignition Switch

qIgnition Switch Positions

LOCK

The steering wheel locks to protect

against theft . Only in this position can the

key be removed.

Manual transmission

To turn the key from the ACC to the

LOCK position , push the key in at the

ACC position, then turn it to the LOCK

position.

Push the key

Automatic transmission

To turn the key from the ACC to the

LOCK position , the shift lever must be in

the P position.

Shift lever

engaged in

P (park)

WARNING

Removing the Key:

It's dangerous to remove the key from

the ignition switch while the vehicle is

moving. Removing the key allows the

steering wheel to lock. You will lose

steering control and a serious accident

could occur.

Remove the key only when the vehicle

is parked.

Not Setting the Parking Brake:

Leaving the driver's seat without

setting the parking brake is

dangerous. Unexpected vehicle

movement cou ld occur if the parking

brake is not set. This could cause an

accident. Before leaving the driver's

seat, always set the parking brake and

make sure the shift lever is in P with

an automatic transmission or in 1 or R

with a manual transmission.

5-2

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

NOTE

If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the

steering whee l from side to side.

ACC (Accessory)

The steering wheel unlocks and some

electrical accessories will operate.

This is the normal runni ng position after

the engine is started. The warning lights

(except brakes) should be inspected

before the engine is started (page 5-22).

NOTE

When the ignition switch is turned to

the ON position, the sound of the fuel

pump motor operating near the fuel

tank can be heard. This does not

indicate an abnormality.

START

The engine is started in this position. It

will crank until you release the key; then

it returns to the ON position. The brake

warning light can be checked after the

engine is started (page 5-22).

qIgnition Key Reminder

If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or

ACC position, a beep sound will be heard

when any door is opened.

Starting the Engine

NOTE

Engine-starting is controlled by the

spark ignition system.

This system meets all Canadian

Interference-Causing Equipment

Standard requirements regulating the

impulse electrical field strength of radio

noise.

1. Occupants shoul d fasten their seat

belts.

2. Make sure the parking brake is on.

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. (Manual transmission)

Depress the clutch pedal all the way

and shift into neutral.

Keep the pedal depressed while

cranking the engine.

(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 pushed down all the way.

(Automatic transmission)

The starter will not operate if the shift

lever is not in P or N.

5. Turn the ignition switch to the START

position and hold (up to 10 seconds at

a time) until the engine starts.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-3

CAUTION

Don't try the starter for more than 10

seconds at a time. If the engine stalls or

fails to start, wait 10 seconds before

trying again. Otherwise, you may

damage the starter and drain the battery.

6. After starting the engine, let it idle for

about 10 seconds.

NOTE

In extremely cold weather, below

18°C (0°F), or after the vehicle has

not been driven in severa l days, let

the engine warm up without

operating the accelerator.

Whether the engine is cold or warm,

it should be started without use of

the accelerator.

Brake System

qFoot Brake

Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes

that adjust automatically through normal

use.

Should power-assist fail, you can stop by

applying greater force than normal to the

brake pedal. But the distance required to

stop will be greater than usual.

WARNING

Coasting with the Engine Off:

Continuing to coast when the engine

is stalled or turned off is dangerous.

Braking will require more effort, and

the brake's power-assist could be

depleted if you pump the brake. This

will cause longer stopping distances or

even an accident. Don't continue

coasting when the engine is stalled or

turned off, find a safe place to stop.

Riding the Brakes:

Driving with your foot continuously

on the brake pedal or steadily applying

the brakes for long distances is

dangerous. This causes overheated

brakes, resulting in longer stopping

distances or even total brake failure.

This could cause loss of vehicle

control and a serious accident. Avoid

continuous application of the brakes.

Shift to a lower gear when going down

steep hills.

5-4

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

WARNING

Driving with Wet Brakes:

Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.

Increased stopping distance or the

vehicle pulling to one side when

braking could result in a serious

accident. Light braking will indicate

whether the brakes have been affected.

Dry the brakes by driving very slowly

and applying the brakes lightly until

brake performance is normal.

qParking Brake

CAUTION

Driving with the parkin g brake on will

cause excessive wear of the brake

linings or pads.

NOTE

For parking in snow, refer to Winter

Driving (page 4-10) regarding parking

brake use.

Setting the parking brake

Depress the brake pedal, then pull the

brake handle fully upward.

Releasing the parking brake

Depress the brake pedal, then pull the

handle up and press the button. Lower the

handle all the way down while holding in

the button.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-5

qBrake System Warning Light

This warning has the following functions:

Parking brake warning

The light comes on when the parking

brake is applied with the ignition switch

in the START or ON position. It goes off

when the parking brake is fully released.

Low brake fluid level warning/

Electronic brake force distribution

system warning

If the light stays on after the parking brake

is fully released, you may have a brake

problem.

Drive to the side of the road and park off

the right-of- way.

Low brake fluid level warning

You may notice that the pedal is harder to

push or that it may go closer to the floor.

In either case, it will take longer to stop

the vehicle.

1. With the engine stopped, check the

brake fluid level immediately and add

fluid as required (page 8-20).

2. After adding fluid, check the light

again.

If the warning light remains on, or if the

brakes do not operate properly, do not

drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an

Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Even if the light goes off, have your brake

system inspected as soon as possible.

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 turn the brake system

warning light on.

In this case, the ABS warning light comes

on at the same time (page 5-25).

WARNING

Brake Warning Light:

Driving with the brake system warning

light on is dangerous. It indicates that

your brakes may not work at all or

that they could completely fail at any

time. If this light remains on, after

checking that the parking brake is

fully released, have the brakes

inspected immediately. Don't drive

with this light on, and contact an

Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the

brakes inspected as soon as possible.

ABS Warning Light and Brake

Warning Light on at the Same Time:

Driving when the brake system

warning light and ABS warning light

are on at the same time is dangerous.

When both lights are on, the rear

wheels could lock more quickly in an

emergency stop than under normal

circumstances.

Don't drive with both lights on, and

contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer

to have the brakes inspected as soon

as possible.

5-6

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

qAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The ABS control unit continuously

monitors the speed of each wheel. If one

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 when the ABS operates. Don't

pump the brakes, continue to press down

on the brake pedal.

WARNING

ABS:

The ABS 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. So

don't rely on ABS as a substitute for

safe driving.

NOTE

Braking distances may be longer on

loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for

example) whi ch 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.

qABS Warning Light

The warning light stays on for a few

seconds when the ignition switch is turned

to the ON position.

If the ABS warning light stays on while

you're driving, the ABS control unit has

detected a system malfunction. If this

occurs, your brakes will function normally

as if the vehicle had no ABS.

Should this happen, consult an Authorized

Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.

WARNING

ABS Warning Light and Brake

Warning Light on at the Same Time:

Driving when the brake system

warning light and ABS warning light

are on at the same time is dangerous.

When both lights are on, the rear

wheels could lock more quickly in an

emergency stop than under normal

circumstances.

Don't drive with both lights on, and

contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer

to have the brakes inspected as soon

as possible.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-7

Some models.

NOTE

When the engine is jump-started to

charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs

and the ABS warning light comes on.

This is due to a weak battery, not a

malfunction.

Recharge the battery.

qBrake Pad Wear Indicator

When the disc brake pads become worn,

the built-in wear indicators contact the

disc plates. This causes a screeching noise

to warn that the pads should be replaced.

When you hear this noise, consult an

Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as

possible.

WARNING

Driving with Worn Disc Pads:

Driving with worn disc pads is

dangerous. The brakes could fail and

cause a serious accident. As soon as

you hear a screeching noise consult

an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Manual Transmission

Operation

qManual Transmission Shift

Pattern

5-speed transmission

6-speed transmission

Neutral position

The shift pattern of the transmission is

conventional, as shown.

Press the clutch pedal all the way down

while shiftin g; then release it slowly.

(5-speed transmission)

A safety feature prevents accidental

shifting from 5 to R (reverse). The shift

lever must be put in neutral before being

shifted to R.

(6-speed transmission)

Vehicles with 6-speed transmission are

equipped with a device to prevent shifting

to R (reverse) by mistake. Apply greater

than normal force when shifting to R.

5-8

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

WARNING

Sudden Engine-Braking:

Shifting down while driving on wet,

snowy, or frozen roads, or while

driving at high speeds causes sudden

engine braking, which is dangerous.

The sudden change in tire speed could

cause the tires to skid. This could lead

to loss of vehicle control and an

accident. Do not use sudden engine

braking on slippery road surfaces or at

high speeds.

CAUTION

Keep your foot off the clutch pedal

except when shifting gears. Also,

don't use the clutch to hold the

vehicle on an upgrade. Riding the

clutch will cause needless clutch

wear and damage.

Make sure the vehicle comes to a

complete stop before shifting to R.

Shifting to R while the vehicle is still

moving may damage the

transmission.

NOTE

If shifting to R is difficult, shift back

into neutral, release the clutch pedal,

and try again.

qRecommendations for Shifting

Upshifting

For normal acceleration, we recommend

these shift points.

Gear

5-speed

transmission

6-speed

transmission

1 to 2 24 km/h (15 mph) 23 km/h (14 mph)

2 to 3 42 km/h (26 mph) 37 km/h (23 mph)

3 to 4 55 km/h (34 mph) 50 km/h (31 mph)

4 to 5 66 km/h (41 mph) 56 km/h (35 mph)

5 to 6 ― 66 km/h (41 mph)

For cruising

Gear

5-speed

transmission

6-speed

transmission

1 to 2 15 km/h (9 mph) 18 km/h (11 mph)

2 to 3 29 km/h (18 mph) 32 km/h (20 mph)

3 to 4 47 km/h (29 mph) 44 km/h (27 mph)

4 to 5 61 km/h (38 mph) 56 km/h (35 mph)

5 to 6 ― 68 km/h (42 mph)

Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy

traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift

before the engine starts to overwork. This

reduces the chance of stalling and gives

better acceler ation when you need more

speed.

On a steep downgrade, downshifting

helps maintain safe speed and prolongs

brake life.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-9

Automatic Transmission Controls

Indicates the shift lever can be shifted freely into any position.

Indicates that you must hold in the lock-release button to shift.

Indicates that you must depress the brake pedal and hold in the lock-

release button to shift (The ignition switch must be in the ON position).

Various Lockouts:

qTransmission Ranges

The shift lever must be in P or N to

operate the starter.

P (Park)

P locks the transmission and prevents the

rear wheels from rotating.

WARNING

Holding the Vehicle with P:

Only setting the shift lever to the P

position without using the parking

brake to hold the vehicle is dangerous.

If P fails to hold, the vehicle could

move and cause an accident. To hold

the vehicle, set the shift lever to P AND

set the parking brake.

CAUTION

Shifting into P, N or R while the

vehicle is moving can damage your

transmission.

Shifting into a driving gear or

reverse when the engine is running

faster than idle can damage the

transmission.

R (Reverse)

In position R, the vehicle moves only

backward. You must be at a complete stop

before shifting to or from R, except under

rare circumstances as explained in

Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-9).

5-10

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

N (Neutral)

In N, the wheels and transmission are not

locked. The vehicle will roll freely even

on the slightest incline unless the parking

brake or brakes are on.

WARNING

Shifting from N or P:

It's dangerous to shift from N or P

into a driving gear when the engine is

running faster than idle. If this is

done, the vehicle could move suddenly,

causing an accident or serious injury.

If the engine is running faster than

idle, don't shift from N or P into a

driving gear.

Shifting into N while Driving:

Shifting into N while driving is

dangerous. Engine braking cannot be

applied when decelerating whi ch

could lead to an accident or serious

injury. Do not shift into N when

driving the vehicle.

CAUTION

Do not shift into N when driving the

vehicle. Doing so can cause

transmission damage.

D (Drive)

D is the normal driving position. From a

stop, the transmission will automatically

shift through a 4-gear sequence.

2 (Second)

The 2 position is helpful when driving in

heavy, slow-m oving traffic and climbing

hills, for engine braking assist when g oing

down hills, or for starting on slick

surfaces and other situations where gentle

acceleration may be necessary.

Do not exceed 104 km/h (64 mph) in the

2 position.

1 (Low)

Use the 1 position for maximum power in

hard-pulling situations, or for climbing

and descending very steep grades.

Do not exceed 59 km/h (36 mph) in the 1

position.

WARNING

Sudden Engine-Braking:

Shifting down while driving on wet,

snowy, or frozen roads, or while

driving at high speeds causes sudden

engine braking, which is dangerous.

The sudden change in tire speed could

cause the tires to skid. This could lead

to loss of vehicle control and an

accident. Do not use sudden engine

braking on slippery road surfaces or at

high speeds.

qShift-Lock System

The shift-lock system prevents shifting

out of P unless the brake pedal is

depressed.

To shift from P:

1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.

2. Start the engine.

3. Push and hold the lock-release button.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-11

4. Move the shift lever.

NOTE

When the ignition switch is in the

ACC or LOCK position, the shift

lever cannot be shifted from P.

If the brake is pumped with the shift

lever in P, a chattering near the shift

lever may be heard. This does not

indicate an abnormality.

To be sure the vehicle is in park, the

ignition key cannot be removed

unless the shift lever is in P.

qShift-Lock Override

If the shift lever won't move from P using

the proper shift procedure, continue to

hold down the pedal.

1. Remove the shift-lock override cover

with a screwdriver.

2. Insert a screwdriver and push it down.

3. Push and hold the lock-release button.

4. Move the shift lever.

5. Take the vehicle to an Authorized

Mazda Dealer to have the system

checked.

qOverdrive

Overdrive operation

In D, the transmission automatically shifts

to overdrive, which improves fuel

economy and reduces noise.

To allow engine braking when going

down a steep grade, make sure the

overdrive button is in the off position.

Shift lever

Overdrive button

And for a smoother ride with less shifting,

don't use it when:

Going up a steep grade.

Driving in stop-and-go traffic.

Pulling heavy loads.

To turn off the overdrive, push the

button.

The transmission will then shift through a

3-gear sequence in D.

Shift patterns without overdrive:

D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd

2 = 2nd

1 = 1st

To turn it on, push the button again.

Shift patterns with overdrive:

D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th

2 = 2nd

1 = 1st

5-12

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

O/D OFF indicator light

This light comes on when the overdrive

has been turned off.

CAUTION

If the overdrive-off indicator light

flashes, 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.

qDriving Tips

Passing

For extra power when passing another

vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress

the accelerator fully. The transmission will

shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle

speed.

Climbing steep grades from a stop

To climb a steep grade from a stopped

position:

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Shift to D or 1, depending on the load

weight and grade steepness.

3. Release all brakes while gradually

accelerating.

Descending steep grades

When descending a steep grade, shift to 2

or 1, depending on load weight and grade

steepness. Descend slowly, using the

brakes only occasionally to prevent them

from overheating.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-13

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 rigid during normal

driving, consult an Authorized Mazda

Dealer.

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.

Cruise Control

With cruise control, you can set and

automatically maintain any speed of more

than about 40 km/h (25 mph).

WARNING

Cruise Control Use:

Using cruise control in the following

conditions cou ld cause you to lose

control of the vehicle:

Hilly terrain

Steep inclines

Heavy or unsteady traffic

Slippery or winding roads

Similar restrictions that require

inconsistent speed

Don't use cruise control in these

situations.

qCruise Set Indicator Light

This light comes on when a cruising speed

is set.

5-14

Driving Your Mazda

Some models.

Starting and Driving

qActivation/Deactivation

To activate the system, press the CRUISE

MAIN switch.

To deactivate the system, press the switch

again.

Indicator light

WARNING

Cruise Main Switch:

Leaving the CRUISE MAIN switch on

when not using the cruise control is

dangerous as it may be switched on

accidentally. This could result in loss

of vehicle control. Keep the CRUISE

MAIN switch off when cruise control

is not in use.

qTo Set Speed

1. Activate the cruise control system.

2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which

must be more than 40 km/h (25 mph).

3. Turn the control knob to SET/COAST

and release it at the speed you want.

Release the accelerator at the same

time.

Control knob

Don't continue to hold the knob. Until you

release it, speed will continue to drop

(unless you continue to accelerate) and

you'll miss the desired speed.

NOTE

The SET function can't be activated

until about 2 seconds after the

CRUISE MAIN switch has been

engaged.

On a steep grade, the vehicle may

momentarily slow down going up or

speed up while going down.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-15

qTo Increase Cruising Speed

Follow either of these procedures.

Turn the control knob to RESUME/

ACCEL and hold it. Your vehicle will

accelerate.

Release the knob at the speed you

want.

Control knob

Accelerate to the desired speed.

Turn the control knob to SET/COAST

and release it immediately.

Control knob

NOTE

Accelerate if you want to speed up

temporarily when the cruise control is

on. Greater speed will not interfere with

it or change the set speed.

Take your foot off the accelerator to

return to the set speed.

qTo Decrease Cruising Speed

Turn the control knob to SET/COAST and

hold it. The vehicle will gradually slow.

Release the knob at the speed you want.

Control knob

qTo Resume Cruising Speed at

More Than 40 km/h (25 mph)

If some other method besides the

CRUISE MAIN switch was used to

cancel cruising speed and the system is

still activated, the most recent set speed

will automatically resume when the

control knob is turned to RESUME/

ACCEL.

If vehicle speed is below 40 km/h (25

mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 40

km/h (25 mph) and turn the control knob

to RESUME/A CCEL.

Control knob

5-16

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

qTo Cancel

To turn off the system, use one of these

methods:

Press the CRUISE MAIN switch.

Slightly depres s the brake pedal.

Depress the clutch pedal. (Manual

transmission only)

The system is off when the ignition is off.

NOTE

Cruise control will cancel at about 15

km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed or

below 40 km/h (25 mph).

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-17

Driving Your Mazda -> Starting and Driving for Your Mazda Mx-5 SUV Second Generation (1998-2004)

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