2016-2026 Mazda Mx-5 SUV If Trouble Arises -> If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes User Manual
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If Trouble Arises -> If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes for Your Mazda Mx-5 SUV Fourth Generation (2016-2026)

If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes  
If any warning light turns on/flashes, take appropriate action for each light. There is no  
problem if the light turns off, however if the light does not turn off or turns on/flashes again,  
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
The details for some warnings can be viewed on the center display.  
1. If the warning light is turned on, select the  
application screen.  
icon on the home screen to display the  
2. Select “Vehicle Status Monitor”.  
3. Select “Warning Guidance” to display the current warnings.  
4. Select the applicable warning to view the warning details.  
Stop Vehicle in Safe Place Immediately  
▼
If any of the following warning lights turns on, the system may have a malfunction. Stop the  
vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
Signal  
Warning  
This warning has the following functions:  
Parking brake warning/Warning light inspection  
The light illuminates when the parking brake is applied with the ignition switched to  
START or ON. It turns off when the parking brake is fully released.  
Low brake fluid level warning  
If the brake warning light remains illuminated even though the parking brake is re‐  
leased, the brake fluid may be low or there could be a problem with the brake system.  
Park the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
WARNING  
Do not drive with the brake system warning light illuminated. Contact an Authorized  
Mazda Dealer to have the brakes inspected as soon as possible:  
Brake System Warning  
Light  
Driving with the brake system warning light illuminated 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 illuminated, after checking that the parking brake is fully released, have  
the brakes inspected immediately.  
CAUTION  
In addition, the eꢀectiveness of the braking may diminish so you may need to depress  
the brake pedal more strongly than normal to stop the vehicle.  
7-33  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
Signal  
Warning  
If the electronic brake force distribution control unit determines that some compo‐  
nents 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  
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 emer‐  
gency stop than under normal circumstances.  
If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfunction of the alter‐  
nator or of the charging system.  
Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized  
Mazda Dealer.  
Charging System Warn‐  
ing Indication/Warning  
Light  
CAUTION  
Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated be‐  
cause the engine could stop unexpectedly.  
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 (page 6-24). If it's low, add the appropriate amount of  
engine oil while being careful not to overfill.  
Engine Oil Warning  
Light  
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.  
7-34  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
Signal  
Warning  
The light flashes when the engine coolant temperature is extremely high, and illumi‐  
nates when the engine coolant temperature increases further.  
Handling Procedure  
Flashing light  
Drive slowly to reduce engine load until you can find a safe place to stop the vehicle  
and wait for the engine to cool down.  
Illuminated light  
(Red)  
This indicates the possibility of overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe place immedi‐  
ately and stop the engine.  
Refer to Overheating on page 7-27.  
High Engine Coolant  
Temperature Warning  
Indication/Warning  
Light  
CAUTION  
Do not drive the vehicle with the high engine coolant temperature warning light illumi‐  
nated. Otherwise, it could result in damage to the engine.  
The message is displayed if the electric power steering has a malfunction.  
If the message is displayed, stop the vehicle in a safe place and do not operate the  
steering wheel. There is no problem if the message in the display turns off after a  
while. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer if the message is displayed continuously.  
NOTE  
If the message is displayed, the power steering will not operate normally. In this  
Power Steering Mal‐  
function Indication  
case, the steering wheel can still be operated, however, the operation may feel  
heavy compared to normal, or the steering wheel could vibrate when turning.  
*
Repeatedly jerking the steering wheel left and right while the vehicle is stopped or  
moving extremely slowly will cause the power steering system to go into protective  
mode which will make the steering feel heavy, but this does not indicate a problem.  
If this occurs, park the vehicle safely and wait several minutes for the system to  
return to normal.  
The light illuminates/flashes if the electric power steering has a malfunction.  
If the light illuminates/flashes, stop the vehicle in a safe place and do not operate the  
steering wheel. There is no problem if the light turns off after a while. Contact an Au‐  
thorized Mazda Dealer if the light illuminates/flashes continuously.  
NOTE  
If the indicator light illuminates/flashes, the power steering will not operate nor‐  
Power Steering Mal‐  
function Indicator  
mally. If this happens, the steering wheel can still be operated, however, the opera‐  
tion may feel heavy compared to normal, or the steering wheel could vibrate when  
turning.  
*
Light  
Repeatedly jerking the steering wheel left and right while the vehicle is stopped or  
moving extremely slowly will cause the power steering system to go into protective  
mode which will make the steering feel heavy, but this does not indicate a problem.  
If this occurs, park the vehicle safely and wait several minutes for the system to  
return to normal.  
*Some models.  
7-35  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
Contact Authorized Mazda Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected  
▼
If any of the following warning lights or the indicator light turns on/flashes, the system may  
have a malfunction. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have your vehicle inspected.  
Signal  
Warning  
Type A instrument cluster  
(Master warning indication)  
Displays when notification of the system malfunctions is required.  
Check the message indicated in the display and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
(Master warning light)  
The master warning light displays when a warning message occurs.  
This indicates a malfunction with the vehicle system. Check the message indicated in the  
display and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
For details, refer to the explanations for the warning/indicator lights, in the warning/indi‐  
cator lights section, which match the symbol in the upper part of the display.  
If a message is not indicated in the display, operate the INFO switch to display the “Warn‐  
ing” screen.  
Master Warning In‐  
dication/Warning  
*
Light  
Refer to Message Indicated in Multi-information Display and INFO switch on page 4-19.  
Type B instrument cluster  
The light illuminates continuously if any one of the following occurs. Consult an Author‐  
ized Mazda Dealer.  
There is a malfunction in the battery management system.  
There is a malfunction in the brake switch.  
The light turns on if the electric vacuum pump system has a problem. Have your vehicle  
inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
Electric Vacuum  
Pump Warning  
Light  
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.  
NOTE  
ABS Warning Light  
When the engine is jump-started to charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS  
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it is the result of the weak battery and does  
not indicate an ABS malfunction.  
Recharge the battery.  
The brake assist system does not operate while the ABS warning light is illuminated.  
*Some models.  
7-36  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
Signal  
Warning  
If this light illuminates while driving, the vehicle may have a problem. It is important to  
note the driving conditions when the light illuminated and consult an Authorized Mazda  
Dealer.  
The check engine light may illuminate in the following cases:  
The engine's electrical system has a problem.  
The emission control system has a problem.  
Check Engine Light  
The fuel tank level being very low or approaching empty.  
The fuel-filler cap is missing or not tightened securely.  
If the check engine light remains on, or it flashes continuously , do not drive at high  
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.  
The indication/light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.  
CAUTION  
Automatic Trans‐  
mission Indication/  
Warning Light  
If the automatic transmission warning indication/light illuminates, 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.  
*
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.  
(Turns on)  
TCS/DSC Indicator  
Light  
A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly illu‐  
minates or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these oc‐  
cur, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not operate  
in an accident.  
WARNING  
Air Bag/Seat Belt  
Pretensioner System  
Warning Light  
Never tamper with the air bag/pretensioner systems and always have an Authorized Mazda  
Dealer perform all servicing and repairs:  
Self-servicing or tampering with the systems is dangerous. An air bag/pretensioner could  
accidentally activate or become disabled causing serious injury or death.  
*Some models.  
7-37  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
Signal  
Warning  
If the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tire pressure warning light  
flashes. Have your vehicle checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.  
WARNING  
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or ꢀashes, or the tire pres‐  
sure warning beep sound is heard, decrease vehiclespeed immediately and avoid sudden  
maneuvering and braking:  
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or ꢁashes, or the tire pres‐  
sure warning beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at high speeds, or  
perform sudden maneuvering or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen and result in an  
accident.  
(Flashing)  
Tire Pressure Moni‐  
toring System  
To determine if you have a slow leak or a ꢁat, pull over to a safe position where you can  
check the visual condition of the tire and determine if you have enough air to proceed to a  
place where air may be added and the system monitored again by an Authorized Mazda  
Dealer or a tire repair station.  
Warning Light  
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:  
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous, even if you know why it is illuminated. Have  
the problem taken care of as soon as possible before it develops into a more serious situa‐  
tion that could lead to tire failure and a dangerous accident.  
“Keyless System malfunction” is displayed  
This message is displayed if the advanced keyless entry & push button start system has a  
problem.  
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
CAUTION  
If the message is indicated, or the push button start indicator light (amber) ꢁashes, the en‐  
gine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it using the emergency oper‐  
ation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Deal‐  
er as soon as possible.  
(Amber)  
Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4-10.  
KEY Warning Indi‐  
“Ignition is on” is displayed  
This message is displayed when the driver's door is opened without switching the ignition  
*
cation  
off.  
“Key not detected” is displayed  
This message is displayed when any of the following operations is performed with the key  
out of the operational range or placed in areas inside the cabin where it is difficult for the  
key to be detected.  
The push button start is pressed with the ignition switched off  
The ignition is switched on  
All doors are closed without switching the ignition off  
*Some models.  
7-38  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
Signal  
Warning  
If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry system, it illuminates continuously.  
CAUTION  
(Red)  
(Turns on)  
KEY Warning  
If the key warning indicator light illuminates or the push button start indicator light (amber)  
ꢁashes, the engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it using the  
emergency operation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected at an Author‐  
ized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.  
*
Light  
Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4-10.  
The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.  
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
The LDWS does not operate when the warning indication/warning light illuminates.  
CAUTION  
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions. Have your ve‐  
hicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
When the warning indication/warning light illuminates while driving the vehicle.  
When the system is canceled automatically, the warning indication/warning light illu‐  
minates. Normally, the system restores automatically and the warning indication/  
warning light turns oꢀ, however, if the warning indication/warning light illuminates,  
there may be a problem with the system.  
(Turns on)  
Lane Departure  
Warning System  
(LDWS) Warning  
Indication/Warning  
The warning indication/warning light does not illuminate when the ignition is switch‐  
ed ON.  
*
Always use tires for all wheels that are of the speciꢂed size, and the same manufacture,  
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with signiꢂcantly diꢀerent wear  
patterns on the same vehicle. If such improper tires are used, the LDWS may not operate  
normally.  
Light  
When an emergency spare tire is used, the system may not operate normally.  
NOTE  
If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or ob‐  
structed, the light turns on temporarily. If the light remains turned on, there may be a  
problem with the system.  
The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.  
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
(Amber)  
High Beam Control  
System (HBC)  
Warning Indication/  
Warning Light  
NOTE  
If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or ob‐  
structed, the warning indication/warning light illuminates temporarily. If the warning in‐  
dication/warning light illuminates, there may be a problem with the system.  
*
*Some models.  
7-39  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
Signal  
Warning  
The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspect‐  
ed by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
Blind Spot Monitor‐  
ing (BSM) Warning  
NOTE  
If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors  
can detect, the system may pause. However, it does not indicate a malfunction.  
*
Indication  
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions.  
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
The light does not turn on when the ignition is switched ON.  
The light remains on even when the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can be oper‐  
ated.  
The light turns on while driving the vehicle.  
Blind Spot Monitor‐  
ing (BSM) OFF In‐  
*
dicator Light  
NOTE  
If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors  
can detect, the system may pause (The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light  
in the instrument cluster illuminates). However, it does not indicate a malfunction.  
The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspect‐  
ed by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
Retractable Hardtop  
Warning Indication  
*
This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in the LED headlight. Have your vehicle  
inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
LED Headlight  
Warning Light  
Taking Action  
▼
Take the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off.  
Signal  
Warning  
Action to be taken  
Verify the reason why the warning light is  
illuminated on the center display.  
If the reason why the warning light is illu‐  
minated is due to a dirty windshield, clean  
the windshield.  
For any other reasons, have the vehicle in‐  
spected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
The light turns on if the windshield is dirty  
or there is a malfunction in the system.  
(Amber)  
Smart City Brake Sup‐  
port (SCBS) Warning  
*
Light  
*Some models.  
7-40  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
Signal  
Warning  
Action to be taken  
The seat belt warning light turns on if the  
driver or passenger's seat is occupied and  
the seat belt is not fastened with the ignition  
switched ON.  
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is un‐  
fastened (only when the passenger's seat is  
occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a  
speed faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph),  
the warning light flashes. After a short time,  
the warning light stops flashing, but re‐  
mains illuminated.  
NOTE  
Fasten the seat belts.  
Seat Belt Warning  
Light  
The warning light flashes for about 6  
seconds if the driver's seat belt is not fas‐  
tened when the ignition is switched ON.  
To allow the passenger occupant classifi‐  
cation sensor to function properly, do not  
place and sit on an additional seat cush‐  
ion on the passenger's seat. The sensor  
may not function properly because the  
additional seat cushion could cause sen‐  
sor interference.  
If a small child is seated on the passeng‐  
er's seat, the warning light may not oper‐  
ate.  
The light turns on if any door/trunk lid is  
not closed securely.  
Close the door/trunk lid securely.  
Door-Ajar/Trunk  
lid-Ajar Warning Indi‐  
cation/Warning Light  
The light turns on when the remaining fuel  
is about 9.0 L (2.3 US gal, 1.9 Imp gal).  
NOTE  
Add fuel.  
The light illumination timing may vary be‐  
cause fuel inside the fuel tank moves  
around according to the driving conditions  
and the vehicle posture.  
Low Fuel Warning  
Light  
If the check fuel cap warning light illumi‐ Stop the engine and reinstall the fuel-filler  
nates while driving, the fuel-filler cap may cap.  
Check Fuel Cap Warn‐  
ing Light  
not be installed properly.  
Refer to Refueling on page 3-28  
7-41  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
Signal  
Warning  
Action to be taken  
This warning light indicates that little wash‐  
er fluid remains.  
Add washer fluid (page 6-27).  
Low Washer Fluid  
Level Warning Indica‐  
*
tion/Warning Light  
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light (Turns on)  
Take the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off.  
Warning  
When the warning light illuminates, and the warning beep sound is heard when tire pressure is too low in one or  
more tires.  
WARNING  
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or ꢀashes, or the tire pressure warning beep sound  
is heard, decrease vehicle speed immediately and avoid sudden maneuvering and braking:  
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or ꢁashes, or the tire pressure warning beep sound  
is heard, it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at high speeds, or perform sudden maneuvering or braking. Vehicle  
drivability could worsen and result in an accident.  
To determine if you have a slow leak or a ꢁat, pull over to a safe position where you can check the visual condition  
of the tire and determine if you have enough air to proceed to a place where air may be added and the system  
monitored again by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a tire repair station.  
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:  
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous, even if you know why it is illuminated. Have the problem taken  
care of as soon as possible before it develops into a more serious situation that could lead to tire failure and a  
dangerous accident.  
*Some models.  
7-42  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
Action to be taken  
Inspect the tires and adjust to the specified inflation pressure (page 6-38).  
CAUTION  
When replacing/repairing the tires or wheels or both, have the work done by an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or the  
tire pressure sensors may be damaged.  
NOTE  
Perform tire pressure adjustment when the tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary according to the tire temper‐  
ature, therefore let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or only drive it 1.6 km (1 mile) or less before adjusting the  
tire pressures. When pressure is adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation pressure, the TPMS warning light/  
beep may turn on after the tires cool and pressure drops below specification.  
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light, resulting from the tire air pressure dropping due to cold ambient  
temperature, may turn off if the ambient temperature rises. In this case, it will also be necessary to adjust the  
tire air pressures. If the TPMS warning light illuminates due to a drop in tire air pressure, make sure to check  
and adjust the tire air pressures.  
After adjusting the tire air pressures, it may require some time for the TPMS warning light to turn off. If the  
TPMS warning light remains illuminated, drive the vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph) for 10  
minutes, and then verify that it turns off.  
Tires lose air naturally over time and the TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting too soft over time or you  
have a flat. However, when you find one low tire in a set of four-that is an indication of trouble; you should  
have someone drive the vehicle slowly forward so you can inspect any low tire for cuts and any metal objects  
sticking through tread or sidewall. Put a few drops of water in the valve stem to see if it bubbles indicating a  
bad valve. Leaks need to be addressed by more than simply refilling the trouble tire as leaks are dangerous  
― take it to an Authorized Mazda Dealer which has all the equipment to fix tires, TPMS systems and order  
the best replacement tire for your vehicle.  
If the warning light illuminates again even after the tire pressures are adjusted, there may be a tire puncture.  
7-43  
If Trouble Arises  
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds  
KEY Indication (White)/KEY Warning Light (Red)  
Take the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off.  
Signal  
Cause  
Action to be taken  
(White)  
KEY Indication  
*
The advanced key battery is dead.  
Replace the key battery (page 6-34).  
(Red)  
(Flashing)  
KEY Warning Light  
*
The advanced key is not within the opera‐  
tion range.  
Bring the advanced key into the operation  
range (page 3-9).  
The advanced key is placed in areas inside  
the cabin where it is difficult for the key to  
be detected.  
(Red)  
(Flashing)  
KEY Warning Light  
Take the key from another manufacturer  
similar to the advanced key out of the op‐  
eration range.  
A key from another manufacturer similar to  
the advanced key is in the operation range.  
*
Without the ignition switched off, the ad‐  
vanced key is taken out of the cabin, and  
then all the doors are closed.  
Bring the advanced key back into the cab‐  
in.  
*Some models.  
7-44  

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