2017 MX-5 & MX-5 RF Owner's Manual

If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes

If Trouble Arises Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes

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.

(Vehicles with type B audio)

The warning contents can be verified on the center display.

If the warning light is turned on, select icon on the home screen to display the application screen.
Select “Vehicle Status Monitor”.
Select “Warning Guidance” to display the current warnings.
Select the applicable warning to view the warning details.

If Trouble Arises Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes

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
Brake System Warning Light	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 released, 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. Do not drive with the brake system warning light illuminated. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the brakes inspected as soon as possible: 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. Close Warning View Warning In addition, the effectiveness of the braking may diminish so you may need to depress the brake pedal more strongly than normal to stop the vehicle. Close Caution View Caution
Electronic Brake Force Distribution System Warning	If the electronic brake force distribution control unit determines that some components are operating incorrectly, the control unit may illuminate the brake system warning light and the ABS warning light simultaneously. The problem is likely to be the electronic brake force distribution system. Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the brakes inspected as soon as possible: Driving when the brake system warning light and ABS warning light are illuminated simultaneously is dangerous. When both lights are illuminated, the rear wheels could lock more quickly in an emergency stop than under normal circumstances. Close Warning View Warning
Charging System Warning Indication/Warning Light	If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfunction of the alternator or of the charging system. Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated because the engine could stop unexpectedly. Close Caution View Caution
Engine Oil Warning Light	This warning light indicates low engine oil pressure. Do not run the engine if the oil pressure is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive engine damage. Close Caution View Caution If the light illuminates or the warning indication is displayed while driving: Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way on level ground. Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil pan. Inspect the engine oil level (Search). If it's low, add the appropriate amount of engine oil while being careful not to overfill. Do not run the engine if the oil level is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive engine damage. Close Caution View Caution 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.
(Red) High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Indication/Warning Light	The light flashes when the engine coolant temperature is extremely high, and illuminates 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 This indicates the possibility of overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe place immediately and stop the engine. Refer to Overheating (Search). Do not drive the vehicle with the high engine coolant temperature warning light illuminated. Otherwise, it could result in damage to the engine. Close Caution View Caution
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light	The light illuminates if the electric power steering has a malfunction. If the light illuminates, 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 Authorized Mazda Dealer if the light illuminates continuously. If the indicator light illuminates, the power steering will not operate normally. If this happens, 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. Close Note View Note

If Trouble Arises Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes

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
Master Warning Indication/Warning Light (Some Models)	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/indicator 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 “Warning” screen. Refer to Message Indicated in Multi-information Display and INFO switch (Search). Type B instrument cluster The light illuminates continuously if any one of the following occurs. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. There is a malfunction in the battery management system. There is a malfunction in the brake switch.
Electric Vacuum Pump Warning Light	The light turns on if the electric vacuum pump system has a problem. Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
ABS 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. 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. Close Note View Note
Check Engine Light	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. 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.
Automatic Transmission Indication/Warning Light (Some Models)	The indication/light illuminates when the transmission has a problem. 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. Close Caution View Caution
(Illuminate) TCS/DSC Indicator Light	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.
Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light	A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly illuminates or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not operate in an accident. 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. Close Warning View Warning
(Flashing) Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light (Some Models)	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. If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, 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 flashes, 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 flat, 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. Close Warning View Warning
(Red) KEY Warning Indication (Some Models)	“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. If the message is indicated, or the push button start indicator light (amber) flashes, 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 Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine (Search). Close Caution View Caution
(Amber) KEY Warning Indication (Some Models)	“Ignition is on” is displayed This message is displayed when the driver's door is opened without switching the ignition 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
(Red) (Illuminate) KEY Warning Light (Some Models)	If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry system, it illuminates continuously. If the key warning indicator light illuminates or the push button start indicator light (amber) flashes, 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 Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. Close Caution View Caution Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine (Search).
(Illuminate) Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) Warning Indication/Warning Light (Some Models)	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. A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions. Have your vehicle 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 illuminates. Normally, the system restores automatically and the warning indication/warning light turns off, however, if the warning indication/warning light illuminates, there may be a problem with the system. The warning indication/warning light does not illuminate when the ignition is switched ON. Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacture, brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with significantly different wear patterns on the same vehicle. If such improper tires are used, the LDWS may not operate normally. When an emergency spare tire is used, the system may not operate normally. Close Caution View Caution If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or obstructed, the light turns on temporarily. If the light remains turned on, there may be a problem with the system. Close Note View Note
(Amber) High Beam Control System (HBC) Warning Indication/Warning Light (Some Models)	The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system. Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or obstructed, the warning indication/warning light illuminates temporarily. If the warning indication/warning light illuminates, there may be a problem with the system. Close Note View Note
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Warning Indication (Some Models)	The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer. 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. Close Note View Note
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF Indicator Light (Some Models)	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 operated. The light turns on while driving the vehicle. 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. Close Note View Note
Retractable Fastback Warning Indication (Some Models)	The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
LED Headlight Warning Light	This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in the LED headlight. Have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

If Trouble Arises Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes

Taking Action

Take the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off.

Signal	Warning	Action to be taken
Seat Belt Warning Light	Except Mexico 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 unfastened (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 remains illuminated. The warning light flashes for about 6 seconds if the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the ignition is switched ON. To allow the passenger occupant classification sensor to function properly, do not place and sit on an additional seat cushion on the passenger's seat. The sensor may not function properly because the additional seat cushion could cause sensor interference. If a small child is seated on the passenger's seat, the warning light may not operate. Close Note View Note Mexico 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 unfastened (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 remains illuminated. If a seat belt remains unfastened, the warning light flashes again for a given period of time. Placing heavy items on the passenger's seat may cause the passenger's seat belt warning function to operate depending on the weight of the item. To allow the passenger seat weight sensor to function properly, do not place and sit on an additional seat cushion on the passenger's seat. The sensor may not function properly because the additional seat cushion could cause sensor interference. If a small child is seated on the passenger's seat, the warning light may not operate. Close Note View Note	Fasten the seat belts.
Door-Ajar/Trunk lid-Ajar Warning Indication/Warning Light	The light turns on if any door/trunk lid is not closed securely.	Close the door/trunk lid securely.
Low Fuel Warning Light	The light turns on when the remaining fuel is about 9.0 L (2.3 US gal, 1.9 Imp gal). The light illumination timing may vary because fuel inside the fuel tank moves around according to the driving conditions and the vehicle posture. Close Note View Note	Add fuel.
Check Fuel Cap Warning Light	If the check fuel cap warning light illuminates while driving, the fuel-filler cap may not be installed properly.	Stop the engine and reinstall the fuel-filler cap. Refer to Fuel-Filler Cap (Search)
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Indication/Warning Light (Some Models)	This warning light indicates that little washer fluid remains.	Add washer fluid (Search).
(Illuminate) Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light (Some Models)	When the warning light illuminates, and the warning beep sound is heard (about 3 seconds), tire pressure is too low in one or more tires. If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, 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 flashes, 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 flat, 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. Close Warning View Warning	Inspect the tires and adjust to the specified inflation pressure (Search). Perform tire pressure adjustment when the tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary according to the tire temperature, 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 will remain illuminated even 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. 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 reinflating the tire as leaks are dangerous ― take it to an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Close Note View Note

KEY Indication (White)/KEY Warning Light (Red) (Some Models)

Take the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off.

Signal	Cause	Action to be taken
(White) KEY Indication (Some Models)	The advanced key battery is dead.	Replace the key battery (Search).
(Red) (Flashing) KEY Warning Light (Some Models)	The advanced key battery is dead.	Replace the key battery (Search).
(Red) (Flashing) KEY Warning Light (Some Models)	The advanced key is not within the operation range.	Bring the advanced key into the operation range (Search).
	The advanced key is placed in areas inside the cabin where it is difficult for the key to be detected.	Bring the advanced key into the operation range (Search).
	A key from another manufacturer similar to the advanced key is in the operation range.	Take the key from another manufacturer similar to the advanced key out of the operation range.
	Without the ignition switched off, the advanced key is taken out of the cabin, and then all the doors are closed.	Bring the advanced key back into the cabin.

Message Indicated in Multi-information Display (Some Models)

Message Indicated on Display

Warning Sound is Activated