Mazda MX-5 RF (2017 year). Manual — part 8

3–44

Before Driving

Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)

Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)

The Retractable fastback opens/closes electrically by operating switches in the vehicle.
When opening/closing the roof and window glass operate together. The front roof is stored
in the storage area under rear roof.

Front roof

Rear roof

Open

Close

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3–45

Before Driving

Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)

Retractable Fastback Precautions

WARNING

Always con

¿ rm that there are no people around the vehicle before operating the roof:

If the roof were to operate unexpectedly, it could result in an accident and serious
injury from someone getting caught in the mechanism.

Sit in the seat with the seat belt correctly fastened when the vehicle is moving:
Standing in the vehicle, or sitting on the rear roof or centre console when the vehicle is
moving is a dangerous way to ride. During a sudden manoeuvre or collision you could
be seriously injured or even killed.

Always keep your hands and

¿ ngers away from the fastening mechanisms when moving

the roof:
It is dangerous to place your hands or

¿ ngers near the fastening mechanisms. Your

hands or

¿ ngers could be caught and injured by the mechanism.

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3–46

Before Driving

Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)

CAUTION

When getting in or out of the vehicle with the roof open, be careful not to hit your head

or body on the corner of the windscreen glass. It may cause an injury.

Do not drive with the roof partially opened; this could damage the roof or cause an

unexpected accident.

Children should not be allowed to play with the retractable fastback switch.

Do not place objects or cargo around the rear roof, rear glass, or the front roof storage

area. Even small objects may interfere and cause damage.

Remove leaves that accumulate on and around the roof. If the leaves are not removed,

they may block the water drainage outlets.

Before opening the roof, make sure the rear window defogger switch (Defroster) is

turned off. Otherwise the heat generated from the defogger could damage the roof and
the internal material.

When opening/closing the roof, verify that there is no obstruction above the

roof (about 1.6 m (5 ft 2 in) from the ground) so as not to damage the roof or the
obstruction.

When opening/closing the roof, do not apply any load to the front roof or the rear roof.

The opening/closing mechanism of the roof may be damaged.

Do not spray water directly near the seam of the window and roof when washing off

dirt on the roof with water. Otherwise, water may enter the cabin.

Refer to Retractable Fastback Maintenance on page 6-61 .

Open/close the roof with the vehicle parked on a hard, level ground in a safe place

where the vehicle does not obstruct traf

¿ c. If the roof is opened/closed on a slope or

bump, the opening/closing mechanism of the roof may be damaged.

Do not drive through an automatic car wash as it may damage the roof.

Do not open or close the roof forcefully when the ambient temperature is low and the

roof or the surrounding area is frozen as it could damage the roof.

Opening the roof while it is wet can also cause water to drip into the passenger

compartment.

Do not open or close the roof in a strong wind as it could damage the roof.

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3–47

Before Driving

Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)

NOTE

When opening the roof, make sure objects inside the vehicle are not blown away by

the wind.

Secure all loose objects inside before driving with the roof down.

To help prevent burglary or vandalism and to ensure that the passenger compartment

stays dry, close the roof securely and lock both doors when leaving the vehicle.

The power windows lower automatically in conjunction with the roof opening/closing.

This is a function for improving the operability and it does not indicate a problem.

If the vehicle battery is disconnected for vehicle maintenance or other reasons, the

power windows will not lower automatically. If the power windows do not lower, reset
the power window automatic open/close function.

Refer to Operating the Power Windows on page 3-34 .

The windblocker reduces the amount of wind coming into the cabin from behind when

driving with the roof opened.

Refer to Windblocker on page 5-133 .

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3–48

Before Driving

Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)

Operation Indication

Operation Indicator Light

When illuminated

This indicates that the roof is only partially open.

When

À ashing

This indicates that the roof is being open/closed. (During switch operation)

When not illuminated

This indicates that the roof is open/closed fully.

NOTE

If the operation indicator light

À ashes quickly, there may be a system malfunction.

Consult an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

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3–49

Before Driving

Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)

Roof operation display

The roof operation status is indicated on the multi-information display.
The following table shows display examples when opening the roof:

Operation

Roof status

Indication

Before operation

Roof closed

During operation

Rear roof opened

Rear roof opened

Front roof opened

Rear roof opened

Front roof stored

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3–50

Before Driving

Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)

Operation

Roof status

Indication

Operation complete

Rear roof closed

Operation Conditions

If the following conditions have been
satis

¿ ed, the roof can be opened/closed.

The ignition is switched ON.

Shift/selector lever is in a position other

than R (reverse).

Vehicle speed is 10 km/h (6.2 mph) or

less.

The boot lid is closed.

CAUTION

If the vehicle speed exceeds 10 km/h
(6.2 mph) during the opening/closing
operation, the opening/closing operation
of the roof stops midstream. If the
roof stops midstream, visibility at the
rear may be impaired or damage to the
roof may occur which could lead to an
accident. Operate the switch again with
the vehicle stopped, depending on the
road and traf

¿ c conditions, to complete

opening/closing operation of the roof.

NOTE

If the roof cannot be closed even after
the operation conditions are all met,
have it checked at an Authorised Mazda
Repairer.
The roof can be closed manually as an
emergency measure.
Refer to When the Roof Cannot be
Closed on page 7-60 .

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3–51

Before Driving

Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)

Opening the Roof

1. Park on a hard, level surface off the

right-of-way and

¿ rmly set the parking

brake.

2. Put a vehicle with an automatic

transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Neutral.

3. Apply the parking brake with the brake

pedal depressed.

4. Start the Engine.

NOTE

Do not open/close the roof with the
engine stopped. Otherwise the vehicle's
battery power could be depleted.

5. Continue pressing the retractable

fastback switch in the open direction
until the roof is completely open.

NOTE

If the retractable fastback switch

is pressed in the open direction, a
warning beep sounds.

If the windows are closed, the

windows automatically open partially
when the rear roof opens.

After the rear roof is opened and

the retractable fastback switch is
continuously pressed in the open
direction, the power windows close
completely.

Once you remove your hand from

the switch, the power windows do
not close even if it is operated again.
If this happens, completely close
the power windows using the power
window switch.

The roof keeps opening and the

operation indicator light

À ashes

while the retractable fastback switch
is pressed in the open direction.

If the switch is released while the

roof is opening, the roof stops
opening. If the switch is pressed in
the open direction again, the roof
resumes opening.

When the operation is

¿ nished, a

beep sound is heard and the operation
indicator light turns off.

When the roof is half-open, the front

roof resumes opening after the rear
roof is completely open.

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3–52

Before Driving

Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)

Closing the Roof

1. Park on a hard, level surface off the

right-of-way and

¿ rmly set the parking

brake.

2. Put a vehicle with an automatic

transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Neutral.

3. Apply the parking brake with the brake

pedal depressed.

4. Start the Engine.

NOTE

Do not open/close the roof with the
engine stopped. Otherwise the vehicle's
battery power could be depleted.

5. Slightly slide the seats back if they are

in the foremost position.

6. Continue pressing the retractable

fastback switch in the close direction
until the rear roof is completely closed.

NOTE

If the retractable fastback switch

is pressed in the close direction, a
warning beep sounds.

If the windows are closed, the

windows automatically open partially
when the rear roof opens.

After the rear roof is closed and

the retractable fastback switch is
continuously pressed in the close
direction, the power windows close
completely.

Once you remove your hand from

the switch, the power windows do
not close even if it is operated again.
If this happens, completely close
the power windows using the power
window switch.

The roof keeps closing and the

operation indicator light

À ashes

while the retractable fastback switch
is pressed in the close direction.

If the switch is released while the

roof is closing, the roof stops closing.
If the switch is pressed in the close
direction again, the roof resumes
closing.

When the operation is

¿ nished, a

beep sound is heard and the operation
indicator light turns off.

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3–53

Before Driving

Security System

Modi

¿ cation and Add-On

Equipment

Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
and the theft-deterrent systems' operation
if the system has been modi

¿ ed or if any

add-on equipment has been installed.

CAUTION

To avoid damage to the vehicle, do not
modify the system or install any add-on
equipment to the immobilizer and the
theft-deterrent systems or the vehicle.

Immobilizer System

The immobilizer system allows the
engine to start only with a key the system
recognises.

If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognised key, the engine
will not start, thereby helping to prevent
vehicle theft.
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the key, consult an
Authorised Mazda Repairer.

CAUTION

Changes or modi

¿ cations not

expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to operate
the equipment.

To avoid damage to the key, do not:

Drop the key.

Get the key wet.

Expose the key to any kind of

magnetic

¿ eld.

Expose the key to high

temperatures on places such as the
instrument panel or bonnet, under
direct sunlight.

If the engine does not start with the

correct key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or

À ashing,

the system may have a malfunction.
Consult an Authorised Mazda
Repairer.

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3–54

Before Driving

Security System

NOTE

The keys carry a unique electronic

code. For this reason, and to assure
your safety, obtaining a replacement
key requires some waiting time.
They are only available through an
Authorised Mazda Repairer.

Always keep a spare key in case one

is lost. If a key is lost, consult an
Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon
as possible.

If you lose a key, an Authorised

Mazda Repairer will reset the
electronic codes of your remaining
keys and immobilizer system.
Bring all the remaining keys to an
Authorised Mazda Repairer to reset.

Starting the vehicle with a key that

has not been reset is not possible.

Operation

NOTE

The engine may not start and security

indicator light may illuminate or
À ash if the key is placed in an area
where it is dif

¿ cult for the system

to detect the signal, such as on the
instrument panel. Move the key to
a location within the signal range,
switch the ignition off, and then
restart the engine.

Signals from a TV or radio station,

or from a transceiver or mobile
telephone could interfere with your
immobilizer system. If you are using
the proper key and the engine fails
to start, check the security indicator
light.

Arming

The system is armed when the ignition is
switched from ON to off.
The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster

À ashes every 2 seconds

until the system is disarmed.

Disarming

The system is disarmed when the
ignition is switched ON with the correct
programmed key. The security indicator
light illuminates for about 3 seconds and
then turns off. If the engine does not start
with the correct key, and the security
indicator light remains illuminated or
À ashing, try the following:
Make sure the key is within the
operational range for signal transmission.
Switch the ignition off, and then restart
the engine. If the engine does not start
after 3 or more tries, contact an Authorised
Mazda Repairer.

NOTE

If the security indicator light

À ashes

continuously while you are driving,
do not shut off the engine. Go to an
Authorised Mazda Repairer and have
it checked. If the engine is shut off
while the indicator light is

À ashing,

you will not be able to restart it.

Because the electronic codes are

reset when the immobilizer system
is repaired, the keys are needed.
Make sure to bring all the keys to an
Authorised Mazda Repairer so that
they can be programmed.

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3–55

Before Driving

Security System

*Some models.

Theft-Deterrent System

*

If the theft-deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle or
the intrusion sensor detects movement
in the vehicle which could result in the
vehicle (with the intrusion sensor) or its
contents being stolen, the alarm alerts the
surrounding area of an abnormality by
sounding the siren/horn and

À ashing the

hazard warning lights.

The system will not function unless it's
properly armed. So when you leave the
vehicle, follow the arming procedure
correctly.

Intrusion sensor

*

The intrusion sensor uses ultrasonic waves
to detect movement inside the vehicle and
to raise an alert of an intrusion into the
vehicle.

The intrusion sensor detects certain kinds
of movement inside the vehicle, however,
it may also respond to phenomenon
outside the vehicle such as vibrations, loud
noise, wind, and air currents.

CAUTION

In order for the intrusion sensor to
operate appropriately, be aware of the
following:

Do not hang clothing or objects from

a head restraint.

Return the sunvisors to their original

positions.

Do not blind the intrusion sensor by

covering it or placing objects over it.

Do not allow the intrusion sensor to

get soiled or wipe it with a liquid.

Do not shock or cause an impact to

the intrusion sensor or the intrusion
sensor bezel.

Do not install seats that are not

Mazda genuine products.

To prevent obstruction of intrusion

sensor, do not place objects or cargo
near the intrusion sensor that are
higher than the head restraints.

Intrusion sensor and
intrusion sensor bezel

/:A

3–56

Before Driving

Security System

Operation

Siren/Horn triggering conditions

The siren/horn sounds intermittently and
the hazard warning lights

À ash for about

30 seconds when the system is triggered
by any one of the following:

Unlocking a door with an inside door-

lock knob.

Forcing open a door, the bonnet or the

boot lid.

Opening the bonnet by operating the

bonnet release handle.

Switching the ignition ON without using

the push button start.

(With the intrusion sensor)

The intrusion sensor detects a movement

in the vehicle.

The system will be triggered again (up to
10 times) if one of the above conditions
remains.

(With the intrusion sensor)

Disconnecting the battery terminal (the

hazard warning lights do not

À ash).

The system will be triggered about 10
times.

NOTE

The boot lid does not open while the

theft-deterrent system is operating.

If the battery goes dead while the

theft-deterrent system is armed,
the siren/horn will activate and the
hazard warning lights will

À ash when

the battery is charged or replaced.

How to Arm the System

1. Close the windows and the convertible

top securely.

NOTE

(With the intrusion sensor)
The intrusion sensor function can be
armed only when the convertible top is
closed.
Even with a window open, the system
can be armed, however, leaving the
windows even partially open can invite
theft, and wind blowing into the vehicle
could trigger the alarm.
The intrusion sensor function can also
be cancelled.
Refer to Cancelling the Intrusion Sensor
(With Intrusion Sensor) on page 3-57 .

2. Switch the ignition OFF.
3. Make sure the bonnet, convertible top,

the doors, and the boot lid are closed.

4. Press the lock button on the transmitter

or lock the driver's door from the
outside with the auxiliary key.

The hazard warning lights will

À ash

once.

(With the advanced keyless function)

Press a request switch.

The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster

À ashes twice per

second for 20 seconds.

5. After 20 seconds, the system is fully

armed.

/:A

3–57

Before Driving

Security System

NOTE

The theft-deterrent system can also

be armed by activating the auto
relock function with all the doors, the
boot lid and the bonnet closed.

Refer to Transmitter on page 3-5 .

The system will disarm if one of

the following operations takes place
within 20 seconds after pressing the
lock button:

Unlocking any door.

Opening any door.

Opening the bonnet.

Switching the ignition ON.

To rearm the system, do the arming

procedure again.

When the doors are locked by

pressing the lock button on the
transmitter or using the auxiliary key
while the theft-deterrent system is
armed, the hazard warning lights will
À ash once to indicate that the system
is armed.

Cancelling the Intrusion Sensor

(With Intrusion Sensor)

If the theft deterrent system has been
armed while any of the following
conditions are present, cancel the intrusion
sensor to prevent the alarm from triggering
unnecessarily.
(Intrusion sensor)

Leaving the vehicle with a movable

object, passengers or pets remaining
inside.

Leaving an object inside the vehicle

that can roll around, such as when the
vehicle is placed on a tilting, unstable
surface when being shipped.

Hanging small objects/accessories in the

vehicle, or placing other items which
can move easily inside the vehicle.

Parking in an area where there is strong

vibration or loud noise.

When using a high pressure or automatic

car wash.

Continuous shock and vibration

from hail or thunder and lightning is
transmitted to the vehicle.

Doors are locked with a window left

open.

An accessory heater or device that

produces moving air and vibration
operates while the theft deterrent system
is armed.

NOTE

If any door or the boot lid remains
closed for 30 seconds, both doors and
the boot lid automatically re-lock and
the theft deterrent system arms even if
a window or the convertible top is left
open.

/:A

3–58

Before Driving

Security System

To cancel the intrusion sensor, press
the intrusion sensor cancel button on
the transmitter within 20 seconds after
pressing the lock button.
The hazard warning lights will

À ash three

times.

NOTE

To reactivate the intrusion sensor,

turn off the armed theft-deterrent
system and then rearm it.

The intrusion sensor is operational

when the theft-deterrent system
is armed. To cancel the intrusion
sensor, press the intrusion sensor
cancel button each time the theft-
deterrent system is armed.

To Turn Off an Armed System

An armed system can be turned off using
any one of the following methods:

Pressing the unlock button on the

transmitter.

Starting the engine with the push button

start.

(With the advanced keyless function)

Pressing a request switch on the doors.

The hazard warning lights will

À ash twice.

NOTE

When the doors are unlocked by
pressing the unlock button on the
transmitter while the theft-deterrent
system is turned off, the hazard warning
lights will

À ash twice to indicate that the

system is turned off.

To Stop the Alarm

A triggered alarm can be turned off using
any one of the following methods:

Pressing the unlock button on the

transmitter.

Starting the engine with the push button

start.

(With the advanced keyless function)

Pressing a request switch on the doors.

Pressing the electric boot lid opener

while the key is being carried.

The hazard warning lights will

À ash twice.

Theft-Deterrent Labels

A label indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System is
in the console box.

Mazda recommends that you af

¿ x it to the

lower rear corner of a front door window.

/:A

3–59

Before Driving

Driving Tips

Running-In

No special running-in is necessary, but
a few precautions in the

¿ rst 1,000 km

(600 miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of the vehicle.

Do not race the engine.

Do not maintain one constant speed,

either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.

Do not drive constantly at full-throttle or

high engine rpm for extended periods of
time.

Avoid unnecessary hard stops.

Avoid full-throttle starts.

Saving Fuel and
Protection of the
Environment

How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save fuel and
reduce CO2.

Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine

runs smoothly, begin driving.

Avoid fast starts.

Drive at lower speeds.

Anticipate when to apply the brakes

(avoid sudden braking).

Follow the maintenance schedule (page

6-3 ) and have an expert repairer,
we recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer perform inspections and
servicing.

Use the air conditioner only when

necessary.

Slow down on rough roads.

Keep the tyres properly in

À ated.

Do not carry unnecessary weight.

Do not rest your foot on the brake pedal

while driving.

Keep the wheels in correct alignment.

Keep windows closed at high speeds.

Slow down when driving in crosswinds

and headwinds.

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