Mazda MX-5 RF (2017 year). Manual — part 33

7–26

If Trouble Arises

When Fuel-Filler Flap Cannot be Opened

When Fuel-Filler Flap
Cannot be Opened

If the battery is dead, the fuel-

¿ ller À ap

cannot be opened.
In this case, the fuel-

¿ ller À ap can be

opened by taking care of the dead battery
situation.
Refer to Jump-Starting on page 7-20 .
If the fuel-

¿ ller À ap cannot be opened

even if the dead battery situation has been
resolved, the electrical system may have a
malfunction.
In this case, the fuel-

¿ ller À ap can be

opened using the following procedure as
an emergency measure.

1. Open the boot lid.

Refer to Opening and Closing the Boot
Lid on page 3-22 .

2. Pull the centre section of the plastic

fastener and remove the fasteners.

3. Partially peel back the cover inside the

boot, then pull the emergency release
lever.

Emergency release
lever

/:A

7–27

If Trouble Arises

Emergency Towing

Towing Description

We recommend that towing be done only
by an expert repairer, we recommend
an Authorised Mazda Repairer or a
commercial tow-truck service.

Proper lifting and towing are necessary
to prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.

A towed vehicle usually should have its
drive wheels (rear wheels) off the ground.
If excessive damage or other conditions
prevent this, use wheel dollies.

Wheel dollies

When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake.

CAUTION

Do not tow the vehicle pointed

backward with driving wheels on
the ground. This may cause internal
damage to the transmission.

Do not tow with sling-type

equipment. This could damage your
vehicle. Use wheel-lift or

À atbed

equipment.

If towing service is not available in an
emergency, the vehicle may be towed with
all four wheels on the ground using the
towing hook at the front of the vehicle.
Only tow the vehicle on paved surfaces for
short distances at low speeds.

/:A

7–28

If Trouble Arises

Emergency Towing

CAUTION

Follow these instructions when towing
the vehicle with all wheels on the
ground.

Shift to neutral (Manual

transmission), or the N position
(Automatic transmission).

Switch the ignition to ACC.

Release the parking brake.

Remember that power assist for the
brakes and steering will not be available
when the engine is not running.

Towing Hooks

CAUTION

The towing eyelet should be used

in an emergency (to get the vehicle
out of a ditch or a snow bank, for
example).

When using the towing eyelets,

always pull the lead or chain in a
straight direction with respect to the
eyelet. Never apply a sideways force.

NOTE

When towing with chain or lead, wrap
the chain or lead with a soft cloth near
the bumper to prevent damage to the
bumper.

/:A

7–29

If Trouble Arises

Emergency Towing

Towing Hooks

1. Remove the towing eyelet and

the wheel brace from the luggage
compartment (page 7-5 ).

2. Wrap a

À athead screwdriver or similar

tool with a soft cloth to prevent damage
to a painted bumper, and open the cap
located on the front or rear bumper.

Front

Rear

CAUTION

Do not use excessive force as it may
damage the cap or scratch the painted
bumper surface.

NOTE

Remove the cap completely and store it
so as not to lose it.

3. Securely install the towing eyelet using

the wheel brace or equivalent.

Consult an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

Front

Wheel brace

Towing eyelet

Rear

Wheel brace

Towing eyelet

4. Hook the towing rope to the towing

eyelet.

/:A

7–30

If Trouble Arises

Emergency Towing

CAUTION

If the towing eyelet is not securely

tightened, it may loosen or disengage
from the bumper when towing the
vehicle. Make sure that the towing
eyelet is securely tightened to the
bumper.

Be careful not to damage the towing

eyelet and towing hook, vehicle
body, or transmission system
when towing under the following
conditions:

Do not tow a vehicle heavier than

yours.

Do not suddenly accelerate your

vehicle as it will apply a severe
shock to the towing eyelet and
towing hook or rope.

Do not attach any rope other than

to the towing eyelet and towing
hook.

/:A

7–31

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes

If any warning light turns on/

À ashes, 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/

À ashes again,

consult an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
(Vehicles with type B/type C audio)
The warning contents can be veri

¿ ed on the centre display.

1. If the warning light is turned on, select icon on the home screen to display the

application screen.

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 Authorised Mazda Repairer.

Signal

Warning

(Red)

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

À uid level warning

If the brake warning light remains illuminated even though the parking brake is
released, the brake

À uid may be low or there could be a problem with the brake

system. Park the vehicle in a safe place immediately and contact an expert repairer, we
recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

WARNING

Do not drive with the brake system warning light illuminated. Contact an expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer 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.

CAUTION

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.

/:A

7–32

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

Signal

Warning

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.

WARNING

Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light
illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to an expert repairer, we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer 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.

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 expert repairer,
we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

CAUTION

Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated
because the engine could stop unexpectedly.

/:A

7–33

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

Signal

Warning

Engine Oil Warning

Light

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 sump.
3. Inspect the engine oil level 6-20 . If it's low, add the appropriate amount of engine

oil while being careful not to over

¿ ll.

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 expert repairer, we
recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

(Red)

High Engine Coolant

Temperature Warning

Indication/Warning

Light

The light

À ashes 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

¿ nd 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 7-24 .

CAUTION

Do not drive the vehicle with the high engine coolant temperature warning light
illuminated. Otherwise, it could result in damage to the engine.

/:A

7–34

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

*Some models.

Signal

Warning

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 expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer if the light illuminates
continuously.

NOTE

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.

Contact Authorised Mazda Repairer and Have Vehicle Inspected

If any of the following warning lights or the indicator light turns on/

À ashes, the system

may have a malfunction. Contact an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer to have your vehicle inspected.

Signal

Warning

Master Warning

Indication/Warning

Light

*

Type A instrument cluster

(Master warning indication)
Displays when noti

¿ cation of the system malfunctions is required.

Check the message indicated in the display and consult an expert repairer, we recommend
an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
(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 expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
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 on page 4-33 .

Type B instrument cluster

The light illuminates continuously if any one of the following occurs. Consult an expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

There is a malfunction in the battery management system.

There is a malfunction in the brake switch.

/:A

7–35

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

*Some models.

Signal

Warning

(Amber)

Electric Vacuum

Pump Warning

Light

The light turns on if the electric vacuum pump system has a problem. Have your vehicle
inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

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 expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer as soon as possible.

NOTE

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.

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 expert repairer, we
recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
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-

¿ ller cap is missing or not tightened securely.

If the check engine light remains on, or it

À ashes continuously , do not drive at high speeds

and consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as
possible.

(Amber)

i-stop Warning

Light

*

When the light is turned on

A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions. Have your
vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

The light does not turn on when the ignition is switched ON.

The light continues to remain on even though the i-stop OFF switch has been pressed
while the engine is running.

When the light is

À ashing

The light continues to

À ash if the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected at

an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

(Amber)

i-ELOOP

Indication/Warning

Light

*

The Warning indication/Warning light turns on if there is any malfunction in the i-ELOOP
system. Consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

/:A

7–36

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

*Some models.

Signal

Warning

Automatic

Transmission

Indication/Warning

Light

*

The indication/light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.

CAUTION

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 expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer as soon as possible.

(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 expert repairer, we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer.

Air Bag/Seat Belt

Pretensioner System

Warning Light

A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly

À ashes, constantly

illuminates or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these
occur, consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as
possible. The system may not operate in an accident.

WARNING

Never tamper with the air bag/pretensioner systems and always have an expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer 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.

Active Bonnet

Warning Light

*

The light turns on when the ignition is switched on for an operation check, and turns off a
few seconds later.
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions. Have your
vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

The light does not turn on when the ignition is switched ON.

Remains turned on/

À ashing.

WARNING

Do not drive the vehicle with the active bonnet warning light turned on or

À ashing:

Driving the vehicle with the active bonnet warning light turned on or

À ashing is

dangerous as the active bonnet mechanism may not activate normally and function
as intended in the event the vehicle were to contact a pedestrian.

/:A

7–37

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

*Some models.

Signal

Warning

(Flashing)

Tyre Pressure

Monitoring System

Warning Light

*

Vehicle with conventional tyres

If the tyre pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tyre pressure warning
light

À ashes for about 1 minute when the ignition is switched ON and then continues

illuminating. Have your vehicle checked by an expert repairer, we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as possible.

Vehicle with run-

À at tyres

If the tyre pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tyre pressure warning light
À ashes. Have your vehicle checked by an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer as soon as possible.

WARNING

If the tyre pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or

À ashes, or the tyre

pressure warning beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle speed immediately and avoid
sudden manoeuvring and braking:
If the tyre pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or

À ashes, or the

tyre pressure warning beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at high
speeds, or perform sudden manoeuvring or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen
and result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak or a

À at, pull over to a safe position where you

can check the visual condition of the tyre and determine if you have enough air
to proceed to a place where air may be added and the system monitored again by
an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer or a tyre 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 tyre failure and a dangerous accident.

FLAT TIRE

Warning Light

*

If a run-

À at tyre is punctured, the FLAT TIRE warning light illuminates in the instrument

cluster, and a beep sound is heard for about 30 seconds.
Carefully drive the vehicle to the nearest Mazda repair shop immediately and have the

À at

tyre replaced.
Refer to Vehicle with Run-

À at Tyres on page 7-3 .

WARNING

Have the tyres checked or perform the appropriate repair as soon as possible by an
expert repairer, we recommend an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer:
When the

À at tyre warning light illuminates or the tyre pressure warning beep

sound is heard, it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at high speeds, or perform sudden
manoeuvring or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen and result in an accident.
When the

À at tyre warning light illuminates or the tyre pressure warning beep sound

is heard, decrease vehicle speed immediately and avoid sudden manoeuvring and
braking.

/:A

7–38

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

*Some models.

Signal

Warning

(Red)

KEY Warning

Indication

*

“Keyless System malfunction” is displayed
This message is displayed if the advanced keyless entry & push button start system has a
problem.
Contact an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

CAUTION

If the message is indicated, or the push button start indicator light (amber)

À 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 expert repairer,
we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as possible.
Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4-11 .

(Amber)

KEY Warning

Indication

*

“Set Power to OFF” is displayed
This message is displayed when the driver's door is opened without switching the ignition
off.
“Key not found” 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 dif

¿ cult 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

*

If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry system, it illuminates continuously.

CAUTION

If the key warning indicator light illuminates or the push button start indicator light
(amber)

À 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 expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as possible.

Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4-11 .

/:A

7–39

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

*Some models.

Signal

Warning

(Illuminate)

Lane Departure

Warning System

(LDWS) Warning

Indication/Warning

Light

*

The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer.

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
vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

When the warning indication/warning light illuminates while driving the vehicle.

When the system is cancelled 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 tyres for all wheels that are of the speci

¿ ed size, and the same

manufacture, brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tyres with signi

¿ cantly

different wear patterns on the same vehicle. If such improper tyres are used, the
LDWS may not operate normally.

When an emergency spare tyre is used, the system may not operate normally.

NOTE

If the windscreen 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.

(Amber)

High Beam Control

System (HBC)

Warning Indication/

Warning Light

*

The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer.

NOTE

If the windscreen 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.

Blind Spot

Monitoring (BSM)

Warning Indication

*

The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected
by an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

NOTE

If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traf

¿ c and few vehicles that the radar sensors

can detect, the system may pause. However, it does not indicate a malfunction.

/:A

7–40

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

*Some models.

Signal

Warning

Blind Spot

Monitoring (BSM)

OFF Indicator

Light

*

A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions.
Have your vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer.

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.

NOTE

If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traf

¿ c 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.

Retractable

Fastback Warning

Indication

*

The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected
by an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

LED Headlight

Warning Light

This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in the LED headlight. Have your vehicle
inspected by an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.

/:A

7–41

If Trouble Arises

Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds

Taking Action

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

Signal

Warning

Action to be taken

Seat Belt Warning Light

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 seat is occupied) and
the vehicle is driven at a speed faster than about
20 km/h (12 mph), the warning light

À ashes.

After a short time, the warning light stops
À ashing, but remains illuminated. If a seat belt
remains unfastened, the warning light

À ashes

again for a given period of time.

NOTE

If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened after the warning light turns on,
and the vehicle speed exceeds 20 km/h (12
mph), the warning light

À ashes again.

(With passenger occupant classi

¿ cation

system)

To allow the passenger occupant
classi

¿ cation 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.

(Without passenger occupant
classi

¿ cation system)

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's 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.

Fasten the seat belts.

Door-Ajar/Boot lid-Ajar

Warning Indication/

Warning Light

The light turns on if any door/boot lid is not
closed securely.

Close the door/boot lid securely.

/:A