Quiz: how well do you know your Mazda MX-5?

18 questions. After each answer you get a short explanation and a link to the manual page that covers it in detail.

If a Mazda must be towed by a tow truck, which equipment type should be avoided because it can damage the vehicle?
Sling-type equipment. Sling-type towing equipment can damage the vehicle; use wheel-lift or flatbed. Front (drive) wheels should normally be off the ground, and the manual covers emergency four-wheel towing too. Towing Description

How often should tires be rotated to equalize tread wear (or sooner if irregular wear appears)?
Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles). Rotate tires every 12,000 km (7,500 miles). Never include the temporary-use spare, and with a limited-slip differential mismatched tires can cause a malfunction. Tire Maintenance

What is the approximate operating range of the keyless entry transmitter from the center of the vehicle?
About 2.5 m (8 ft). The system works up to about 2.5 m (8 ft), varying with local conditions. A short range may mean a dead battery, and up to 3 transmitters can be used per vehicle. Keyless Entry System

When changing a tire, how far should you loosen the lug nuts before raising the vehicle with the jack?
One turn counterclockwise, without removing them. Loosen each lug nut one turn counterclockwise but don't remove any until the tire is off the ground. Also block the wheel diagonally opposite, front and back. Changing a Tire

Which action can damage the catalytic converter of your Mazda?
Push-starting the vehicle. Do not push-start or pull-start, and use only unleaded fuel; lead or overheating ruins the catalyst. Also, don't run high idle over 2 minutes. Emission Control System

At what seated weight on the front passenger seat does the weight sensor system deactivate the passenger air bags?
Less than about 30 kg (66 lb). Below roughly 30 kg (66 lb) the system shuts off front and side air bags and the belt pretensioner. Always check that the deactivation indicator light illuminates. Child Restraint Precautions

What should you do if your brakes get wet after driving through water?
Drive slowly and apply brakes lightly until normal. Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly and applying them lightly until performance returns. Wet brakes can lengthen stopping distance or pull the car to one side. Brake System

If the temperature gauge shows overheating and no steam or coolant escapes, what should you do after parking safely?
Open the hood and idle the engine until it cools. Turn off the A/C, set the parking brake, then open the hood and idle the engine until it cools. Never remove cooling system caps while hot, and keep clear of the fan. Overheating

For about how long do the horn and hazard lights operate when the theft-deterrent system is first triggered?
About 25 seconds. The horn sounds intermittently and hazards flash about 25 seconds. If triggered again, they continue until a door or trunk is unlocked with the key or transmitter. Theft-Deterrent System

What should you remember about the passenger-side convex outside mirror?
Objects appear closer than they really are. Objects in the convex mirror are closer than they appear, so look over your shoulder before changing lanes. After adjusting a power mirror, set the selector to the middle. Mirrors

Mist coming out of the vents when the air conditioner is running indicates what?
Normal result of humid air cooled suddenly. Mist is not trouble; it comes from humid air being suddenly cooled. The OPEN MODE is also recommended for comfort when driving with the roof open. Vent Operation

Which driving condition means you should follow the severe-use Schedule 2 maintenance?
Repeated short-distance driving. Short trips, dust, salt, heavy braking, rough roads, idling, extreme temperatures or mountains all call for Schedule 2. Also check tire repair fluid expiry every year. Scheduled Maintenance (Mexico)

HomeLink in the auto-dimming mirror can replace up to how many hand-held transmitters?
3. HomeLink replaces up to 3 hand-held transmitters. Never use it with garage door openers lacking the safety stop-and-reverse feature, such as those made before April 1, 1982. HomeLink Wireless Control System

What is the rule for using the cup holders while driving?
Only cups or drink cans, never hot liquids. Use cup holders only for cups or cans, and never for hot liquids while moving, to avoid scalds. Keep them closed when not in use to reduce injury risk. Cup Holder

How should iridium spark plugs NOT be cleaned?
With a wire brush. A wire brush can damage the fine particulate coating on the iridium alloy and platinum tips. The same page lists capacities, bulbs, tires and fuses. Specifications

A faint valve opening and closing sound from below the trunk after the engine is off means what?
The self-checking device operating normally. The vehicle's self-checking device runs while the engine is off, so the sound is normal. Also, hot exhaust can ignite dry grass even when parked. Emission Control System

In the manual, what does a WARNING indicate compared with a CAUTION?
Serious injury or death could result. A WARNING signals possible serious injury or death; a CAUTION covers injury or vehicle damage; a NOTE gives helpful tips. The Index is a good place to start. How to Use This Manual

Which component senses whether someone is seated on the passenger seat in the air bag system?
Passenger seat weight sensors. Passenger seat weight sensors, with their control module, feed the deactivation logic. The system also uses a driver seat slide position sensor. Supplemental Restraint System Components

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