Mazda MX-5 Owner's Manual

Operating Tips

Vent Operation

Interior Features Air-Conditioning System Vent Operation

Vent Operation

Interior Features Air-Conditioning System Vent Operation

Adjusting the Vents

Directing airflow

To adjust the direction of airflow, move the adjustment knob.

When using the air conditioner under humid ambient temperature conditions, the system may blow fog from the vents. This is not a sign of trouble but a result of humid air being suddenly cooled.

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Centre vents (driver) and Side vents

Air vent open/close

The air vents can be fully opened and closed by operating the knob.

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Airflow direction adjustment

Centre vents (passenger)

Air vent open/close

Airflow direction adjustment

Interior Features Air-Conditioning System Vent Operation

Selecting the Airflow Mode

Manual Type

Interior Features Air-Conditioning System Manual Type

Manual Type

Interior Features Air-Conditioning System Manual Type

Control Switches

Temperature control dial

This dial controls temperature. Turn it clockwise for hot and anticlockwise for cold.

(Type A)

When the mode is set to, or a position in between them with the fan control dial in a position other than 0 and the temperature control dial in the maximum cold position, the air intake selector switches to the recirculated air position and the A/C turns on automatically.

If A/C is not desired, press the A/C switch to turn it off.

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Fan control dial

This dial allows variable fan speeds.

The fan has seven speeds.

Mode selector dial

Turn the mode selector dial to select airflow mode (Search).

The mode selector dial can be set at the intermediate positions () between each mode. Set the dial to an intermediate position if you want to split the airflow between the two modes.
For example, when the mode selector dial is at the position between the and positions, airflow from the floor vent is less than that of the position.

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A/C switch

Press the A/C switch to turn the air conditioner on. The indicator light on the switch will illuminate when the fan control dial is in any position except OFF.

Press the switch once again to turn the air conditioner off.

The air conditioner may not function when the outside temperature approaches 0 °C (32 °F).

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Air intake selector

This switch controls the source of air entering the vehicle.

Outside or recirculated air positions can be selected. Press the switch to select outside/recirculated air positions.

Recirculated air position (indicator light illuminated)

Outside air is shut off. Use this position when going through tunnels, driving in congested traffic (high engine exhaust areas) or when quick cooling is desired.

Outside air position (indicator light turned off)

Outside air is allowed to enter the cabin. Use this mode for ventilation or windscreen defrosting.

Do not use the position in cold or rainy weather:

Using the position in cold or rainy weather is dangerous as it will cause the windows to fog up. Your vision will be hampered, which could lead to a serious accident.

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Rear window defogger switch

Press the rear window defogger switch to defrost the rear window.

Refer to Rear Window Defogger (Search).

Interior Features Air-Conditioning System Manual Type

Heating

Set the mode selector dial to the position.
Set the air intake selector to the outside air position (indicator light turns off).
Set the temperature control dial to the hot position.
Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.
If dehumidified heating is desired, turn on the air conditioner.

If the windscreen fogs up easily, set the mode selector dial to the position.
If cooler air is desired at face level, set the mode selector dial at the position and adjust the temperature control dial to maintain maximum comfort.
The air to the floor is warmer than air to the face (except when the temperature control dial is set at the extreme hot or cold position).

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Interior Features Air-Conditioning System Manual Type

Cooling (With air conditioner)

Set the mode selector dial to the position.
Set the temperature control dial to the cold position.
Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.
Turn on the air conditioner by pressing the A/C switch.
After cooling begins, adjust the fan control dial and temperature control dial as needed to maintain maximum comfort.

If the air conditioner is used while driving up long hills or in heavy traffic, monitor the engine coolant temperature warning light to see if it is illuminated or flashing (Search).

The air conditioner may cause engine overheating. If the warning light is illuminated or flashing, turn the air-conditioning off (Search).

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When maximum cooling is desired, set the temperature control dial to the extreme cold position and set the air intake selector to the recirculated air position, then turn the fan control dial fully clockwise.
If warmer air is desired at floor level, set the mode selector dial at the position and adjust the temperature control dial to maintain maximum comfort.
The air to the floor is warmer than air to the face (except when the temperature control dial is set at the extreme hot or cold position).

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Interior Features Air-Conditioning System Manual Type

Ventilation

Set the mode selector dial to the position.
Set the air intake selector to the outside air position (indicator light turns off).
Set the temperature control dial to the desired position.
Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.

Interior Features Air-Conditioning System Manual Type

Windscreen Defrosting and Defogging

Set the mode selector dial to the position.
Set the temperature control dial to the desired position.
Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.
If dehumidified heating is desired, turn on the air conditioner.

Do not defog the windscreen using the position with the temperature control set to the cold position:

Using the position with the temperature control set to the cold position is dangerous as it will cause the outside of the windscreen to fog up. Your vision will be hampered, which could lead to a serious accident. Set the temperature control to the hot or warm position when using the position.

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For maximum defrosting, turn on the air conditioner, set the temperature control dial to the extreme hot position, and turn the fan control dial fully clockwise.
If warm air is desired at the floor, set the mode selector dial to the position.
(Type A)

When the fan control dial is ON, and the mode selector dial is in the position, the outside air position is automatically selected.
(Type B)

When the fan control dial is ON, and the mode selector dial is in the position, the outside air position is automatically selected. The air intake selector cannot be changed to the recirculated air position.

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Interior Features Air-Conditioning System Manual Type

Dehumidifying (With air conditioner)

Operate the air conditioner in cool or cold weather to help defog the windscreen and side windows.

Set the mode selector dial to the desired position.
Set the air intake selector to the outside air position (indicator light turns off).
Set the temperature control dial to the desired position.
Set the fan control dial to the desired speed.
Turn on the air conditioner by pressing the A/C switch.

One of the functions of the air conditioner is dehumidifying the air and, to use this function, the temperature does not have to be set to cold. Therefore, set the temperature control dial to the desired position (hot or cold) and turn on the air conditioner when you want to dehumidify the cabin air.

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Fully Automatic Type