Page 121 of 365
Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
Protecting Your Mazda
4-15
WARNING
!
Driving with Wet Brakes:Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to
one side when braking could
result in a serious accident. Light
braking will indicate whether the
brakes have been affected. Dry
the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly
until brake performance returns
to normal.
037-11AE
Trailer Towing
Never tow a trailer with your Mazda.
038-1AE
Overloading
WARNING
!
Vehicle Load Weight:The gross axle weight rating
(GAWR) and the gross vehicle
weight rating (GVWR) of your
vehicle are on the Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard Label on the
driver ’s door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an
accident or vehicle damage. You
can estimate the weight of your
load by weighing the items (or
people) before putting them in the
vehicle. Be careful not to overload
your vehicle.
Page 125 of 365

Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
Driving Your MazdaOperating your vehicle requires a good understanding of the many controls you must know and use. Section 5
describes all this in step-by-step information from use of the ignition switch to cruise control and braking.
Also highlighted are the gearshift and shifting modes, power steering, instruments and gaug\
es, warnings and
indicators, windshield wipers, and interior features. You’ll find complete details about the advanced audio
system too.Ignition Switch Positions 5- 2Starting the Engine 5- 4
Manual Transaxle Operation 5- 7 Automatic Transaxle 5- 9
Traction Control System (TCS) 5- 16 Brake System 5- 19
Power Steering 5- 24 Cruise Control 5- 24
Instrument Cluster 5- 30 Gauges 5- 31
Dashboard Illumination 5- 35 Warning Lights/Beeps 5- 35
Lighting Control and Turn Signals 5- 44 Windshield Wipers and Washer 5- 47 Rear Window Defroster 5- 49 Clock 5- 51
Accessory Socket 5- 51 Glove Box 5- 55
Cup Holders 5- 56
Storage Compartments 5- 57 Sunvisors 5- 59
Vanity Mirrors 5- 60
Climate Control System 5- 60
Radio Reception 5- 75
Safety Certification 5- 80
AM/FM Radio with Compact Disc Player 5- 82 AM/FM Radio with Cassette Tape
and Compact Disc Player/Changer (In-Dash CD Changer) 5- 83 Antenna 5-123
5
5-1
Q041-1B1E
Page 126 of 365
Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
Driving Your Mazda5-2
042-1CE
Ignition Switch PositionsWithout immobilizer
system
J94A4001A
ON
This is the normal running position
after the engine is started. The warning
lights (except brakes) should be
inspected before the engine is started
(page 5-35).
With immobilizer
system
J94S5001
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key;
then it returns to the ON position. The
brake warning light can be checked
after the engine is started (page 5-35).
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can
the key be removed.
Page 135 of 365

Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
Driving Your Mazda
5-11
045-4AE
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete
stop before shifting from R, except as
explained under Rocking the Vehicle
(page 4-11).
Q045-5AE
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely
even on the slightest incline unless the
parking brake or brakes are on.
WARNING
!
Shifting from N or P:It’ s dangerous to shift from N or
P into a driving gear when the
engine is running faster than idle.
If this is done, the vehicle could
move suddenly, causing an
accident or serious injury. If the
engine is running faster than idle,
don’ t shift from N or P into a
driving gear. D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From
a stop, the transaxle will automatically
shift through a 4-gear sequence.
045-14A1E
2 (Second)
The 2 position is helpful when driving
in heavy, slow-moving traffic and
climbing hills; for braking assist when
going down hills; or for starting on
slick surfaces and other situations
where gentle acceleration may be
necessary. Do not exceed 116 km/h
(72 mph)
*1 or 104 km/h (65 mph)
*2 in
the 2 position.
*1
2.0-liter engine
*2
2.5-liter engine
Page 138 of 365
Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
Driving Your Mazda5-14
J94A4006
Overdrive-off indicator
This indicator comes on when the
overdrive has been turned off.
CAUTION
!
If the overdrive-off indicator light
flashes, the transaxle has an
electrical problem. Continuing to
drive your Mazda in this
coondition could cause damage to
your transaxle. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon
as possible.
To turn it on, push the button again.
Shift patterns with overdrive: D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
2 = 2nd (1st, 2nd)
*
1 = 1st
*
(2.5-liter engine only)
With Traction Control System
(TCS)
Page 141 of 365
Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
Driving Your Mazda
5-17
114 –2B1E
J94A4010
Traction Control Indicators
Traction control system (TCS)
warning light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position. It flashes when the system regulates
engine torque. If the light stays on,
take your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer. The traction control
system may have a malfunction.
NOTE•
In addition to the TCS warning
light flashing, a slight lugging
sound will come from the
engine. This indicates that the
traction control system is
operating properly.
• On slippery surfaces, such as
fresh snow, it will be
impossible to achieve high rpm
when the traction control
system is on.
Page 142 of 365
Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
Driving Your Mazda5-18
J94A4011
TCS OFF Indicator Light
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. It
goes off when the engine is started. It also comes on when you switch off
the traction control system or when the
system has a malfunction.
NOTEAfter starting the engine on very
cold days, the TCS OFF indicator
will remain on and the system will
not operate until the engine is
warm.
114-3AE
J94A4012 TCS OFF Switch
Push this switch once to turn off the
TCS. Push it again to turn the TCS
back on.
Page 144 of 365

Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
Driving Your Mazda5-20
WARNING
!
Riding the Brakes:Driving with your foot
continuously on the brake pedal
or steadily applying the brakes for
long distances is dangerous. This
causes overheated brakes,
resulting in longer stopping
distances or even total brake
failure. This could cause loss of
vehicle control and a serious
accident. Avoid continuous
application of the brakes. Shift to
a lower gear when going down
steep hills.
WARNING
!
Driving with Wet Brakes:Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to
one side when braking could
result in a serious accident. Light
braking will indicate whether the
brakes have been affected. Dry
the brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly
until brake performance is
normal.
047-2A1E
J94A4013
(J18Y4021)Brake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become
worn, the built-in wear indicators
contact the disc plates. This causes a
screeching noise to warn that the pads
should be replaced.