Page 116 of 365
Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
Protecting Your Mazda4-10
037-1CE
Special Driving Conditions Hazardous Driving
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazard:
• Be cautious and allow extra
distance for braking.
• Avoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
• Brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don’ t hold
the pedal down constantly.
• If you get stuck, shift to 1 or 2 and
accelerate slowly. Don’ t spin the
front wheels. •
For more traction in starting, use
sand, rock salt, chains, carpeting, or
other nonslip material under the
front wheels.
037-3A1E
WARNING
!
Downshifting on SlipperySurfaces:Downshifting into first gear with
a manual transaxle or into low
with an automatic transaxle while
driving on slippery surfaces could
be dangerous. The sudden change
in tire speed could cause the tires
to skid. This could lead to loss of
vehicle control and an accident. If
it is necessary to downshift on
slippery surfaces, be very careful.
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 137 of 365
Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
Driving Your Mazda
5-13
045-16B1E
Overdrive-off
buttonJ94A4007 Overdrive
Overdrive operation
In D, the transaxle automatically shifts
to overdrive, which improves fuel
economy and reduces noise. But to increase engine braking, don’
t
use overdrive when going down a
steep grade.
And for a smoother ride with less
shifting, don’ t use it when
• Going up a steep grade;
• Driving in stop-and-go traffic;
• Pulling heavy loads. To turn off the overdrive, push the
button.
The transaxle will then shift through a
three-gear sequence in D.
Shift patterns without overdrive:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd
2 = 2nd (1st, 2nd)
*
1 = 1st
*
(2.5-liter engine only)
With Traction Control System
(TCS)
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 140 of 365

Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
*Some models.
Driving Your Mazda5-16
114-1A1E
Traction Control System
(TCS)*The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
regulating engine torque. When the
TCS detects driving wheel slippage, it
lowers engine torque to prevent loss of
traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to
provide optimum power to the drive
wheels without causing them to spin
and lose traction.
WARNING
!
TCS and Unsafe Driving:The traction control system (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe
and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following
another vehicle too closely), and
hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because
of water on the road surface). You
can still have an accident. So
don’t rely on the traction control
system as a substitute for safe
driving.
WARNING
!
TCS and Snow and Ice:Driving without proper traction
devices on snow- and ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone
cannot provide adequate traction
and you could still have an
accident. Use snow tires or tires
chains and drive at reduced
speeds when roads are covered
with ice and snow.
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 163 of 365

Form No. 8P95-EA-00G
*Some models.Driving Your Mazda
5-39
053-55A1E
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.
The light flashes when the system
regulates engine torque and will stay
on if the system malfunctions. If it
stays on while the system is operating,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
053-8BE
Low Fuel Warning Light
This warning signals that the fuel tank
will soon be empty. Get fuel as soon as
possible.
053-9FE
Check Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving,
the vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving
conditions when the light came on and
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The check engine light may come on
in the following cases:
•
The fuel tank level being very low
or approaching empty.
• The engine’ s electrical system has a
problem.
• The emission control system has a
problem.
• A ROOM fuse blows or is
removed.
• The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.