Page 96 of 250
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
To Cancel
To turn off the system, use one of these
methods:
• Push the OFF end of the CRUISE
MAIN switch.
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
• (Manual transaxle)
Depress the clutch pedal.
The system is off when the ignition is off. 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.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed
or below 40 km/h (25 mph).
Traction Control System
(TCS)
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.
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.
WARNING
J94S.book Page 16 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
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.
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.
TCS OFF Switch
Push this switch once to turn off the TCS.
Push it again to turn the TCS back on.
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.
NOTE
After starting the engine on very cold
days, the TCS OFF indicator will
remain on and TCS will not operate
until the engine is warm.
J94S.book Page 17 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
NOTE
•If the TCS is off when the engine is
turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition switch is turned
on.
• Leaving the TCS on will provide
the best traction.
J94S.book Page 18 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 100 of 250
5-20
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates the speed of
the vehicle.
Odometer and Trip Meter
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
The display mode can be changed from
odometer to trip meter A to trip meter B
and then back to odometer by pressing the
selector. The selected mode will be
displayed. Odometer
When this mode is selected, ODO will be
displayed.
The odometer records the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.
Tr i p m e t e r
The trip meter can record the total
distance of two trips. One is recorded in
trip meter A, and the other is recorded in
trip meter B.
For instance, trip meter A can record the
distance from the point of origin, and trip
meter B can record the distance from
where the fuel tank is filled.
When trip meter A is selected, pressing
the selector again within one second will
change to trip meter B mode.
When trip meter A is selected, TRIP A
will be displayed. When meter B is
selected, TRIP B will be displayed.
The trip meter records the total distance
the vehicle is driven until the meter is
again reset. Return it to "0.0" by holding
the selector depressed for more than 1
second. Use this meter to measure trip
distances and in to compute fuel
consumption.
Selector
Odometer
Trip meter A Press the selector
Press the selector
Press the selector
Trip meter B
J94S.book Page 20 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 105 of 250
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Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Brake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-15).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.
Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep
If the driver ’s seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, a beep will sound for about
6 seconds and the seat belt warning light
will remain on until the belt is fastened.
If the system does not operate correctly,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Brake Warning Light:Driving with the brake system
warning light on 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 on, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don ’t drive
with this light on, and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible.
WARNING
J94S.book Page 25 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
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Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
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.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This warning light in the fuel gauge
signals that the fuel tank will soon be
empty.
Get fuel as soon as possible.
Low Washer Fluid Level
Warning Light
This warning light reveals that little
windshield washer fluid remains. Add
fluid (page 8-20).
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.
• The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
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.
J94S.book Page 27 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 108 of 250
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Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
If the check engine light flashes
continuously, decrease your speed and
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
Door-Ajar Warning Light
This warning light comes on when any
door or trunk isn ’t securely closed.
ABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
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 Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Air Bag System Warning Light
If the air bagseat belt pretensioner system
is OK, the warning light comes on when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position or after the engine is cranked.
After about 6 seconds it goes out.
A system malfunction is indicated when
the warning light constantly flashes, stays
on or doesn ’t come on at all. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system
may not work in an accident.
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to
charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs
and the ABS warning light comes on.
This is due to a weak battery, not a
malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
Self-Servicing the Air Bag Systems:Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag
could accidentally activate or become
disabled. This could cause serious
injuries. Never tamper with the
systems and always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer perform all
servicing and repairs.
WARNING
J94S.book Page 28 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 109 of 250
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Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Immobilizer System Warning/
Security Indicator Light
Immobilizer system warning light
When the key is in the ignition switch,
this light serves as the immobilizer system
warning light.
If the immobilizer system is working
properly, the light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON or
START position. The light will go out
when confirmation by the immobilizer
system is completed.
If the light flashes rapidly, fails to come
on, or comes on and stays on, it indicates
a system malfunction. If any of these
occur, contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
Security indicator light
When there is no key in the ignition
switch, and the theft-deterrent system has
been armed, the light will flash once every
3 seconds. This indicates that the system
is working properly.
Headlight High-Beam Indicator
Light
This light indicates one of two things:
• The high-beam headlights are on.
• The turn signal lever is in the flash-to-
pass position.
Rear Window Defroster
Indicator Light
This light comes on when the rear
window defroster is on.
J94S.book Page 29 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
