Page 64 of 250

3-20
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
3. The indicator light flashes once every 3 seconds to indicate that the system is
fully armed. It continues to flash until
the theft-deterrent system is turned off.
To Turn off an Armed System
An armed system can be turned off by
pressing the button on the keyless
entry system transmitter. If the transmitter
doesn ’t work, unlock the driver ’s door
with a key. Open the door and within 15
seconds, put the key into the ignition and
turn it to the ON position. If it takes
longer than 15 seconds the alarm will
sound.
To Stop an Alarm
A triggered alarm can be turned off by
opening the trunk lid with the key or
pressing the button or the button
on the keyless entry system transmitter. If
the transmitter doesn ’t work, put the key
into the ignition and turn it to the ON
position.
Theft-Deterrent Labels
Labels indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System
are in the glove box.
Mazda recommends that you affix them to
the lower rear corner of the front door
windows.
NOTE
The trunk lid can be opened with the
key or the transmitter even when the
system is armed. The alarm will not
come on and the system will remain
armed.
NOTE
If you have any problem with the theft-
deterrent system, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
J94S.book Page 20 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 65 of 250

3-21
Knowing Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
Tilt Steering Wheel
To change the angle of the steering wheel,
stop the vehicle, pull the tilt wheel release
lever on the left side of the steering
column down, adjust the wheel, then push
the release lever up to lock the column.
After adjusting, push the wheel up and
down to be certain it ’s locked before
driving.
Outside Mirrors
Check the mirrors ’ angles before driving.
Manual control mirror
Adjust by hand.
Power control mirror
The ignition switch must be in the ACC or
ON position.
To a d j u s t :
1. Rotate the mirror adjusting switch to the left or right to choose the mirror.
Steering Wheel
Adjusting the Steering Wheel:Adjusting the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control
or an accident. Never adjust the
steering wheel while the vehicle is
moving.
WARNING
Tilt wheel
release lever
Mirrors
Convex Mirror (Passenger Side) :Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears. Be
sure to look over your shoulder or to
check your inside mirror before
changing lanes.
WARNING
Outside mirror
J94S.book Page 21 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 66 of 250
3-22
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
2. Depress the switch in the appropriate direction.
After adjusting the mirror, lock the
control by rotating the switch to the
middle position.
Mirror defroster
To turn on the mirror defroster, turn the
ignition on and push the rear window
defroster switch (page 5-35).
Rearview Mirror (With Day/
Night Function)
Before driving, adjust the rearview mirror
to center on the scene through the rear
window. Do this with the day/night lever
in the day position. Push the lever forward for day driving.
Pull it back to reduce glare from
headlights.
Mirror adjusting switch
Blocked View:Cargo stacked higher than the
seatbacks is dangerous. It can block
your view in the rearview mirror,
which might cause you to hit another
car when changing lanes. Don
’t stack
things higher than the seatbacks.
Night Day/Night lever
Day
WARNING
J94S.book Page 22 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 73 of 250

4-5
Before Driving Your Mazda
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide)
Carbon Monoxide: Engine exhaust is dangerous. This gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless, odorless, and poisonous. When inhaled, it can cause loss of consciousness
and death. If you smell exhaust gas inside your vehicle, keep all windows fully open
and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer immediately.
Exhaust Gas in Enclosed Area:
Running the engine inside an enclosed area, such as a garage, is dangerous. Exhaust
gas, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could easily enter the cabin. Loss of
consciousness or even death could occur. Don’t run the engine when inside an
enclosed area.
Idling with the Windows Closed:
Exhaust gas is dangerous. When your vehicle is stopped with the windows closed and
the engine running for a long time in an open area, exhaust gas, which contains
poisonous carbon monoxide, could enter the cabin. Loss of consciousness or even
death could occur. Open the windows or adjust the heating or cooling system to draw
fresh air.
Snow Blocking the Exhaust Gas:
Running the engine when a vehicle is stopped in deep snow is dangerous. The exhaust
pipe could be blocked by the snow, allowing exhaust gas to enter the cabin. Because
exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide, anyone in the cabin could be
injured or killed. Clear the snow from underneath and around your vehicle before
starting the engine.
WARNING
J94S.book Page 5 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 74 of 250
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside
mirror (s), and outside lights are clean.
• Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
• Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
• If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way. •
Are all doors closed and locked?
• Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
• Is everyone ’s seat belt fastened?
• Do all the lights work?
• Check all gauges.
• Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
• Release the parking brake and make
sure the parking brake warning light
goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch fluid, washer fluid, and other
fluid levels should be inspected daily,
weekly, or at refueling, depending on
the fluid. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
J94S.book Page 6 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 77 of 250

4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
•Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask a Mazda dealer to perform the
following precautions:
• Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
• Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
• Use only cold-weather engine
oil (page 8-10).
• Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
• Use washer fluid made with
antifreeze —but don ’t use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer
fluid (page 8-20).
• Don ’t use the parking brake if it might
freeze. Instead, shift to P with an
automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with
a manual transaxle. Block the rear
wheels.
Snow Tires
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used all
year around. In some extreme climates
you may find it necessary to replace them
with snow tires during the winter months
to further improve traction on snow and
ice covered roads.
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don ’t go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph).
Inflate snow tires 28 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm 2, 4
psi) more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver’ s door), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Winter Driving
Mixing Tire Types:Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle ’s handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
WARNING
CAUTION
J94S.book Page 9 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 78 of 250

4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Don ’t use chains on the rear tires.
Use only SAE Class "S" chains, and make
sure they fit.
Installing the chains
1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer ’s instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2—1 km (1/4 —1/2 mile).
•
Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
• Chains may affect handling.
• Don ’t go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer ’s
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
• Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
• Avoid locked-wheel braking.
• Don ’t use chains on the temporary
tire; it may result in damage to the
vehicle and to the tire.
• Don ’t use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
CAUTION
Driving In Flooded Area
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.
Make sure water does not enter the
vehicle interior or the engine area. The
vehicle interior could become wet or
the engine could be damaged.
WARNING
CAUTION
J94S.book Page 10 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM
Page 82 of 250

5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Starting and Driving
Ignition Switch Positions
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.
Manual transaxle
When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, push the key in at the
ACC position. Automatic transaxle
When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, keep the shift lever in P.
Ignition Switch
ON(II)
ACC(I)
LOCK(0) Push the key
Removing the Key:It
’s dangerous to remove the key from
the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving. Removing the key allows the
steering wheel to lock. You will lose
steering control and a serious
accident could occur.
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked.
Not Setting the Parking Brake:
Leaving the driver ’s seat without
setting the parking brake is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur if the parking
brake is not set. This could cause an
accident. Before leaving the driver ’s
seat, always set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P with
an automatic transaxle or in 1 or R
with a manual transaxle.
ON(II)
ACC(I)
LOCK(0) Shift lever
engaged in P
(park)
WARNING
J94S.book Page 2 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM