Page 2 of 287
Seating and Safety Restraints 111
Seating 111
Safety restraints 113
Air bags 125
Child restraints 135
Driving 147
Starting 147
Brakes 152
Transmission operation 157
Vehicle loading 169
Trailer towing 171
Recreational towing 178
Roadside Emergencies 180
Hazard flasher switch 181
Fuses and relays 183
Changing tires 194
Jump starting 201
Wrecker towing 206
Customer Assistance 207
Reporting safety defects (U.S. only) 217
Cleaning 218
Repairing paint chips 219
Underbody preservation 223
Cleaning your vehicle 223
Table of Contents
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WARNING: In the event of an accident the Fuel pump shut-off
switch will automatically cut off the fuel supply to the engine.
The switch can also be activated through sudden vibration (e.g.
collision when parking). To reset the switch, refer to theFuel
pump shut-off switchin theRoadside emergencieschapter.
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION
Warning symbols in this guide
How can you reduce the risk of personal injury and prevent possible
damage to others, your vehicle and its equipment? In this guide, answers
to such questions are contained in comments highlighted by the warning
triangle symbol. These comments should be read and observed.
Warning symbols on your vehicle
When you see this symbol, it is
imperative that you consult the
relevant section of this guide before
touching or attempting adjustment
of any kind.
Protecting the environment
We must all play our part in
protecting the environment. Correct
vehicle usage and the authorized
disposal of waste cleaning and
lubrication materials are significant
steps towards this aim. Information in this respect is highlighted in this
guide with the tree symbol.
BREAKING-IN YOUR VEHICLE
There are no particular breaking-in rules for your vehicle. During the
first 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of driving, vary speeds frequently. This is
necessary to give the moving parts a chance to break in.
Introduction
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WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle's functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works.If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have
the respective system inspected immediately.
Check engine
Illuminates briefly to ensure the
system is functional. If it comes on
after the engine is started, one of
the engine's emission control
systems may be malfunctioning. The
light may illuminate without a driveability concern being noted and will
not require towing.
Light turns on (without blinking):
Temporary malfunctions may cause your light to illuminate. Examples
are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel.
2. Poor fuel quality or water in the fuel.
3. The fuel cap may not have been properly installed and securely
tightened.
These temporary malfunctions can be corrected by filling the fuel tank
with high quality fuel of the recommended octane and/or properly
installing and securely tightening the fuel cap. After three driving cycles
CHECK
ENGINE
Instrument Cluster
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²Do not leave tapes in the cassette player for a long time when not
being played.
RADIO FREQUENCY INFORMATION
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Canadian Radio
and Telecommunications Commission(CRTC) establish the frequencies
AM and FM stations may use for their broadcasts. Allowable frequencies
are:
AM 530, 540±1600, 1610 kHz
FM 87.7, 87.9±107.7, 107.9 MHz
Not all frequencies are used in a given area.
RADIO RECEPTION FACTORS
Three factors can affect radio reception:
²Distance/strength.The further an FM signal travels, the weaker it is.
The listenable range of the average FM station is approximately 40 km
(24 miles). This range can be affected by ªsignal modulation.º Signal
modulation is a process radio stations use to increase their
strength/volume relative to other stations.
²Terrain.Hills, mountains and tall buildings between your vehicle's
antenna and the radio station signal can cause FM reception problems.
Static can be caused on AM stations by power lines, electric fences,
traffic lights and thunderstorms. Moving away from an interfering
structure (out of its ªshadowº) returns your reception to normal.
²Station overload.Weak signals are sometimes captured by stronger
signals when you pass a broadcast tower. A stronger signal may
temporarily overtake a weaker signal and play while the weak station
frequency is displayed.
The audio system automatically switches to single channel reception if it
will improve the reception of a station normally received in stereo.
AUDIO SYSTEM WARRANTIES AND SERVICE
Refer to theWarranty Guidefor audio system warranty information.
If service is necessary, see your authorized Mazda dealership.
Entertainment Systems
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²To reduce humidity buildup inside the vehicle in warm weather
conditions, don't drive with the climate control system in the OFF
position.
²Under normal weather conditions, your vehicle's climate control
system should be left in any position other than the MAX A/C or OFF
when the vehicle is parked. This allows the vehicle to ªbreatheº
through the outside air inlet duct.
²Under snowy or dirty weather conditions, your vehicle's climate
control system should be left in the OFF position when the vehicle is
parked. This allows the climate control system to be free from
contamination of outside pollutants.
²If your vehicle has been parked with the windows closed during warm
weather conditions, the air conditioner will perform more efficiently in
cooling the vehicle if driven for two or three minutes with the
windows open. This will force most of the hot, stale air out of the
vehicle. Once the vehicle has been ªaired outº, operate the climate
control system as desired.
²Do not put objects under the front seat which may interfere with the
airflow to the rear seats (if equipped).
²Remove any snow, ice or leaves from the air intake area (at the
bottom of the windshield and underneath the hood).
²Do not place objects over the defroster outlets. These objects can
block airflow and reduce visibility through your windshield. Avoid
placing small objects on top of the instrument panel. These objects
may fall down into the defroster outlets and block airflow, in addition
to, damaging the climate control system.
To aid in side window defogging/demisting in cold weather conditions:
1. Select the position that distributes air through the Panel and Floor.
2. Set the temperature control to full heat.
3. Set the fan speed to full fan.
4. Direct the outer panel vents towards the side windows.
5. To increase airflow to the outer panel vents, close the central panel
vents.
Do not place objects on top of the instrument panel as these
objects may become projectiles in a collision or sudden stop.
Climate Controls
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High beams
²Push forward past detent to
activate.
²Pull toward you past detent to
deactivate.
Flash to pass
Pull toward you slightly to activate
and release to deactivate.
PANEL DIMMER CONTROL
Use to adjust the brightness of the
instrument panel during headlamp
and parklamp operation.
²Rotate up to brighten.
²Rotate down to dim.
²Rotate to full up position (past
detent/dome defeat) to turn on
interior lamps.
²Rotate to full down position (past detent/dome defeat) to turn off
interior lamps.
AIMING THE HEADLAMPS
The headlamps on your vehicle are properly aimed at the assembly plant.
If your vehicle has been in an accident the alignment of your headlamps
should be checked by your authorized Mazda dealer.
DIM
Lights
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Changing the wiper blades
To replace the wiper blades:
1. Pull the wiper arm away from
the windshield and lock into the
service position.
2. Turn the blade at an angle from
the wiper arm. Push the lock
pin manually to release the
blade and pull the wiper blade
down toward the windshield to
remove it from the arm.
3. Attach the new wiper to the
wiper arm and press it into
place until a click is heard.
TILT STEERING WHEEL (IF EQUIPPED)
Pull the tilt steering control toward
you to move the steering wheel up
or down. Hold the control while
adjusting the wheel to the desired
position, then release the control to
lock the steering wheel in position.
Driver Controls
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4. Evenly push down on the
extender and push the round
knobs in on each side locking it
in place.
Green markings on the shaft
indicate the locked position. The
locking clip screws below the middle
bar can be tightened
counterclockwise for extra security.
To stow the bed extender, follow
steps one through four in reverse
order.
The bed extender may be used to
secure a load of up to 46 kg
(100 lbs.) on the tailgate.
The bed extender should always
be kept in the stowed position
with the tailgate closed when
not in use.
Driver Controls
100