1-2
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Dashboard Overview
Ashtray Auto tilt switchClimate control system
Lighter
Glove box
Audio system
Passenger-side air bag
Hazard warning flasher switchFog lights switch
Power window lock switch
Lighting control/Turn signals Instrument clusterWiper and washer lever
Driver-side air bag
Cruise control switchesIgnition switch
Center console
Hood release handle
Cup holder
Shift lever
Parking brake handle
Cruise main switch
Rear window defroster switch
TCS-OFF switch Coin box Power window
switches
Outside mirror switch
Audio control switch
(page 2-23)
(page 5-33)
(page 5-18)
(page 5-32)
(page 5-12)
(page 3-23)
(page 3-17)
(page 6-38)
(page 5-31)
(page 3-22)
(page 5-12)(page 5-36)
(page 5-37)
(page 6-2)
(page 6-10)
(page 5-8)
(page 2-23)
(page 6-36)
(page 5-16)
(page 6-37) (page 3-13)
(page 3-15)(page 6-39)
(page 6-39)
(page 6-38)
(page 5-4)
(page 5-2) (page 6-32)
J76Y.book Page 2 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
1-4
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Exterior Overview
Doors and keys
Outside mirrors
Side-marker lights
Headlights Fuel-filler lid Child safety lock
Tires
Reverse lights
Windshield wiper blades
Washer fluid
Hood
Front turn signal lights/
Parking lights Fog lights
Rear turn signal lights
Brake lights/Taillights
Power windows
Rear window defroster
Trunk lid
High-mount brake lights
License plate lights
Antenna
Sunroof
(page 5-36)
(page 6-10)
(page 8-33)
(page 3-10)
(page 8-33)
(page 3-18)
(page 8-21)
(page 8-19)
(page 3-17)
(page 8-31)
(page 8-31)(page 3-9)
(page 8-24)
(page 8-33)
(page 8-33)
(page 3-13)
(page 3-2)
(page 3-23)
(page 8-31)
(page 8-29) (page 3-15) (page 8-33)
(page 8-19)
(page 8-31)
J76Y.book Page 4 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
4-5
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
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 brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake 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
J76Y.book Page 5 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
4-7
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
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.
•If your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don’t hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
don’t pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
•If you get stuck, shift to L or S 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.If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from D to R.
Hazardous Driving
Downshifting on Slippery Surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
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.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the front
wheels.
WARNING
Rocking the Vehicle
Spinning the Wheels:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries. Don’t spin the wheels at
more than 56 km/h (35 mph), and
don’t allow anyone to stand behind a
wheel when pushing the vehicle.
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire
damage.
WARNING
CAUTION
J76Y.book Page 7 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
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
J76Y.book Page 9 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
5-1
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving
................................................................... 5- 2
Ignition Switch ........................................................................ 5- 2
Starting the Engine .................................................................. 5- 3
Brake System ........................................................................... 5- 4
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................. 5- 8
Power Steering ......................................................................... 5-12
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-12
Traction Control System (TCS) ............................................... 5-16
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
............................................ 5-18
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-18
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
........................................ 5-22
Warning/Indicator Lights ......................................................... 5-22
Beeps ....................................................................................... 5-30
Switches and Controls
................................................................. 5-31
Lighting Control ...................................................................... 5-31
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-32
Fog Lights ................................................................................ 5-32
Daytime Running Lights ......................................................... 5-33
Windshield Wipers and Washer ............................................... 5-33
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-36
Horn ......................................................................................... 5-36
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-37
J76Y.book Page 1 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Starting and Driving
Ignition Switch Positions
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
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 5-22).
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 5-22).
Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position, a beep will sound when the
driver’s door is opened.
Ignition Switch
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.
WARNING
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
J76Y.book Page 2 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM
5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q47-EA-01F
Foot Brake
Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.
Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But the distance required to
stop will be greater than usual.
Parking Brake
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal, then pull the
brake handle fully upward.
Brake System
Driving with the Engine Off:
Continuing to drive when the engine
is stalled or turned off is dangerous.
Braking will require more effort, and
the brake’s power-assist could be
depleted if you pump the brake. This
will cause longer stopping distances
or even an accident. Don’t continue
driving when the engine is stalled or
turned off, find a safe place to stop.
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.
Driving with the parking brake on will
cause excessive wear of the brake
linings or pads.
WARNING
CAUTION
J76Y.book Page 4 Wednesday, March 27, 2002 5:04 PM