Page 131 of 304

5-11
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
Overdrive
Overdrive operation
In D, the transaxle automatically shifts to
overdrive, which improves fuel economy
and reduces noise.
To allow engine braking when going
down a steep grade, make sure the
overdrive button is in the off position.
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 4-
gear sequence in D.
Shift patterns without overdrive:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
3 = 2nd, 3rd
2 = 2nd
To turn it on, push the button again.
Shift patterns with overdrive:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
3 = 2nd, 3rd
2 = 2ndO/D OFF indicator light
This light comes on when the overdrive
has been turned off.
Driving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or 2, depending on the load
weight and grade steepness.
3. Release all brakes while gradually
accelerating.
Overdrive button
If the overdrive-off indicator light
flashes, the transaxle has an electrical
problem. Continuing to drive your
Mazda in this condition could cause
damage to your transaxle. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
CAUTION
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Page 132 of 304
5-12
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to 3
or 2, depending on load weight and grade
steepness. Descend slowly, using the
brakes only occasionally to prevent them
from overheating.Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels rigid during normal
driving, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.Power Steering
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than five
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power steering
system.
CAUTION
J16L_EA.book Page 12 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM
Page 209 of 304
6-51
Interior Comfort
Interior Equipment
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
Shopping Bag Hooks
The shopping bag hooks can be used for
hanging shopping bags.
The tensile strength of the hooks is 29 N
(3 kgf, 7 lbf).
Do not hang excessive weight to the
hooks as they will be damaged.The ignition switch must be in the ACC or
ON position.
Only use genuine Mazda accessories or
the equivalent requiring no greater than
12V—10A.
Accessory Sockets
Cap
Front
Rear
J16L_EA.book Page 51 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM
Page 255 of 304

8-23
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
For reasons of proper performance, safety,
and better fuel economy, always maintain
recommended tire inflation pressures and
stay within the recommended load limits
and weight distribution.
Tire Inflation Pressure
Inspect all tire pressures monthly
(including the spare) when the tires are
cold. Maintain recommended pressures
for the best ride, top handling, and
minimum tire wear.
Refer to the specification charts
(page 10-6).
Tires
Using Different Tire Types:
Driving your vehicle with different
types of tires is dangerous. It could
cause poor handling and poor
braking; leading to loss of control.
Except when using the temporary
spare tire, use only the same type tires
(radial, bias-belted, bias-type) on all
four wheels.
Using Wrong-Sized Tires:
Using any other tire size than what is
specified for your Mazda (page 10-6)
is dangerous. It could seriously affect
ride, handling, ground clearance, tire
clearance, and speedometer
calibration. This could cause you to
have an accident. Use only tires that
are the correct size specified for your
Mazda.
WARNING
Incorrect Tire Inflation:
Overinflation or underinflation of
tires is dangerous. Adverse handling
or unexpected tire failure could result
in a serious accident. Always inflate
the tires to the correct pressure (page
10-6).
WARNING
J16L_EA.book Page 23 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM
Page 297 of 304

10-5
Specifications
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
Capacities
(Approximate Quantities)
Check oil and fluid levels with dipsticks or reservoir gauges.
Dimensions
*With license plate holder
We i g h t s
Air Conditioner
ItemUnit
L US qt Imp qt
Engine oilWith oil filter replacement 5.2 5.5 4.6
Without oil filter replacement 4.7 5.0 4.1
CoolantWith rear heater 12.4 13.1 11.0
Without rear heater 10.6 11.2 9.3
Automatic transaxle fluid 9.7 10.3 8.5
Washer fluidWith 4-Seasons package 5.5 5.8 4.8
Without 4-Seasons package 2.2 2.3 1.9
Fuel tank 75 19.8 (US gal) 16.5 (Imp gal)
Item mm (in)
Overall lengthWithout GFX Package 4,769 (187.8), 4,794 (188.7)*
With GFX Package 4,786 (188.4), 4,810 (189.4)*
Overall width 1,830 (72.1)
Overall height 1,745 (68.7)
Front tread 1,540 (60.6)
Rear tread 1,545 (60.8)
Wheelbase 2,840 (111.8)
Item Weight
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) 2,372 kg (5,229 lb)
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)Front 1,180 kg (2,601 lb)
Rear 1,214 kg (2,676 lb)
Refrigerant complies with SAE J639 Maximum operating charge
R-134aFront air-conditioner 0.65 kg (22.9 oz)
Front and rear air-conditioner 0.85 kg (30.0 oz)
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11-6
Index
Form No. 8Q44-EA-01K
T
Inflation pressure ...................... 8-23
Replacement
............................. 8-25
Rotation
.................................... 8-24
Snow tires
................................... 4-9
Spare tire and tool storage
.......... 7-3
Specifications
........................... 10-6
Tire chains
................................ 4-10
Uniform tire quality grading
system (UTQGS)
...................... 9-13
Tool
.................................................... 7-3
Towing
Description
............................... 7-20
Emergency towing
.................... 7-20
Recreational towing
.................. 7-21
Trailer towing
........................... 4-12
Traction Control System (TCS)
....... 5-16
Indicator light
........................... 5-17
Switch
....................................... 5-17
Warning light
............................ 5-17
Trailer Towing
................................. 4-12
Trip Meter
........................................ 5-20
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
....... 5-33
U
Under Seat Tray ............................... 6-49
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................. 6-41
Vehicle Information Labels
............. 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................ 5-23
ABS
.......................................... 5-27
Air bag system
.......................... 5-28
Brake system
............................ 5-25
W
Charging system ....................... 5-26
Check engine
............................. 5-27
Door-ajar
................................... 5-29
Engine oil pressure
.................... 5-26
Front seat belt pretensioner
system
....................................... 5-28
Immobilizer system
................... 5-29
Low fuel
.................................... 5-28
Seat belt
..................................... 5-28
TCS
........................................... 5-29
Warranty
............................................. 9-8
Washer Fluid
.................................... 8-16
Weights
............................................ 10-5
Wheel Replacement
......................... 8-26
Windows
Power windows
......................... 3-19
Rear quarter windows
............... 3-22
Windshield Washer
.......................... 5-35
Windshield Wipers
........................... 5-35
Blades replacement
................... 8-18
Winter Driving
................................... 4-9
J16L_EA.book Page 6 Friday, February 22, 2002 11:34 AM