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Low fuel
Illuminates when the fuel level in
the fuel tank is at, or near, empty
(refer toFuel gaugein this chapter
for more information).
Air bag readiness
Illuminates to confirm that the air
bags (front or side) are operational.
If the light fails to illuminate,
continues to flash or remains on,
have the system serviced
immediately.
Safety belt
Illuminates to remind you to fasten
your safety belts. For more
information, refer to theSeating
and safety restraintschapter.
Brake system warning
Illuminates if the parking brake is
engaged. Also momentarily
illuminates at start up to ensure the
circuit is functional. If the brake
warning lamp does not illuminate at
these times, or illuminates after releasing the parking brake, seek service
immediately. Refer toBrakesin theDrivingchapter for more
information.
WARNING: Illumination after releasing the parking brake
indicates low brake fluid level and the brake system should be
inspected immediately.
!
BRAKE
Instrument Cluster
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Anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
Illuminates to ensure the circuit is
functional.
WARNING: If the light remains on, continues to flash or fails
to illuminate, have the system serviced immediately. With the
ABS light on, the anti-lock brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the brake warning light also
remains illuminated with the parking brake released.
Turn signals
Illuminates when the turn signals or
the hazard lights are turned on. If
the lights stay on continuously or
flash faster, check for a burned-out bulb.
High beams
Illuminates when the high beam
headlamps are turned on.
Speed control
Illuminates when the speed control
is activated.
Anti-theft system
Refer toSecuriLockypassive
anti-theft systemin theLocks and
Securitychapter.
Charging system
Illuminates when the battery is not
charging properly.
ABS
CRUISE
Instrument Cluster
13
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Replacing brake/tail/turn/backup lamps bulbs
The brake/tail/turn/backup lamp bulbs are located in the tail lamp
assembly, one just below the other. Follow the same steps to replace
either bulb:
1. Open the liftgate to expose the
lamp assemblies.
2. Remove the two screws from
the lamp assembly.
3. Carefully remove the lamp
assembly by pulling it rearward.
4. Twist the bulb socket
counterclockwise and remove
from lamp assembly.
5. Pull the bulb straight out of the
socket and push in the new
bulb.
6. To complete installation, follow
the removal procedure in
reverse order.
Replacing front parking/turn lamp bulbs
1. Make sure that the headlamp control is in the OFF position.
2. Open the hood. The position lamps are located on the bottom half of
each headlamp.
3. Disconnect the electrical connector from the bulb by pulling
rearward.
4. Remove the bulb socket from the lamp assembly by turning
counterclockwise.
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5. Pull the bulb straight out of the
socket and push in the new
bulb.
6. To complete installation, follow
the removal procedure in
reverse order.
Replacing fog lamp bulbs (if equipped)
1. Remove the bulb socket from
the fog lamp by turning
counterclockwise.
2. Disconnect the electrical
connector from the fog lamp
bulb.
3. Connect the electrical connector to the new fog lamp bulb.
4. Install the bulb socket in the fog lamp turning clockwise.
Replacing license plate lamp bulbs
1. Remove two screws and the
license plate lamp assembly
(located above the license
plate) from the liftgate.
2. Remove bulb socket from lamp
assembly by turning
counterclockwise.
3. Pull the bulb out from the
socket and push in the new
bulb.
4. Install the bulb socket in lamp assembly turning it clockwise,
5. Install the lamp assembly on liftgate with two screws.
Replacing front parking lamp/turn signal bulbs
For bulb replacement, see an authorized Mazda dealer.
Replacing high-mount brake lamp bulbs
For bulb replacement, see an authorized Mazda dealer.
Lights
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WARNING: If you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle,
have your authorized Mazda dealer inspect your vehicle
immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
Important safety precautions
A computer system controls the engine's idle revolutions per minute
(RPM). When the engine starts, the idle RPM runs higher than normal in
order to warm the engine. If the engine idle speed does not slow down
automatically, have the vehicle checked by your authorized Mazda
dealership.
Before starting the vehicle:
1. Make sure all vehicle occupants have buckled their safety belts. For
more information on safety belts and their proper usage, refer to the
Seating and safety restraintschapter.
2. Make sure the headlamps and vehicle accessories are off.
If starting a vehicle with an
automatic transmission:
²Make sure the parking brake is
set.
²Make sure the gearshift is in P
(Park).
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Driving
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If starting a vehicle with a manual
transmission:
²Make sure the parking brake is
set.
²Push the clutch pedal to the
floor.
3. Turn the key to 3 (ON) without
turning the key to 4 (START).
Make sure the corresponding lights illuminate or illuminate briefly. If a
light fails to illuminate, have the vehicle serviced.
Note:If the driver's safety belt is fastened, the
light may not
illuminate.
Starting the engine
Note:Whenever you start your vehicle, release the key as soon as the
engine starts. Excessive cranking could damage the starter.
BRAKEO/D
OFF
CHECK
FUEL
CAP
Driving
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ABS warning lampABS(if equipped)
The
ABSwarning lamp in the instrument cluster momentarily illuminates
when the ignition is turned to the ON position. If the light does not
illuminate momentarily at start up, remains on or continues to flash, the
ABS needs to be serviced.
With the ABS light on, the anti-lock
brake system is disabled and normal
braking is still effective unless the
brake warning light also remains
illuminated with parking brake
released. (If your brake warning lamp illuminates, have your vehicle
serviced immediately by an authorized Mazda dealership.)
Using four wheel ABS (if equipped)
²In an emergency or when maximum efficiency from the ABS is
required, apply continuous force on the brake. The ABS will be
activated immediately, thus allowing you to retain full steering control
of your vehicle and, providing there is sufficient space, will enable you
to avoid obstacles and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
WARNING: The Anti-Lock system does not decrease the time
necessary to apply the brakes or always reduce stopping
distance. Always leave enough room between your vehicle and
the vehicle in front of you to stop.
NOTE:We recommend that you familiarize yourself with this braking
technique. However, avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
Parking brake
Apply the parking brake whenever
the vehicle is parked. To set the
parking brake, apply the brake pedal
and pull the parking brake handle
up as far as possible.
!
BRAKE
Driving
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The BRAKE warning lamp in the
instrument cluster illuminates and
remains illuminated (when the
ignition is turned ON) until the
parking brake is released.
WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First Gear) (manual transmission).
NOTE:The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle's stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
To release the parking brake, the
brake handle may need to be pulled
up slightly to release pressure
before pushing in the button.
Push the button on the end of
the parking brake handle and
push the handle down as far as
possible. Driving with the
parking brake applied will cause
the brakes to wear out quickly
and reduce fuel economy.
STEERING
Your vehicle is equipped with power steering. Power steering uses energy
from the engine to decrease the driver's effort in steering the vehicle.
To prevent damage to the power steering pump:
²Never hold the steering wheel to the extreme right or the extreme left
for more than a few seconds when the engine is running.
²Do not operate the vehicle with the power steering pump fluid level
below the MIN mark on the reservoir.
If the power steering system breaks down (or if the engine is turned
off), you can steer the vehicle manually, but it takes more effort.
If the steering wanders or pulls, the condition could be caused by any of
the following:
²Underinflated tire(s) on any wheel(s)
!
BRAKE
Driving
137