Page 1 of 256
Introduction 3
Instrument Cluster 10
Warning and control lights 10
Gauges 16
Entertainment Systems 19
AM/FM stereo with CD 19
Climate Controls 50
Manual heating and air conditioning 50
Lights 54
Headlamps 54
Turn signal control 56
Bulb replacement 57
Driver Controls 62
Windshield wiper/washer control 62
Steering wheel adjustment 65
Power windows 67
Speed control 69
Locks and Security 77
Keys 77
Locks 77
Anti-theft system 78
Seating and Safety Restraints 87
Seating 87
Safety restraints 98
Air bags 109
Child restraints 118
Driving 130
Starting 130
Brakes 134
Table of Contents
1
Page 7 of 256
Vehicle Symbol Glossary
Power Window Lockout
Child Safety Door
Lock/Unlock
Panic Alarm System
FeatureEngine Oil
Engine CoolantEngine Coolant
Temperature
Do Not Open When HotBattery
Avoid Smoking, Flames,
or SparksBattery Acid
Explosive GasFan Warning
Power Steering FluidMaintain Correct Fluid
LevelMAX
MIN
Emission SystemEngine Air Filter
Passenger Compartment
Air FilterJack
Check fuel capLow tire warning
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS GUIDE
The information found in this guide was accurate at the time of printing.
Mazda may change the contents without notice.
Introduction
7
Page 8 of 256
Instrument cluster
(pg. 10)Windshield wiper/washer
control
(pg. 62)
Manual tilt steering
wheel lever
(pg. 65) Driver air bag
(pg. 108) Speed controls*
(pg. 69)
Instrument panel dimmer
control
(pg. 55) Power mirror control*
(pg. 68) Fog lamp control*
(pg. 55)Headlamp and turn
signal control
(pg. 54)
* if equipped
Instrument Cluster
8
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Rear window wiper blade
Refer toWindshield wiper bladesin this section for more information
on rear wiper blades.
MANUAL TILT STEERING COLUMN
Push the tilt steering wheel lever
downward to move the steering
wheel up or down. Pull the control
up into the original position to lock
the steering wheel in position.
WARNING: Never adjust the steering wheel when the vehicle is
moving. You could lose control of the vehicle.
OVERHEAD CONSOLE (IF EQUIPPED)
The appearance of your vehicle's overhead console will vary according to
your option package.
Driver Controls
65
Page 135 of 256

squeal or groan noises when the brakes are applied. Such noises are
usually heard during the first few brake applications in the morning;
however, they may be heard at any time while braking and can be
aggravated by environmental conditions such as cold, heat, moisture,
road dust, salt or mud. If a ªmetal-to-metal,º ªcontinuous grindingº or
ªcontinuous squealº sound is present while braking, the brake linings
may be worn-out and should be inspected by an authorized Mazda
dealership.
Four-wheel anti-lock brake system (ABS) (if equipped)
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a
noise from the hydraulic pump motor and pulsation in the pedal may be
observed during ABS braking events. Pedal pulsation coupled with noise
while braking under panic conditions or on loose gravel, bumps, wet or
snowy roads is normal and indicates proper functioning of the vehicle's
anti-lock brake system.
NOTE:The ABS performs a self-check after you start the engine and
begin to drive away.
A brief mechanical noise may be heard during this test. This is normal. If
a malfunction is found, the ABS warning light will come on. If the vehicle
has continuous vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking,
the vehicle should be inspected by an authorized Mazda dealership.
The ABS operates by detecting the
onset of wheel lockup during brake
applications and compensates for
this tendency. The wheels are
prevented from locking even when
the brakes are firmly applied. The
accompanying illustration depicts
the advantage of an ABS equipped
vehicle (on bottom) to a non-ABS
equipped vehicle (on top) during hard braking with loss of front braking
traction.
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.
Driving
135
Page 136 of 256

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
136
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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
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AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the ON position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the ON position and the brake pedal depressed:
1. Apply the parking brake, turn ignition key to LOCK, then remove the
key.
2. Locate the access cover plate to
the brake-shift interlock
override. It is located on the top
of the steering column.
3. Insert a tool (or a screwdriver)
into the right-hand side of the
brake-shift interlock access
cover and remove the cover.
Driving
139