2003 MAZDA MODEL MPV ESP

3-5
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Sliding door transmitter buttons
If your Mazda has power sliding doors
(page 3-12), the transmitter can open/
close the sliding doors.
When a power sliding door is completely
closed/opened and a power sliding door
open/close transmitter button is pressed
for 1 second or more, the door opens/
closes after the buzzer sounds.Panic button
You can use the button to turn on the
alarm, which allows you to signal for
attention in an emergency.
Turning on the alarm
Pressing the button once will trigger the
alarm for about 2 minutes and 30 seconds,
and do the following:
•The horn sounds intermittently.
•The hazard warning lights flash.
Turning off the alarm
Press any button on the transmitter.
Operating Power Sliding Doors with
Transmitter:
Opening or closing the power sliding
doors with the keyless entry system
transmitter while not watching the
doors move is dangerous. People or
animals could be injured when the
doors open along the rear sides and
back to the rear fender, or in closing.
Allowing children to use the
transmitter could result in serious
injuries despite the jam-safe feature.
Always be sure that the doorway and
rear fender area are clear before
activating the power sliding doors and
be particularly careful when using
the keyless entry system transmitter.
Be sure to view the doors opening or
closing and do not operate a door on
either side if you can’t fully see it.
Always make sure that you watch the
power sliding doors close completely
and be sure your children do not have
access to the transmitter.
WARNING
NOTE
•When a power sliding door is not
completely closed, pressing the
power sliding door open/close
transmitter button for 1 second or
more will open the door completely.
•Press the button to stop the power
sliding doors while they are
opening/closing.
NOTE
The alarm will work whether any door
or the liftgate is open or closed.
NOTE
If the LOCK and UNLOCK button are
pressed sequentially, the hazard
warning flasher may not flash
correctly.
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 5 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

3-8
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

Locking, Unlocking with Key
Either front door can be locked or
unlocked with a key.
Turn the key toward the front to unlock,
toward the back to lock.

Locking, Unlocking with
Transmitter
The doors can be locked/unlocked by
operating the keyless entry system
transmitter, refer to keyless entry system
(page 3-3).
Door Locks
Unattended Children and Pets:
Leaving a child or an animal
unattended in a parked vehicle is
dangerous. In hot weather,
temperatures inside a vehicle can
become high enough to cause brain
damage or even death. Always take all
children and animals with you or
leave a responsible person with them.
Keys and Children:
Leaving children in a vehicle with the
ignition key is dangerous. This could
result in someone being badly injured
or even killed. They could play with
power windows or other controls, or
even make the vehicle move. Don’t
leave the keys in your vehicle with
children.
Unlocked Doors:
Unlocked doors in a moving vehicle
are dangerous. Passengers can fall
out if a door is accidentally opened
and can more easily be thrown out in
an accident. So keep all doors locked
when driving.
NOTE
Always remove the key from the
ignition switch, close all windows, and
lock all doors when leaving your
vehicle unattended. This discourages
intruders and thieves.
WARNING
Unlock
Lock
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3-19
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

Locking, Unlocking with
Transmitter
The liftgate can be locked/unlocked by
operating the keyless entry system
transmitter, refer to Keyless Entry System
(page 3-3).

Locking, Unlocking with Door-
Lock Switch
The liftgate can be locked/unlocked by
operating the door-lock switch, refer to
Power Door Locks (page 3-10).

Opening and Closing the Liftgate
Opening the liftgate
Pull up on the handle.
Closing the liftgate
Use both hands to push the liftgate down
until the lock snaps shut. Do not slam it.
Pull up on the liftgate to make sure it is
secure.The ignition switch must be in the ON
position for the power windows to
operate.
Power Windows
Closing Power Windows:
Closing power windows are
dangerous. A person’s hands, head,
or even neck could be caught by the
window and result in serious injury or
even death.
This warning applies especially to
children. Make sure the opening is
clear before closing a window.
Children and Power Windows:
Leaving the power window switches
unlocked while children are in the
vehicle is dangerous. Power window
switches that are not locked with the
power window lock switch would
allow children to operate power
windows unintentionally which could
result in serious injury if a child’s
hands, head or neck becomes caught
by the window. Always lock all
passenger power windows with the
power window lock switch on the
driver’s side while children are in the
vehicle, and never allow children to
play with power window switches.
To prevent burning out the fuse and
damaging the power window system,
don’t open or close more than two
windows at once.
WARNING
CAUTION
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3-25
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
The sunroof can be opened or closed
electrically only when the ignition switch
is in the ON position.

Tilt Operation
The rear of the sunroof can be tilted open
to provide more ventilation.
To tilt, push the rear of the tilt switch.
To close, push the front of the tilt switch.
Sunroof
Extending the Head or Arms
Through the Sunroof:
Extending the head, arms, or other
parts of the body through the sunroof
is dangerous. The head or arms could
hit something while the vehicle is
moving. This could cause death or
serious injury. Don’t let passengers
stand up or extend anything through
the open sunroof while the vehicle is
moving.
Closing the Sunroof:
A closing sunroof is dangerous. The
hands, head, or even neck of a person
—especially a child—could be caught
in it as it closes, causing serious
injury or even death. Make sure the
opening is clear before closing the
sunroof.
Slide switch
Tilt switch
WARNING
NOTE
After washing your Mazda or after a
rain, wipe the water off the sunroof
before operating it.
Tilt up
Close
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 25 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM

4-17
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

Trailer Towing Tips
•Verify that your Mazda maintains a near-normal attitude when a loaded or unloaded
trailer is connected. Don’t drive if it has an abnormal front-up or front-down position.
Inspect for incorrect tongue load, worn suspension parts, and trailer overloading.
•Make sure the trailer is properly loaded and the cargo is secure to prevent it from
shifting.
•Make sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.
Before driving
•Have your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
•Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all vehicle-
to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short
distance.
Driving
•Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing,
and stopping in a traffic-free area.
•Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.
•Allow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance
increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.
•Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
•Avoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially
so on wet or slippery roads.
•Use the following positions when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when heavily
loaded.
OD (overdrive) off
Shift lever in D
These positions will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.
Lane changes and turning
Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that
are larger than normal.
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4-18
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G
Passing
Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes.
Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads
will affect handling.
If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but
gradually.
Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or braking is made, the
combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability.
Backing up
Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a
helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.
To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or
prolonged turning.
Ascending a hill
Shift into a lower gear to reduce the possibility of overloading or overheating the engine, or
both.
Descending a hill
Shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking effect.
Overheated engine
The extra weight of the trailer may strain the engine on hot days and on long or steep
upgrades.
If the temperature gauge indicates overheating, turn off the air conditioner, drive safely to
the side of the road, park off the right-of-way and wait for engine to cool. Refer to
Overheating (page 7-15).
Over Use of the Brake Pedal:
Holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently is dangerous as it could
cause the brakes to overheat and lose power, resulting in loss of control and a serious
accident. Use lower gears (1st and 2nd) to help reduce speed. Pull off the road and
allow brakes to cool down whenever braking performance feels reduced. Always use
lower gears to reduce speed.
WARNING
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5-7
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
is about to lock up, the ABS responds by
automatically releasing and reapplying
that wheel’s brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal when the ABS operates. Don’t
pump the brakes, continue to press down
on the brake pedal.

ABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you’re driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function
normally as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
ABS:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident. So don’t rely on ABS as a
substitute for safe driving.
NOTE
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
WARNING
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
WARNING
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5-9
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8R21-EA-02G

Transaxle Ranges
The shift lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transaxle and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except as
explained under Rocking the Vehicle
(page 4-8).
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 5-gear sequence.
NOTE
When shifting the automatic transaxle
in extremely could temperature, the
shift pattern indicator will respond
more slowly than under normal
conditions.
Holding the Vehicle with P:
Setting the shift lever to the P position
without using the parking brake to
hold the vehicle is dangerous. If P
fails to hold, the vehicle could move
and cause an accident. To hold the
vehicle, set the shift lever to P AND
set the parking brake.
•Shifting into P, N or R while the
vehicle is moving can damage your
transaxle.
•Shifting into a driving gear or
reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transaxle.
WARNING
CAUTION
Shifting from N or P:
It’s dangerous to shift from N or P
into a driving gear when the engine is
running faster than idle. If this is
done, the vehicle could move
suddenly, causing an accident or
serious injury. If the engine is
running faster than idle, don’t shift
from N or P into a driving gear.
Shifting into N while Driving:
Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury. Do not shift into N when
driving the vehicle.
WARNING
J16L_8R21-EA-02G.book Page 9 Saturday, June 8, 2002 11:16 AM