Page 148 of 332

5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Charging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Engine Oil Pressure Warning
Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
This warning light indicates low engine
oil pressure.
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way.
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-13). If it’s low,
add oil.
3. Check the light.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, have your vehicle towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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.
Don’t continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.
WARNING
CAUTION
Don’t run the engine if oil pressure is
low. It could result in extensive engine
damage.
CAUTION
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 34 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
Page 149 of 332

5-35
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Check Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
•The fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
•The engine’s electrical system has a
problem.
•The emission control system has a
problem.
•The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
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 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
*Some models.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 35 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
Page 170 of 332

6-2
Interior Comfort
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Climate Control System
Operating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
Clearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowling grille to improve the system
efficiency.
Foggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the air
conditioner to dehumidify the air.
Outside/Recirculated Air
Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
Parking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
Not Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
Check the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Operating Tips
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the control
dial on for a long period of time when
the engine is not running.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
Page 332 of 332

11-6
Index
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
T
Tire Pressure Monitoring System .... 5-22
System error activation
............. 5-24
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light
............................. 5-23
Tires and wheels
....................... 5-24
Tires
Flat Tire
...................................... 7-3
Inflation pressure
...................... 8-31
Replacement
............................. 8-33
Rotation
.................................... 8-32
Snow tires
................................. 4-10
Spare tire and tool storage
.......... 7-3
Specifications
........................... 10-8
Tire chains
................................ 4-11
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS)
.................................. 9-16
Tool
.................................................... 7-3
Towing
Description
............................... 7-20
Emergency towing
.................... 7-20
Recreational towing
.................. 7-23
Towing caravan and trailers
(Europe)
.................................... 4-13
Trailer towing
........................... 4-13
Trailer Towing
................................. 4-13
Trip Meter
........................................ 5-27
Trunk Lid
......................................... 3-13
Trunk Light
...................................... 3-15
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
....... 5-47
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................. 6-35
Vehicle Information Labels
............. 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................ 5-31
ABS
........................................... 5-35
Air bag system
.......................... 5-36
Automatic transaxle
.................. 5-38
Brake system
............................. 5-33
Charging system
....................... 5-34
Check engine
............................. 5-35
Door-ajar
................................... 5-38
Engine oil pressure
.................... 5-34
Front seat belt pretensioner
system
....................................... 5-36
Low fuel
.................................... 5-36
Low washer fluid level
............. 5-38
seat belt
..................................... 5-37
Tire pressure monitoring
system
....................................... 5-38
Warranty
............................................. 9-9
Washer Fluid
.................................... 8-21
Weights
............................................ 10-6
Wheel Replacement
......................... 8-34
Windows
Power windows
......................... 3-17
Windshield Washer
.......................... 5-51
Windshield Wipers
........................... 5-49
Blades replacement
................... 8-24
Winter Driving
................................... 4-9
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 6 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM