2004 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK stop start

5-11
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

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 under
rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-9).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 4-gear sequence.
Holding the Vehicle with P:
Only 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.
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle
damage.
WARNING
CAUTION
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 11 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM

5-13
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Manual Shift Mode
This mode gives you the feel of driving a
manual transaxle vehicle by operating the
shift lever and allows you to control
engine rpm and torque to the front wheels
much like a manual transaxle when more
control is desired.
To change to manual shift mode, shift the
lever from D to M.
To return to automatic shift mode, shift
the lever from M to D.IndicatorsShift position indicator
In manual shift mode, the "M" of the shift
position indicator in the instrument panel
illuminates.
Gear position indicator
The numeral for the selected gear
illuminates.
NOTE
•If you change to manual shift mode
when the vehicle is stopped, the
gear will shift to M1.
•If you shift up once when the
vehicle is stopped and the gear is at
M1, the gear will shift to M2. M2 is
helpful for starting on slippery
surfaces.
NOTE
If the gears cannot be shifted down
when driving at higher speeds, the gear
position indicator will flash twice to
signal that the gears cannot be shifted
down.
Shift position
indicator
Gear position indicator
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5-14
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Shifting
Manually Shifting up
(M1
→M2
→M3
→M4)

To shift up to a higher gear, tap the shift
lever back ( ) once.Manually Shifting down
(M4
→M3
→M2
→M1)

To shift down to a lower gear, tap the shift
lever forward ( ) once.
NOTE
•When driving slowly, the gears may
not shift up depending on vehicle
speed.
•In manual shift mode, gears do not
shift up automatically. Don’t run the
engine with the tachometer needle
in the RED ZONE. If the
tachometer needle enters the RED
ZONE, you may feel engine-
braking because the fuel delivery
will be stopped to protect the
engine. However, this does not
indicate an abnormality.
•When depressing the accelerator
fully, the transaxle will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed
could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control
and an accident. Do not use sudden
engine braking on slippery road
surfaces or at high speeds.
WARNING
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 14 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM

5-15
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Shifting specification (2.0-liter engine
model)
Shifting up
If the vehicle speed is lower than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted up to a higher gear.
Shifting down
If the vehicle speed is higher than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted down to a lower gear.
During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to
the following:If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:
Shifting specification (2.3-liter engine
model)
Shifting up
If the vehicle speed is lower than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted up to a higher gear.
Shifting down
If the vehicle speed is higher than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted down to a lower gear.
During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to
the following:
NOTE
•When driving at high speeds, the
gear may not shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
•During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
•When depressing the accelerator
fully, the transaxle will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Gear Vehicle speed
M1→
M2You can shift up to M2
whether the vehicle is
stopped or moving.
M2→
M3 20 km/h (12 mph)
M3→
M4 43 km/h (27 mph)
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→
M3 180 km/h (112 mph)
M3→
M2 119 km/h (74 mph)
M2→
M1 47 km/h (17 mph)
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→
M3 41 km/h (25 mph)
M3 or M2→
M1 8 km/h (5 mph)
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven at a low speed
from a standing start while in M2, the
gear may not shift down to M1
automatically.
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→
M3 170 km/h (106 mph)
M3→
M2 72 km/h (45 mph)
Gear Vehicle speed
M1→
M2You can shift up to M2
whether the vehicle is
stopped or moving.
M2→
M3 20 km/h (12 mph)
M3→
M4 40 km/h (25 mph)
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→
M3 142 km/h (88 mph)
M3→
M2 100 km/h (62 mph)
M2→
M1 40 km/h (25 mph)
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→
M3 31 km/h (19 mph)
M3 or M2→
M1 8 km/h (5 mph)
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5-16
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade
, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steep downgrade
, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.

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 M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release all brakes while gradually
accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven at a low speed
from a standing start while in M2, the
gear may not shift down to M1
automatically.
Gear Vehicle speed
M4→
M3 135 km/h (84 mph)
M3→
M2 64 km/h (40 mph)
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 16 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM

5-22
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) monitors the pressure for each
tire.
If tire pressure is too low or too high in
one or more tires, the system will inform
the driver via the warning light in the
instrument panel and by the warning beep
sound.
The tire pressure sensors installed on each
wheel send tire pressure data by radio
signal to the receiver unit in the vehicle.
TPMS does not alleviate your need to
check the pressure and condition of all
four tires before you drive each day.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System*
Tire pressure sensors
•When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light is lit, one or
more of your tires is significantly
under-inflated. You should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible,
and inflate them to the proper
pressure as indicated on the
vehicle’s tire information placard.
Driving on a significantly under-
inflated tire causes the tire to
overheat and can lead to tire failure.
Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and
may affect the vehicle’s handling
and stopping ability. Each tire,
including the spare, should be
checked monthly when cold and set
to the recommended inflation
pressure as specified in the vehicle
placard and owner’s manual.
•To avoid false readings, the system
samples for a little while before
indicating a problem. As a result it
will not instantaneously register a
rapid tire deflation or blow out.
NOTE
This device complies with part 15 of
the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CAUTION
*Some models.
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5-33
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Brake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning/
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
Low brake fluid level warning
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-18).
2. After adding fluid, check the light
again.If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light on.
In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-35).Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system
warning light on is dangerous. It
indicates that your brakes may not
work at all or that they could
completely fail at any time. If this
light remains on, after checking that
the parking brake is fully released,
have the brakes inspected
immediately. Don’t drive with this
light on, and contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the brakes
inspected as soon as possible.
WARNING
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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