5-12
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the shift lever.
Refer to Manual Shift Mode (page 5-13).
Shift-Lock System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
To shift from P:
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Move the shift lever.
Shift-Lock Override
If the shift lever won’t move from P using
the proper shift procedure, continue to
hold down the pedal.
1. Remove the shift-lock override cover
with a screwdriver.
2. Insert a screwdriver and push it down.
3. Move the shift lever.
4. Take the vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the system
checked.
NOTE
•When the ignition switch is in the
ACC or LOCK position, the shift
lever cannot be shifted from P.
•To be sure the vehicle is in park,
the ignition key cannot be
removed unless the shift lever is in
P.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 12 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
5-24
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
System Error Activation
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in the
following cases:
•When there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
•When a large metallic object (e.g. a
large electric household appliance or a
desk-top computer) is placed on the
right side of the rear seat, which may
block radio signals from the tire
pressure sensor to the receiver unit.
•When using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.
A digital device such as a personal
computer.
A current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.
•When excess snow or ice adheres to the
vehicle, especially around the wheels.
•When the tire pressure sensor batteries
are exhausted.•When using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
•When using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls.
•When using tire chains
Tires and Wheels
Changing tires and wheels
The following procedure allows the
TPMS to recognize a tire pressure
sensor’s unique ID signal code whenever
tires or wheels are changed, such as
changing to and from winter tires.
When having tires changed at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer
Tire pressure sensor ID signal code
registration is completed when an
Authorized Mazda Dealer changes your
vehicle’s tires.
When changing tires yourself
If you or someone else changes tires, you
or someone else can also undertake the
steps for the TPMS to complete the ID
signal code registration.
1. After tires have been changed, turn the
ignition switch to the ON position, then
turn it back to the ACC or LOCK
position.
NOTE
A tire pressure sensor is not installed
to the temporary spare tire. The
warning light will flash continuously
while the temporary spare tire is being
used.
NOTE
Each tire pressure sensor has a unique
ID signal code. The signal code must
be registered with the TPMS before it
can work. The easiest way to do it is to
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
change your tire and complete ID
signal code registration.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 24 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
5-27
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates the speed of
the vehicle.
Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip
Meter Selector
The display mode can be changed
between trip meter A and trip meter B by
pressing the selector while they are
displayed. The selected mode will be
displayed.
Odometer
The odometer records the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.
Selector
Trip meter
Odometer
Odometer
OdometerTrip meter A
Press the selector
Press the selector Trip meter B
NOTE
•(Standard meter)
The odometer and trip meter can be
displayed as follows even when the
ignition switch is in the ACC or
LOCK position.
Displays for 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned to the
ACC or LOCK position from the
ON position.
Displays for 10 minutes after the
driver’s door is opened.
•(Black-out meter)
When the ignition switch is in the
ACC or LOCK position, the
odometer or trip meters cannot be
displayed, however, pressing the
selector button can inadvertently
switch the trip meters or reset them
during an approximate ten-minute
period in the following cases:
After the ignition switch is
turned to the ACC or LOCK
position from the ON position.
After the driver’s door is opened.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 27 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
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
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.
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5-43
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Seat Belt Warning Beep
If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, a beep sound will be heard
for about 6 seconds.
The beep sound will be heard again for
about 6 seconds every 30 seconds, for a
period of about 5 minutes if the driver’s
seat belt is not fastened afterwards.
Refer to Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep
(page 5-37).
Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position, a beep sound will be heard
when the driver’s door is opened.
Lights-On Reminder
If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a beep sound
will be heard when the driver’s door is
opened.
Tire Inflation Pressure Warning
Beep*
The warning beep sound will be heard for
about 3 seconds when there is any
abnormality in tire inflation pressures
(page 5-22).
*Some models.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 43 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
5-45
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Xenon fusion headlight bulbs*
The low-beam bulbs of the headlights
have xenon fusion bulbs that produce a
bright white beam over a wide area.
Lights-On Reminder
If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a beep sound
will be heard when the driver’s door is
opened. •Do not shade the light sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on the
windshield. Otherwise the light
sensor will not operate correctly.
•The light sensor also works as a rain
sensor for the auto-wiper control.
When the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition
switch is in the ON position, the
wipers may move automatically. Be
careful not to pinch hands or fingers
as it may cause injury, or damage
the wipers (page 5-49).NOTE
•When the headlight switch is in the
AUTO position and the ignition
switch is turned to the ACC or
LOCK position, the headlights and
other exterior lights will turn off.
•The timing for turning on the
headlights and other exterior lights
can be delayed by adjusting the
sensitivity of the light sensor.
Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer regarding sensor adjustment.
CAUTION
Light sensor
Xenon Fusion Bulb Replacement:
Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs by
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Do not replace the xenon
fusion bulbs by yourself. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer when the
replacement is necessary.
NOTE
If the headlights flash, or the
brightness weakens, the bulb-life may
be depleted and a replacement is
necessary. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
*Some models.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 45 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
5-48
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
The fog lights help you to see as well as to
be seen.
The headlights must be turned on to turn
on the front fog lights.
To turn the front fog lights on, rotate the
fog light switch to the position.
To turn the front fog lights off, rotate the
fog light switch to the OFF position or
turn the headlights off.The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
Fog Lights*
NOTE
•(With auto-light control)
If the headlight switch is in the
AUTO position, the front fog lights
can be turned on when the
headlights and the exterior lights are
on.
•The fog lights will turn off when the
headlights are set at high beam.
Fog light switch
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
Frozen Washer Fluid:
Using windshield washer fluid
without anti-freeze protection in
freezing temperatures is dangerous.
The washer fluid could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision. You
could have an accident. Don’t use the
washer without first warming the
windshield and never use plain tap
water.
NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam
the wiper blades, the wiper motor is
protected from motor breakdown,
overheating and possible fire by a
circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the
blades, but only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper
switch and park off the right-of-way,
and remove the snow and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and
the blades should operate normally. If
they don’t resume functioning, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon
as possible.
WARNING
*Some models.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 48 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM