Page 8 of 332
1-2
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Dashboard Overview
Climate control system
Glove box
Parking brake
Lighter
Shift lever Audio system
Passenger-side air bag Hazard warning flasher Wiper and washer lever
Ashtray Information display
Fog light switch*
Power door lock switch Lighting control/Turn signals Instrument cluster
Power window switches* Driver-side air bag
Ignition switch Hood release handle
Audio control switch*Cup holder
Steering column release lever
(page 6-38)
(page 2-36)
(page 5-26)
(page 5-44)
(page 5-48)
(page 3-8)
(page 3-17)
(page 3-20)
(page 6-32)
(page 3-29)(page 5-53)
(page 6-10)
(page 6-2)
(page 5-9)
(page 2-36)
(page 6-42)
(page 6-41)
(page 5-5)
(page 6-40)
(page 6-40)
(page 5-2) (page 5-48)
*Some models.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 2 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
Page 10 of 332
1-4
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Exterior Overview (4 Door)
Doors and keys
Outside mirrors
Side turn signal lights HeadlightsFuel-filler lid
Child safety locksTires
Reverse light
Windshield wiper blades
Hood
Front turn signal lights/
Side-marker lights Fog lights*Rear turn signal lights Brake lights/TaillightsPower windows* Rear window defroster Trunk lid
High-mount brake light
License plate light Antenna
Moonroof*
(page 8-37) (page 6-10)
(page 3-13)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-24)
(page 3-20)
(page 8-37)(page 5-52)
(page 3-17)
(page 8-31)
(page 3-19)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-37)
(page 3-22)
(page 3-9)
(page 3-2)
(page 3-29)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-37)
*Some models.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 4 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
Page 11 of 332
1-5
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Exterior Overview (5 Door)
Doors and keys
Outside mirrors
Side turn signal lights HeadlightsFuel-filler lid
Child safety lockTires
Reverse light
Windshield wiper blades
Hood
Front turn signal lights/
Side-marker lights Fog lights* Rear turn signal lights Brake lights/Taillights
Power windows* Rear window defroster
Liftgate High-mount brake light
License plate light Antenna
Moonroof*
(page 3-10) (page 6-10)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-24)
(page 3-20)
(page 8-37)(page 5-52)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-31)
(page 3-19)
(page 8-37)
(page 3-22)
(page 3-9)
(page 3-2)
(page 3-29)
(page 8-37)
(page 8-37) (page 3-17)
*Some models.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 5 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM
Page 106 of 332
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Before Starting the Engine
•Be sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
•Inspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
•Look under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
•If you plan to back up, make sure
nothing will be in your way.•Are all doors closed and locked?
•Is the seat adjusted properly?
•Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
•Is everyone’s seat belt fastened?
•Do all the lights work?
•Check all gauges.
•Check all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
•Release the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
Before Getting In
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch fluid, washer fluid, and other
fluid levels should be inspected. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
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Page 108 of 332

4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazard:
•Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
•Avoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
•If your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don’t hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
don’t pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
•If you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Don’t spin the front
wheels.
•For more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the front wheels.
Hazardous Driving
Downshifting on Slippery Surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces 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. If it is
necessary to downshift on slippery
surfaces, be very careful.
WARNING
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the front
wheels.
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Page 109 of 332

4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.•Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
•Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
•Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
•Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
•Use washer fluid made with
antifreeze—but don’t use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-21).
•Don’t use the parking brake in freezing
weather as the parking brake may
freeze. Instead, shift to P with an
automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with
a manual transaxle. Block the rear
wheels.
Rocking the Vehicle
Spinning the Wheels:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries. Don’t spin the wheels at
more than 56 km/h (35 mph), and
don’t allow anyone to stand behind a
wheel when pushing the vehicle.
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire
damage.
WARNING
CAUTION
Winter Driving
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4-12
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Driving In Flooded Area
Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance
returns to normal.
Make sure water does not enter the
vehicle interior or the engine area. The
vehicle interior could become wet or
the engine could be damaged.
WARNING
CAUTION
Overloading
Vehicle Load Weight:
The gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of your vehicle are on the
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label
on the driver’s door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an accident or
vehicle damage. You can estimate the
weight of your load by weighing the
items (or people) before putting them
in the vehicle. Be careful not to
overload your vehicle.
WARNING
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Page 115 of 332

5-1
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving
..................................................................... 5-2
Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-3
Brake System ............................................................................. 5-4
Manual Transaxle Operation ..................................................... 5-9
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................. 5-10
Power Steering ......................................................................... 5-17
Cruise Control* ....................................................................... 5-18
Tire Pressure Monitoring System* .......................................... 5-22
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
............................................ 5-26
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-26
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
............................ 5-31
Warning/Indicator Lights ......................................................... 5-31
Beep Sounds ............................................................................ 5-42
Switches and Controls
................................................................. 5-44
Lighting Control ...................................................................... 5-44
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-47
Fog Lights* .............................................................................. 5-48
Windshield Wipers and Washer ............................................... 5-48
Rear Window Wiper and Washer (5 Door) .............................. 5-51
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-52
Horn ......................................................................................... 5-53
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-53
*Some models.
J48C_8S18-EA-03I_Edition1.book Page 1 Wednesday, August 6, 2003 8:51 AM