Black plate (137,1)
qTCS Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. If the TCS is
operating, the indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS may have a
malfunction and it may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
lIn addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS is operating properly.
lOn slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the TCS is
on.
qTCS OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
It also comes on when the TCS OFF
switch is pressed and TCS is switched off.If the light stays on when the TCS is not
switched off, take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The TCS may
have a malfunction.
NOTE
After starting the engine when the
coolant temperature is extremely low,
the TCS is automatically turned off. At
this time, the TCS OFF indicator light
will remain on, but this does not
indicate an abnormality. After the
engine has warmed, TCS will resume
normal operation and the indicator light
will go out.
qTCS OFF Switch
Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the
TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light will
illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS
back on. The TCS OFF indicator light
will go out.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-21
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Form No.8T12-EA-03K
Black plate (139,1)
Meters and Gauges
(Black-out meter)
When the ignition switch is in the ON position, the dashboard gauges illuminate.
Speedometer ...................................................................................................... page 5-24
Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector .................................................. page 5-24
Tachometer ........................................................................................................ page 5-25
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge .................................................................. page 5-25
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................................................ page 5-26
Instrument Cluster Dimmer Select Button (Black-out meter) ............................ page 5-26
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
5-23
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Form No.8T12-EA-03K
Black plate (141,1)
The trip meter records the total distance
the vehicle is driven until the meter is
again reset. Return it to“0.0”by holding
the selector depressed for more than 1
second. Use this meter to measure trip
distances and to compute fuel
consumption.
NOTE
lOnly the trip meters record tenths of
kilometers (miles).
lThe trip record will be erased when:
lThe power supply is interrupted
(blown fuse or the battery is
disconnected).
lThe vehicle is driven over 999.9
km (mile).
qTachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
Red zone
CAUTION
Don't run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine damage.
qEngine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.
If the needle exceeds normal range toward
H, it indicates overheating.
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine can
cause serious engine damage (page
7-14).
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
5-25
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Form No.8T12-EA-03K
Black plate (152,1)
If the light stays on when the TCS is not
switched off, take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The TCS may
have a malfunction.
NOTE
After starting the engine when the
coolant temperature is extremely low,
the TCS is automatically turned off. At
this time, the TCS OFF indicator light
will remain on, but this does not
indicate an abnormality. After the
engine has warmed, TCS will resume
normal operation and the indicator light
will go out.
qCruise Main Indicator Light
This light comes on when the ON/OFF
switch is pressed and the cruise control
system is activated.
qCruise Set Indicator Light
This light comes on when a cruising speed
is set.
qLight-On Indicator Light (Black-
out meter)
This indicator light comes on when the
exterior lights are on.
qTurn-Signal/Hazard Warning
Indicator Lights
When operating the turn-signal lights, the
left or right turn-signal indicator light
flashes to indicate which turn-signal light
is operating (page 5-39).
When operating the hazard warning
lights, both turn-signal indicator lights
flash (page 5-44).
NOTE
If an indicator light remains illuminated
(does not flash) or if it flashes
abnormally, the turn signal bulb may be
burned out.
5-36
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8T12-EA-03K
Black plate (234,1)
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.
WARNING
Cooling Fan and EngineInspection:
Inspecting the engine with the ignition
switch in the ON position is
dangerous. The cooling fan could turn
on unexpectedly even when the engine
isn't running. You could be seriously
injured by the fan. Turn the ignition
switch off and remove the key from the
ignition switch when you inspect the
engine.
Cooling System Caps:
When the engine and radiator are hot,
scalding coolant and steam may shoot
out under pressure and cause serious
injury. Don't remove either cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot.
Steam from Overheated Engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you. Open the hood
ONLY after steam is no longer
escaping from the engine.If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and
park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle in park (P), a manual
transaxle in neutral.
Apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner.
4. Check whether coolant or steam is
escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the enginecompartment:
Don't go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam isescaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the engine
temperature will increase. Stop the
engine and call an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
5. Make sure the cooling fan is operating,
then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
6. When cool, check the coolant level.
If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
7-14
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
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Form No.8T12-EA-03K
Black plate (255,1)
Inspect the antifreeze protection and
coolant level in the coolant reservoir at
least once a year—at the beginning of the
winter season—and before traveling
where temperatures may drop below
freezing.
Inspect the condition and connections of
all cooling system and heater hoses.
Replace any that are swollen or
deteriorated.
The coolant should be at full in the
radiator and between the FULL or F and
LOW or L marks on the coolant reservoir
when the engine is cool.
2.3-liter engine
3.0-liter engine
If it's at or near LOW or L, add enough
coolant to the coolant reservoir to provide
freezing and corrosion protection and to
bring the level to FULL or F.
CAUTION
Radiator coolant will damage paint.
Rinse it off quickly if spilled.
Do not overfill.
If new coolant is required frequently,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qChanging Coolant
Change coolant according to Scheduled
Maintenance (page 8-3).
CAUTION
lUse only soft (demineralized) water
in the coolant mixture. Water that
contains minerals will cut down on
the coolant's effectiveness.
lDon't add only water. Always add a
proper coolant mixture.
lThe engine has aluminum parts and
must be protected by an ethylene-
glycol-based coolant to prevent
corrosion and freezing.
lDO NOT USE alcohol or methanol
antifreeze. DO NOT MIX alcohol or
methanol with the coolant. This
could damage the cooling system.
lDon't use a solution that contains
more than 60 % antifreeze.
This would reduce effectiveness.
For mixture percentage:
ProtectionVolume
Antifreeze
solutionDemineralizedwater
Above–16°C (3°F) 35% 65%
Above–26°C (–15°F) 45% 55%
Above–40°C (–40°F) 55% 45%
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-13
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Form No.8T12-EA-03K
Black plate (256,1)
To change coolant
WARNING
Removing the Cooling System Cap:
Removing the cooling system cap
while the engine is running or hot is
dangerous. This might lead to cooling
system and engine damage and could
result in serious injury from escaping
hot coolant or steam. Turn off the
engine and wait until it's cool. Even
then, be very careful when removing
the cap.
Wrap a thick cloth around the cap and
slowly turn it counterclockwise to the
first stop (3.0-liter engine) or about
two and a half rotations (2.3-liter
engine).
Step back while the pressure escapes.
When you're sure all the pressure is
gone, press down on the cap (3.0-liter
engine)—still using a cloth—turn
the cap, and remove it.
1. Remove the cooling system cap.
2.3-liter engine
Loosen
Tighten
Loosen Tighten
3.0-liter engine Loosen
Tighten
Tighten
Loosen
2. Only when the engine is cool, remove
the radiator drain plug and drain the
coolant into a suitable container.
Properly dispose of the used coolant.
3. Flush out the system with running
water.
4. Drain the system completely. Insert and
tighten the plug. Add as much
ethylene-glycol-based coolant mixture
and water as necessary to provide
freezing and corrosion protection.
5. In extremely cold climates, add the
mixture percentage recommended in
the coolant mixture percentage table.
6. Run the engine at idle with the cooling
system cap off. Slowly add additional
coolant if necessary.
7. At this point, wait until the engine
reaches normal operating temperature;
then depress the accelerator two or
three times. Add more coolant, if
necessary, until the system is full.
8. Install the cooling system cap. Inspect
all connections for leaks. Inspect the
level in the coolant reservoir one more
time.
8-14
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda6_8T12-EA-03K_Edition1 Page256
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Form No.8T12-EA-03K
Black plate (321,1)
D
Dashboard Illumination .................... 5-26
Daytime Running Lights ................... 5-39
Defroster
Rear window .............................. 5-42
Dimensions ....................................... 10-4
Door Locks ......................................... 3-7
Driving In Flooded Area ................... 4-10
Driving Tips ........................................ 4-7
Automatic transaxle ................... 5-15
Break-in period ............................ 4-7
Driving in flooded area .............. 4-10
Hazardous driving ........................ 4-8
Money-saving suggestions ........... 4-7
Rocking the vehicle ...................... 4-8
Winter driving .............................. 4-9
E
Emergency Starting ........................... 7-16
Flooded engine ........................... 7-16
Jump-starting .............................. 7-17
Push-starting .............................. 7-19
Emergency Towing ........................... 7-20
Emission Control System .................... 4-3
Engine
Coolant ....................................... 8-12
Exhaust gas .................................. 4-5
Hood release .............................. 3-26
Oil .............................................. 8-10
Overheating ................................ 7-14
Starting ......................................... 5-3
Engine Compartment Overview .......... 8-9
Engine Coolant
Overheating ................................ 7-14
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge ................................................ 5-25
Exhaust Gas ........................................ 4-5
Exterior Care ..................................... 8-45
F
Flasher
Hazard warning .......................... 5-44
Headlights .................................. 5-38
Flat Tire ............................................... 7-3
Changing ...................................... 7-8
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Fluids
Classification .............................. 10-3
Owner maintenance ..................... 8-7
Fog Lights ......................................... 5-40
Foot Brake .......................................... 5-4
Front Seats
(Electrically Operated Seats) ............... 2-5
Front Seats
(Manually Operated Seats) ................. 2-2
Fuel
Filler lid and cap ........................ 3-24
Gauge ......................................... 5-26
Requirements ............................... 4-2
Tank capacity ............................. 10-4
Fuses ................................................. 8-38
Panel description ........................ 8-40
Replacement ............................... 8-38
G
Glove Box ......................................... 6-52
H
Hatch ................................................. 3-10
Luggage compartment cover ...... 3-11
Luggage strap ............................. 3-11
Hazard Warning Flasher .................... 5-44
Hazardous Driving .............................. 4-8
Index
11-3
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Form No.8T12-EA-03K