2004 MAZDA MODEL MPV warning

5-10
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

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.
NOTE
When shifting the automatic transaxle
in extremely cold temperature, the
shift pattern indicator will respond
more slowly than under normal
conditions.
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
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5-11
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 5-gear sequence.
3 (Third)
The 3 position is helpful when driving in
heavy, slow-moving traffic and climbing
hills, for engine braking assist when going
down hills, or for starting on slick
surfaces and other situations where gentle
acceleration may be necessary.
Do not exceed 141 km/h (87 mph) in the 3
position.
2 (Second)
Use the 2 position for maximum power in
hard-pulling situations, or for climbing
and descending very steep grades.
Do not exceed 93 km/h (57 mph) in the 2
position.

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.
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
NOTE
•When the ignition switch is in the
LOCK position, the transaxle
cannot be shifted from P.
•If the brake is pumped with the shift
lever in P, a chattering near the shift
lever may be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.
•To be sure the vehicle is in park, the
ignition key cannot be removed
unless the shift lever is in P.
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5-14
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels rigid during normal
driving, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 40 km/h (25 mph).

Cruise Main Indicator Light
This light comes on when the ON/OFF
switch is pressed and the cruise control
system is activated.
Power Steering
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power steering
system.
CAUTION
Cruise Control*
Cruise Control Use:
Using cruise control in the following
conditions could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle:
•Hilly terrain
•Steep inclines
•Heavy or unsteady traffic
•Slippery or winding roads
•Similar restrictions that require
inconsistent speed
Don’t use cruise control in these
situations.
WARNING
*Some models.
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5-15
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

Cruise Set Indicator Light
This light comes on when a cruising speed
is set.

Activation/Deactivation
To activate the system, press the ON/OFF
switch.
The cruise main indicator light
illuminates.
To deactivate the system, press the switch
again.
The cruise main indicator light turns off.
To Set Speed
1. Activate the cruise control system.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which
must be more than 40 km/h (25 mph).
3. Press the SET/COAST button and
release it at the speed you want.
Release the accelerator at the same
time.
Don’t continue to hold in the button.
Until you release it, speed will
continue to drop (unless you continue
to accelerate) and you’ll miss the
desired speed.
Cruise Main Switch:
Leaving the ON/OFF switch on when
not using the cruise control is
dangerous as it may be switched on
accidentally. This could result in loss
of vehicle control. Keep the ON/OFF
switch off when cruise control is not
in use.
WARNING
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 15 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM

5-18
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by regulating
engine torque. When the TCS detects
driving wheel slippage, it lowers engine
torque to prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.

TCS 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.
Traction Control System
(TCS)*
TCS and Unsafe Driving:
The traction control system (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident. So don’t rely on the traction
control system as a substitute for safe
driving.
TCS and Snow and Ice:
Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and/or ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident. Use snow
tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow.
WARNING
NOTE
•In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This
indicates that the TCS is operating
properly.
•On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the TCS is
on.
*Some models.
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5-23
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H

Fuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is in the tank. We recommend
keeping the tank over 1/4 full. When the
low fuel warning light illuminates or
when the needle is near E, refuel as soon
as possible.

Dashboard Illumination
When the headlight switch is in the or
position, rotate the thumb-wheel to
adjust the brightness of the dashboard
lights.
Low fuel
warning light
Bright
Dim
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5-24
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Warning/Indicator Lights
Signal Warning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-26
Charging System Warning Light 5-27
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light 5-28
Check Engine Light 5-28
ABS Warning Light 5-29
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light 5-29
Low Fuel Warning Light 5-30
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
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5-25
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Seat Belt Warning Light 5-30
Door-Ajar Warning Light 5-30
Immobilizer System Warning/Security Indicator Light 5-30
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light 5-31
O/D OFF Indicator Light 5-31
Shift Position Indicator Light 5-31
TCS Indicator Light 5-31
TCS OFF Indicator Light 5-32
Cruise Main Indicator Light 5-32
Cruise Set Indicator Light 5-32
Turn-Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights 5-32 Signal Warning/Indicator Lights Page
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 25 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM