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.
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 18 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
5-21
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Speedometer
The speedometer indicates the speed of
the vehicle.
Odometer, Trip Meter and
Selector
The display mode can be changed from
odometer to trip meter A to trip meter B
and then back to odometer by pressing the
selector while they are displayed. The
selected mode will be displayed.
Odometer
When this mode is selected, ODO will be
displayed.
The odometer records the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.
Tr i p m e t e r
The trip meter can record the total
distance of two trips. One is recorded in
trip meter A, and the other is recorded in
trip meter B.
For instance, trip meter A can record the
distance from the point of origin, and trip
meter B can record the distance from
where the fuel tank is filled.
When trip meter A is selected, pressing
the selector again within one second will
change to trip meter B mode.
When trip meter A is selected, TRIP A
will be displayed. When trip meter B is
selected, TRIP B will be displayed.
Selector
Odometer
Trip meter A Press the selector
Press the selector
Press the selector Trip meter B
NOTE
The odometer and trip meter can be
displayed as follows even when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK
position.
•Displays for 10 minutes after the
ignition switch is turned to the
LOCK position from the ACC or
ON position.
•Displays for 10 minutes after any
door is opened.
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 21 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
5-29
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
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.
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner System Warning
Light
If the air bag/front seat belt pretensioner
system is OK, the warning light
illuminates when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position or after the
engine is cranked. After about 6 seconds it
goes out.
A system malfunction is indicated when
the warning light constantly flashes, stays
on or doesn’t illuminate at all when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position. If any of these occur, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible. The system may not work in an
accident.
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
NOTE
•When the engine is jump-started to
charge the battery, uneven rpm
occurs and the ABS warning light
comes on. This is due to a weak
battery, not a malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
•When the ABS warning light
remains illuminated, the power
sliding doors cannot be opened
electrically. Refer to "Power Sliding
Doors" (page 3-13).
*Some models.
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 29 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
5-30
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Low Fuel Warning Light
This warning light in the fuel gauge
signals that the fuel tank will soon be
empty.
Refuel as soon as possible.
Seat Belt Warning Light
If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, the seat belt warning light
will remain on until the belt is fastened.
If the system does not operate correctly,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Door-Ajar Warning Light
This warning light comes on when any
door or liftgate isn’t securely closed.
Immobilizer System Warning/
Security Indicator Light*
Immobilizer system warning light
When the key is in the ignition switch,
this light serves as the immobilizer system
warning light.
If the immobilizer system is working
properly, the light will come on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON or
START position. The light will go out
when confirmation by the immobilizer
system is completed.
If the light flashes rapidly, fails to come
on, or comes on and stays on, it indicates
a system malfunction. If any of these
occur, contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
Self-Servicing the Air Bag/
Pretensioner Systems:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled. This
could cause serious injuries. Never
tamper with the systems and always
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
performs all servicing and repairs.
WARNING
Low fuel
warning light
*Some models.
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 30 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
5-31
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Security indicator light
When there is no key in the ignition
switch, and the theft-deterrent system has
been armed, the light will flash once every
3 seconds. This indicates that the system
is working properly.
Headlight High-Beam Indicator
Light
This light indicates one of two things:
•The high-beam headlights are on.
•The turn signal lever is in the flash-to-
pass position.
O/D OFF Indicator Light
This light comes on when the overdrive
has been turned off.
Shift Position Indicator Light
This indicates the selected shift position
when the ignition switch is in the ACC or
ON position.
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.
If the overdrive-off indicator light
flashes, the transaxle has an electrical
problem. Continuing to drive your
Mazda in this condition could cause
damage to your transaxle. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
CAUTION
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.
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 31 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
5-33
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
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.
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.
Power Sliding Door Beep*
The beep sound will be heard according to
the power sliding door operation.
If there is a malfunction in the power
sliding door system, a beep sound will be
heard continuously. If this happens, press
the power sliding doors main switch to the
OFF position and the beep sound will
stop. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer to have the power sliding doors
checked. Refer to Power Sliding Doors on
page 3-13.
Beep Sounds
*Some models.
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 33 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
6-6
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Mode selector dial
Turn the mode selector dial to select
airflow mode (page 6-4).
A/C switch
Push the switch to turn the air conditioner
on. The indicator light on the switch will
illuminate when the fan control dial is set
at position 1, 2, 3, or 4.
Push the switch once again to turn the air
conditioner off.Air intake selector
This switch controls the source of air
entering the vehicle.
Press the switch to alternate between the
and positions. The indicator
light for the selected mode will
illuminate.
It is recommended that under normal
conditions the switch be kept in the
outside air position.
Outside air position ( )
Outside air is taken into the vehicle. Use
this position for normal ventilation and
heating.
Recirculated air position ( )
Outside air is shut off. Air within the
vehicle is recirculated.
This position can be used when driving on
a dusty road or in similar conditions. It
also helps to provide quicker cooling of
the interior.
NOTE
The air conditioner may not function
when the outside temperature
approaches 0 °C (32 °F).
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 6 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
6-18
Interior Comfort
Au di o S ys t em
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Operating Tips for Mini Disc
(MD) Player
The following precautions should be
observed.
•Do not spill any liquid on the audio
system.
•Do not insert any objects, other than
MDs, into the slot.
•The MD player has been designed to
play MDs bearing the identification
logo as shown. No other MDs can be
played.•The MD player can also play MDLPs
that have been recorded in MDLP
mode. (MDLPs bearing the
identification logo as shown below).
•When inserting the MD, make sure the
MD label is facing up, and the MD is
oriented to the insertion slot in the
direction of the arrow. If not inserted
correctly, the MD will be ejected, or
may remain stuck in the MD deck.
•Do not touch the internal part of the
MD. If the MD shutter is slid open for
no reason, it may be broken.
•Store MDs in their cases and away
from direct sunlight.
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 18 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM