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5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Starting and Driving
Ignition Switch Positions
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-24).
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-24).
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.
Ignition Switch
Removing the Key:
It’s dangerous to remove the key from
the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving. Removing the key allows the
steering wheel to lock. You will lose
steering control and a serious
accident could occur.
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked.
Not Setting the Parking Brake:
Leaving the driver’s seat without
setting the parking brake is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur if the parking
brake is not set. This could cause an
accident. Before leaving the driver’s
seat, always set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P.
WARNING
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
NOTE
When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the fuel
pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.
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5-12
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
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 or similar tool.
2. Push the shift-lock override button
down.
3. Move the shift lever.
4. Take the vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the system
checked.
Overdrive
Overdrive operation
In D, the transaxle automatically shifts to
overdrive, which improves fuel economy
and reduces noise.
To allow engine braking when going
down a steep grade, make sure the
overdrive button is in the off position.
And for a smoother ride with less shifting,
don’t use it when:
•Going up a steep grade.
•Driving in stop-and-go traffic.
•Pulling heavy loads.
To turn off the overdrive, push the
button.
The transaxle will then shift through a 4-
gear sequence in D.
Shift patterns without overdrive:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
3 = 2nd, 3rd
2 = 2nd
To turn it on, push the button again.
Shift patterns with overdrive:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th
3 = 2nd, 3rd
2 = 2nd
Cover
Shift-lock
override button
Overdrive button
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5-20
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
1 Speedometer .............................................................................................................. 5-21
2 Odometer, Trip Meter and Selector ........................................................................... 5-21
3 Tachometer ................................................................................................................ 5-22
4 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ......................................................................... 5-22
5 Fuel Gauge ............................................................................................................... 5-23
Meters and Gauges
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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.
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5-22
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
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.
Tachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
Engine 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.
NOTE
•Only the trip meters record tenths of
kilometers (miles).
•The trip record will be erased when
the vehicle is driven over 999.9 km
(mile).
Don’t run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine damage.
Red zone
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine can
cause serious engine damage
(page 7-15).
CAUTION
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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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5-28
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Engine Oil Pressure Warning
Light
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 8-10). 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.
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. Don’t run the engine if oil pressure is
low. It could result in extensive engine
damage.
CAUTION
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