Page 157 of 341

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
Page 162 of 341
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
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 23 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
Page 166 of 341

5-27
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Charging System Warning Light
This warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and goes off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light comes on while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system
warning light on is dangerous. It
indicates that your brakes may not
work at all or that they could
completely fail at any time. If this
light remains on, after checking that
the parking brake is released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.
Don’t drive with this light on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
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
Don’t continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.
CAUTION
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 27 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
Page 168 of 341

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
Page 178 of 341
5-39
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
To sound the horn, press around the
mark of the steering wheel.The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that they must take extreme caution
when near it.
Depress the hazard warning flasher and
all four turn signals will flash at once.
HornHazard Warning Flasher
NOTE
•The turn signals don’t work when
the hazard warning lights are on.
•Check local regulations about the
use of hazard warning lights while
the vehicle is being towed. They
may forbid it.
Hazard warning flasher
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 39 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
Page 182 of 341
6-3
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Adjusting the Vents
Directing airflow
You can direct air flow by moving the adjustment knob.
Horizontal air flow can be adjusted by pressing the vent left or right.
Adjusting the amount of airflow
These vents can be opened and closed with wheel.
Vent Operation (Front)
NOTE
When using the air conditioner, mist may come out from the vents. This is not a sign of
trouble but a result of humid air being suddenly cooled.
Knob
Open Close
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 3 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
Page 237 of 341
7-4
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Jack
To remove the jack
1. Remove the cover.
2. Remove the tool bag.
3. Turn the wing bolt counterclockwise.To secure the jack
Perform the removal procedure in reverse.
Spare Tire
Your Mazda has a temporary spare tire.
The temporary spare tire is lighter and
smaller than a conventional tire, and is
designed only for emergency use and
should be used only for VERY short
periods. Temporary spares should
NEVER be used for long drives or
extended periods.
Tool bag
Wing bolt
Jack
Driving with a Temporary Spare Tire
on Ice or Snow:
Driving with a spare tire on the front
(driving) wheels on ice or snow is
dangerous. Handling will be affected.
You could lose control of the vehicle
and have an accident. Put the spare
tire on the rear axle and move a
regular tire to the front.
WARNING
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 4 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
Page 242 of 341

7-9
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-
way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Shift into Park (P) and turn off the
engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle
and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, tool, and spare tire
(page 7-3).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite
the flat tire. When blocking a wheel,
place a block both in front and behind
the tire.
Removing a Flat Tire
1. Pry off the wheel cover with the
beveled end of the jack lever.
NOTE
Make sure the jack is well lubricated
before using it.
NOTE
When blocking a tire, use rocks or
wood blocks of sufficient size to hold
the tire in place.
If the jack leans towards the front or
the rear when jacking up, lower the
vehicle until the wheels are firmly on
the ground. Then confirm that the
parking brake is set, the shift lever is in
Park (P), then push the blocks firmly
under the blocked tire.
NOTE
Force the end of the jack lever firmly
between wheel and cover, or removal
will be difficult.
CAUTION
Jack leverWheel cover
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 9 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM