3-31
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
The optional theft-deterrent system is
designed to prevent your vehicle or its
contents from being stolen when all the
doors, hood, and liftgate are locked.
If forcible entry is attempted, the system
sounds the horn and flashes the hazard
warning lights.
Operation
System triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights flash for about 3
minutes when the system is triggered by
any one of the following:
•Forcing open a door, the hood or the
liftgate.
•Opening a door or the hood by
operating an inside door-lock knob or
the hood release handle.
If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until a door or the
liftgate is unlocked with the key or with
the transmitter.
How to Arm the System
1. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
2. Close the hood. Then close and lock all
doors and the liftgate from the outside
using the key. If you have the keyless
entry system, press the LOCK button
on the transmitter. The hazard warning
lights will flash once to indicate that
the system is armed.
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
Close the hood and the liftgate . Press
the area on the door-lock switch
marked "LOCK" once. Close all doors.
Theft-Deterrent System*
NOTE
•The theft-deterrent system operates
with the key or the keyless entry
system transmitter.
•The system will not function unless
it is properly armed. To properly
secure the vehicle, always make
sure all the windows are completely
closed and all doors and the liftgate
are locked before leaving the
vehicle. Make sure the security
indicator light is flashing.
Remember to take your key and
transmitter.
NOTE
Locking the doors with the inside
door-lock knob will not arm the
system.
*Some models.
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 31 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
3-32
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
3. The indicator light flashes once every 3
seconds to indicate that the system is
fully armed. It continues to flash until
the theft-deterrent system is turned off.
To Tu r n o f f a n A r m e d S y s t e m
An armed system can be turned off by any
one of the following methods:
•Unlock a door or the liftgate with the
key.
•Press the UNLOCK button on the
keyless entry system transmitter.
•Insert the key into the ignition switch
and turn it to the ON position.
The hazard warning lights will flash twice
to indicate that the system is turned off.
To Stop an Alarm
A triggered alarm can be turned off by any
one of the following methods:
•Unlock a door or the liftgate with the
key.
•Press the UNLOCK button on the
keyless entry system transmitter.
Theft-Deterrent Labels
Labels indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System
are in the glove box.
Mazda recommends that you affix them to
the lower rear corner of the front door
windows.
NOTE
If you have any problem with the theft-
deterrent system, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 32 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
4-2
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Vehicles with catalytic converters or oxygen sensors must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL,
which will reduce exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
*U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
Ecuador, Venezuela
Use only premium unleaded fuel:91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)
Fuel with a rating lower than 87 octane (91 RON) could cause the emission control system
to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.
Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10%. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name "Gasohol".
Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.
•Gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol.
•Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
•Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
Fuel Requirements
Fuel Octane Rating* (Anti-knock index)
Regular unleaded fuel 87 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (91 RON or above)
•USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter or the oxygen sensor. The lead will
accumulate on the oxygen sensor and the catalyst inside the converter. This will result
in a malfunction of the emission control system, causing poor performance.
•Your vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10% ethanol by
volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of any
kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.
•Never add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those specified
by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 2 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don’t go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver’s door), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used all
year around. In some extreme climates
you may find it necessary to replace them
with snow tires during the winter months
to further improve traction on snow and
ice covered roads.
Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Don’t use chains on the rear tires.
Use only SAE Class "S" chains, and make
sure they fit.
Installing the chains
1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain
bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving
1/2—1 km (1/4—1/2 mile).
Mixing Tire Types:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle’s handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
WARNING
CAUTION
•Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
•Chains may affect handling.
•Don’t go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer’s
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
•Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
•Avoid locked-wheel braking.
•Don’t use chains on a temporary
spare tire; it may result in damage to
the vehicle and to the tire.
•Don’t use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
CAUTION
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 10 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
4-15
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Tires
When towing a trailer, make sure all tires are inflated to the recommended cold-tire
pressure, as indicated on the tire pressure chart on the driver’s door. Trailer tire size, load
rating, and inflation pressures should conform to tire manufacturer specifications.
Unsecured Hitch:
An unsecured trailer hitch is dangerous as it causes greater trailer sway from
crosswinds, rough roads or other causes, resulting in loss of control and a serious
accident.
Examine all trailer-hitch mounting bolts regularly and tighten any that are loose. If
the hitch is removed, seal any open mounting holes to prevent exhaust, dust, water,
dirt and other foreign elements from filtering in, possibly endangering personal safety
and damaging your vehicle.
Don’t install a hitch that stiffens the bumper as it will reduce the bumper’s
performance. Always make sure the hitch is securely attached before departure.
Exhaust System Modifications:
Modifying your vehicle exhaust system is dangerous. Exhaust gas entering the vehicle
could kill you.
When mounting the trailer hitch, make no modifications to the vehicle exhaust
system. Make sure there are no exhaust gas leaks into the passenger compartment if
any mounting bolts are connected to the body.
•Make all hitch adjustments with actual loads. Don’t load and unload vehicle while
adjusting hitch. This action will change the vehicle height.
•Don’t use an axle-mounted hitch. This may damage the axle and related parts.
Using a Temporary Spare Tire when Towing:
Using a temporary spare tire on your vehicle when towing a trailer is dangerous as it
could result in tire failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants. Never use
a temporary spare when towing.
WARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 15 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
4-16
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Safety Chains
Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should the trailer become
unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the
hitch. Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or
hitch manufacturer for more details.
Trailer Lights
Trailer lights must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Equip your trailer
as required before towing it day or night.
Trailer Brakes
If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are required. If your
trailer has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.
Towing Without Safety Chain:
Towing a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and
the vehicle is dangerous. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, the
trailer could wander into another lane and cause a collision. Make sure the safety
chain is securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle prior to departure.
Don’t connect a trailer lighting system directly to the lighting system of your Mazda.
This may damage your vehicle’s electrical system and lighting systems. Have a
recreational vehicle dealer or trailer rental agency connect the system, and inspect the
brake lights and turn signals yourself before each trip.
Hydraulic Trailer-Brake System:
Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system directly to the vehicle brake system is
dangerous and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury. Don’t connect a
hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle’s brake system.
WARNING
CAUTION
WARNING
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 16 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
4-17
Before Driving Your Mazda
To w i n g
Form No. 8S06-EA-03H
Trailer Towing Tips
•Verify that your Mazda maintains a near-normal attitude when a loaded or unloaded
trailer is connected. Don’t drive if it has an abnormal front-up or front-down position.
Inspect for incorrect tongue load, worn suspension parts, and trailer overloading.
•Make sure the trailer is properly loaded and the cargo is secure to prevent it from
shifting.
•Make sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.
The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.
Before driving
•Have your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
•Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all vehicle-
to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short
distance.
Driving
•Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing,
and stopping in a traffic-free area.
•Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.
•Allow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance
increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.
•Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.
•Avoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially
so on wet or slippery roads.
•Use the following positions when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when heavily
loaded.
OD (overdrive) off
Shift lever in D
These positions will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.
Lane changes and turning
Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that
are larger than normal.
J16R_8S06-EA-03H_Edition1.book Page 17 Wednesday, July 9, 2003 4:19 PM
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