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CAUTION
lDo not shade the light sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on the
windshield. Otherwise the light
sensor will not operate correctly.
Light sensor
lThe light sensor also works as a rain
sensor for the auto-wiper control.
When the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition
switch is in the ON position, the
wipers may move automatically. Be
careful not to pinch hands or fingers
as it may cause injury, or damage the
wipers (page 5-47).
NOTE
lWhen the headlight switch is in the
AUTO position and the ignition
switch is turned to the ACC or
LOCK position, the headlights and
other exterior lights will turn off.
lThe timing for turning on the
headlights and other exterior lights
can be delayed by adjusting the
sensitivity of the light sensor.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer
regarding sensor adjustment.
Xenon fusion headlight bulbsí
The low-beam bulbs of the headlights
have xenon fusion bulbs that produce a
bright white beam over a wide area.
WARNING
Xenon Fusion Bulb Replacement:
Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs by
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Do not replace the xenon
fusion bulbs by yourself. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer when the
replacement is necessary.
NOTE
If the headlights flash, or the brightness
weakens, the bulb-life may be depleted
and a replacement is necessary. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qLights-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.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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qHeadlight High-Low Beam
Push the lever forward for high beam.
Pull it back for low.
High beam
Low beam
qFlashing the Headlights
To flash the headlights, pull the lever fully
toward you. The headlight switch need
not be on, and the lever will return to the
normal position when released.
qHeadlight Levelingí
The number of riders and weight of cargo
in the luggage compartment change the
angle of the headlights.
The headlight leveling switch adjusts this
angle.
Select the proper setting from the following chart.
Front seat
Rear
seatLoadSwitch
Position
Driver Passenger
×―――0
××――0
×× ×―1
×× ×× 2
×――×3
×: Yes
―:No
qDaytime Running Lights
(Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
5-44
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Switches and Controls
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NOTE
The Daytime Running Lights turn off
when the parking brake is applied.
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
qTurn Signal
Move the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.
If the indicator light continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to
its original position.
Right turn
Left turnOFFRight lane
change
Left lane
change
Green indicators on the dashboard show
which signal is working.
Lane-change signals
Move the lever slightly toward the
direction of the change―until the
indicator flashes―and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.
NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, the
turn signal bulb may be burned out.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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Fog Lightsí
The fog lights help you to see as well as
to be seen.
The headlights must be turned on to turn
on the front fog lights.
To turn the front fog lights on, rotate the
fog light switch to the
position.
OFF
Fog light switch
To turn the front fog lights off, rotate the
fog light switch to the OFF position or
turn the headlights off.
NOTE
l(With auto-light control)
If the headlight switch is in the
AUTO position, the front fog lights
can be turned on when the headlights
and the exterior lights are on.
lThe fog lights will turn off when the
headlights are set at high beam.
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
WARNING
Frozen Washer Fluid:
Using windshield washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection in freezing
temperatures is dangerous. The
washer fluid could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision. You
could have an accident. Don't use the
washer without first warming the
windshield and never use plain tap
water.
NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam
the wiper blades, the wiper motor is
protected from motor breakdown,
overheating and possible fire by a
circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the
blades, but only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper
switch and park off the right-of-way,
and remove the snow and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and
the blades should operate normally. If
they don't resume functioning, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
5-46
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Rear Window Defroster
The rear window defroster clears frost,
fog, and thin ice from the rear window.
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
Press the switch to turn on the rear
window defroster. The rear window
defroster operates for about 10―15
minutes and turns off automatically.
The indicator light illuminates during
operation.
To turn off the rear window defroster
before the 10―15 minutes has elapsed,
press the switch again.
Indicator light
CAUTION
Don't use sharp instruments or window
cleaners with abrasives to clean the
inside of the rear window surface. They
may damage the defroster grid inside
the window.
NOTE
This defroster is not designed for
melting snow. If there is an
accumulation of snow on the rear
window, remove it before using the
defroster.
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Horn
To sound the horn, press around the
mark on the steering wheel.
Hazard Warning Flasher
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.
Hazard warning flasher
Depress the hazard warning flasher and all
four turn signals will flash.
NOTE
lThe turn signals don't work when the
hazard warning lights are on.
lCheck local regulations about the use
of hazard warning lights while the
vehicle is being towed. They may
forbid it.
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Switches and Controls
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6Interior Comfort
Use of various features for drive comfort, including air-conditioning and audio
system.
Climate Control System ............................................................... 6-2
Operating Tips ........................................................................... 6-2
Vent Operation .......................................................................... 6-3
Control Panel ............................................................................ 6-5
Audio System ............................................................................... 6-10
Antenna ................................................................................... 6-10
Operating Tips for Audio System ........................................... 6-10
Audio Set ................................................................................ 6-17
Audio Control Switch Operation (Steering Wheel)
í............. 6-32
Safety Certification ................................................................. 6-34
Interior Equipment ..................................................................... 6-35
Sunvisors ................................................................................. 6-35
Interior Lights ......................................................................... 6-35
Information Display ................................................................ 6-38
Lighter ..................................................................................... 6-40
Ashtray .................................................................................... 6-40
Cup Holder .............................................................................. 6-41
Bottle Holder ........................................................................... 6-42
Storage Compartments ............................................................ 6-42
6-1íSome models.
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Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the fan control
dial on for a long period of time when
the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowl grille to improve the system
efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
qOutside/Recirculated Air Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qReplacement of the Cabin Air
Filter
If your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter for the air conditioner, it is necessary
to change the filter periodically as
indicated in scheduled maintenance (page
8-3). Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for replacement of the cabin air
filter.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
Mazda3_8T97-EC-04J_Edition1 Page164
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Form No.8T97-EC-04J