2005 MAZDA MODEL 6 HATCHBACK brakes

N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
WARNING
Shifting from N or P:
It's dangerous to shift from N or P
into a driving gear when the engine is
running faster than idle. If this is
done, the vehicle could move suddenly,
causing an accident or serious injury.
If the engine is running faster than
idle, don't shift from N or P into a
driving gear.
Shifting into N while Driving:
Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury. Do not shift into N when
driving the vehicle.
CAUTION
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle
damage.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 4-gear/6-gear
*sequence.
* 3.0-liter engine model
M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the shift lever.
Refer to Manual Shift Mode (page 5-12).
q Shift-Lock System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
To shift from P:
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Move the shift lever.
NOTE
lWhen the ignition switch is in the
LOCK position, the shift lever
cannot be shifted from P.
lTo be sure the vehicle is in park, the
ignition key cannot be removed
unless the shift lever is in P.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-11

If the vehicle is kicked down at the following speeds
or lower, the gears shift down automatically:Gear Vehicle speed
M6 →M5 212 km/h (131 mph)
M6 →M4 161 km/h (100 mph)
M5 →M4 161 km/h (100 mph)
M5 →M3 70 km/h (44 mph)
M4 →M3 70 km/h (44 mph)
M4 →M2 46 km/h (28 mph)
M3 →M2 46 km/h (28 mph)
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we recommend
these shift points.
(2.3-liter engine)
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
(3.0-liter engine)
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
M4 to M5 73 km/h (45 mph)
M5 to M6 80 km/h (50 mph)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steep downgrade , downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
q Driving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release all brakes while gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-15

qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning/Electronic brake force distributionsystem warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
Low brake fluid level warning
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-16).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. Even if the light goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light on.
In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-31).
WARNING
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
fully 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 BrakeWarning 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.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-29

lThe 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.
q 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.
WARNING
ABS Warning Light and BrakeWarning 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.
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.
q Air Bag/Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner System Warning
Light
If the air bag/front seat belt pretensioner
system is normal, 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.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-31

Scheduled Maintenance
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
apply.
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 (Canada and Puerto Rico residents follow Schedule 2).
lRepeated short-distance driving
lDriving in dusty conditions
lDriving with extended use of brakes
lDriving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are being used
lDriving on rough or muddy roads
lExtended periods of idling or low-speed operation
lDriving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
NOTE
After the prescribed period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the
recommended intervals.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-3

qSchedule 1
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
×1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
×1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
ENGINE
Drive belts (tension) 2.3-liter engine I
3.0-liter engine I I
Engine valve clearance (2.3-liter engine) Audible inspect every 120,000 km (75,000 miles), if noisy,
adjust
Engine oil R R R R R R R R
Engine oil filter R R R R R R R R
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I
Engine coolant Replace at first 168,000 km (105,000 miles) or 60 months ;
after that, every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter R
Fuel lines and hoses
*1II
Hoses and tubes for emission*1I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles)
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Disc brakes I I I I
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Steering operation and linkages I I
Front suspension ball joints I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges L L L L L L L L
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM (if installed)
Cabin air filter Replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 24 months
Chart symbols
I: Inspect and repair, clean, adjust, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
Remarks
*1: According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not
void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance

qSchedule 2
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Drive belts (tension) 2.3-liter engine I
3.0-liter engine I I
Engine valve clearance (2.3-liter engine) Audible inspect every 120,000 km (75,000 miles), if noisy, adjust
Engine oil Puerto Rico Replace every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or 3 months
Others R R R R R R R
RRRRR
Engine oil filter R R R R R R R RRRRR
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I I
Engine coolant Replace at first 168,000 km (105,000 miles) or 60 months ;
after that, every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months
Engine coolant level I I I I I I I IIIII
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter Puerto Rico R R
Others R
Fuel lines and hoses
*1II
Hoses and tubes for emission*1I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs USA Replace every 96,000 km (60,000 miles)
Others
*2Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights I I I I I I I IIIII
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake and clutch fluid level I I I I I I I IIIII
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear I I I I I I I IIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid level I I I I I I I IIIII
Front suspension ball joints I I
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 60 months
All locks and hinges L L L L L L LLLLLL
Washer fluid level I I I I I I I IIIII
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-5

6. Run the engine at idle with the coolingsystem cap off. Slowly add additional
coolant if necessary.
7. At this point, wait until the engine reaches normal operating temperature;
then depress the accelerator two or
three times. Add more coolant, if
necessary, until the system is full.
8. Install the cooling system cap. Inspect all connections for leaks. Inspect the
level in the coolant reservoir one more
time.Brake/Clutch Fluid
qInspecting Brake/Clutch Fluid
Level
The brakes and clutch draw fluid from the
same reservoir.
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir
regularly. It should be kept at MAX.
The level normally drops with
accumulated distance, a condition
associated with wear of brake and clutch
linings. If it is excessively low, have the
brake/clutch system inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance