Page 126 of 340

Ignition Switch
qIgnition Switch Positions
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.
Manual transaxle
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, push the key in at the
ACC position, then turn it to the LOCK
position.
Push the key
Automatic transaxle
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, the shift lever must be in
the P position.
Shift lever
engaged in P
(park)
WARNING
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 with
an automatic transaxle or in 1 or R
with a manual transaxle.
5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Page 127 of 340

NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
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 5-27).
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.
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 5-27).
qIgnition 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.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of radio
noise.
1. Occupants should fasten their seat belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (Manual transaxle)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transaxle)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
(Manual transaxle)
The starter will not operate if the clutch
pedal is notpushed down all the way.
(Automatic transaxle)
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever is notin P or N.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and hold (up to 10 seconds at
a time) until the engine starts.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-3
Page 135 of 340

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
Page 158 of 340

CAUTION
If the automatic transaxle warning light
illuminates, the transaxle has an
electrical problem. Continuing to drive
your Mazda in this condition could
cause damage to your transaxle.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
qSecurity Indicator Light
This indicator light starts flashing every 2
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
from the ON to the ACC position and the
immobilizer system is armed.
The light stops flashing when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position with
the correct ignition key.
At this time, the immobilizer system is
disarmed and the light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and then goes out.
If the engine doesn't start with the correct
ignition key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q Headlight High-Beam Indicator
Light
This light indicates one of two things:
lThe high-beam headlights are on.
lThe turn signal lever is in the flash-to-
pass position.
qShift Position Indicator Light
(Automatic Transaxle)
This indicates the selected shift position
when the ignition switch is in the ON
position.
Gear position indicator
5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Page 161 of 340
Beep Sounds
qSeat Belt Warning Beep
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, a beep sound will be heard
for about 6 seconds.
qIgnition 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.
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
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-37
Page 162 of 340

Lighting Control
qHeadlights
To turn on the lights, turn the headlight
switch on the end of the control lever.
Switch Position
Headlights Off Off On
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights Off On On
NOTE
lIf the light switch is left on, the lights
will automatically switch off 30
seconds after turning the ignition
switch to the LOCK position or
removing the key.
The lights will automatically switch
back on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ACC or ON position.
lTo prevent discharging the battery,
don't leave the lights on while the
engine is off.
q
Lights-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.
qHeadlight High-Low Beam
Push the lever forward for high beam.
Pull it back for low.
High beam
Low beam
q Flashing 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.
5-38
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Page 215 of 340

Sunvisors
When you need a sunvisor, lower it for
use in front or swing it to the side.
Sunvisor
qVanity Mirrors
To use the vanity mirror, lower the
sunvisor.
The vanity mirror light will illuminate
when you open the cover.
Interior Lights
q Illuminated Entry System
When the illuminated entry system
operates, the overhead light (switch is in
the DOOR position) and the courtesy
lights turn on for:
lAbout 30 seconds after the driver's
door is unlocked and the ignition key is
removed.
lAbout 15 seconds after all doors are
closed.
lAbout 15 seconds after the key is
removed from the ignition with all
doors closed.
The light also turns off when:
lThe ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and all doors are closed.
lThe driver's door is locked.
NOTE
If any door is left opened, the light goes
out after about 5 minutes.
The light turns on again when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, or when any door is opened
after all doors have been closed.
Interior Comfort
Interior Equipment
6-43
Page 224 of 340
qStorage Pocket
To open, push the release catch down and
pull the lid downward.
qCenter Box with Lid
To use, pull the knob, and the lid opens
automatically.
Knob
q Glove Box
To open the glove box, pull the latch
toward you.
Insert the master key and turn it clockwise
to lock, counterclockwise to unlock.
Unlock
Lock
qCenter Console
To open, pull the lower release catch.
6-52
Interior Comfort
Interior Equipment