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Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels rigid during normal
driving, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
CAUTION
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power steering
system.
Cruise Controlí
With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 40 km/h (25 mph).
WARNING
Cruise Control Use:
Using cruise control in the following
conditions could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle:
lHilly terrainlSteep inclineslHeavy or unsteady trafficlSlippery or winding roadslSimilar restrictions that require
inconsistent speed
Don't use cruise control in these
situations.
qCruise Set Indicator Light
This light comes on when a cruising speed
is set.
5-14
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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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 indicator light will
illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn it off.
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.
Horn
To sound the horn, press around the
mark on the steering wheel.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-33
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Also, inspect them for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused
by one or a combination of the following:
lIncorrect tire pressure
lImproper wheel alignment
lOut-of-balance wheel
lSevere braking
After rotation, inflate all tire pressures to
specification (page 10-6) and inspect the
lug nuts for tightness.
CAUTION
Rotate unidirectional tires and radial
tires that have an asymmetrical tread
pattern or studs only from front to rear,
not from side to side. Tire performance
will be weakened if rotated from side to
side.
CAUTION
Limited-Slip Differential system;
don't use the following:
lTires not of the designated size
lTires of different sizes or types at the
same time
lTires not sufficiently inflated
If these instructions aren't followed, the
rotation of the left and right wheels will
be different and will thus apply a
constant load on the limited-slip
differential.
This will cause a malfunction.
qReplacing a Tire
WARNING
Worn Tires:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
Always use tires that are in good
condition.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New treadTread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace it before the band is
across the entire tread.
qTemporary Spare Tire
Inspect the temporary spare tire at least
monthly to make sure it's properly inflated
and stored.
The temporary spare tire is easier to
handle because of its construction. It is
lighter and smaller than a conventional
tire and should be used only for an
emergency and only for a short distance.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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R
Rocking the Vehicle ............................ 4-9
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................. 9-16
Seat Belt System
3-point type .................................. 2-7
Automatic locking ........................ 2-6
Emergency locking ...................... 2-5
Extender ..................................... 2-10
Pregnant women .......................... 2-5
Pretensioner and load limiting ..... 2-8
Seat belt precautions .................... 2-4
Warning beep ............................. 2-12
Warning light .............................. 2-11
Seats
Front seat ...................................... 2-2
Security System
Immobilizer system .................... 3-31
Service Publications .......................... 9-17
Spare Tire and Tool Storage ................ 7-3
Specifications .................................... 10-4
Speedometer ...................................... 5-19
SRS Air Bags
Air bag system description ......... 2-26
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions ................................. 2-20
Warning light ............................. 2-28
Starting the Engine .............................. 5-3
Steering Wheel
Horn ........................................... 5-33
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-70
Center console ............................ 6-70
Glove box ................................... 6-70
Mesh pocket ............................... 6-71
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-67
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-20
Temporary Spare Tire ....................... 8-31
Tiedown
Hook .......................................... 7-17
Tires
Flat tire ......................................... 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-30
Replacement ............................... 8-31
Rotation ...................................... 8-30
Snow tires .................................. 4-10
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Specifications ............................. 10-6
Tire chains .................................. 4-11
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-14
Tool ..................................................... 7-3
Towing
Description ................................. 7-16
Emergency towing ..................... 7-16
Recreational towing ................... 7-17
Trailer towing ............................. 4-14
Trailer Towing .................................. 4-14
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-19
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-11
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-13
Trunk Release Handle ....................... 3-14
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-30
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-67
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
Index
11-5
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