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N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transmission 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
transmission damage.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transmission will automatically
shift through a 4-gear sequence.
2 (Second)
The 2 position is helpful when driving in
heavy, slow-moving traffic and climbing
hills, for engine braking assist when going
down hills, or for starting on slick
surfaces and other situations where gentle
acceleration may be necessary.
Do not exceed 104 km/h (64 mph) in the
2 position.
1 (Low)
Use the 1 position for maximum power in
hard-pulling situations, or for climbing
and descending very steep grades.
Do not exceed 59 km/h (36 mph) in the 1
position.
WARNING
Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which is dangerous.
The sudden change in tire speed could
cause the tires to skid. This could lead
to loss of vehicle control and an
accident. Do not use sudden engine
braking on slippery road surfaces or at
high speeds.
qShift-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. Push and hold the lock-release button.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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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.
q Cruise Set Indicator Light
This light comes on when a cruising speed
is set.
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qActivation/Deactivation
To activate the system, press the CRUISE
MAIN switch.
To deactivate the system, press the switch
again.
Indicator light
WARNING
Cruise Main Switch:
Leaving the CRUISE MAIN switch on
when not using the cruise control is
dangerous as it may be switched on
accidentally. This could result in loss
of vehicle control. Keep the CRUISE
MAIN switch off when cruise control
is not in use.
qTo Set Speed
1. Activate the cruise control system.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which
must be more than 40 km/h (25 mph). 3. Turn the control knob to SET/COAST
and release it at the speed you want.
Release the accelerator at the same
time.
Control knob
Don't continue to hold the knob. Until you
release it, speed will continue to drop
(unless you continue to accelerate) and
you'll miss the desired speed.
NOTE
lThe SET function can't be activated
until about 2 seconds after the
CRUISE MAIN switch has been
engaged.
lOn a steep grade, the vehicle may
momentarily slow down going up or
speed up while going down.
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Starting and Driving
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qTachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
Red zone
CAUTION
Don't run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine damage.
qEngine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.
If the needle exceeds normal range toward
H, it indicates overheating.
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine can
cause serious engine damage (page
7-11).
qFuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is in the tank. We recommend
keeping the tank over 1/4 full. When the
low fuel warning light illuminates or
when the needle is near E, refuel as soon
as possible.
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Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-23
Charging System Warning Light5-24
Check Engine Light5-24
ABS Warning Light5-25
Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light5-25
Low Fuel Warning Light5-26
Seat Belt Warning Light5-26
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SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Immobilizer System Warning Light 5-26
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light5-27
O/D OFF Indicator Light5-27
Cruise Set Indicator Light5-27
Turn-Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights5-27
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 distribution
system 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 8-20).
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-25).
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 Brake
Warning 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.
qCharging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.
qCheck Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
lThe fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
lThe engine's electrical system has a
problem.
lThe emission control system has a
problem.
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 Lightí
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 Brake
Warning 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.
qAir Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
If the air bag/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
5-25íSome models.
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