WARNING LIGHTS AND CHIMES
Warning lights and gauges can alert you to a vehicle condition that may
become serious enough to cause expensive repairs. A warning light may
illuminate when a problem exists with one of your vehicle’s functions.
Many lights will illuminate when you start your vehicle to make sure the
bulb works. If any light remains on after starting the vehicle, have the
respective system inspected immediately.
Service engine soon:Your vehicle
is equipped with a computer that
monitors the engine’s emission
control system. This system is
commonly known as the On Board Diagnostics System (OBD II). The
OBD II system protects the environment by ensuring that your vehicle
continues to meet government emission standards. The OBD II system
also assists the service technician in properly servicing your vehicle.
The
indicator light illuminates when the ignition is first turned to
the RUN position to check the bulb. If it comes on after the engine is
started, one of the engine’s emission control systems may be
malfunctioning. The light may illuminate without a driveability concern
being noted. The vehicle will usually be drivable and will not require
towing.
What you should do if the
light illuminates
Light turns on (without blinking):
This means that the OBD II system has detected a malfunction.
Temporary malfunctions may cause your
light to illuminate.
Examples are:
1. The vehicle has run out of fuel. (The engine may misfire or run
poorly.)
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Air bag readiness:If this light fails
to illuminate when ignition is turned
to ON, continues to flash or remains
on, have the system serviced
immediately by an authorized Mazda dealer. A chime will also sound
when a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system has been
detected.
Safety belt:Reminds you to fasten
your safety belt. A chime will also
sound to remind you to fasten your
safety belt.
Charging system:Illuminates when
the battery is not charging properly.
Engine oil pressure:Illuminates
when the oil pressure falls below the
normal range, refer toEngine oilin
theMaintenance and
Specificationschapter.
Low fuel:Illuminates when the fuel
level in the fuel tank is at or near
empty (refer toFuel gaugein this
chapter).
Overdrive off:Illuminates when
the overdrive function of the
transmission has been turned off,
refer to theDrivingchapter.If the
light flashes steadily or does not illuminate, have the
transmission serviced soon, or damage may occur.
Four wheel drive indicator (if
equipped):Illuminates when
ignition is first turned ON to check
bulb. Solid illumination indicates
4WD system is in the heat protection mode. Blinking indicator indicates
system has been disabled or requires service, refer to theDriving
chapter.
Note:If the light continues to flash, have the system serviced by an
authorized Mazda dealer.
O/D
OFF
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If a problem occurs with the SecuriLocksystem, the indicator will flash
rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the 3 (RUN) position. If
this occurs, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized Mazda dealer
for service.
Automatic arming
The vehicle is armed immediately
after switching the ignition to the 2
(ACCESSORY) position.
The light in the instrument cluster
will flash every two seconds when
the vehicle is armed.
Automatic disarming
Switching the ignition to the 3 (RUN) position with acoded keydisarms
the vehicle.
•The indicator will illuminate for
three seconds and then go out.
•If the indicator stays on for an
extended period of time or
flashes rapidly, have the system serviced by your authorized Mazda
dealer.
Replacement keys
If your keys are lost or stolen and you don’t have an extra coded key,
you will need to have your vehicle towed to a dealership. The key codes
need to be erased from your vehicle and new coded keys and key codes
will need to be programmed.
Replacing coded keys can be very costly. Store an extra programmed key
away from the vehicle in a safe place to help prevent any
inconveniences. Please visit an authorized Mazda dealer to purchase
additional spare or replacement keys.
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ObjectsPass Airbag Off
Indicator LightPassenger Airbag
Empty seat Unlit Disabled
Small (i.e. 3 ring
binder, small purse,
bottled water)Unlit Disabled
Medium (i.e. heavy
briefcase, fully packed
luggage)Lit Disabled
Empty seat, Small or
medium object with
safety belt buckledLit Disabled
In case there is a problem with the passenger sensing system, the airbag
readiness light in the instrument cluster will stay lit. Do NOT attempt to
repair or service the system; take your vehicle immediately to the
authorized Mazda dealer.
If it is necessary to modify an advanced front air bag system to
accommodate a person with disabilities, contact the Mazda Customer
Relationship Center at the phone number shown in the Customer
Assistance section of this Owner’s Guide.
Determining if the system is operational
The SRS uses a readiness light in the instrument cluster or a tone to
indicate the condition of the system. Refer to theAir bag readiness
section in theInstrumentationchapter. Routine maintenance of the air
bag is not required.
A malfunction with the system is indicated by one or more of the
following:
•The readiness light will either
flash or stay lit.
•The readiness light will not
illuminate immediately after
ignition is turned on.
•A series of five beep sounds will be heard. The tone pattern will
repeat periodically until the problem and/or light are repaired.
If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the SRS serviced
at your authorized Mazda dealership immediately.
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•If the oil level is below the MIN or ADD mark, add enough oil to raise
the level within the MIN–MAX or ADD-FULL range.
•2.3L I4engine
•3.0L DOHC V6 engine
•Oil levels above the MAX or FULL mark may cause engine damage.
Some oil must be removed from the engine by a service technician.
7. Put the indicator back in and ensure it is fully seated.
Adding engine oil
1. Check the engine oil. For instructions, refer toChecking the engine
oilin this chapter.
2. If the engine oil level is not within the normal range, add only
certified engine oil of the recommended viscosity. Remove the engine
oil filler cap and use a funnel to pour the engine oil into the opening.
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3. Recheck the engine oil level. Make sure the oil level is not above the
MAX or FULL mark on the engine oil level indicator (dipstick).
4. Install the indicator and ensure it is fully seated.
5. Fully install the engine oil filler cap by turning the filler cap
clockwise 1/4 of a turn until it is seated.
To avoid possible oil loss, DO NOT operate the vehicle with the
engine oil level indicator and/or the engine oil filler cap removed.
Engine oil and filter recommendations
SAE 5W-20 engine oil is recommended
Look for this certification
trademark.
Use SAE 5W-20 motor oil certified for gasoline engines by the American
Petroleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms
to the current engine and emission system protection standards and fuel
economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and
Approval Committee (ISLAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese
automobile manufacturers.
Motor oil displaying the API certification trademark will meet all
requirements for your vehicle’s engine.
Do not use supplemental engine oil additives, oil treatments or engine
treatments. They are unnecessary and could, under certain conditions,
lead to engine damage which is not covered by your warranty.
Change your engine oil and filter according to the appropriate schedule
listed in the service maintenance section.
Mazda production and replacement oil filters are designed for added
engine protection and long life. If a replacement oil filter is used that
does not meet Mazda material and design specifications, start-up engine
noises or knock may be experienced.
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It is recommended you use the appropriate Genuine Mazda oil filter (or
another brand meeting Mazda specifications) for your engine application.
BATTERY
Your vehicle is equipped with a
Mazda maintenance-free battery
which normally does not require
additional water during its life of
service.
However, for severe usage or in high temperature climates, check the
battery electrolyte level. Refer to theService Maintenance Sectionfor
the service interval schedules.
Keep the electrolyte level in each cell up to the“level indicator”.
Do not overfill the battery cells.
If the electrolyte level in the battery is low, you can add plain tap water
to the battery, as long as you do not use hard water (water with a high
mineral or alkali content). If possible, however, try to only fill the battery
cells with distilled water. If the battery needs water often, have the
charging system checked.
If your battery has a cover/shield, make sure it is reinstalled
after the battery has been cleaned or replaced.
For longer, trouble-free operation, keep the top of the battery clean and
dry. Also, make certain the battery cables are always tightly fastened to
the battery terminals.
If you see any corrosion on the battery or terminals, remove the cables
from the terminals and clean with a wire brush. You can neutralize the
acid with a solution of baking soda and water.
Note: Electrical or electronic accessories or components added to
the vehicle by the dealer or the owner may adversely affect
battery performance and durability.
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•Decreased engine coolant concentrations below 40% will
decrease the freeze protection characteristics of the engine
coolant and may cause engine damage.
•Refer to the chart on the coolant container to ensure the
coolant concentration in your vehicle will provide adequate
protection at the temperatures in which you drive.
Vehicles driven year-round in non-extreme climates should use a 50/50
mixture of engine coolant and distilled water for optimum cooling system
and engine protection.
What you should know about fail-safe cooling (2.3L I4 engine only)
If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The“fail-safe”distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.
How fail-safe cooling works
If the engine begins to overheat:
•The engine coolant temperature
gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
•The
indicator light will
illuminate.
If the engine reaches a preset
over-temperature condition, the engine will automatically switch to
alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled cylinder acts as an air
pump and cools the engine.
When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:
•The engine power will be limited.
•The air conditioning system will be disabled.
Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.
Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to a service facility as soon as possible to minimize engine
damage.
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