Black plate (106,1)
Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
a leak.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch
fluid, washer fluid, and other fluid
levels should be inspected. See
Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?
lIs the seat adjusted properly?
lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?
lCheck all gauges.
lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
Mazda3_8U55-EA-05G_Edition3 Page106
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Black plate (109,1)
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Spinning the Wheels:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries. Don't spin the wheels at more
than 56 km/h (35 mph), and don't
allow anyone to stand behind a wheel
when pushing the vehicle.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire
damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.
Winter Driving
lCarry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
lHave the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 8-21.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lInspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
lUse washer fluid made with
antifreeze ―but don't use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-27).
lDon't use the parking brake in freezing
weather as the parking brake may
freeze. Instead, shift to P with an
automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with
a manual transaxle. Block the rear
wheels.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-9
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Black plate (148,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep 5-38
Door-Ajar Warning Light5-39
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light5-40
Automatic Transaxle Warning Light5-40
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light5-40
Security Indicator Light5-42
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light5-42
Shift Position Indicator Light5-42
Cruise Main Indicator Light5-43
Cruise Set Indicator Light5-43
Light-On Indicator Light5-43
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light5-43
Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights5-44
5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Mazda3_8U55-EA-05G_Edition3 Page148
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Black plate (154,1)
qLow Washer Fluid Level
Warning Lightí
This warning light indicates that little
washer fluid remains. Add fluid (page
8-27).
qAutomatic Transaxle Warning Light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
The light illuminates when the transaxle
has a problem.
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.
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
Warning Lightí
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
Thereafter, the warning light illuminates
when tire pressure is too low in one or
more tires, and flashes when there is a
system malfunction.
WARNING
Vehicle Handling When Tire Pressure
Monitoring System Warning Light
Illuminates/Flashes:
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to
drive the vehicle at high speeds, or
perform sudden maneuvering or
braking. Vehicle drivability could
worsen and result in an accident.
When the tire pressure monitoring
system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pressure warning
beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle
speed immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking. Have the
system and tires checked or perform
the appropriate repair as soon as
possible by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
5-40
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Mazda3_8U55-EA-05G_Edition3 Page154
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Black plate (164,1)
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
WARNING
Substitute Washer Fluid:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the windshield,
affect your visibility, and could result
in an accident. Use only windshield
washer fluid or plain water in the
reservoir.
Frozen Washer Fluid:
Using windshield washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection in freezing
temperatures is dangerous. The
washer fluid could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision. You
could have an accident. Don't use the
washer without first warming the
windshield and never use plain tap
water.
NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam
the wiper blades, the wiper motor is
protected from motor breakdown,
overheating and possible fire by a
circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the
blades, but only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper
switch and park off the right-of-way,
and remove the snow and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and
the blades should operate normally. If
they don't resume functioning, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible. Drive to the side of the road
and park off the right-of-way. Wait until
the weather clears before trying to drive
with the wipers inoperative.
qWindshield Wipers
Type A (With INT position)
Turn the wipers on by pulling the lever
down.
― Mist
INT ―Intermittent
1 ― Low speed
2 ― High speed
5-50
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Mazda3_8U55-EA-05G_Edition3 Page164
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Black plate (166,1)
CAUTION
lDo not shade the rain sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on the
windshield. Otherwise the rain
sensor will not operate correctly.
Rain sensor
lWhen the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition
switch is in the ON position, the
wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
lIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.
lIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.
lIf the windshield is struck with a
hand or other object.
lIf the rain sensor is struck with a
hand or other object from inside
the vehicle.
Be careful not to pinch hands or
fingers as it may cause injury, or
damage the wipers. When washing
or servicing your Mazda, make sure
the wiper lever is in the OFF
position.
NOTE
lThe auto-wiper control may not
operate when the rain sensor
temperature is about _
10 °C (14 °F)
or lower, or about 85 °C (185 °F) or
higher.
lIf the windshield is coated with
water repellent, the rain sensor may
not be able to sense the amount of
rainfall correctly and auto-wiper
control may not operate properly.
lIf dirt or foreign matter (e.g. ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres
to the windshield above the rain
sensor or if the windshield is iced, it
could cause the wipers to move
automatically. However, if the wipers
cannot remove this ice, dirt or
foreign matter, the auto-wiper
control will stop operation. In this
case, pull the wiper lever to the 1 or
2 position for manual operation, or
remove the ice, dirt or foreign matter
by hand to restore the auto-wiper
operation.
q Windshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid.
OFF
Washer
5-52
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Mazda3_8U55-EA-05G_Edition3 Page166
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Black plate (167,1)
NOTE
With the wiper lever in the OFF or INT
(Type A)/AUTO (Type B) position, the
wipers will operate continuously until
the lever is released.
If the washer doesn't work, inspect the
fluid level (page 8-27). If it's OK, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer (5 Door)
The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
q Rear Window Wiper
Turn the wiper on by turning the rear
wiper/washer switch.
ON ―Normal
INT ―Intermittent
qRear Window Washer
To spray washer fluid, turn the rear wiper/
washer switch to the
position. After
the switch is released, the washer will
stop.
NOTE
There are two washer positions: up and
down. In the down washer position, the
wiper will not be activated.
If the washer doesn't work, inspect the
fluid level (page 8-27). If it's OK and the
washer still doesn't work, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-53
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Black plate (249,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3 Scheduled Maintenance (USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico) ....... 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Mexico) ............................................. 8-8
Owner Maintenance ................................................................... 8-15 Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................ 8-15
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-16
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-17
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-18
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-21
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-23
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-24
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF) ........................................... 8-25
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-27
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-28
Air Filter .................................................................................. 8-29
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-30
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-34
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-37
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-42
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-52
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-59 How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-59
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-61
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-64
8-1
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G