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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 5-33).
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 5-33).
qIgnition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position with the key inserted, a
continuous 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 clutch 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 isnotdepressed all the way.
(Automatic transaxle)
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever isnotin 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
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Page 131 of 372

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qDriving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while
gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
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.
qPower Steering Malfunction
Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and goes off when the engine is
started.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-17
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Page 132 of 372

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The light illuminates to indicate that the
power steering is inoperable. If the light
illuminates, turn off the engine and restart
it.
If the light does not illuminate after
restarting the engine, this indicates that
the power steering is restored and normal
steering is possible.
If the light remains illuminated, the power
steering is still inoperable. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
The power steering system is inoperable
when the power steering malfunction
indicator light illuminates. Steering is
possible, but requires more physical
effort.
Cruise Controlí
With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 30 km/h (19 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 Main Indicator Light
This light comes on when the ON/OFF
switch is pressed and the cruise control
system is activated.
5-18
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Page 148 of 372
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Signal Warning/Indicator Lights Page
Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep 5-38
Door-Ajar Warning Light 5-39
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light 5-40
Automatic Transaxle Warning Light 5-40
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light 5-40
Security Indicator Light 5-42
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light 5-42
Shift Position Indicator Light 5-42
Cruise Main Indicator Light 5-43
Cruise Set Indicator Light 5-43
Light-On Indicator Light 5-43
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light 5-43
Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights 5-44
5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Mazda3_8U55-EA-05G_Edition2 Page148
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Page 157 of 372

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Gear position indicator
When the shift lever is in the D or M
position, the numeral for the selected gear
displays.
qCruise Main Indicator Lightí
This light comes on when the ON/OFF
switch is pressed and the cruise control
system is activated.
qCruise Set Indicator Lightí
This light comes on when a cruising speed
is set.
qLight-On Indicator Light (Black-
out meter)
This indicator light comes on when the
exterior lights and dashboard illumination
are on.
qPower Steering Malfunction
Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and goes off when the engine is
started.
The light illuminates to indicate that the
power steering is inoperable. If the light
illuminates, turn off the engine and restart
it.
If the light does not illuminate after
restarting the engine, this indicates that
the power steering is restored and normal
steering is possible.
If the light remains illuminated, the power
steering is still inoperable. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
The power steering system is inoperable
when the power steering malfunction
indicator light illuminates. Steering is
possible, but requires more physical
effort.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-43íSome models. Mazda3_8U55-EA-05G_Edition2 Page157
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Page 169 of 372
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Horn
To sound the horn, press around the
mark on the steering wheel.
Hazard Warning Flasher
The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that they must take extreme caution
when near it.
Hazard warning flasher
Depress the hazard warning flasher and all
four turn signals will flash.
NOTE
lThe turn signals don't work when the
hazard warning lights are on.
lCheck local regulations about the use
of hazard warning lights while the
vehicle is being towed. They may
forbid it.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-55
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
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6Interior Comfort
Use of various features for drive comfort, including air-conditioning and audio
system.
Climate Control System ............................................................... 6-2
Operating Tips ........................................................................... 6-2
Vent Operation .......................................................................... 6-3
Types of the Climate Control System ....................................... 6-5
Manual Type ............................................................................. 6-6
Fully Automatic Type
í........................................................... 6-11
Audio System ............................................................................... 6-16
Antenna ................................................................................... 6-16
Operating Tips for Audio System ........................................... 6-16
Audio Set ................................................................................ 6-23
Audio Control Switch Operation (Steering Wheel)
í............. 6-38
Safety Certification ................................................................. 6-41
Interior Equipment ..................................................................... 6-42
Sunvisors ................................................................................. 6-42
Interior Lights ......................................................................... 6-42
Information Display ................................................................ 6-45
Lighter ..................................................................................... 6-50
Ashtray .................................................................................... 6-50
Cup Holder .............................................................................. 6-51
Bottle Holder ........................................................................... 6-52
Storage Compartments ............................................................ 6-52
6-1íSome models.
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Antenna
qDetachable Type
To remove the antenna, turn it
counterclockwise.
To install the antenna, turn it clockwise.
Make sure the antenna is securely
installed.
RemoveInstall
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the antenna,
remove it before entering a car wash
facility or passing beneath a low
overhead clearance.
NOTE
When leaving your vehicle unattended,
we recommend that you remove the
antenna and store it inside the vehicle.
Operating Tips for Audio
System
WARNING
Do Not Adjust Audio While Driving
the Vehicle:
Adjusting the audio while driving the
vehicle is dangerous as it could
distract your attention from the vehicle
operation which could lead to a
serious accident. Always adjust the
audio while the vehicle is stopped.
Even if the audio control switches are
equipped on the steering wheel, learn
to use the switches without looking
down at them so that you can keep
your maximum attention on the road
while driving the vehicle.
CAUTION
For the purposes of safe driving, adjust
the audio volume to a level that allows
you to hear sounds outside of the
vehicle.
NOTE
lDo not use the audio for long periods
of time while the engine is off.
Otherwise the battery could go dead.
lIf a digital cellular phone or CB
radio is used in or near the vehicle, it
could cause noise to occur from the
audio system, however, this does not
indicate that the system has been
damaged.
6-16
Interior Comfort
Audio System
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G