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
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Black plate (107,1)
Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
lDon't race the engine.
lDon't maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
lDon't drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
lAvoid unnecessary hard stops.
lAvoid full-throttle starts.
Money-Saving Suggestions
How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
lAvoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
lAvoid fast starts.
lKeep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
lUse the air conditioner only when
necessary.
lSlow down on rough roads.
lKeep the tires properly inflated.
lDon't carry unnecessary weight.
lDon't rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
lKeep the wheels in correct alignment.
lKeep windows closed at high speeds.
lSlow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
WARNING
Coasting:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident. Never stop the engine when
going down a hill.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-7
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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 (115,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2
Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-3
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-4
Manual Transaxle Operation ..................................................... 5-9
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................. 5-11
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-17
Cruise Control
í...................................................................... 5-18
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-22
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-28
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-28
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-33
Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-33
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-44
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-46
Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-46
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-49
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-49
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-50
Rear Window Wiper and Washer (5 Door) ............................. 5-53
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-54
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-55
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-55
5-1íSome models.
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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.
qRear 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 (168,1)
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 rear window
defroster operates for about 10―15
minutes and turns off automatically.
The indicator light illuminates during
operation.
To turn off the rear window defroster
before the 10―15 minutes has elapsed,
press the switch again.
Manual Type Air-Conditioning
Indicator light
Fully Automatic Type Air-Conditioning
Indicator light
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.
5-54
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Mazda3_8U55-EA-05G_Edition2 Page168
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Black plate (172,1)
Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the fan control
dial on for a long period of time with
the ignition switch in the ACC position
when the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowl grille to improve the system
efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
NOTE
The air conditioner may be used along
with the heater to dehumidify the air.
qOutside/Recirculated Air Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qReplacement of the Cabin Air Filter
If your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter for the air conditioner, it is necessary
to change the filter periodically as
indicated in scheduled maintenance (page
8-3). Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for replacement of the cabin air
filter.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G
Black plate (178,1)
WARNING
The Recirculated Air Position:
Using the
position in cold or
rainy weather will cause the windows
to fog up. Your vision will be
hampered, which could lead to a
serious accident. Do not use the
position in cold or rainy weather.
qHeating
1. Set the mode selector dial to the
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
hot position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.
NOTE
lIf the windshield fogs up easily, set
the mode selector dial to the
position.
lIf cooler air is desired at face level,
set the mode selector dial at the
position and adjust the temperature
control dial to maintain maximum
comfort.
lThe air to the floor is warmer than
air to the face (except when the
temperature control dial is set at the
extreme hot or cold position).
lIn the,,orposition, the
air conditioner is automatically
turned on (however, the indicator
light does not illuminate) and the
position is automatically
selected to defrost the windshield.
In the
orposition, the
position cannot be changed to
the
position.
qCooling (With Air Conditioner)
1. Set the mode selector dial to the
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
cold position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.
4. Turn on the air conditioner by pressing
the A/C switch.
5. Adjust the fan control dial and
temperature control dial to maintain
maximum comfort.
6-8
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
Mazda3_8U55-EA-05G_Edition2 Page178
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Form No.8U55-EA-05G