2006 MAZDA MODEL 6 traction control

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Hazardous Driving
WARNING
Downshifting on Slippery Surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces 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. If it is
necessary to downshift on slippery
surfaces, be very careful.
ABS:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident. So don't rely on
ABS as a substitute for safe driving.
When driving in water, mud, sand, or
similar hazard:
lBe cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
lAvoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
lIf your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don't hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
don't pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
lIf you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Don't spin the front
wheels.
lFor more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces, use sand, rock salt,
chains, carpeting, or other nonslip
material under the front wheels.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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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 ........................................................................ 5-18
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-18
Traction Control System (TCS)
í........................................... 5-22
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-25
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-25
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-30
Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-30
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-40
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-41
Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-41
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-42
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-43
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-43
Rear Window Wiper and Washer
í......................................... 5-45
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-45
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-46
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-47
HomeLink Wireless Control System
í.................................... 5-47
5-1íSome models.
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Form No.8U66-EA-05F

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lPress the CANCEL button.
The system is off when the ignition is off.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed or
below 30 km/h (19 mph).
Traction Control System
(TCS)í
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque to prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.
WARNING
TCS and Unsafe Driving:
The traction control system (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident. So
don't rely on the traction control
system as a substitute for safe driving.
TCS and Snow and Ice:
Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and/or ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident. Use snow
tires and drive at reduced speeds when
roads are covered with ice and/or
snow.
5-22
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8U66-EA-05F

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Audio Control Switch
Operation (Steering Wheel)í
When the audio unit is turned on,
operation of the audio unit from the
steering wheel is possible.
NOTE
Because the audio unit will be turned
off under the following conditions, the
switches will be inoperable.
lWhen the ignition switch is turned to
the LOCK position.
lWhen the power button on the audio
unit is pressed and the audio unit is
turned off.
lWhen all CDs are ejected.
Without navigation system
With navigation system
Use the VOICE button for navigation
system sound operation.
For details, refer to
“NAVIGATION SYSTEM”.
VOICE button
NOTE
lThe VOICE button is operable with
the audio unit turned off.
lMazda has installed this system to
prevent distraction while driving the
vehicle and using audio controls on
the dashboard.
Always make safe driving your first
priority.
Interior Comfort
Audio System
6-43íSome models. Mazda6_8U66-EA-05F_Edition1 Page229
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Form No.8U66-EA-05F

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Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
This information relates to the tire grading system developed by the U.S. National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration for grading tires by tread wear, traction, and
temperature performance.
qTread Wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one-and-a-half times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm because of variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
qTraction-AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction
tests and does not include acceleration cornering (turning), hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
qTemperature-A, B, C
The temperature grades A (the highest), B, and C, represent the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
9-19
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Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature Grades
Tread wear:The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
Traction:The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The grades
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
Temperature:The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Snow Tires
In some heavy snow areas, local governments may require true snow tires, those with very
deeply cut tread. These tires should only be used in pairs or placed on all four wheels.
Make sure you purchase snow tires that are the same size and construction type as the other
tires on your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
The following safety warning appears on the tire's sidewall.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT FROM:
lEXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING-
MATCH TIRE DIAMETER TO RIM DIAMETER; NEVER EXCEED 40 psi (275 kPa)
TO SEAT BEADS-ONLY SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONS SHOULD MOUNT
TIRES.
lTIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/DAMAGE-
FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY
CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR DAMAGE.
9-24
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
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S
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-54
Cargo securing loops .................. 6-56
Cargo sub-compartment ............. 6-57
Center box .................................. 6-54
Center console ............................ 6-55
Glove box ................................... 6-55
Overhead console ....................... 6-54
Storage box ................................ 6-55
Storage pocket ............................ 6-54
Storage Pocket .................................. 6-54
Sunshade ........................................... 3-34
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-47
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-27
Temporary Spare Tire ....................... 8-41
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-39
Tire Information ................................ 9-21
Tires
Flat tire ......................................... 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-39
Replacement ............................... 8-40
Rotation ...................................... 8-40
Snow tires .................................... 4-9
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Specifications ............................. 10-7
Tire chains .................................. 4-10
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-19
Tool ..................................................... 7-3
Towing
Description ................................. 7-21
Emergency towing ..................... 7-21
Recreational towing ................... 7-22
T
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-22
TCS indicator light ..................... 5-23
TCS OFF indicator light ............ 5-23
TCS OFF switch ........................ 5-23
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-26
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-20
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-21
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-42
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-47
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................. 5-30
ABS ............................................ 5-32
Air bag system ........................... 5-35
Automatic transaxle ................... 5-37
Brake system .............................. 5-32
Charging system ......................... 5-33
Check engine .............................. 5-34
Door-ajar .................................... 5-37
Engine oil pressure ..................... 5-34
Front seat belt pretensioner
system ........................................ 5-35
Low fuel ..................................... 5-35
Low washer fluid level ............... 5-37
Seat belt ...................................... 5-35
Warranty ............................................ 9-12
Washer Fluid ..................................... 8-29
Weights ............................................. 10-6
Wheel Replacement .......................... 8-42
Windows
Power windows .......................... 3-23
Windshield Washer ........................... 5-44
11-6
Index
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