Page 95 of 402

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Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap
WARNING
When removing the fuel cap, loosen
the cap slightly and wait for any
hissing to stop. Then remove it:
Fuel spray is dangerous. Fuel can
burn skin and eyes and cause illness if
ingested. Fuel spray is released when
there is pressure in the fuel tank and
the fuel cap is removed too quickly.
Before refueling, stop the engine, and
always keep sparks and flames away
from the filler neck:
Fuel vapor is dangerous. It could be
ignited by sparks or flames causing
serious burns and injuries.
Additionally, use of the incorrect fuel
filler cap or not using a fuel filler cap
may result in fuel leak, which could
result in serious burns or death in an
accident.
CAUTION
Always use only a genuine Mazda fuel
cap or an approved equivalent,
available at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. The wrong cap can result in a
serious malfunction of the fuel and
emission control systems. It may also
cause the check engine light in the
instrument cluster to illuminate.
qFuel-Filler Lid
To open, pull up the remote fuel-filler lid
release.
4 Door
Remote fuel-filler
lid release
5 Door
Remote fuel-filler
lid release
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-21
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Page 96 of 402

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qFuel-Filler Cap
To remove the filler cap, turn it
counterclockwise.
To close the filler cap, turn it clockwise
until it clicks.
OpenClose
CAUTION
Make sure the fuel-filler cap is
tightened securely. The check engine
light may illuminate when the cap isn't
tightened securely. If the light remains
on (even after you have tightened the
cap securely, driven, and restarted the
engine several times), it may indicate a
different problem. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
Hood
WARNING
Always check that the hood is closed
and securely locked:
A hood that is not closed and securely
locked is dangerous as it could fly
open while the vehicle is moving and
block the driver's vision which could
result in a serious accident.
qOpening the Hood
1. With the vehicle parked, pull the
release handle to unlock the hood.
2. Slide the hood latch and lift the hood.
Type A
3-22
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page96
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Page 103 of 402

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Theft-Deterrent Systemí
The theft-deterrent system is designed to
prevent your vehicle or its contents from
being stolen when all doors, hood, and
trunk lid/liftgate are locked.
If forcible entry is attempted, the system
sounds the horn and flashes the hazard
warning lights.
NOTE
lThe theft-deterrent system operates
with the key or the keyless entry
system transmitter.
lThe system will not function unless
it is properly armed. To properly
secure the vehicle, always make sure
all windows are completely closed
and all doors and the trunk lid/
liftgate are locked before leaving the
vehicle. Remember to take your key
and transmitter.
qOperation
System triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights flash for about 3
minutes when the system is triggered by
any one of the following:
lForcing open a door, the hood or the
trunk lid/liftgate.
lUnlocking a door with the door lock
switch.
lOpening a door by operating an inside
door-lock knob.
lOpening the hood by operating the
hood release handle.
lOpening the trunk lid by operating the
trunk lid release lever.
If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until a door or the
trunk lid is unlocked with the key or with
the transmitter.
qHow to Arm the System
1. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
2. Make sure the hood is closed. Close
and lock all doors and the liftgate/trunk
lid from the outside using the key. If
you have the keyless entry system,
press the lock button on the transmitter.
The hazard warning lights will flash
once to indicate that the system is
armed.
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
Close the hood and the liftgate/trunk
lid . Press the area on the door-lock
switch marked“LOCK”once. Close all
doors.
NOTE
Locking the doors with the inside door-
lock knob will not arm the system.
qTo Turn off an Armed System
An armed system can be turned off by any
one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door or the trunk lid with the
key.
lPress the unlock button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.
lInsert the key into the ignition switch
and turn it to the ON position.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
3-29íSome models. Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page103
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Page 107 of 402
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Type A
Type B
Reducing glare from headlights
Adjust the mirror with the day/night lever
in the day position.Push the lever forward for day driving.
Pull it back to reduce glare from
headlights.
Night DayDay/Night lever
WARNING
Do not stack cargo or objects higher
than the seatbacks:
Cargo stacked higher than the
seatbacks is dangerous. It can block
your view in the rearview mirror,
which might cause you to hit another
car when changing lanes.
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
3-33
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Page 114 of 402
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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
fluid leaks.
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.8V66-EA-06F
Page 116 of 402

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Hazardous Driving
WARNING
Be extremely careful if it is necessary
to downshift 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.
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:
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.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
lBe cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
lAvoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
lIf your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Do not hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
do not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) on page 5-6.
lIf you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the front
wheels.
lFor more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the front wheels.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the front
wheels.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at more than
56 km/h (35 mph), and do not allow
anyone to stand behind a wheel when
pushing the vehicle:
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.
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 8-28).
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.8V66-EA-06F
Page 119 of 402
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Installing the chains
1. Secure the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions.
2. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2
―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).Driving In Flooded Area
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been affected.
CAUTION
Make sure water does not enter the
vehicle interior or the engine area.
Interior materials could get moldy, and
many electronic devices in the cabin
and the engine could be damaged.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-11
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F