Black plate (9,1)
Headlight leveling switch .................................................................................. page 5-53
Dashboard illumination knob ............................................................................ page 5-36
Lighting control/Turn signal .............................................................................. page 5-51
Instrument cluster .............................................................................................. page 5-32
SRS air bags ...................................................................................................... page 2-41
Cruise control switches ...................................................................................... page 5-19
Wiper and washer lever ..................................................................................... page 5-55
Hazard warning flasher switch .......................................................................... page 5-61
Information display ............................................................................................ page 6-55
Audio system ..................................................................................................... page 6-17
Glove box .......................................................................................................... page 6-63
Center console ................................................................................................... page 6-63
Parking brake ....................................................................................................... page 5-5
Cup holder ......................................................................................................... page 6-61
MT shift lever ...................................................................................................... page 5-9
AT shift lever (Sport AT) ................................................................................... page 5-11
Lighter ............................................................................................................... page 6-60
Rear window defroster switch ........................................................................... page 5-60
Ashtray ............................................................................................................... page 6-61
Climate control system ........................................................................................ page 6-2
Ignition switch ..................................................................................................... page 5-2
Steering column release lever ............................................................................ page 3-31
Audio control switches ...................................................................................... page 6-45
Remote fuel-filler lid release ............................................................................. page 3-21
Hood release handle .......................................................................................... page 3-22
Outside mirror switch ........................................................................................ page 3-31
Interior lights ..................................................................................................... page 6-52
Sunvisor ............................................................................................................. page 6-52
Rearview mirror ................................................................................................. page 3-32
Vanity mirror ...................................................................................................... page 6-52
Front seat ............................................................................................................. page 2-2
Seat belt ............................................................................................................. page 2-10
Rear seat .............................................................................................................. page 2-5
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Dashboard and Interior Overview
1-3
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (114,1)
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
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
Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page114
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (115,1)
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
Never stop the engine when going
down a hill:
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.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-7
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (116,1)
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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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (117,1)
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
Black plate (119,1)
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
Black plate (123,1)
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 ........................................................................ 5-18
Cruise Control
í...................................................................... 5-19
Traction Control System (TCS)í........................................... 5-22
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)í........................................ 5-23
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-25
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-32
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-32
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-37
Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-37
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-49
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-51
Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-51
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-54
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-55
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-55
Rear Window Wiper and Washer (5 Door) ............................. 5-59
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-60
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-61
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-61
5-1íSome models.
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (124,1)
Ignition Switch
qIgnition Switch Positions
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, push the button when the
key is at the ACC position, then turn the
key to the LOCK position.
Button
Push the
button
Automatic transaxle
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, the shift lever must be in
the P position.
Shift lever
engaged in P
(park)
WARNING
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked:
Removing the key from the ignition
switch while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. Removing the key allows
the steering wheel to lock. You will
lose steering control and a serious
accident could occur.
Before leaving the driver's seat,
always set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P with
an automatic transaxle or in 1 or R
with a manual transaxle:
Leaving the driver's seat without
setting the parking brake and the shift
lever is dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur. This could
cause an accident.
5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F