Black plate (105,1)
Steering Wheel
WARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving:
Adjusting the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control
or an accident.
qSteering Wheel Adjustment
To change the angle or length of the
steering wheel:
1. Stop the vehicle, pull down the lock
release lever under the steering
column.
Lock release lever
2. Tilt the steering wheel and/or adjust the
steering column length to the desired
positions, push the lever up to lock the
column.
3. Push the wheel up and down to be
certain it's locked before driving.
Mirrors
qOutside Mirrors
Check the mirror angles before driving.
Mirror type
Flat type (driver's side)
Flat surface mirror.
Convex type (front passenger side)
The mirror has single curvature on its
surface.
WARNING
Be sure to look over your shoulder
before changing lanes:
Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the
vehicle in the convex mirror is
dangerous. You could have a serious
accident. What you see in the convex
mirror is closer than it appears.
Power control mirror
The ignition switch must be in the ACC
or ON position.
To adjust:
1. Move the selector switch to the left or
right to choose the left or right side
mirror.
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
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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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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (135,1)
M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the shift lever.
Refer to Manual Shift Mode (page 5-13).
qShift-Lock System
The shift-lock system prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
To shift from P:
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Move the shift lever.
NOTE
lWhen the ignition switch is in the
ACC or LOCK position, the shift
lever cannot be shifted from P.
lTo be sure the vehicle is in park,the
ignition key cannot be removed
unless the shift lever is in P.
qShift-Lock Override
If the shift lever won't move from P using
the proper shift procedure, continue to
hold down the pedal.
1. Remove the shift-lock override cover
with a screwdriver.2. Insert a screwdriver and push it down.
3. Move the shift lever.
4. Take the vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the system
checked.
qManual Shift Mode
This mode gives you the feel of driving a
manual transaxle vehicle by operating the
shift lever and allows you to control
engine rpm and torque to the front wheels
much like a manual transaxle when more
control is desired.
To change to manual shift mode, shift the
lever from D to M.
To return to automatic shift mode, shift
the lever from M to D.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-13
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (146,1)
CAUTION
lThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
lUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
lUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
lDo not mix worn tires.
lThe DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
NOTE
After turning the ignition switch to the
ON position, a clicking sound may be
heard behind the dashboard. This sound
is the result of the DSC system self-
check operation and does not indicate
an abnormality.
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. If the TCS or DSC is
operating, the indicator light flashes.If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qDSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
It also comes on when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off (page 5-24).
If the light stays on when the TCS/DSC is
not switched off, take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The dynamic
stability control may have a malfunction.
qDSC OFF Switch
To turn off the TCS/DSC, press and hold
the DSC OFF switch until the DSC OFF
indicator light illuminates.
5-24
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (147,1)
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will go out.
NOTE
lWhen DSC is on and you attempt to
free the vehicle when it is stuck, or
drive it out of freshly fallen snow,
the TCS (part of the DSC system)
will activate. Depressing the
accelerator will not increase engine
power and freeing the vehicle may
be difficult.
When this happens, turn off the TCS/
DSC.
lIf the TCS/DSC is off when the
engine is turned off, it automatically
activates when the ignition switch is
turned on.
lLeaving the TCS/DSC on will
provide the best stability.
Tire Pressure Monitoring
System
í
The tire pressure monitoring system
(TPMS) monitors the pressure for each
tire.
If tire pressure is too low in one or more
tires, the system will inform the driver via
the warning light in the instrument panel
and by the warning beep sound.
The tire pressure sensors installed on each
wheel send tire pressure data by radio
signal to the receiver unit in the vehicle.
Tire pressure sensors
NOTE
When the ambient temperature is low
due to seasonal changes, tire
temperatures are also lower. If the tire
temperature lowers, the air pressure
lowers as well, and the TPMS warning
light illuminates more frequently.
Inspect the tire pressure dailybefore
driving, and check the tire pressures
monthly with a tire pressure gauge.
When checking the tire pressures, use
of a digital tire pressure gauge is
recommended.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-25íSome models. Mazda3_8V66-EA-06F_Edition3 Page147
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (151,1)
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qSystem Error Activation
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in
the following cases:
lWhen there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
lWhen a large metallic object (e.g. a
large electric household appliance or a
desk-top computer) is placed on the
right side of the rear seat, which may
block radio signals from the tire
pressure sensor to the receiver unit.
lWhen using the following devices in
the vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.
lA digital device such as a personal
computer.
lA current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.
lWhen excess snow or ice adheres to
the vehicle, especially around the
wheels.
lWhen the tire pressure sensor batteries
are exhausted.
lWhen using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
lWhen using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the side walls.
lWhen using tire chains.
qTires and Wheels
CAUTION
When inspecting or adjusting the tire air
pressures, do not apply excessive force
to the stem part of the wheel unit. The
stem part could be damaged.
Changing tires and wheels
The following procedure allows the
TPMS to recognize a tire pressure sensor's
unique ID signal code whenever tires or
wheels are changed, such as changing to
and from winter tires.
NOTE
Each tire pressure sensor has a unique
ID signal code. The signal code must be
registered with the TPMS before it can
work. The easiest way to do it is to have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer change
your tire and complete ID signal code
registration.
When having tires changed at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer
Tire pressure sensor ID signal code
registration is completed when an
Authorized Mazda Dealer changes your
vehicle's tires.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-29
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (152,1)
When changing tires yourself
If you or someone else changes tires, you
or someone else can also undertake the
steps for the TPMS to complete the ID
signal code registration.
1. After tires have been changed, turn the
ignition switch to the ON position, then
turn it back to the ACC or LOCK
position.
2. Wait for about 15 minutes.
3. After about 15 minutes, drive the
vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h
(16 mph) for 10 minutes and the tire
pressure sensor ID signal code will be
registered automatically.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven within about 15
minutes of changing tires, the tire
pressure monitoring system warning
light will flash because the sensor ID
signal code would not have been
registered. If this happens, park the
vehicle for about 15 minutes, after
which the sensor ID signal code will
register upon driving the vehicle for 10
minutes.
Replacing tires and wheels
CAUTION
lWhen replacing/repairing the tires or
wheels or both, have the work done
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or
the tire pressure sensors may be
damaged.
lThe wheels equipped on your Mazda
are specially designed for installation
of the tire pressure sensors. Do not
use non-genuine wheels, otherwise it
may not be possible to install the tire
pressure sensors.
Be sure to have the tire pressure sensors
installed whenever tires or wheels are
replaced.
When having a tire or wheel or both
replaced, the following types of tire
pressure sensor installations are possible.
lThe tire pressure sensor is removed
from the old wheel and installed to the
new one.
lThe same tire pressure sensor is used
with the same wheel. Only the tire is
replaced.
lA new tire pressure sensor is installed
to a new wheel.
5-30
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F
Black plate (158,1)
qDashboard Illumination
When the exterior lights are on, rotate the
thumb-wheel to adjust the brightness of
the dashboard lights.
Bright
Dim
NOTE
Black-out meter
When the instrument cluster dimmer is
canceled, the instrument cluster
illumination intensity will not change
by rotating the thumb-wheel.
Refer to Instrument Cluster Dimmer
Select Button on page 5-36.
qInstrument Cluster Dimmer
Select Button (Black-out meter)
The instrument cluster dimmer select
button is operable when the ignition
switch is in the ON position.
Instrument cluster dimmer select button
Adjusting the instrument cluster
illumination intensity (With exterior
lights off)
When the exterior lights are off, the
instrument cluster illumination can be
adjusted to one of five levels by
successively pressing the instrument
cluster dimmer select button.
Canceling the instrument cluster
illumination dimmer (With exterior
lights on)
When the exterior lights are on, the
instrument cluster illumination dims.
When driving on snowy or foggy roads,
or in other situations when the instrument
cluster's visibility is reduced due to glare
from surrounding brightness, the
instrument cluster dimmer select button
increases the illumination intensity.
Press the button to increase the intensity
of the instrument cluster illumination.
Press the button again to return to the
previous illumination intensity.
5-36
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8V66-EA-06F