
Black plate (118,1)
qTransaxle Ranges
The shift lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transaxle and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.
WARNING
Always set the shift lever to P and set
the parking brake:
Only setting the shift lever to the P
position without using the parking
brake to hold the vehicle is
dangerous. If P fails to hold, the
vehicle could move and cause an
accident.
CAUTION
ØShifting into P, N or R while the
vehicle is moving can damage
your transaxle.
Ø Shifting into a driving gear or
reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transaxle.
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except under
rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-7).
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
WARNING
If the engine is running faster than idle,
do not shift from N or P into a driving
gear:
It's dangerous to shift from N or P
into a driving gear when the engine
is running faster than idle. If this is
done, the vehicle could move
suddenly, causing an accident or
serious injury.
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle: Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury.
CAUTION
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle
damage.
NOTE
Apply the parking brake or depress the brake
pedal before moving the shift lever from N to
prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 4-gear sequence.
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).
5-12
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8X91-EA-07E

Black plate (139,1)
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-22).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes out have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes an
indicator of leakage. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible even if the
brake light is no longer illuminated.
WARNING
Do not drive with the brake system
warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible:
Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated is
dangerous. It indicates that your
brakes may not work at all or that
they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains
illuminated, after checking that the
parking brake is fully released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.
qABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you're driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function normally
as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-33
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Form No.8X91-EA-07E

Black plate (152,1)
Select the proper setting from the following chart.Front seat Rear
seat Load Switch
Position
Driver Passenger
× ――― 0
×× ――0
×× × ―1
×× ×× 2
× ―― ×3
×: Yes
― :No
qDaytime Running Lights (Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
NOTE
The Daytime Running Lights turn off when the
parking brake is applied.
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
q Turn Signal
Move the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.
If the indicator light continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to
its original position.
Right turn
Left turn OFF
Right lane
change
Left lane
change
Green indicators on the dashboard show
which signal is working.
Lane-change signals
Move the lever slightly toward the
direction of the change ―until the
indicator flashes ―and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.
NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without flashing
or if it flashes abnormally, one of the turn
signal bulbs may be burned out.
5-46
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8X91-EA-07E

Black plate (225,1)
Changing a Flat Tire
NOTE
If the following occurs while driving, it could
indicate a flat tire.
lSteering becomes difficult.lThe vehicle begins to vibrate excessively.lThe vehicle pulls in one direction.
If you have a flat tire, drive slowly to a
level spot that is well off the road and out
of the way of traffic to change the tire.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a
busy road is dangerous.
WARNING
Be sure to follow the directions for
changing a tire, and never get under a
vehicle that is supported only by a jack:Changing a tire is dangerous if not
done properly. The vehicle can slip off
the jack and seriously injure
someone.
Never allow anyone inside a vehicle
supported by a jack: Allowing someone to remain in a
vehicle supported by a jack is
dangerous. The occupant could cause
the vehicle to fall resulting in serious
injury.
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
The 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. NOTE
lMake sure the jack is well lubricated before
using it.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
lBe sure to register the tire pressure sensor
ID signal code whenever tires or wheels are
changed (page 5-25).
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of- way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transaxle in Park (P), a manual
transaxle in Reverse (R) or 1, and turn
off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, tool, and spare tire (page 7-3).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire. When blocking a wheel,
place a tire block both in front and
behind the tire.
NOTE
When blocking a tire, use rocks or wood blocks
of sufficient size to hold the tire in place.
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
7-7
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Form No.8X91-EA-07E

Black plate (231,1)
Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating, the vehicle loses power, or
you hear a loud knocking or pinging
noise, the engine is probably too hot.
WARNING
Turn the ignition switch off and
remove the key from the ignition switch
when you inspect the engine:
Inspecting the engine with the
ignition switch in the ON position is
dangerous. The cooling fan could
turn on unexpectedly even when the
engine is not running. You could be
seriously injured by the fan.
Do not remove either cooling
system caps when the engine and
radiator are hot: When the engine and radiator are
hot, scalding coolant and steam may
shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury.
Open the hood ONLY after steam is no
longer escaping from the engine: Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you.
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transaxle in park (P), a manual
transaxle in neutral. 3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Turn off the air conditioner.
5. Check whether coolant or steam is
escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Don't go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the
engine temperature will increase.
Stop the engine and call an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6. Make sure the cooling fan is operating, then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
7. When cool, check the coolant level. If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
7-13
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Form No.8X91-EA-07E

Black plate (238,1)
Towing Description
We recommend that towing be done only
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a
commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
drive wheels (front wheels) off the
ground. If excessive damage or other
conditions prevent this, use wheel dollies.
Wheel dollies
When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake.
CAUTION
Don't tow the vehicle pointed
backward with driving wheels on the
ground. This may cause internal
damage to the transaxle.
CAUTION
Don't tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
If towing service is not available in an
emergency, the vehicle may be towed
with all four wheels on the ground using
the towing hook at the front of the
vehicle.
Only tow the vehicle on paved surfaces
for short distances at low speeds.
7-20
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
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Form No.8X91-EA-07E

Black plate (239,1)
CAUTION
Follow these instructions when
towing the vehicle with all wheels on
the ground.
1. Shift to neutral (MT), or the Nposition (AT).
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ACC position to prevent the steering
from locking up.
3. Release the parking brake.
Remember that power assist for the
brakes and steering will not be
available when the engine is not
running.
Tiedown Hooks
CAUTION
Don't use the tiedown hooks under
the front and rear for towing.
They are designed ONLY for tying
down the vehicle when it's being
transported. Using them for towing
will damage the bumper.
q Tiedown Hook-Front
1. Remove the tiedown eyelet, lug
wrench, and jack lever from the trunk
(page 7-3).
2. Wrap the jack lever with a soft cloth to prevent damage to the bumper and
open the cap located on the front
bumper.
CAUTION
The cap cannot be completely
removed. Do not use excessive force
as it may damage the cap or scratch
the painted bumper surface.
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
7-21
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Form No.8X91-EA-07E

Black plate (265,1)
Power Steering Fluid
qInspecting Power Steering Fluid
Level
CAUTION
To avoid damage to the power
steering pump, don't operate the
vehicle for long periods when the
power steering fluid level is low.
NOTE
Use specified power steering fluid (page 10-4).
Inspect the fluid level in the reservoir at
each engine oil change with the engine off
and cold. Add fluid if necessary; it does
not require periodic changing.
The level must be kept between MIN and
MAX.
Visually examine the lines and hoses for
leaks and damage.
If new fluid is required frequently, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Automatic transaxle Fluid
(ATF)
q Inspecting Automatic transaxle
Fluid Level
The automatic transaxle fluid level should
be inspected regularly. Measure it as
described below.
The volume of fluid changes with the
temperature. Fluid must be checked at idle
without driving at normal operating
temperature.
CAUTION
Ø Low fluid level causes transaxle
slippage. Overfilling can cause
foaming, loss of fluid, and
transaxle malfunction.
Ø Use specified fluid (page 10-4). A
nonspecified fluid could result in
transaxle malfunction and failure.
1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly.
2. Start the engine and depress the brake pedal.
3. Move the shift lever through all ranges and set it at P.
WARNING
Make sure the brake pedal is applied
before shifting the shift lever: Shifting the shift lever without first
depressing the brake pedal is
dangerous. The vehicle could move
suddenly and cause an accident.
4. With the engine still idling, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and put it back.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-23
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Form No.8X91-EA-07E