2008 MAZDA MODEL 6 steering

Black plate (115,1)
Mirror defrosterí
To turn on the mirror defrosters, turn the
ignition switch to the ON position and
push the rear window defroster switch
(page 5-52).
qRearview Mirror
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.
Rearview mirror adjustment
Before driving, adjust the rearview mirror
to center on the scene through the rear
window.
Manual day/night mirror
Auto-dimming mirror
NOTEFor the manual day/night mirror, perform the
adjustment with the day/night lever in the day
position.
Reducing glare from headlights
Manual day/night mirror
Push the day/night lever forward for day
driving. Pull it back to reduce glare of
headlights from cars at the rear.
Night
Day Day/Night lever
Auto-dimming mirror
The auto-dimming mirror automatically
reduces glare of headlights from cars at
the rear when the ignition switch is in the
ON position.
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
3-39íSome models.
Mazda6_8X47-EA-07G_Edition1 Page115
Tuesday, May 29 2007 3:43 PM
Form No.8X47-EA-07G

Black plate (116,1)
Press the OFF button () to cancel the
automatic dimming function. The
indicator light will go off.
To reactivate the automatic dimming
function, press the ON button (
). The
indicator light will illuminate.
Indicator lightOFF button
ON button
NOTElDo not use glass cleaner or suspend objects
on or around the light sensor. Otherwise,
light sensor sensitivity will be affected and
may not operate normally.
Light sensor
Light sensor
lFor information regarding the 3 buttons
(,,) on the auto-dimming
mirror, refer to HomeLink Wireless Control
System (page 5-54).
3-40
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
Mazda6_8X47-EA-07G_Edition1 Page116
Tuesday, May 29 2007 3:43 PM
Form No.8X47-EA-07G

Black plate (122,1)
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.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Mazda6_8X47-EA-07G_Edition1 Page122
Tuesday, May 29 2007 3:43 PM
Form No.8X47-EA-07G

Black plate (129,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transaxle Operation ..................................................... 5-9
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................ 5-12
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-18
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-19
Traction Control System (TCS)
í........................................... 5-22
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-25
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-31 Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-31
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-35 Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-35
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-46
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-47 Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-47
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-49
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-49
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-50
Rear Window Wiper and Washer
í......................................... 5-51
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-52
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-53
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-53
HomeLink Wireless Control System
í.................................... 5-54
5-1íSome models.
Mazda6_8X47-EA-07G_Edition1 Page129
Tuesday, May 29 2007 3:43 PM
Form No.8X47-EA-07G

Black plate (130,1)
Ignition Switch
qIgnition Switch Positions
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.
Manual transaxle
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, push the key in at the
ACC position, then turn it to the LOCK
position.
Push the key
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)
5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda6_8X47-EA-07G_Edition1 Page130
Tuesday, May 29 2007 3:43 PM
Form No.8X47-EA-07G

Black plate (131,1)
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
put the key to LOCK position, 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: Intentionally placing the key into
LOCK position is much more
important where you will not be
removing the key to leave the vehicle
and because leaving it in other
positions will disable some of the
vehicle security systems and run the
battery down.
Leaving the driver's seat without
putting the ignition switch in LOCK
position, setting the parking brake
and the shift lever is in P with an
automatic transaxle or in 1 or R with
a manual transaxle is dangerous.
Unexpected vehicle movement could
occur. This could cause an accident.
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the steering
wheel from side to side.
Leaving the key in any position but LOCK
position also disables some of the security
features and may run the battery down.
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-35).
NOTE
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the sound of the fuel pump motor
operating near the fuel tank can be heard. This
does not indicate an abnormality.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-35).
q Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position with the key inserted, a
continuous beep sound will be heard
when the driver's door is opened.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-3
Mazda6_8X47-EA-07G_Edition1 Page131
Tuesday, May 29 2007 3:43 PM
Form No.8X47-EA-07G

Black plate (146,1)
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on theload weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power
steering system.
5-18
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda6_8X47-EA-07G_Edition1 Page146
Tuesday, May 29 2007 3:43 PM
Form No.8X47-EA-07G

Black plate (181,1)
Horn
To sound the horn, press themark on
the steering wheel.
Hazard Warning Flasher
The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway in an emergency.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that they must take extreme caution
when near it.
Depress the hazard warning flasher and all
the turn signals will flash.
NOTE
lThe turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning lights are on.
lCheck local regulations about the use of
hazard warning lights while the vehicle is
being towed to verify that it is not in
violation of the law.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-53
Mazda6_8X47-EA-07G_Edition1 Page181
Tuesday, May 29 2007 3:43 PM
Form No.8X47-EA-07G