Black plate (157,1)
The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.
Before driving
lHave your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.lBefore starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all vehicle-
to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short
distance.
Driving
lYour Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing,
and stopping in a traffic-free area.
lTake time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.lAllow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance
increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.
lAvoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.lAvoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially
so on wet or slippery roads.
lShift the shift lever to the D position when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.
These positions will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.
Lane changes and turning
Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to
avoid the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that
are larger than normal.
Passing
Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes.
Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads
will affect handling.
If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but
gradually.
Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or braking is made, the
combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability.
Backing up
Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a
helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.
To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or
prolonged turning.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
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Form No.8Z28-EA-07J
Black plate (172,1)
qActive Adaptive Shift (AAS)
Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
automatically controls the transaxle shift
points to best suit the road conditions and
driver input. This optimizes engine
performance and improves driving
comfort. When cornering the vehicle,
AAS mode will hold the transaxle in the
gear the vehicle was in before entering the
curve, allowing the vehicle to be
accelerated from the same gear after
exiting the curve.
If the driver accelerates rapidly, or
accelerates and decelerates rapidly by
operating the accelerator and brake pedal
for a certain period of time while the
selector lever is in the D position, AAS
mode could activate. When this occurs,
AAS mode will maintain the transaxle in
the optimum gear and the driver may
sense that the transaxle is not shifting,
however this does not indicate an
abnormality.
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 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.
l(With Advanced Key)
The ignition switch cannot be turned from
the ACC position to the LOCK position
when the shift lever is not in P.
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 drive 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.
NOTE
If you change to manual shift mode when the
vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to M1.
5-12
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8Z28-EA-07J
Black plate (213,1)
lUnder the following conditions, the
KEY warning light (red) will flash
continuously when the start knob has
not been returned to the LOCK
position to notify the driver that the
advanced key has been removed from
the vehicle. It will stop flashing when
the advanced key is back inside the
vehicle.
lThe start knob has not been returned
to the LOCK position, the driver's
door is open, and the advanced key
is removed from the vehicle.
lThe start knob has not been returned
to the LOCK position and all the
doors are closed after removing the
advanced key from the vehicle.
NOTE
The flashing KEY warning light (red) and the
beep sound operate simultaneously (page
3-20).
KEY Indicator Light (Green)
When illuminated
When the start knob is pushed in from the
LOCK position, the system confirms that
the correct advanced key is inside the
vehicle, the KEY indicator light (green)
illuminates, and the start knob can be
turned to the ACC position (page 3-9).
When flashing
When the advanced key battery power is
low, the KEY indicator light flashes for 30
seconds after the start knob is turned from
the ON position to the ACC or LOCK
position. Replace with a new battery
before the advanced key becomes
unusable (page 3-6).NOTE
The advanced key can be set so that the KEY
indicator light (green) does not flash even if
the battery power is low.
Refer to Setting Change (Function
Customization)(page 3-19).
qSecurity Indicator Light
This indicator light starts flashing every 2
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
from the ON to the ACC position and the
immobilizer system is armed.
The light stops flashing when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position with
the correct ignition key.
At this time, the immobilizer system is
disarmed and the light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and then goes out.
If the engine doesn't start with the correct
ignition key, and the security indicator
light keeps illuminating or flashing, the
system may have a malfunction. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8Z28-EA-07J
Black plate (221,1)
Select the proper setting from the following chart.
Front seat
Rear
seatLoadSwitch
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
qTurn 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 turnOFFRight 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.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8Z28-EA-07J
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Operating Tips
qOperating the Climate Control
System
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not leave the fan control dial on for a long
period of time with the ignition switch in the
ACC position when the engine is not running.
qClearing the Air Inlet
Clear all obstructions like leaves, snow
and ice from the hood and the air inlet in
the cowl grille to improve the system
efficiency.
qFoggy Windows
The windows may fog up easily in humid
weather. Use the climate control system to
defog the windows.
To help defog the windows, operate the
air conditioner to dehumidify the air.
NOTE
The air conditioner may be used along with the
heater to dehumidify the air.
qOutside/Recirculated Air Position
Use the outside air position in normal
conditions. The recirculated air position
should be used only when driving on
dusty roads or for quick cooling of the
interior.
qParking in Direct Sunlight
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then run
the climate control system.
qNot Using for a Long Period
Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
qCheck the Refrigerant before the
Weather Gets Hot
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for refrigerant inspection.
The air conditioner is filled with
HFC134a (R134a), a refrigerant that will
not damage the ozone layer.
If the air conditioner is low on refrigerant
or has a malfunction, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qReplacement of the Cabin Air Filter
If your vehicle is equipped with an air
filter for the air conditioner, it is necessary
to change the filter periodically as
indicated in scheduled maintenance (page
8-3). Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for replacement of the cabin air
filter.
6-2
Interior Comfort
Climate Control System
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Form No.8Z28-EA-07J
Black plate (247,1)
Flutter/Skip noise
Signals from an FM transmitter move in
straight lines and become weak in valleys
between tall buildings, mountains, and
other obstacles. When a vehicle passes
through such an area, the reception
conditions may change suddenly, resulting
in annoying noise.
Weak signal noise
In suburban areas, broadcast signals
become weak because of distance from
the transmitter. Reception in such fringe
areas is characterized by sound breakup.
Strong signal noise
This occurs very close to a transmitter
tower. The broadcast signals are
extremely strong, so the result is noise and
sound breakup at the radio receiver.
Station drift noise
When a vehicle reaches the area of two
strong stations broadcasting at similar
frequencies, the original station may be
temporarily lost and the second station
picked up. At this time there will be some
noise from this disturbance.
Station 2
88.3 MHz Station 1
88.1 MHz
Interior Comfort
Audio System
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Form No.8Z28-EA-07J
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qOperating Tips for CD Player/In-
Dash CD Changer
Condensation phenomenon
Immediately after turning on the heater
when the vehicle is cold, the CD or
optical components (prism and lens) in the
CD player/In-dash CD changer may
become clouded with condensation. At
this time, the CD will eject immediately
when placed in the unit. A clouded CD
can be corrected simply by wiping it with
a soft cloth. Clouded optical components
will clear naturally in about an hour. Wait
for normal operation to return before
attempting to use the unit.
Handling the CD player/In-dash CD
changer
The following precautions should be
observed.
lDo not spill any liquid on the audio
system.
lDo not insert any objects, other than
CDs, into the slot.
lThe CD revolves at high speed within
the unit. Defective (cracked or badly
bent) CDs should never be used.
lDo not use non-conventional discs
such as heart-shaped, octagonal discs,
etc. The disc may not eject resulting in
a malfunction.
lIf the memory portion of the CD is
transparent or translucent, do not use
the disc.
Transparent
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Interior Comfort
Audio System
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Form No.8Z28-EA-07J
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lDo not use record sprays, antistatic
agents, or household spray cleaners.
Volatile chemicals such as benzine and
thinner can also damage the surface of
the CD and must not be used. Anything
that can damage, warp, or fog plastic
should never be used to clean CDs.
lInsert discs one by one. If two discs are
inserted at the same time, the system
may not operate properly.
lCD TEXT textual information cannot
be displayed by audio units other than
the In-dash CD changer (MP3
compatible type only). (Only playback
is possible.)
lThe following player can play MP3
files recorded in CD-ROM, CD-R, and
CD-RW.
· In-dash CD changer (MP3
compatible type only)
lThe CD player/In-dash CD changer
ejects the CD if the CD is inserted
upside down. Also dirty and/or
defective CDs may be ejected.
lAn 8 cm (3 in) CD can be played in the
CD player.
The In-dash CD changer is specially
made for 12 cm (5 in) CDs.
An 8 cm (3 in) CD can be played in the
In-dash CD changer (MP3 compatible
type only) if an 8 cm (3 in) CD adapter
is used.
If an 8 cm (3 in) CD adapter is not
used, the In-dash CD changer (MP3
compatible type only) may be
damaged. Always use a CD adapter.
An 8 cm (3 in) CD cannot be played in
the In-dash CD changer (MP3 non-
compatible type only) even if an 8 cm
(3 in) CD adapter is used.
lDo not insert cleaning discs in the CD
player/In-dash CD changer.
lDo not insert any disc with a peel-off
seal affixed to it.
Handling the In-dash CD changer
lThis unit may not be able to play
certain CD-R/CD-RWs made using a
computer or music CD recorder due to
disc characteristics, scratches,
smudges, dirt, etc., or due to dust or
condensation on the lens inside the
unit.
lStoring CDs in the vehicle exposed to
direct sunlight or high temperature may
damage the CD-R/CD-RWs, and make
them unplayable.
lCD-R/CD-RW exceeding 700 MB
cannot be played.
lThis unit may not be able to play
certain discs made using a computer
due to the application (writing
software) setting used. (For details,
consult the store where the application
was purchased.)
lIt is possible that certain text data, such
as titles, recorded on a CD-R/CD-RW
may not be displayed when musical
data (CD-DA) is playing.
lThe period from when a CD-RW is
inserted to when it begins playing is
longer than a normal CD or CD-R.
lCompletely read the instruction manual
and cautions for CD-R/CD-RWs.
lDo not use discs with cellophane tape
adhering, partially peeled off labels, or
adhesive material exuding from the
edges of the CD label. Also, do not use
discs with a commercially-available
CD-R label affixed. The disc may not
eject resulting in a malfunction.
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Interior Comfort
Audio System
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Form No.8Z28-EA-07J