Starting the engine 1. Turn the key to 3 (RUN) without turning the key to
4 (START). If there is difficulty
in turning the key, rotate the
steering wheel until the key
turns freely. This condition may
occur when:
• the front wheels are turned
• a front wheel is against the curb
2. Turn the key to 4 (START), then release the key as soon as the engine starts. Excessive cranking
could damage the starter.
Note: If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try,
turn the key to 1 (LOCK), wait 10 seconds and try again. If the engine
still fails to start, press the accelerator to the floor and try again; this will
allow the engine to crank with the fuel shut off in case the engine is
flooded with fuel.
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, it will have a computer
assisted cranking system. This feature assists in starting the engine. If
the ignition key is turned to 4 (START) and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine may continue cranking for up to
10 seconds or until the vehicle starts.
Guarding against exhaust fumes
Although odorless and colorless, carbon monoxide is present in exhaust
fumes. Take precautions to avoid its dangerous effects.
WARNING: If you ever smell exhaust fumes of any kind inside
your vehicle, have your authorized dealer inspect and fix your
vehicle immediately. Do not drive if you smell exhaust fumes.
These fumes are harmful and result in accident or death.
Have the exhaust and body ventilation systems checked whenever:
• the vehicle is raised for service.
• the sound of the exhaust system changes.
• the vehicle has been damaged in a collision.
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WARNING: Always set the parking brake fully and make sure
that the gearshift is securely latched in P (Park) (automatic
transmission) or in 1 (First) (manual transmission).
NOTE: The parking brake is not recommended to stop a moving vehicle.
However, if the normal brakes fail, the parking brake can be used to stop
your vehicle in an emergency. Since the parking brake applies only the
rear brakes, the vehicle’s stopping distance will increase greatly and the
handling of your vehicle will be adversely affected.
Pull the release lever to release the
brake.
Driving with the parking brake
on will cause the brakes to wear
out quickly and reduce fuel
economy.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) SYSTEM
The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system provides stability
enhancement features such as Roll Stability Control (RSC), Dynamic
Stability Control (DSC) and Traction Control (TCS) for certain driving
situations. The system includes an on/off button, and a “sliding car” icon
in the instrument cluster.
Some drivers may notice a slight movement of the brake pedal when the
ESC system performs a system self-check. During ESC system operation
you may experience the following:
• A rumble, grunting, or grinding noise after startup and when driving
off
• A slight deceleration of the vehicle
• The ESC system indicator light will flash when the system is activated.
• If your foot is on the brake pedal, you will feel a vibration in the
pedal.
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PREPARING TO DRIVE WARNING: Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover
rate than other types of vehicles.
WARNING:
In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly
more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt.
Utility vehicles and trucks have larger tires and increased ground
clearance, giving the vehicle a higher center of gravity than a passenger
car.
WARNING: Vehicles with a higher center of gravity such as
utility vehicles and trucks handle differently than vehicles with
a lower center of gravity. Utility vehicles and trucks are not
designed for cornering at speeds as high as passenger cars any
more than low-slung sports cars are designed to perform
satisfactorily under off-road conditions. Avoid sharp turns,
excessive speed or abrupt maneuvers in these vehicles. Failure
to drive cautiously could result in an increased risk of loss of
vehicle control, vehicle rollover, personal injury and death.
WARNING: Loaded vehicles, with a higher center of gravity,
may handle differently than unloaded vehicles. Do not overload
your vehicle and use extra precautions, such as driving at
slower speeds, avoiding abrupt steering changes and allowing
for increased stopping distance, when driving a heavily loaded
vehicle. Over loading or loading the vehicle improperly can
deteriorate handling capability and contribute to loss of vehicle
control and vehicle rollover.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION OPERATION (IF EQUIPPED)
Brake-shift interlock
This vehicle is equipped with a brake-shift interlock feature that prevents
the gearshift lever from being moved from P (Park) when the ignition is
in the RUN position unless brake pedal is depressed.
If you cannot move the gearshift lever out of P (Park) with ignition in
the RUN position and the brake pedal depressed, it is possible that a
fuse has blown or the vehicle’s brakelamps are not operating properly.
Refer to Fuses and relays in theRoadside Emergencies chapter.
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Stopping and securing the vehicle 1. Park on a level surface, set the parking brake and activate
hazard flashers.
2. Place gearshift lever in P (Park) (automatic transmission) or
R (Reverse) (manual
transmission) and turn engine
off.
Removing the jack and tools
The jack and tools are located under
the carpeted load floor.
Pull back the carpet away from the
liftgate, and remove the hardboard
cover. If your vehicle is equipped
with a cargo management system,
the jack and tools are in the forward
compartment under a lid.
Unbuckle the strap and remove the
jack and tools by pulling the right
side up first. Remove the tools from
the jack in order to remove the
spare tire from under the vehicle.
Remove the lug wrench from the
jack in order to remove the spare
tire from under the vehicle.
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6. If not replacing the spare or flat tire to the underbody storage
area, raise winch up into the
installed position.
7. Use the attached fastener strap (2) to tie the tether end to the
winch actuator shaft (if
equipped).
Tire change procedure WARNING: When one of the front wheels is off the ground, the
transmission alone will not prevent the vehicle from moving or
slipping off the jack, even if the vehicle is in P (Park)
(automatic transaxle) or R (Reverse) (manual transaxle).
WARNING: To prevent the vehicle from moving when you
change a tire, be sure the parking brake is set, then block both
sides of the wheel that is diagonally opposite (other side and
end of the vehicle) to the tire being changed.
WARNING: Changing a tire is dangerous if not done properly.
If the vehicle slips off the jack, you or someone else could be
seriously injured. Be sure to follow the directions for changing
a tire, and never get under a vehicle that is supported only by a
jack.
WARNING: Do not attempt to change a tire on the side of the
vehicle close to moving traffic. Pull far enough off the road to
avoid the danger of being hit when operating the jack or
changing the wheel.
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7. Repeat this tightness check procedure when servicing the spare tire pressure (every six months), or at any time that the spare tire is
disturbed through service of other components.
WHEEL LUG NUT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
Retighten the lug nuts to the specified torque at 500 miles (800 km)
after any wheel disturbance (tire rotation, changing a flat tire, wheel
removal, etc.).
Bolt size Wheel lug nut torque* lb.ft. N •m
M12 x 1.5 100 135
* Torque specifications are for nut and bolt threads free of dirt and
rust. Use only Mazda recommended replacement fasteners.
WARNING: When a wheel is installed, always remove any
corrosion, dirt or foreign materials present on the mounting
surfaces of the wheel or the surface of the wheel hub, brake
drum or brake disc that contacts the wheel. Ensure that any
fasteners that attach the rotor to the hub are secured so they
do not interfere with the mounting surfaces of the wheel.
Installing wheels without correct metal-to-metal contact at the
wheel mounting surfaces can cause the wheel nuts to loosen
and the wheel to come off while the vehicle is in motion,
resulting in loss of control.
OVERHEATING
If the temperature gauge indicates overheating and you experience
power loss, you hear a loud knocking or pinging noise, the engine is
probably too hot.
If this happens: 1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
2. Shift the automatic transmission into P (Park) or the manual transmission into the neutral position, and apply the parking brake.
3. Turn off the air conditioner.
WARNING: Steam from an overheated engine is dangerous. The
escaping steam could seriously burn you. Open the hood ONLY
after steam is no longer escaping from the engine.
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4. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from under the hood or from the engine compartment.
• If steam is coming from the engine compartment: do not go near
the front of the vehicle. Stop the engine, then turn the ignition switch
to the ON position without starting the engine. The radiator cooling
fans will start to cool the engine.
• If neither coolant nor steam is escaping: open the hood and idle
the engine until it cools. If this does not lower the temperature, stop
the engine and let it cool.
5. Check the coolant level. If it is low, look for leaks in the radiator hoses and connections, heater hoses and connections, radiator and
water pump.
If you find a leak or other damage, or if coolant is still leaking, stop the
engine and call an authorized dealer.
WARNING: When the engine and radiator are hot, scalding
coolant and steam may shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury. Do not remove the cooling system cap when the
engine and radiator are hot.
See Adding coolant in theMaintenance and Specifications section. If
you find no problems, the engine is cool and no leaks are obvious,
carefully add coolant as required.
Note: If the engine continues to overheat or frequently overheats, have
the cooling system inspected. The engine could be seriously damaged
unless repairs are made.
JUMP STARTING
WARNING: The gases around the battery can explode if
exposed to flames, sparks, or lit cigarettes. An explosion could
result in injury or vehicle damage.
WARNING: Batteries contain sulfuric acid which can burn skin,
eyes and clothing, if contacted.
Do not attempt to push-start your automatic transmission
vehicle. Automatic transmissions do not have push-start
capability. Attempting to push-start a vehicle with an automatic
transmission may cause transmission damage.
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Preparing your vehicle
When the battery is disconnected or a new battery is installed, the
automatic transmission must relearn its shift strategy. As a result, the
transmission may have firm and/or soft shifts. This operation is
considered normal and will not affect function or durability of the
transmission. Over time, the adaptive learning process will fully update
transmission operation. 1. Use only a 12–volt supply to start your vehicle.
2. Do not disconnect the battery of the disabled vehicle as this could damage the vehicle’s electrical system.
3. Park the booster vehicle close to the hood of the disabled vehicle making sure the two vehicles do nottouch. Set the parking brake on
both vehicles and stay clear of the engine cooling fan and other
moving parts.
4. Check all battery terminals and remove any excessive corrosion before you attach the battery cables. Ensure that vent caps are tight
and level.
5. Turn the heater fan on in both vehicles to protect from any electrical surges. Turn all other accessories off.
Connecting the jumper cables
1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the discharged battery.
Note: In the illustrations, lightning boltsare used to designate the
assisting (boosting) battery.
+–+–
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