Black plate (159,1)
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.
NOTE
Changing to manual mode can be done while
driving the vehicle with no damage occurring
to the transaxle.
To return to automatic shift mode, shift
the lever from M to D.
NOTE
lIf you change to manual shift mode when
the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to
M1.
l(2.5-liter engine model)
If you change to manual shift mode without
depressing the accelerator pedal when
driving in D range, 5th gear, the gear will
shift to M4.
Indicators
Shift position indicator
In manual shift mode, the “M ”of the shift
position indicator in the instrument panel
illuminates.
Gear position indicator
The numeral for the selected gear
illuminates.
Shift position indicator
D range/gear position indicator
NOTElIf the gears cannot be shifted down when
driving at higher speeds, the gear position
indicator will flash twice to signal that the
gears cannot be shifted down.
l(2.5-liter engine model)
If the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF)
temperature becomes too high, there is the
possibility that the transaxle will switch to
automatic shift mode, canceling manual
shift mode and turning off the gear position
indicator illumination. This is a normal
function to protect the AT. After the ATF
temperature has decreased, the gear
position indicator illumination turns back
on and driving in manual shift mode is
restored.
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Second gear fixed mode
When the shift lever is tapped back (
)
while the vehicle is stopped or driven at
about 10 km/h (6 mph) or less, the
transaxle is set in the second gear fixed
mode. The gear is fixed in second while in
this mode for easier starting and driving
on slippery roads. If the shift lever is
tapped back (
) or forward () while in
the second gear fixed mode, the mode will
be canceled.
Shifting specification
Shifting up
If the vehicle speed is lower than the speed specified
for each gear, the gear cannot be shifted up to a
higher gear.
(2.5-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 →M2 You can shift up to M2 whether
the vehicle is stopped or
moving.
M2 →M3 20.5 km/h (12.8 mph)
M3 →M4 33.9 km/h (21.1 mph)
M4 →M5 34.1 km/h (21.2 mph)
(3.7-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 →M2 You can shift up to M2 whether
the vehicle is stopped or
moving.
M2 →M3 15 km/h (10 mph)
M3 →M4 30.8 km/h (19.2 mph)
M4 →M5 42.1 km/h (26.2 mph)
M5 →M6 54.4 km/h (33.9 mph) Shifting down
If the vehicle speed is higher than the speed specified
for each gear, the gear cannot be shifted to a lower
gear so as to protect the transaxle.
(2.5-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M5 →M4 190 km/h (118 mph)
M4 →M3 135.1 km/h (83.9 mph)
M3 →M2 89.7 km/h (55.7 mph)
M2 →M1 44.9 km/h (27.8 mph)
(3.7-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M6 →M5 230 km/h (142 mph)
M5 →M4 187.3 km/h (116.3 mph)
M4 →M3 130 km/h (80 mph)
M3 →M2 82 km/h (50 mph)
M2 →M1 40.7 km/h (25.2 mph)
During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to the
following:
(2.5-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M5 or M4 →M3 30.8 km/h (19.1 mph)
M3 or M2 →M1 10 km/h (6 mph)
(3.7-liter engine model) Gear Vehicle speed
M6 →M5 51.4 km/h (31.9 mph)
M5 →M4 39.1 km/h (24.2 mph)
M4 →M3 27.8 km/h (17.2 mph)
M3 or M2 →M1 7.2 km/h (4.4 mph)
NOTEThe gear does not shift down to M1
automatically while in the second gear fixed
mode.
If the vehicle is kicked down at the following speeds
or lower, the gears shift down automatically:
(2.5-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M5 →M4 180 km/h (111 mph)
M4 →M3 126 km/h (78 mph)
M3 →M2 49.4 km/h (30.6 mph)
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(3.7-liter engine model)Gear Vehicle speed
M6 →M5 230 km/h (142 mph)
M5 →M4 166 km/h (103 mph)
M4 →M3 72 km/h (44 mph)
M3 →M2 47 km/h (29 mph)
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we recommend
these shift points.
(2.5-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
M4 to M5 73 km/h (45 mph)
(3.7-liter engine model) Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
M4 to M5 73 km/h (45 mph)
M5 to M6 80 km/h (50 mph)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steep downgrade , downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
q Driving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load 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.
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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.
Cruise Controlí
With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 32 km/h (20 mph).
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control under the
following conditions:Using the cruise control under the
following conditions is dangerous
and could result in loss of vehicle
control.
ØHilly terrain
Ø Steep inclines
Ø Heavy or unsteady traffic
Ø Slippery or winding roads
Ø Similar restrictions that require
inconsistent speed
qCruise Main Indicator Light
(Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator
Light (Green)
The indicator light has two colors.
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)
The indicator light illuminates amber
when the ON/OFF switch is pressed up
and the cruise control system is activated.
Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)
The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.
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qTCS OFF Indicator Lightí
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
It also illuminates when the TCS OFF
switch is pressed and TCS is switched off.
Refer to TCS OFF Switch on page 5-24.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS is not switched off, take your vehicle
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The TCS
may have a malfunction.
NOTE
(3.7-liter engine)
If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is
replaced, the TCS will be inoperable. When
this happens, the TCS OFF indicator light
flashes and the TCS indicator light illuminates.
To reactivate the TCS, perform the following
procedure with the battery connected.
1. Switch the ignition ON
2. Turn the steering clockwise fully, then turn
it counterclockwise fully.
3. Make sure the TCS OFF indicator light and TCS indicator light turn off.
If the TCS indicator light and the TCS OFF
indicator light remain illuminated even after
switching the ignition ON, attempt the
procedure again. If this still does not work,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q TCS OFF Switchí
Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the
TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light will
illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS
back on. The TCS OFF indicator light
will turn off.
NOTE
lWhen TCS is on and you attempt to free the
vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it out of
freshly fallen snow, the TCS will activate.
Depressing the accelerator will not
increase engine power and freeing the
vehicle may be difficult. When this happens,
turn off the TCS.
l(DSC-equipped vehicles)
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS (page 5-26).
lIf the TCS is off when the engine is turned
off, it automatically activates when the
ignition switch is turned on.
lLeaving the TCS on will provide the best
traction.
5-24
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Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)í
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 5-7) and TCS (page
5-23).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than15 km/h (9 mph).
WARNING
Do not rely on the dynamic stability
control as a substitute for safe driving:The dynamic stability control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident.
CAUTION
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
ØUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
ØUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
ØDo not mix worn tires.
Ø The DSC may not operate correctly
when a temporary spare tire is
installed because the tire diameter
changes.
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or the
brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí
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
NOTEWhen the ambient temperature is low due to seasonal changes, tire temperatures are also lower.
When the tire temperature decreases, the air pressure decreases as well. The TPMS warning light
may illuminate more frequently. Visually inspect the tires daily before driving, and check tire
pressures monthly with a tire pressure gauge. When checking tire pressures, use of a digital tire
pressure gauge is recommended.
TPMS does not alleviate your need to check the pressure and condition of all four tires
regularly.
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2. This device must accept anyinterference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
3. This device may only work when the vehicle is in operation pursuant to § 15.
252 (a) (4).
(CANADA)
ICDCE2008075 (temporary permission
until RSS-220 is in force)
This vehicle is equipped with a 24 GHz
blind spot monitoring (BSM) radar
system, which complies with the (actually
draft) RSS-220 standard of Industry
Canada. Operation is subject to the
following conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
3. This device may only work when the vehicle is in operation pursuant to
RSS-220 5.2 (b)
(MEXICO)
RLVSISV07-725 (duration: June 18,
2008)
Brand: Siemens VDO
Model: TYPE SV2007 BSD
NOTE
During printing time of this user manual the
approvals listed below are granted. Further
countries may become available or actual
certification identifiers may be subject to
change or update.
WARNING
Changes or modifications not
expressively approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void
the user's authority to operate the
equipment.
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