
Black plate (120,1)
Immobilizer System (with
Advanced Key)
The immobilizer system allows the engine
to start only with an advanced key the
system recognizes.
If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized advanced key, the
engine will not start, thereby helping to
prevent the theft of your vehicle.
If you have a problem with the
immobilizer system or the advanced key
(including auxiliary key), consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
ØRadio equipment like this is
governed by laws in the United
States.
Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could
void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Ø To avoid damage to the key, do
not:
ØDrop the key.ØGet the key wet.ØExpose the key to any kind of
magnetic field.
ØExpose the key to high
temperatures on places such as
the dashboard or hood, under
direct sunlight.
CAUTION
Do not allow the following when
starting the engine with the auxiliary
key due to an advanced key dead
battery or other malfunction.
Otherwise the signal from the
auxiliary key will not be received
correctly and the engine may not
start.
ØA key ring rests on the key grip.
ØMetal parts of other keys or metal
objects touch the key grip.
ØSpare auxiliary keys or keys for
other vehicles equipped with an
immobilizer system touch or come
near the auxiliary key.
ØDevices for electronic purchases, or
security passage which touch or
come near the key.
3-50
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Black plate (126,1)
lOpening the hood by operating the
hood release handle.
l(Without advanced key)
Switching the ignition ON without the
key.
(With advanced key)
Switching the ignition ON without
using the push button start.
lOpening the trunk lid by operating the
trunk lid release button.
If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until a door is
unlocked or the trunk lid is opened with
the key or with the transmitter.
(With advanced key)
The lights and horn can also be
deactivated by unlocking a door using the
sensor on the inside of the door handle.
NOTE
If the battery goes dead while the theft-
deterrent system is armed, the horn will
activate and the hazard warning lights will
flash when the battery is charged or replaced.
q How to Arm the System
1. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
(With advanced key)
Press the push button start to off
position, if the auxiliary key is inserted
in the key slot, remove it.
2. Make sure the hood and the trunk lid are closed. Close and lock all doors and
the trunk lid from the outside using the
key. If you have the keyless entry
system, press the lock button on the
transmitter.
(With advanced key)
Press a request switch on the doors or
the lock button on the transmitter.
(Without advanced key)
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
Close the hood and the trunk lid . Press
the area on the door-lock switch
marked “
”once. Close all doors.
The hazard warning lights will flash
once to indicate that the system is
armed.
The theft deterrent system can also be
armed by activating the auto re-lock
function with all the doors, the trunk lid
and the hood closed.
3. After 20 seconds, the system is fully armed.
3-56
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Black plate (140,1)
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at more than 56
km/h (35 mph), and do not allow
anyone to stand behind a wheel when
pushing the vehicle:When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is
dangerous. The spinning tire could
overheat and explode. This could
cause serious injuries.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and
tire damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.
Winter Driving
lCarry emergency gear, window
scraper, flares, a small shovel, jumper
cables, and a small bag of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
lHave the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 8-21.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lUse only cold-weather engine oil (page
8-19).
lInspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
lUse washer fluid made with
antifreeze ―but do not use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-27).
lDo not use the parking brake in
freezing weather as it may freeze.
Instead, shift to P with an automatic
transaxle and to 1 or R with a manual
transaxle. Block the rear wheels.
q Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver's door frame), but
never more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used all
year around. In some extreme climates
you may find it necessary to replace them
with snow tires during the winter months
to further improve traction on snow and
ice covered roads.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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Form No.8Z64-EA-08H

Black plate (147,1)
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
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the shift lever is
in P (automatic transaxle) or in 1st gear
or R (manual transaxle): Leaving the driver's seat without
switching off the ignition, setting the
parking brake, and shifting the shift
lever to P (automatic transaxle) or to
1st gear or R (manual transaxle) is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur which could
result in an accident.
In addition, if your intention is to
leave the vehicle for even a short
period, it is important to switch the
ignition off, as leaving it in another
position will disable some of the
vehicle's security systems and run the
battery down.
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 5-43).
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 5-43).
q Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition is switched to off (LOCK)
or ACC 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
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Form No.8Z64-EA-08H

Black plate (148,1)
Starting the Engine
With advanced key
Refer to“Starting the engine (page 3-10) ”
for information on how to start the engine.
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the spark
ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Standard requirements
regulating the impulse electrical field strength
of radio noise.
1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (Manual transaxle)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the clutch pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transaxle)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
(Manual transaxle)
The starter will not operate unless the clutch is
depressed sufficiently.
(Automatic transaxle)
The starter will not operate if the shift lever is
not in P or N.
5. Turn the ignition switch to the START
position and hold (up to 10 seconds at
a time) until the engine starts.
CAUTION
Do not try the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine
stalls or fails to start, wait 10 seconds
before trying again. Otherwise, you
may damage the starter and drain
the battery.
6. After starting the engine, let it idle for about 10 seconds.
NOTE
lIn extremely cold weather or after the
vehicle has not been driven in several days,
let the engine warm up without operating
the accelerator.
lWhether the engine is cold or warm, it
should be started without use of the
accelerator.
lIf the engine does not start the first time,
refer to Starting a Flooded Engine under
Emergency Starting. If the engine still does
not start, have your vehicle inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer (page 7-13).
5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8Z64-EA-08H

Black plate (150,1)
qParking Brake
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the shift lever is
in P (automatic transaxle) or in 1st gear
or R (manual transaxle):
Leaving the driver's seat without
switching off the ignition, setting the
parking brake, and shifting the shift
lever to P (automatic transaxle) or to
1st gear or R (manual transaxle) is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur which could
result in an accident.
In addition, if your intention is to
leave the vehicle for even a short
period, it is important to switch the
ignition off, as leaving it in another
position will disable some of the
vehicle's security systems and run the
battery down.
CAUTION
Driving with the parking brake on
will cause excessive wear of the brake
linings or pads.
NOTE
For parking in snow, refer to Winter Driving
(page 4-8) regarding parking brake use.
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and then firmly
pull the parking brake lever fully upwards
with sufficient force to hold the vehicle in
a stationary position.
Releasing the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and pull the
parking brake lever upwards, then press
the release button. While holding the
button, lower the parking brake lever all
the way down to the released position.
5-6
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Black plate (152,1)
WARNING
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
NOTE
lBraking distances may be longer on loose
surfaces (snow or gravel, for example)
which usually have a hard foundation. A
vehicle with a normal braking system may
require less distance to stop under these
conditions because the tires will build up a
wedge of surface layer when the wheels
skid.
lThe sound of the ABS operating may be
heard when starting the engine or
immediately after starting the vehicle.
However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
q ABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. 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.
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to charge the
battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it
is the result of the weak battery and does not
indicate an ABS malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
q
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution System Warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may illuminate the brake
system warning light and the ABS
warning light on simultaneously. The
problem is likely to be the electronic
brake force distribution system.
5-8
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8Z64-EA-08H

Black plate (168,1)
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
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
Mazda6_8Z64-EA-08H_Edition1 Page168
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Form No.8Z64-EA-08H