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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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-19íSome models.
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Traction Control System
(TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking
*.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it lowers engine torque and
operates the brakes
*to prevent loss of
traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.
* DSC-equipped vehicles only
WARNING
Do not rely on the traction control
system as a substitute for safe driving: The traction control system (TCS)
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.
Use snow tires and drive at reduced
speeds when roads are covered with ice
and/or snow: Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and/or ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident.
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.
*DSC-equipped vehicles only
NOTE
lIn addition to the indicator light flashing, a
slight lugging sound will come from the
engine. This indicates that the TCS is
operating properly.
lOn slippery surfaces, such as fresh snow, it
will be impossible to achieve high rpm
when the TCS is on.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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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
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-25íSome models.
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qDSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off (page 5-26).
If the light stays on when the TCS/DSC is
not switched off, take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The dynamic
stability control may have a malfunction.
NOTE
If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is
replaced, the DSC will be inoperable. In this
case, the DSC OFF indicator light flashes and
the TCS/DSC indicator light illuminates.
To make the DSC operable, do 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 DSC OFF indicator and the TCS/DSC indicator go off.
If the TCS/DSC indicator light and the DSC
OFF indicator light remain illuminated even
after switching the ignition ON, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q DSC OFF Switch
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will go out.
NOTE
lWhen DSC is on and you attempt to free the
vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it out of
freshly fallen snow, the TCS (part of the
DSC system) will activate. Depressing the
accelerator will not increase engine power
and freeing the vehicle may be difficult.
When this happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.
lIf the TCS/DSC is off when the engine is
turned off, it automatically activates when
the ignition is switched on.
lLeaving the TCS/DSC on will provide the
best stability.
5-26
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Starting and Driving
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Meters and Gauges
(Black-out meter)
When the ignition is switched ON, the dashboard gauges illuminate.
Speedometer ...................................................................................................... page 5-39
Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector .................................................. page 5-39
Tachometer ........................................................................................................ page 5-40
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge .................................................................. page 5-40
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................................................ page 5-41
Dashboard Illumination ..................................................................................... page 5-41
Outside Temperature Display ............................................................................. page 5-42
5-38
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Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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NOTElOnly the trip meters record tenths of
kilometers (miles).
lThe trip record will be erased when:lThe power supply is interrupted (blown
fuse or the battery is disconnected).
lThe vehicle is driven over 999.9 km
(mile).
qTachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
3.7-liter engine
Red zone
2.5-liter engine
Red zone
CAUTION
Do not run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine
damage.
qEngine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.
If the needle is near H, it indicates
overheating.
CAUTION
Driving with an overheated engine
can cause serious engine damage
(page 7-11).
5-40
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8Z64-EA-08H
Page 187 of 464
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Warning/Indicator Lights
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-45
Charging System Warning Light5-47
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light5-47
Check Engine Light5-47
Powertrain Malfunction/Reduced Power Warning Light5-48
ABS Warning Light5-46
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light5-48
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-43
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Form No.8Z64-EA-08H