Black plate (200,1)
qDashboard Illumination
Rotate the knob to adjust the brightness of
the instrument cluster and other
illuminations in the dashboard.
NOTE
lThe brightness of dashboard illuminations
can be adjusted when the headlight switch
is in the
orposition.lWhen the dashboard illumination
brightness cannot be adjusted any more, a
beep sound will be heard.
l(Black-out meter)
The brightness of the instrument cluster
illumination can be adjusted when the
headlight switch is in any position.
Bright
Dim
Canceling the illumination dimmer
When the headlight switch is in the
orposition, the illumination of the
instrument cluster and the information
display dims.
When driving on snowy or foggy roads,
or in other situations when the instrument
cluster or information display's visibility
is reduced due to glare from surrounding
brightness, cancel the illumination
dimmer and increase the illumination
intensity. To cancel the illumination dimmer, press
the dashboard illumination knob.
NOTE
lThis symbol () indicates the knob to
adjust the brightness of the dashboard
illumination.
lIf the illumination dimmer is cancelled, the
instrument cluster and the information
display will not dim when the headlight
switch is turned to the
orposition
again.
5-40
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page200
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Form No.8BG3-EA-09J
Black plate (203,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Lights-On Indicator Light 5-55
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light5-55
Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights5-56
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light illuminates when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switched
to START or ON. It turns off when the
parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
depress or that it may go closer to the
floor. In either case, it will take longer to
stop the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, open the
hood and check the brake fluid level
immediately, and then add fluid if
required (page 8-23). 2. After adding fluid, check the light
again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light turns off have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes an
indicator of leakage. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible even if the
brake light is no longer illuminated.
WARNING
Do not drive with the brake system
warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible: Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated is
dangerous. It indicates that your
brakes may not work at all or that
they could completely fail at any
time. If this light remains
illuminated, after checking that the
parking brake is fully released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-43
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Form No.8BG3-EA-09J
Black plate (205,1)
qCharging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON and turns off
when the engine is started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Do not continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated because the engine could
stop unexpectedly.
qEngine Oil Pressure Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON and turns off
when the engine is started.
This warning light indicates low engine
oil pressure. If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way on level ground.
2. Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
3. Inspect the engine oil level (page 8-20). If it's low, add the appropriate amount
of engine oil while being careful not to
overfill.
4. Start the engine and check the warning light.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, stop the engine immediately
and have your vehicle towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil
pressure is low. It could result in
extensive engine damage.
q Check Engine Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON and turns off
when the engine is started.
If this light illuminates while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light illuminated and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-45
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Form No.8BG3-EA-09J
Black plate (206,1)
The check engine light may illuminate in
the following cases:
lThe fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
lThe engine's electrical system has a
problem.
lThe emission control system has a
problem.
lThe fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
q High Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning Light
When the ignition is switched ON, the
light illuminates momentarily and then
turns off.
The light flashes when the engine coolant
temperature is extremely high, and
illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature increases further.
Handling Procedure
Flashing light
Drive slowly to reduce engine load.
Illuminated light
This indicates the possibility of
overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe
place immediately and take appropriate
measures.
Refer to Overheating (page 7-15).
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle with the high
engine coolant temperature warning
light illuminated. Otherwise, it could
result in damage to the engine.
qAir Bag/Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner System Warning Light
If the air bag/front seat belt pretensioner
system is working properly, the warning
light illuminates when the ignition is
switched ON or after the engine is
cranked. The warning light turns off after
a specified period of time.
A system malfunction is indicated if the
warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or does not
illuminate at all when the ignition is
switched ON. If any of these occur,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible. The system may not
work in an accident.
WARNING
Never tamper with the air bag/
pretensioner systems and always have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform
all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled causing
serious injury or death.
5-46
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8BG3-EA-09J
Black plate (207,1)
qLow Fuel Warning Light
This warning light signals that the fuel
tank will soon be empty.
Refuel as soon as possible.
qCheck Fuel Cap Warning Light
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
If the check fuel cap warning light
illuminates while driving, the fuel-filler
cap may not be installed properly. Stop
the engine and reinstall the fuel-filler cap.
Refer to the fuel-filler cap on page 3-49.
qSeat Belt Warning Light/Beep
The seat belt warning light illuminates
and a beep sound will be heard if the
driver's seat belt is not fastened when the
ignition is switched ON. Conditions of operation
Condition
Result
The driver's seat belt is not
fastened when the ignition is
switched ON. The warning light
illuminates for about 1
minute and a beep
sound will be heard
for about 6 seconds.
The driver's seat belt is
fastened while the warning
light and the beep sound are
activated. The warning light
turns off and the beep
sound stops.
The driver's seat belt is
fastened before the ignition
is switched ON. The warning light will
not illuminate and the
beep sound will not be
heard.
Belt minder
NOTE
The belt minder can be deactivated. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to deactivate or
restore the seat belt minder.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-47
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Form No.8BG3-EA-09J
Black plate (211,1)
NOTElPerform tire pressure adjustment when the
tires are cold. Tire pressure will vary
according to the tire temperature, therefore
let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or only drive
it 1.6 km (1 mile) or less before adjusting
the tire pressures. When pressure is
adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation
pressure, the TPMS warning light/beep may
turn on after the tires cool and pressure
drops below specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light,
resulting from the tire air pressure dropping
due to cold ambient temperature, may turn
off if the ambient temperature rises. In this
case, it will also be necessary to adjust the
tire air pressures. If the TPMS warning
light illuminates due to a drop in tire air
pressure, make sure to check and adjust the
tire air pressures.
lAfter adjusting the tire air pressures, it may
require some time for the TPMS warning
light to turn off. If the TPMS warning light
remains illuminated, drive the vehicle at a
speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph) for 10
minutes, and then verify that it turns off.
lTires lose air naturally over time and the
TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting too
soft over time or you have a flat. However,
when you find one low tire in a set of four-
that is an indication of trouble; you should
have someone drive the vehicle slowly
forward so you can inspect any low tire for
cuts and any metal objects sticking through
tread or sidewall. Put a few drops of water
in the valve stem to see if it bubbles
indicating a bad valve. Leaks need to be
addressed by more than simply refilling the
trouble tire as leaks are dangerous - take it
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer which has
all the equipment to fix tires, TPMS systems
and order the best replacement tire for your
vehicle.
If the warning light illuminates again even
after the tire pressures are adjusted, there
may be a tire puncture. Replace the
punctured tire with the temporary spare
tire (page 7-9).
NOTE
A tire pressure sensor is not installed to the
temporary spare tire. The warning light will
flash continuously while the temporary spare
tire is being used.
Warning light flashes
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qKEY Warning Light (Red)/KEY
Indicator Light (Green) (with
Advanced Key)
This indicator has two colors.
KEY Warning Light (Red)
When illuminated
lWhen the push button start is pressed
ON, it illuminates momentarily and
then turns off.
lIf any malfunction occurs in the
advanced keyless system, it illuminates
continuously.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-51
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Form No.8BG3-EA-09J
Black plate (213,1)
Refer to Advanced Key Maintenance on
page 3-7.
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 Personalization Features on page
10-10.
qElectronic Steering Lock
Warning Lightí
The warning light remains illuminated for
a few seconds after the push button start is
pressed ON.
It flashes if the steering wheel is not
unlocked after the push button start is
pressed. (page 3-11)
qSecurity Indicator Light
This indicator light starts flashing every 2
seconds when the ignition is switched
from ON to ACC and the immobilizer
system is armed. The light stops flashing when the ignition
is switched ON with the correct ignition
key.
At this time, the immobilizer system is
disarmed and the light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and then turns off.
If the engine does not 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.
q
Headlight High-Beam Indicator
Light
This light indicates one of two things:lThe high-beam headlights are on.lThe turn signal lever is in the flash-to-
pass position.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-53íSome models.
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Form No.8BG3-EA-09J
Black plate (214,1)
qShift Position Indicator Light
(Automatic Transaxle)
This indicates the selected shift position.
Gear position indicator
In manual mode, the “M ”of the shift
position indicator illuminates and the
numeral for the selected gear displays in
the gear position indicator.
q TCS/DSC Indicator Lightí
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 or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q
DSC OFF Indicator Lightí
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 5-28).
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.
qAFS OFF Indicator Lightí
The AFS OFF indicator light illuminates
briefly when the ignition is switched ON,
and then turns off.
Pressing the AFS OFF switch cancels the
AFS function and illuminates the
indicator light.
5-54
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page214
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Form No.8BG3-EA-09J