Page 131 of 488

Black plate (133,1)
qOperation
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition is
switched from ON to ACC or off. The
security indicator light in the instrument
cluster flashes every 2 seconds until the
system is disarmed.
Disarming
The system is disarmed when the ignition
is switched to ON with the registered
advanced key.
The security indicator light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and goes out.
If the engine does not start with the
correct advanced key, and the security
indicator light keeps illuminating or
flashing, the system may have a
malfunction. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.NOTE
lThe engine may not start and the security
indicator light may illuminate or flash if the
advanced key is placed in an area where it
is difficult for the system to detect the
signal, such as on the dashboard, or in the
glove box. Move the advanced key to
another place, switch the ignition off, and
then restart the engine.
lSignals from a TV or radio station, or from
a transceiver or a mobile telephone could
interfere with your immobilizer system. If
you are using the proper advanced key and
the engine fails to start, check the security
indicator light. If the indicator light is
flashing, switch the ignition to ACC or off
and wait for a while, then restart the
engine. If it does not start after 3 or more
tries, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, do not
shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If the
engine is shut off while the indicator light is
flashing, you will not be able to restart it.
lSince the electronic codes are reset when
repairing the immobilizer system, the
advanced key (including auxiliary key) are
needed. Bring all the advanced keys
(including auxiliary keys) to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Black plate (134,1)
qModification and Add-On
Equipment
Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
system's operation if the system has been
modified or if any add-on equipment has
been installed.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
system or the vehicle.
Immobilizer System
(without Advanced Key)
The immobilizer system allows the engine
to start only with a key the system
recognizes.
If someone attempts to start the engine
with an unrecognized 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 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.
ØTo 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.
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Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
Mazda3_8AD6-EC-09A_Edition1 Page134
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Form No.8AD6-EC-09A
Page 180 of 488

Black plate (182,1)
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
5-25).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 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.
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
NOTE
After switching the ignition ON, a clicking
sound may be heard behind the dashboard.
This sound is the result of the DSC system self-
check operation and does not indicate an
abnormality.
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 or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
5-26
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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Page 188 of 488
Black plate (190,1)
Meters and Gauges
(Black-out meter)
When the ignition is switched ON, the dashboard gauges illuminate.
Speedometer ...................................................................................................... page 5-35
Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector .................................................. page 5-35
Tachometer ........................................................................................................ page 5-36
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................................................ page 5-37
Dashboard Illumination ..................................................................................... page 5-37
5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8AD6-EC-09A
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Black plate (193,1)
qFuel Gauge
The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is remaining in the tank when
the ignition is switched ON.
We recommend keeping the tank over 1/4
full.
If the gauge indicates that the fuel level is
near E, refuel as soon as possible.
NOTE
lAfter refueling, it may require some time for
the indicator to stabilize. In addition, the
indicator may deviate while driving on a
slope or curve since the fuel moves in the
tank.
lThe direction of the arrow () shows that
the fuel-filler lid is on the right side of the
vehicle.
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Black plate (194,1)
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
or
position again.
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Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8AD6-EC-09A
Page 207 of 488

Black plate (209,1)
qLights-On Indicator Light
(Black-out meter)
This indicator light illuminates when the
exterior lights and dashboard illumination
are on.
qPower Steering Malfunction
Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON, and turns off
when the engine is started.
If the light remains illuminated after the
engine is started, or illuminates while
driving, turn off the engine after parking
in a safe place, and then start the engine
again.
If the light does not illuminate after
restarting the engine, this indicates that
the power steering is restored and normal
steering is possible.
If the light remains illuminated, the power
steering is still inoperable. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.NOTE
lThe power steering system is inoperable
when the power steering malfunction
indicator light illuminates. Steering is
possible, but requires more physical effort.
lRepeatedly jerking the steering wheel left
and right while the vehicle is stopped or
moving extremely slowly will cause the
power steering system to go into protective
mode which will make the steering feel
heavy, but this does not indicate a
malfunction. If this occurs, park the vehicle
safely and wait a few minutes for the system
to return to normal.
qTurn Signal/Hazard Warning
Indicator Lights
When operating the turn signal lights, the
left or right turn signal indicator light
flashes to indicate which turn signal light
is operating (page 5-60).
When operating the hazard warning
lights, both turn signal indicator lights
flash (page 5-68).
NOTE
If an indicator light remains illuminated (does
not flash) or if it flashes abnormally, one of the
turn signal bulbs may be burned out.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-53
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Black plate (212,1)
Lighting Control
qHeadlights
Type A (Without AUTO position)
Turn the headlight switch to turn the
headlights, other exterior lights and
dashboard illumination on or off.
Switch Position
Headlights Off Off On
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker lights
Dashboard illuminationOff On On
NOTE
To prevent discharging the battery, do not
leave the lights on while the engine is off
unless safety requires them.
Type B (With AUTO position)
Turn the headlight switch to turn the
headlights, other exterior lights and
dashboard illumination on or off.
Switch Position
Headlights Off
AutoOff On
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker
lights
Dashboard
illuminationOff On On
NOTE
To prevent discharging the battery, do not
leave the lights on while the engine is off
unless safety requires them.
AUTO (Auto-light control)
When the headlight is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the light sensor senses the surrounding
lightness or darkness and automatically
turns on or off the headlights, other
exterior lights and dashboard illumination
(see chart above).
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Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8AD6-EC-09A