Page 105 of 392

Black plate (105,1)
qSnow 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.
WARNING
Use only the same size and type tires
(snow, radial, or non-radial) on all four
wheels: Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle's handling
could be greatly affected and result
in an accident.
CAUTION
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system may
not function correctly when using tires with
steel wire reinforcement in the sidewalls (page
5-30).
q Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
CAUTION
Ø Chains may affect handling.
Ø Do not go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer's
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
Ø Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
Ø Avoid locked-wheel braking.
Ø Do not use chains on a temporary
spare tire; it may result in damage
to the vehicle and to the tire.
Ø Do not use chains on roads that
are free of snow or ice. The tires
and chains could be damaged.
Ø Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels.
NOTE
If your vehicle is equipped with the tire
pressure monitoring system, the system may
not function correctly when using tire chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Do not use chains on the rear tires.
Use only genuine Mazda tire chains.
Please consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Installing the chains
1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2 ―1 km (1/4 ―1/2 mile).
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-9
Mazda5_8AU7-EA-09H_Edition4 Page105
Tuesday, March 30 2010 1:10 PM
Form No.8AU7-EA-09H
Page 106 of 392

Black plate (106,1)
Driving In Flooded Area
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance returns to normal:Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle on flooded
roads as it could cause short
circuiting of electrical/electronic
parts, or engine damage or stalling
from water absorption. If the vehicle
has been immersed in water, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Overloading
WARNING
Be careful not to overload your vehicle:The gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of your vehicle are on the
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label
on the driver's door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an accident
or vehicle damage. You can estimate
the weight of your load by weighing
the items (or people) before putting
them in the vehicle.
4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Mazda5_8AU7-EA-09H_Edition4 Page106
Tuesday, March 30 2010 1:10 PM
Form No.8AU7-EA-09H
Page 107 of 392

Black plate (107,1)
Driving on Uneven Road
Your vehicle's suspension and underbody can be damaged if driven on rough/uneven roads
or over speed bumps at excessive speeds. Use care and reduce speed when traveling on
rough/uneven roads or over speed bumps.
Use care not to damage the vehicle's underbody, bumpers or muffler(s) when driving under
the following conditions:
lAscending or descending a slope with a sharp transition anglelAscending or descending a driveway or trailer ramp with a sharp transition angle
Your vehicle is equipped with low profile tires allowing class-leading performance and
handling. As a result, the sidewall of the tires are very thin and the tires and wheels can be
damaged if driven through potholes or on rough/uneven roads at excessive speeds. Use
care and reduce speed when traveling on rough/uneven roads or through potholes.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-11
Mazda5_8AU7-EA-09H_Edition4 Page107
Tuesday, March 30 2010 1:10 PM
Form No.8AU7-EA-09H
Page 108 of 392
Black plate (108,1)
Trailer Towing
The Mazda5 is not designed for towing.
Never tow a trailer with your Mazda5.
4-12
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
Mazda5_8AU7-EA-09H_Edition4 Page108
Tuesday, March 30 2010 1:10 PM
Form No.8AU7-EA-09H
Page 109 of 392

Black plate (109,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Turning Off the Engine ............................................................. 5-5
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transaxle Operation ................................................... 5-10
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................ 5-12
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-18
Cruise Control
í...................................................................... 5-19
Traction Control System (TCS)í........................................... 5-22
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)í........................................ 5-23
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-26
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-32 Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-32
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-37 Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-37
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-49
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-50 Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-50
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-53
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-54
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-54
Rear Window Wiper and Washer ............................................ 5-58
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-59
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-60
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-60
5-1íSome models.
Mazda5_8AU7-EA-09H_Edition4 Page109
Tuesday, March 30 2010 1:10 PM
Form No.8AU7-EA-09H
Page 110 of 392
Black plate (110,1)
Ignition Switch
qIgnition Switch Positions
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.
Manual transaxle
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, push the button when the
key is at the ACC position, then turn the
key to the LOCK position.
Button
Automatic transaxle
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, the shift lever must be in
the P position.
Shift lever
engaged in
P (park)
5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda5_8AU7-EA-09H_Edition4 Page110
Tuesday, March 30 2010 1:10 PM
Form No.8AU7-EA-09H
Page 111 of 392

Black plate (111,1)
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
put the key to LOCK position, set the
parking brake and make sure the shift
lever is in P with an automatic
transaxle or in 1 or R with a manual
transaxle: It is important to place the key in the
LOCK position even if you are not
removing the key from the ignition or
leaving the vehicle. Leaving the key
in other positions will disable some of
the vehicle security systems and run
the battery down.
Leaving the driver's seat without
putting the ignition switch in LOCK
position, setting the parking brake
and shifting the shift lever to P with
an automatic transaxle, or to 1 or R
with a manual transaxle is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur. This could
cause an accident.
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. Some indicator
lights/warning lights should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-37).
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. It
then returns to the ON position.
q Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position 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
Mazda5_8AU7-EA-09H_Edition4 Page111
Tuesday, March 30 2010 1:10 PM
Form No.8AU7-EA-09H
Page 112 of 392

Black plate (112,1)
Starting 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 seatbelts.
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 7-15).
5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda5_8AU7-EA-09H_Edition4 Page112
Tuesday, March 30 2010 1:10 PM
Form No.8AU7-EA-09H