Black plate (116,1)
Opening the liftgate
Grasp the lower end of the liftgate, press
the electric liftgate opener on the liftgate,
and then raise the liftgate when the latch
releases.
Electric liftgate
opener
While the ignition is switched ON, the
liftgate can be opened only when the
vehicle is stopped with the parking brake
applied (manual transaxle), or with the
selector lever in the P position (automatic
transaxle).
NOTE
lWhen the liftgate is unlocked by pressing
the electric liftgate opener button, the
liftgate raises slightly to allow it to be
opened. If the liftgate is not operated for a
certain period of time after the electric
liftgate opener button has been pressed, the
liftgate cannot be raised any more from its
slightly raised position. Press the electric
liftgate opener button again to fully open
the liftgate. To close the liftgate from its
slightly raised position, open it first by
pressing the electric liftgate opener button
and waiting for 1 second or longer, then
close it.
lThe sound of the latch may be heard for a
few seconds after the electric liftgate
opener has been pressed, however, this does
not indicate a malfunction.
When the liftgate cannot be opened
If the vehicle battery is dead or there is a
malfunction in the electrical system and
the liftgate cannot be unlocked, perform
the following procedure as an emergency
measure to unlock it:
1. Fold down the rear seatbacks.
Refer to Split-Folding Rear Seatback
on page 2-10.
2. Remove the cap on the interior surface
of the liftgate with a flathead
screwdriver.
Cap
3. Turn the lever to the right to unlock the
liftgate.
Lever
After performing this emergency measure,
have the vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
3-40
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Mazda3_8AR3-EA-09E_Edition2 Page116
Monday, June 1 2009 1:17 PM
Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (118,1)
Trunk Lid (4 Door)
WARNING
Never allow a person to ride in the
trunk:
Allowing a person to ride in the trunk
is dangerous. In addition, the person
in the trunk could be seriously
injured or killed during sudden
braking or a collision.
Keep the trunk closed when driving:
Exhaust gas entering the cabin of a
vehicle through an open trunk is
dangerous. This gas contains CO
(carbon monoxide), which is
colorless, odorless, and highly
poisonous. If inhaled, it can cause
loss of consciousness and death.
qOpening and Closing the Trunk Lid
WARNING
Close the trunk lid, be sure the seat
backs are latched and do not allow
children to play inside the vehicle:
Leaving the trunk lid open or leaving
children in the vehicle with the keys is
dangerous. Children could open the
trunk lid and climb inside resulting in
possible injury or death from heat
exposure.
Always keep the car from being a
tempting place to play by latching the
rear seats, doors and the trunk, and
keeping the keys where children can
not play with them:
Leaving children or animals
unattended in a parked vehicle is
dangerous. Babies left sleeping and
children who lock themselves in cars
or trunks can die very quickly from
heat prostration. Do not leave your
children or pets alone in a car at any
time. Do not leave the car, the rear
folding seats or the trunk unlocked.
CAUTION
For vehicles equipped with a rear
spoiler, do not raise or lower the
trunk lid using the spoiler. Otherwise,
the rear spoiler and the trunk lid
could be damaged.
3-42
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Mazda3_8AR3-EA-09E_Edition2 Page118
Monday, June 1 2009 1:17 PM
Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (119,1)
Opening the trunk lid with the keyí
Insert the key into the slot and turn it
clockwise.
Open
Opening the trunk lid with the electric
trunk lid opener (with advanced key)
The trunk lid can be opened by operating
the request switch on the trunk lid while
carrying the advanced key outside the
vehicle, refer to Operations Using
Advanced Keyless Functions (page 3-7).
Opening the trunk lid with the
transmitter (with advanced key)
The trunk lid can be opened by operating
the keyless entry system transmitter, refer
to Keyless Entry System (page 3-17).
Opening the trunk lid with the
transmitter (with retractable type key)
The trunk lid can be opened by operating
the keyless entry system transmitter, refer
to Keyless Entry System (page 3-27).
Opening the trunk lid with the remote
release lever
Pull up the release lever next to the
driver's seat.
Release lever
Closing the trunk lid
Use both hands to push the trunk lid down
until the lock snaps shut. Do not slam it.
Pull up on the trunk lid to make sure it is
secure.
qTrunk Light
The trunk light is on when the lid is open
and off when it's closed.
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being discharged,
do not leave the trunk open for a long period
when the engine is not running.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-43íSome models. Mazda3_8AR3-EA-09E_Edition2 Page119
Monday, June 1 2009 1:17 PM
Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (120,1)
Inside Trunk Release Lever
Your vehicle is equipped with an inside
trunk release lever that provides a means
of escape for children and adults in the
event they become locked inside the
trunk.
No matter how careful adults might be
with keys and locking their cars, parents
should be aware that children may be
tempted to play around vehicles and use
the trunk as a hiding place.
Adults are advised to familiarize
themselves with the operation and
location of the inside trunk release lever
so that all children can be told about it in
an appropriate way, keeping in mind that
most vehicles do not have such levers.
WARNING
Close the trunk lid, be sure the seat
backs are latched and do not allow
children to play inside the vehicle:
Leaving the trunk lid open or leaving
children in the vehicle with the keys is
dangerous. Children could open the
trunk lid and climb inside resulting in
possible injury or death from heat
exposure.
Always keep the car from being a
tempting place to play by latching the
rear seats, doors and the trunk, and
keeping the keys where children can
not play with them:
Leaving children or animals
unattended in a parked vehicle is
dangerous. Babies left sleeping and
children who lock themselves in cars
or trunks can die very quickly from
heat prostration. Do not leave your
children or pets alone in a car at any
time. Do not leave the car, the rear
folding seats or the trunk unlocked.
3-44
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Mazda3_8AR3-EA-09E_Edition2 Page120
Monday, June 1 2009 1:17 PM
Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (142,1)
2. Depress the mirror switch in the
appropriate direction.
Selector switchMirror switch
After adjusting the mirror, lock the control
by placing the selector switch in the
middle position.
Folding the mirror
Fold the outside mirror rearward until it is
flush with the vehicle.
WARNING
Always return the outside mirrors to
the driving position before you start
driving:
Driving with the outside mirrors
folded in is dangerous. Your rear view
will be restricted, and you could have
an accident.
qRearview Mirror
WARNING
Do not stack cargo or objects higher
than the seatbacks:
Cargo stacked higher than the
seatbacks is dangerous. It can block
your view in the rearview mirror,
which might cause you to hit another
car when changing lanes.
Rearview mirror adjustment
Before driving, adjust the rearview mirror
to center on the scene through the rear
window.
Manual day/night mirror
Auto-dimming mirror
3-66
Knowing Your Mazda
Steering Wheel and Mirrors
Mazda3_8AR3-EA-09E_Edition2 Page142
Monday, June 1 2009 1:17 PM
Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (150,1)
Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
fluid leaks.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch fluid,
washer fluid, and other fluid levels should be
inspected. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?lIs the seat adjusted properly?lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs the steering wheel adjusted properly?lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?lCheck all gauges.lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition is switched ON.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
4-6
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
Mazda3_8AR3-EA-09E_Edition2 Page150
Monday, June 1 2009 1:17 PM
Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (163,1)
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. Some indicator
lights/warning lights should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-40).
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.
NOTE
(With headlight auto-leveling)
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the sound of the headlight leveling
motors operating at the front of the engine
compartment 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.
qIgnition 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.
NOTE
A personalized function is available to change
the sound volume for the ignition key reminder.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
10-10.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-3
Mazda3_8AR3-EA-09E_Edition2 Page163
Monday, June 1 2009 1:17 PM
Form No.8AR3-EA-09E
Black plate (164,1)
Starting the Engine
With advanced key
Refer to“Starting the engine (page 3-11)”
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
notin 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 7-17).
5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda3_8AR3-EA-09E_Edition2 Page164
Monday, June 1 2009 1:17 PM
Form No.8AR3-EA-09E