2012 MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR oil

Black plate (30,1)
CAUTION
Belt retraction may become difficult if the belts and rings are soiled, so try to keep
them clean. For more details about cleaning the seat belts, refer to“Cleaning the
Lap/Shoulder Belt Webbing ”(page 8-71).
q Pregnant Women and Persons with Serious Medical Conditions
Pregnant women should always wear seat belts. Ask your doctor for specific
recommendations.
The lap belt should be worn SNUGLY AND AS LOW AS POSSIBLE OVER THE HIPS.
The shoulder belt should be worn across your shoulder properly, but never across the
stomach area.
Persons with serious medical conditions also should wear seat belts. Check with your
doctor for any special instructions regarding specific medical conditions.
qEmergency Locking Mode
In the emergency locking mode, the belt remains comfortable on the occupant and the
retractor will lock in position during a collision. When the seat belt is fastened, it will
always be in the emergency locking mode until it is switched to automatic locking mode by
pulling it all the way out to its full length. If the belt feels tight and hinders comfortable
movement while the vehicle is stopped or in motion, it may be in the automatic locking
mode because the belt has been pulled too far out. To return the belt to the more
comfortable emergency locking mode, wait until the vehicle has stopped in a safe, level
area, retract the belt fully to convert it back to emergency locking mode and then extend it
around you again.
If the belt is locked and cannot be pulled out, retract the belt once, and then try pulling it
out slowly. If this fails, pull the belt strongly one time and loosen, then pull it out again
slowly.
2-16
Essential Safety Equipment
Seat Belt Systems
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page30
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:16 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (120,1)
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_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page120
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (129,1)
3. Grasp the support rod in the paddedarea and secure it in the stay hole
indicated by the arrow to hold the hood
open.
Support rod
Clip Pad
q
Closing the Hood
WARNING
Do not leave items in the engine
compartment:
After you have finished checking or
doing servicing in the engine
compartment, do not forget and
leave items such as tools or rags in
the engine compartment.
Tools or other items left in the engine
compartment could cause engine
damage or a fire leading to an
unexpected accident. 1. Check under the hood area to make
certain all filler caps are in place and
all loose items (e.g. tools, oil
containers, etc.) have been removed.
2. Lift the hood, grasp the padded area on the stay, and secure the stay in the clip.
Verify that the support rod is secured in
the clip before closing the hood.
Clip
ClipClip
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
3-51
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page129
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (154,1)
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_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page154
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (157,1)
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at more than 56
km/h (35 mph), and do not allow
anyone to stand behind a wheel when
pushing the vehicle:When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is
dangerous. The spinning tire could
overheat and explode. This could
cause serious injuries.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and
tire damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.
Winter Driving
lCarry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
lHave the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 8-22.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lUse only cold-weather engine oil (page
8-19).
lInspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
lUse washer fluid made with
antifreeze ―but do not use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-27).
lDo not use the parking brake in
freezing weather as it may freeze.
Instead, shift to P with an automatic
transaxle and to 1 or R with a manual
transaxle. Block the rear wheels.
lDo not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
lNever use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows
and mirrors as it could result in the
glass cracking.
lBraking performance can be adversely
affected if snow or ice adheres to the
brake equipment. If this situation
occurs, drive the vehicle slowly,
releasing the accelerator pedal and
lightly applying the brakes several
times until the brake performance
returns to normal.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-9
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page157
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (162,1)
Turbocharger Informationí
The turbocharger greatly enhances engine power. Its advanced design provides improved
operation and requires minimum additional maintenance. To get maximum performance
from your turbocharged engine, take note of the following tips:
lThe turbocharged engine is designed for optimal operation with premium unleaded
gasoline (page 4-2). Do not use fuel with a lower octane rating. Extra fuel additives are
NOT recommended.
lChange the engine oil and filter using the turbo engine interval outlined in the
maintenance schedule (for your driving condition).
lUse only the recommended engine oil (page 8-19). Extra oil additives are NOT
recommended.
lAfter driving at freeway speeds or up a long hill, idle the engine at least 30 seconds to
cool the turbo before turning off the engine. Avoid simply shutting the engine off
abruptly after a hard or long drive. Damage to the turbocharger may result.
lDo not race or over-rev the engine when starting. This should not be done with ANY
engine, especially not with one that's turbocharged.
lDo not add any aftermarket devices to alter the engine's ignition timing, fuel delivery, or
turbo boost pressure. This may lead to serious engine damage and may void your
warranty.
4-14
Before Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Driving Tips
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page162
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (202,1)
lThe detectability of the radar sensors has its limitations. The BSM system may not operate
properly under the following conditions:
lIce, snow, or soil adheres to the rear bumper surface around the radar sensors.lDuring adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow, or under conditions where water is
sprayed.
lThe rear bumper area around the radar sensors is blocked by foreign material (such as
stickers or a bicycle carrier).
lThe radar sensors may not detect all types of vehicles around your vehicle, especially the
following types of vehicles:
lMotorcycleslVehicles with body shapes that radar may not reflect such as a flatbed trailer with no cargo.lVehicles with lower body height such as sports cars.lHave the radar sensors inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer if any shock is applied to the
rear bumper, even in a minor accident. If the vehicle is driven with a damaged radar sensor, the
system may not operate properly resulting in an accident.
lFor repairs or paintwork around the radar sensors, or replacement of the bumper, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lThe radar sensors of the BSM system may be regulated under the radio wave related laws of the
country where the vehicle is driven. The sensors in this system are approved for use in the U.S.A.
(including territories), Canada, and Mexico. If a vehicle with a BSM system is driven in a country
other than the U.S.A., Canada, or Mexico, the system has to be turned off using the BSM OFF
switch.
lThe detection area of the system has been determined based on the lane width of general
freeways. Therefore on a road with a narrower lane width, the system may detect vehicles on a
lane next to the adjacent lane and operate the warning light/beep. On a road with wider lane
width, the system may not detect vehicles on the adjacent lane and may not operate the warning
light/beep.
lOperation of the warning light/beep may be delayed or the system may not operate the warning
light/beep under the following conditions:
lThe vehicle accelerates from a standing-start with a vehicle alongside.lA vehicle moves from a lane two lanes over to the adjacent lane.lThe difference in vehicle speed between your vehicle and another vehicle is larger when
passing or being passed, and the vehicle passes the detection area within a short period of
time.
lOn a steep incline, or when there is a difference in height between lanes.lImmediately after the system has been activated by pressing the BSM OFF switch again after it
has been turned off (BSM OFF indicator light in instrument panel illuminates) by pressing the
switch.
lAlthough the system may detect objects on the road side such as parked vehicles or guardrails and
operate the warning light/beep, it does not indicate a malfunction.
lIf the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors can
detect, the system may pause (The BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument panel flashes).
However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
5-38
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page202
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (211,1)
Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-49
Malfunction Warning Light5-50
Charging System Warning Light5-51
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light5-51
Check Engine Light5-52
High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light (Red)5-52
ABS Warning Light5-50
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-47
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page211
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F