2012 MAZDA MODEL 3 5-DOOR Power steering light ob

Black plate (79,1)
3Knowing Your Mazda
Explanation of basic operations and controls; opening/closing and adjustment
of various parts.
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System ................................ 3-2Advanced Keysí...................................................................... 3-2
Operation Using Advanced Keyless Functions ......................... 3-7
Operation Using Advanced Key Functions ............................. 3-16
Advanced Key Suspend Function ........................................... 3-20
Warning Lights and Beep Sounds ........................................... 3-21
When Warning Indicator/Beep is Activated ............................ 3-24
Doors and Locks ......................................................................... 3-25 Keys ........................................................................................ 3-25
Keyless Entry System
í.......................................................... 3-26
Door Locks ............................................................................. 3-32
Liftgate (5 Door) ..................................................................... 3-38
Trunk Lid (4 Door) ................................................................. 3-42
Inside Trunk Release Lever ..................................................... 3-44
Power Windows ...................................................................... 3-46
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap ........................................................... 3-49
Hood ....................................................................................... 3-50
Moonroof
í............................................................................. 3-52
Security System ........................................................................... 3-55 Immobilizer System (with Advanced Key) ............................. 3-55
Immobilizer System (without Advanced Key) ........................ 3-59
Theft-Deterrent System
í........................................................ 3-63
Steering Wheel and Mirrors ...................................................... 3-66 Steering Wheel ........................................................................ 3-66
Mirrors .................................................................................... 3-66
3-1íSome models.
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page79
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:16 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (90,1)
The liftgate/trunk lid can be closed when
the doors are locked with the advanced
key left in the vehicle. However, to
prevent leaving the advanced key in the
vehicle, the liftgate/trunk lid can be
opened by pressing the electric liftgate/
trunk lid opener.
qStarting the Engine
Locked steering wheel
If the electronic steering lock warning
light is flashing and the beep sound is
heard, this indicates that the steering
wheel is not unlocked. To unlock the
steering wheel, move the steering wheel
left and right while pressing the push
button start.
Ignition positions
Each time the push button start is pressed,
the ignition switches in the order of off,
ACC, and ON. Pressing the push button
start again from ON switches the ignition
off.
Indicator light
Indicator
light (ACC)
Indicator
light (ON)
NOTElThe order in which the ignition position
transitions when pressing the push button
start can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
10-12.
lThe engine starts by pressing the push
button start while depressing the clutch
pedal (manual transaxle) or the brake
pedal (automatic transaxle). To switch the
ignition position, press the push button start
without depressing the pedal.
lDo not leave the ignition switched ON
while the engine is not running. Doing so
could result in the battery going dead. If the
ignition is left in ACC (For automatic
transaxle, the shift lever is in the P position,
and the ignition is in ACC), the ignition
switches off automatically after one hour.
The setting can be changed to not switch
the ignition off automatically.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
10-12.
Off
The power supply to electrical devices
turns off and the push button start
indicator lights (ACC and ON) also turn
off.
3-12
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page90
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:16 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (94,1)
3. Press the push button start to turn offthe engine.
CAUTION
When leaving the vehicle, make sure
the push button start is pressed to
off.
NOTE
lWhen the push button start is pressed to off
from ON, the KEY indicator light (green)
flashes for approximately 30 seconds
indicating that the remaining battery power
of the advanced key is low. Replace with a
new battery before the advanced key
becomes unusable.
Refer to Advanced Key Maintenance on
page 3-5.
l(Automatic transaxle)
If the engine is turned off while the shift
lever is in a position other than P, the
ignition switches to ACC.
Emergency engine stop
WARNING
Do not press (or touch) the push button
start while the vehicle is moving: Pressing the push button start and
stopping the engine while the vehicle
is moving for any reason other than
in an emergency is dangerous.
Stopping the engine while the vehicle
is moving will result in reduced
maneuverability and braking ability
due to the loss of power steering and
power braking, which could cause an
accident and serious injury.
Continuously pressing the push button
start while the engine is running and the
vehicle is stopped, or quickly pressing it
any number of times will turn the engine
off immediately.
Operation Using Advanced
Key Functions
q Keyless Entry System
This system uses the more traditional
keyless entry buttons to remotely lock and
unlock the doors and the liftgate, and
opens the trunk lid.
It can also help you signal for attention.
Press the buttons slowly and carefully.
NOTE
lThe keyless entry system is designed to
operate up to about 2.5 m (8 ft) from the
center of the vehicle, but this may vary due
to local conditions.
lThe system does not operate when the
auxiliary key is in the key slot.
lThe keyless entry system is fully operational
when the push button start is switched off.
The system does not operate if the push
button start is switched to any position
other than off.
lAll doors and the liftgate cannot be locked
by pressing the lock button while any door
or the liftgate is open. The hazard warning
lights will also not flash.
lIf the transmitter does not operate when
pressing a button or the operational range
becomes too small, the battery may be
dead. To install a new battery, refer to
Maintenance (page 3-5).
3-16
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page94
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:16 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (165,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-3
Turning the Engine Off ............................................................. 5-4
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transaxle Operation ................................................... 5-10
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................ 5-13
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-21
Cruise Control
í...................................................................... 5-22
Traction Control System (TCS)í........................................... 5-27
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)í........................................ 5-28
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-31
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Systemí................................. 5-37
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-42 Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-42
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-47 Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-47
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-62
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-64 Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-64
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-69
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-70
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-71
Rear Window Wiper and Washer (5 Door) ............................. 5-75
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-75
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-76
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-77
5-1íSome models.
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page165
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (185,1)
Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power
steering system.
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 at slow speeds 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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-21
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page185
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (213,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green) 5-60
BSM OFF Indicator Light 5-61
Lights-On Indicator Light5-61
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light5-61
Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights5-62
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 8-24).
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-49
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page213
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (225,1)
qBSM OFF Indicator Lightí
This indicator light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
The BSM OFF indicator light illuminates
when the BSM system is turned off by
pressing the BSM OFF switch.
The indicator light flashes if the BSM
system has a malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
If 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.
qLights-On Indicator Light
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 at slow speeds 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.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-61íSome models.
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page225
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (387,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3 Scheduled Maintenance (USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico) ....... 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Mexico) ............................................. 8-8
Owner Maintenance ................................................................... 8-15 Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................ 8-15
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-16
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-17
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-19
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-22
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-24
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-25
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF)
í........................................ 8-26
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-27
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-28
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-29
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-33
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-37
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-44
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-56
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-63 How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-63
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-65
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-69
8-1íSome models.
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page387
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F