2012 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK engine

Black plate (183,1)
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
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Form No.8BY7-EC-11F

Black plate (189,1)
(Type A)
(Type B)
The system turns off when the ignition is
switched off.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15 km/h (9
mph) below the preset speed (such as may
happen when climbing a long, steep grade).
Traction Control System
(TCS)
í
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it lowers engine torque and
operates the brakes to prevent loss of
traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
WARNING
Do not rely on the traction control
system as a substitute for safe driving:The traction control system (TCS)
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.
Use snow tires or tire chains and drive
at reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow: Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and/or ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF switch
(page 5-29).
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-27íSome models.
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Form No.8BY7-EC-11F

Black plate (190,1)
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.
NOTE
lIn addition to the indicator light flashing, a
slight lugging sound will come from the
engine. This indicates that the TCS is
operating properly.
lOn slippery surfaces, such as fresh snow, it
will be impossible to achieve high rpm
when the TCS is on.
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 5-8) and TCS (page
5-27).
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.
5-28
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8BY7-EC-11F

Black plate (192,1)
NOTElWhen DSC is on and you attempt to free the
vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it out of
freshly fallen snow, the TCS (part of the
DSC system) will activate. Depressing the
accelerator will not increase engine power
and freeing the vehicle may be difficult.
When this happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.
lIf the TCS/DSC is off when the engine is
turned off, it automatically activates when
the ignition is switched ON.
lLeaving the TCS/DSC on will provide the
best stability.
lThe DSC only operates when the brake
pedal is depressed strongly while driving
and it is determined that operation of the
DSC is required, even if the DSC OFF
indicator light illuminates by pressing the
DSC OFF switch for two or three seconds.
lThe TCS/DSC can be cancelled. By
pressing the DSC OFF switch for about five
seconds, the TCS/DSC indicator light
flashes three times, the DSC OFF indicator
light illuminates, and the TCS/DSC is
cancelled.
The TCS/DSC remains cancelled until the
ignition is switched off. When the ignition is
switched from OFF to ON, the system turns
back on automatically.
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Starting and Driving
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Form No.8BY7-EC-11F

Black plate (206,1)
For instance, trip meter A can record the
distance from the point of origin, and trip
meter B can record the distance from
where the fuel tank is filled.
When trip meter A is selected, pressing
the selector again within one second will
change to trip meter B mode.
When trip meter A is selected, TRIP A
will be displayed. When trip meter B is
selected, TRIP B will be displayed.
The trip meter records the total distance
the vehicle is driven until the meter is
again reset. Return it to“0.0 ”by holding
the selector depressed for 1 second or
more. Use this meter to measure trip
distances and to compute fuel
consumption.
NOTE
lOnly the trip meters record tenths of
kilometers (miles).
lThe trip record will be erased when:lThe power supply is interrupted (blown
fuse or the battery is disconnected).
lThe vehicle is driven over 999.9 km
(mile).
q Tachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
SKYACTIV-G 2.0, MZR 2.0
MZR 2.5
MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo
Red zone
CAUTION
Do not run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine
damage.
q
Fuel 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.
Full
1/4 Full
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Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8BY7-EC-11F

Black plate (209,1)
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
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Form No.8BY7-EC-11F

Black plate (210,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light 5-53
Low Fuel Warning Light5-53
Check Fuel Cap Warning Light5-53
Seat Belt Warning Light5-54
Door-Ajar Warning Light5-54
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light5-54
Automatic Transaxle Warning Light5-54
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light5-55
KEY Warning Light (Red)/KEY Indicator Light (Green)5-57
Security Indicator Light5-58
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light5-59
Shift Position Indicator Light5-59
Low Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Light (Blue) 5-59
TCS/DSC Indicator Light5-59
DSC OFF Indicator Light5-60
AFS OFF Indicator Light5-60
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Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8BY7-EC-11F

Black plate (211,1)
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
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Form No.8BY7-EC-11F