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_8BY7-EC-11F_Edition1 Page30
Friday, June 17 2011 2:54 PM
Form No.8BY7-EC-11F
Black plate (128,1)
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
3-50
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Mazda3_8BY7-EC-11F_Edition1 Page128
Friday, June 17 2011 2:55 PM
Form No.8BY7-EC-11F
Black plate (152,1)
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_8BY7-EC-11F_Edition1 Page152
Friday, June 17 2011 2:55 PM
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
5-47
Mazda3_8BY7-EC-11F_Edition1 Page209
Friday, June 17 2011 2:55 PM
Form No.8BY7-EC-11F
Black plate (214,1)
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and parkoff the right-of-way on level ground.
2. Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan.
3. Inspect the engine oil level (page 8-21). If it's low, add the appropriate amount
of engine oil while being careful not to
overfill.
4. Start the engine and check the warning light.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, stop the engine immediately
and have your vehicle towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil
pressure is low. It could result in
extensive engine damage.
q Check Engine Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON and turns off
when the engine is started.
If this light illuminates while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light illuminated and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The check engine light may illuminate in
the following cases:
lThe fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
lThe engine's electrical system has a
problem.
lThe emission control system has a
problem.
lThe fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
qHigh Engine Coolant Temperature
Warning Light (Red)
When the ignition is switched ON, the
light illuminates momentarily and then
turns off.
The light flashes when the engine coolant
temperature is extremely high, and
illuminates when the engine coolant
temperature increases further.
Handling Procedure
Flashing light
Drive slowly to reduce engine load.
Illuminated light
This indicates the possibility of
overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe
place immediately and stop the engine.
Refer to Overheating (page 7-16).
5-52
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Mazda3_8BY7-EC-11F_Edition1 Page214
Friday, June 17 2011 2:55 PM
Form No.8BY7-EC-11F
Black plate (398,1)
Owner Maintenance Precautions
Improper or incomplete service may result in problems. This section gives instructions only
for items that are easy to perform.
As explained in the Introduction (page 8-2), several procedures can be done only by a
qualified service technician with special tools.
Improper owner maintenance during the warranty period may affect warranty coverage.
For details, read the separate Mazda Warranty statement provided with the vehicle. If
you're unsure about any servicing or maintenance procedure, have it done by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
There are strict environmental laws regarding the disposal of waste oil and fluids. Please
dispose of your waste properly and with due regard to the environment.
We recommend that you entrust the oil and fluid changes of your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
Do not perform maintenance work if you lack sufficient knowledge and experience or
the proper tools and equipment to do the work. Have maintenance work done by a
qualified technician:Performing maintenance work on a vehicle is dangerous if not done properly. You
can be seriously injured while performing some maintenance procedures.
If you must run the engine while working under the hood, make certain that you
remove all jewelry (especially rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces) and all
neckties, scarves, and similar loose clothing before getting near the engine or cooling
fan which may turn on unexpectedly: Working under the hood with the engine running is dangerous. It becomes even
more dangerous when you wear jewelry or loose clothing.
Either can become entangled in moving parts and result in injury.
Switch the ignition to off and make sure the fan is not running before attempting to
work near the cooling fan: Working near the cooling fan when it is running is dangerous. The fan could
continue running indefinitely even if the engine has stopped and the engine
compartment temperature is high. You could be hit by the fan and seriously injured.
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.
8-16
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Mazda3_8BY7-EC-11F_Edition1 Page398
Friday, June 17 2011 2:57 PM
Form No.8BY7-EC-11F
Black plate (450,1)
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance is 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.
qAluminum Wheel Maintenanceí
A protective coating is provided over the
aluminum wheels. Special care is needed
to protect this coating.
CAUTION
Do not use any detergent other than
mild detergent. Before using any
detergent, verify the ingredients.
Otherwise, the product could discolor
or stain the aluminum wheels. NOTE
lDo not use a wire brush or any abrasive
cleaner, polishing compound, or solvent on
aluminum wheels. They may damage the
coating.
lAlways use a sponge or soft cloth to clean
the wheels.
Rinse the wheels thoroughly with lukewarm
or cold water. Also, be sure to clean the
wheels after driving on dusty or salted
roads to help prevent corrosion.
lAvoid washing your vehicle in an automatic
car wash that uses high-speed or hard
brushes.
lIf your aluminum wheels lose luster, wax
the wheels.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
Check special requirements for Tire Pressure
Monitoring System.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page 5-35.
q Plastic Part Maintenance
lWhen cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents. Otherwise, these chemical
agents can discolor or damage the
surfaces resulting in a significant loss
in functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
lIf plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately.
8-68
Maintenance and Care
íSome models.
Appearance Care
Mazda3_8BY7-EC-11F_Edition1 Page450
Friday, June 17 2011 2:58 PM
Form No.8BY7-EC-11F
Black plate (505,1)
qLubricant Quality
Lubricant Classification
Engine oil Refer to Recommended Oil on page 8-19.
Manual transaxle oil API Service
GL-4
SAE 75W-80
Automatic transaxle fluid 5-speed transaxle
Mazda Genuine ATF M-V
6-speed transaxle Mazda Genuine ATF FZ
Power steering fluid Mazda Genuine ATF M-III, M-V, or equivalent (e.g. Dexron® II)
Brake/Clutch fluid SAE J1703 or FMVSS116 DOT-3
qCapacities
(Approximate Quantities)
Item Capacity
Engine oil MZR 2.0
With oil filter
replacement
4.3 L (4.5 US qt, 3.8 Imp qt)
Without oil filter
replacement 3.9 L (4.1 US qt, 3.4 Imp qt)
SKYACTIV-G
2.0 With oil filter
replacement
4.2 L (4.4 US qt, 3.7 Imp qt)
Without oil filter
replacement 4.0 L (4.2 US qt, 3.5 Imp qt)
MZR 2.3 DISI
Turbo With oil filter
replacement
5.7 L (6.0 US qt, 5.0 Imp qt)
Without oil filter
replacement 5.3 L (5.6 US qt, 4.7 Imp qt)
MZR 2.5 With oil filter
replacement
5.0 L (5.3 US qt, 4.4 Imp qt)
Without oil filter
replacement 4.6 L (4.9 US qt, 4.0 Imp qt)
Coolant SKYACTIV-G
2.0Manual transaxle
7.4 L (7.8 US qt, 6.5 Imp qt)
Automatic transaxle 8.2 L (8.7 US qt, 7.2 Imp qt)
Except SKYACTIV-G 2.0 7.5 L (7.9 US qt, 6.6 Imp qt)
Manual
transaxle oil MZR 2.0
2.77 L (2.93 US qt, 2.44 Imp qt)
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 1.65 L (1.74 US qt, 1.45 Imp qt)
MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo 2.5 L (2.6 US qt, 2.2 Imp qt)
MZR 2.5 2.85 L (3.01 US qt, 2.51 Imp qt)
Automatic
transaxle fluid 5-speed transaxle
8.14 L (8.60 US qt, 7.16 Imp qt)
6-speed transaxle 7.8 L (8.2 US qt, 6.9 Imp qt)
Fuel tank MZR 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.0
55.0 L (14.5 US gal, 12.1 Imp gal)
MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo, MZR 2.5 60.0 L (15.9 US gal, 13.2 Imp gal)
Check oil and fluid levels with dipsticks or reservoir gauges.
Specifications
10-5
Mazda3_8BY7-EC-11F_Edition1 Page505
Friday, June 17 2011 2:58 PM
Form No.8BY7-EC-11F