Black plate (124,1)
qFuel-Filler Lid
To open, pull the remote fuel-filler lid
release.
5 door
Remote fuel-filler
lid release
4 door
Remote fuel-filler
lid release
qFuel-Filler Cap
To remove the fuel-filler cap, turn it
counterclockwise.
To close the fuel-filler cap, turn it
clockwise until two or more clicks are
heard.
Open
Close
CAUTION
If the check fuel cap warning light
illuminates, the fuel-filler cap may
not be properly installed. If the
warning light illuminates, park your
vehicle safely off the right-of-way,
remove the fuel-filler cap and
reinstall it correctly. After the cap has
been correctly installed, the fuel cap
warning light may continue to
illuminate until a number of driving
cycles have been completed. A drive
cycle consists of starting the engine
(after four or more hours with the
engine off) and driving the vehicle on
city and highway roads.
Continuing to drive with the check
fuel cap warning light illuminated
could cause the check engine light to
illuminate as well.
3-48
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page124
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Black plate (137,1)
Theft-Deterrent Systemí
If the theft deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle, which
could result in the vehicle or its contents
being stolen, the alarm alerts the
surrounding area of an abnormality by
sounding the horn and flashing the hazard
warning lights.
Refer to Operation on page 3-61.
NOTE
lThe theft-deterrent system operates with the
key or the keyless entry system transmitter.
l(With advanced key)
The theft-deterrent system can also be
operated using the advanced keyless
function.
The system operates only when the driver is
in the vehicle or within operational range
while the advanced key is being carried.
lThe system will not function unless it is
properly armed. To properly secure the
vehicle, always make sure all windows are
completely closed and all doors and the
trunk lid/liftgate are locked before leaving
the vehicle. Remember to take your key and
transmitter.
qOperation
System triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights flash for about 30
seconds when the system is triggered by
any one of the following:
lForcing open a door, the hood or the
trunk lid/liftgate.
lUnlocking a door with the inside door-
lock knob.
lUnlocking a door with the door lock
switch.
lOpening the hood by operating the
hood release handle.
l(Without advanced key)
Switching the ignition ON without the
key.
(With advanced key)
Switching the ignition ON without
using the push button start.
lOpening the trunk lid by operating the
trunk lid release lever.
If the system is triggered again, the lights
and horn will activate until a door or the
liftgate is unlocked or the trunk lid is
opened with the key or with the
transmitter.
(With advanced key)
The lights and horn can also be
deactivated by pressing the request switch
on a door.
NOTE
If the battery goes dead while the theft-
deterrent system is armed, the horn will
activate and the hazard warning lights will
flash when the battery is charged or replaced.
qHow to Arm the System
1. Close the windows and the moonroofí
securely.
2. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
(With advanced key)
Press the push button start to off
position, if the auxiliary key is inserted
in the key slot, remove it.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
3-61íSome models. Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page137
Monday, July 26 2010 1:52 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Black plate (138,1)
3. Make sure all windows, the
moonroofí, the hood and the trunk lid
are closed. Close and lock all doors and
the liftgate from the outside using the
key. If you have the keyless entry
system, press the lock button on the
transmitter.
The hazard warning lights will flash
once.
The following method will also arm the
theft-deterrent system:
(With advanced key)
Press a request switch on the doors or
the lock button on the transmitter.
(Without advanced key)
Close the hood and the liftgate/trunk
lid. Press the area on the door-lock
switch marked“
”once. Close all
doors.
The security indicator light in the
instrument panel flashes twice per
second for 20 seconds.
The theft deterrent system can also be
armed by activating the auto re-lock
function with all the doors, the liftgate/
trunk lid and the hood closed.
NOTE
Locking the doors with the inside door-lock
knob will not arm the system.
4. After 20 seconds, the system is fully
armed.NOTE
lAuto re-lock function
After unlocking with the transmitter or the
request switch, all doors and the liftgate
will automatically lock if any of the
following operations are not performed
within about 30 seconds.
lA door or the liftgate/trunk lid is opened.lThe auxiliary key inserted into the key
slot (with advanced key).
lThe key is inserted in the ignition switch.lThe push button start is in any position
except off (with advanced key).
lThe ignition is switched ON.lThe system will disarm if one of the
following operations takes place within 20
seconds after closing the trunk lid/hood and
locking all the doors and the liftgate:
lPressing the unlock button on the
transmitter.
lAny door or the liftgate/trunk lid is
opened.
lUnlocking a door with the inside door-
lock knob.
lUnlocking a door with the door lock
switch.
lUnlocking the driver's door with the key.lThe hood is opened.lThe key is inserted in the ignition switch.lThe auxiliary key inserted into the key
slot (With advanced key).
lThe push button start is pressed or a
door is unlocked using a request switch
on the front doors (With advanced key).
lThe ignition is switched ON.
To rearm the system, do the arming
procedure again.
lWhen the doors are locked by pressing the
lock button on the transmitter or request
switch on the front doors or using the key
while the theft-deterrent system is armed,
the hazard warning lights will flash once to
indicate that the system is armed.
3-62
Knowing Your Mazda
íSome models.
Security System
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page138
Monday, July 26 2010 1:52 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Black plate (139,1)
lThe method for setting the theft-deterrent
system can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
10-12.
qTo Turn Off an Armed System
An armed system can be turned off by any
one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door with the key.lPress the unlock button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.
lThe ignition is switched ON.l(With advanced key)
Press a request switch on the doors or
the unlock button on the transmitter.
The hazard warning lights will flash twice
to indicate that the system is turned off.
NOTE
When the doors are unlocked by pressing the
unlock button on the transmitter or request
switch on the front doors or using the key
while the theft-deterrent system is turned off,
the hazard warning lights will flash twice to
indicate that the system is turned off.
qTo Stop the Alarm
A triggered alarm can be turned off by
any one of the following methods:
lUnlock a door with the key.lPress the unlock button or press and
hold the trunk button on the keyless
entry system transmitter.
lThe engine is started with the ignition
key.
l(With advanced key)lPress a request switch on the doors.lPress the electric liftgate/trunk lid
opener.
lPress the unlock button or press and
hold the trunk button on the
transmitter.
lThe engine is started with the push
button start.
NOTE
If you have any problem with the theft-
deterrent system, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
qTheft-Deterrent Labels
A label indicating that your vehicle is
equipped with a Theft-Deterrent System is
in the glove compartment.
Mazda recommends that you affix it to the
lower rear corner of a front door window.
Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
3-63
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page139
Monday, July 26 2010 1:52 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
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_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page150
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Black plate (153,1)
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 8-21.
lInspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
lUse only cold-weather engine oil (page
8-18).
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 8-26).
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_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page153
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Black plate (155,1)
2. Secure the chains on the front tires as
tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer's instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2
―1 km (1/4―1/2 mile).Driving In Flooded Area
WARNING
Dry wet brakes by driving very slowly
and applying the brakes lightly until
brake performance returns to 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.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle on flooded
roads as it could cause short
circuiting of electrical/electronic
parts, or engine damage or stalling
from water absorption. If the vehicle
has been immersed in water, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
4-11
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page155
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F
Black plate (161,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2
Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Turning Off the Engine ............................................................. 5-5
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transaxle Operation ................................................... 5-11
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................ 5-13
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-20
Cruise Control
í...................................................................... 5-21
Traction Control System (TCS)í........................................... 5-26
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)í........................................ 5-27
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-30
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-36
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-36
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-41
Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-41
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-57
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-59
Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-59
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-64
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-65
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-65
Rear Window Wiper and Washer (5 Door) ............................. 5-69
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-70
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-71
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-71
5-1íSome models.
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page161
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F