2012 MAZDA MODEL MAZDASPEED 3 engine

Black plate (179,1)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steepupgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steepdowngrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
qDriving Tips
WARNING
Do not allow the vehicle to move in
reverse on an up-slope while the
selector lever is in a forward gear
position, or move forward on a down-
slope while the selector lever is in the
reverse position.
Otherwise, the engine will stop,
causing the loss of the power brake
and power steering functions, and
make it difficult to control the vehicle
which could result in an accident.
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while
gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight
and grade steepness. Descend slowly,
using the brakes only occasionally to
prevent them from overheating.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F

Black plate (180,1)
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 extremely slowly 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.
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page180
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F

Black plate (186,1)
(Type A)
(Type B)
The system turns off when the ignition is
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 5-28).
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Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F

Black plate (187,1)
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
5-26).
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-27íSome models. Mazda3_8BM5-EA-10F_Edition2 Page187
Monday, July 26 2010 1:53 PM
Form No.8BM5-EA-10F

Black plate (189,1)
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F

Black plate (196,1)
Meters and Gauges
Speedometer ...................................................................................................... page 5-37
Odometer, Trip Meter and Trip Meter Selector .................................................. page 5-37
Tachometer ........................................................................................................ page 5-38
Fuel Gauge ........................................................................................................ page 5-38
Boost Gauge (2.3-liter turbocharged engine) ..................................................... page 5-39
Dashboard Illumination ..................................................................................... page 5-40
NOTE
(Black-out meter)
When the ignition is switched ON, the dashboard gauges illuminate.
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Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F

Black plate (198,1)
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).
qTachometer
The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).
2.0-liter engine
2.5-liter engine 2.3-liter turbocharged engine
Red zone
CAUTION
Do not run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine
damage.
qFuel 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.8BM5-EA-10F

Black plate (199,1)
If the gauge indicates that the fuel level is
near E, refuel as soon as possible.
NOTE
lAfter refueling, it may require some time for
the indicator to stabilize. In addition, the
indicator may deviate while driving on a
slope or curve since the fuel moves in the
tank.
lThe direction of the arrow () indicates
that the fuel-filler lid is on the right side of
the vehicle.
qBoost Gauge (2.3-liter
turbocharged engine)
The turbo's charging pressure is displayed
while driving.
Boost GaugeSelector
Odometer/Trip meter
NOTE
Display of the turbo's charging pressure can
be switched off using the following operation.
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Press the selector six times within five
seconds.
ON is displayed in the odometer/trip meter.
If the selector is pressed while ON is
displayed, OFF is displayed.
3. Press the selector for 1 second or longer
while OFF is displayed.
To turn the display on, press the selector as in
Step 2 until ON is displayed, then press the
selector again for 1 second or longer while
ON is displayed.
Driving Your Mazda
Instrument Cluster and Indicators
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Form No.8BM5-EA-10F