Black plate (75,1)
qStarting the Engine
Ignition switch positions
As there is no traditional key, some of the
ignition switch functions are different.
Start knob
The engraved mark on the actual vehicle
may read OFF or LOCK depending on the
type of ignition system.
OFF/LOCK ―Knob Released
The power supply to electrical devices is
turned off.
OFF/LOCK ―Knob Depressed
The ignition can be switched to ACC
when the KEY indicator light (green)
illuminates in the instrument cluster.
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition to OFF/LOCK, set the
parking brake and make sure the shift
lever is in P (automatic transmission) or
in 1st gear or R (manual transmission):
It is important to switch the ignition
to OFF/LOCK even if you are not
removing the key from the ignition or
leaving the vehicle. Leaving the key
in other positions will disable some of
the vehicle security systems and run
the battery down.
Leaving the driver's seat without
switching the ignition to OFF/LOCK,
setting the parking brake and
shifting the shift lever to P
(automatic transmission) or to 1st
gear or R (manual transmission) is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur. This could
cause an accident.
NOTE
lIf turning the ignition switch is difficult,
move the steering wheel left and right.
l(Automatic transmission)
The ignition cannot be switched from ACC
to OFF/LOCK when the shift lever is not in
P.
ACC (Accessory)
In this position, some electrical
accessories will operate.
NOTE
The Advanced Keyless Entry System does not
function in the ACC position, and the doors
will not lock/unlock using the transmitter or
request switches even if the advanced key is
carried away from the vehicle.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
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ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-42).
NOTE
When the ignition is switched ON, the sound of
the fuel pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not indicate an
abnormality.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the start knob;
then it returns to the ON position. The
brake warning light can be checked after
the engine is started (page 5-42).
Starting the engine
NOTE
lEngine-starting is controlled by the spark
ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment Standard
requirements regulating the impulse
electrical field strength of radio noise.
lThe advanced key must be carried because
the advanced key carries an immobilizer
chip that must communicate with the engine
controls at short range.
lWhen starting the engine, be sure the start
knob is securely attached before trying to
operate it. If the knob becomes detached
from the ignition switch, re-attach it by
pushing it on to the ignition switch.
1. Make sure the advanced key is beingcarried.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat belts.
3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Depress the brake pedal.
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Black plate (115,1)
lBefore opening or closing the hardtop, stop in a safe place off the right-of-way and park
on a level surface.
lWhen opening the hardtop, make sure objects inside the vehicle are not blown away by
the wind.
lSecure all loose objects inside before driving with the hardtop down.lTo help prevent burglary or vandalism and to ensure that the passenger compartment
stays dry, close the hardtop securely and lock both doors when leaving the vehicle.
lDo not drive through an automatic car wash as it may damage the hardtop.lDo not open or close the hardtop forcefully when the ambient temperature is low and the
hardtop or the surrounding area is frozen as it could damage the hardtop.
lOpening the hardtop while it is wet can also cause water to drip into the passenger
compartment.
lDo not open or close the hardtop in a strong wind as it could damage the hardtop.
qOperation Indicator Light
When illuminated
This notifies the driver that the hardtop is
only partially open.
When flashing
This indicates that the hardtop is being
open/closed. (During button operation)
When not illuminated
This indicates that the hardtop is open/
closed fully.
NOTE
If the operation indicator light flashes quickly,
there may be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
qOperation Conditions
If the following conditions have been
satisfied, the hardtop can be opened/
closed.
lThe vehicle is parked on a level surface
off the right-of-way and the parking
brake is firmly set.
lThe ignition is switched ON.lPut a vehicle with an automatic
transmission in Park (P) or Neutral (N),
a manual transmission in Neutral.
lThe trunk lid is closed.
NOTE
If the power retractable hardtop cannot be
closed even after the operation conditions are
all met, have it checked at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
The hardtop can be closed manually as an
emergency measure.
Refer to The Power Retractable Hardtop Does
not Close on page 3-55.
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Doors and Locks
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qOpening the Power Retractable
Hardtop
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-
way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake with the brake pedal depressed.
4. Start the Engine.
NOTE
Do not open/close the hardtop with the engine
stopped. Otherwise the vehicle's battery power
could be depleted.
5. With the lock release button depressed, pull the top latch outward to unlock.
Lock release button
Top latch
6. Verify that the operation indicator light is illuminated and the lock is detached. 7. Press and hold the open button until the
hardtop opens completely.
NOTElWhen the open switch is pressed, a beep
sound is heard.
lThe hardtop keeps opening and the
operation indicator light flashes while the
open switch is pressed.
lIf the switch is released while the hardtop is
opening, the hardtop stops opening. If the
switch is pressed again, the hardtop
resumes opening.
8. The deck opens.
NOTE
If the windows are closed, the windows
automatically open partially when the deck
opens.
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9. The hardtop opens.
10. The hardtop retracts under the deck.
11. The deck closes.
NOTE
When the operation is finished, a beep sound is
heard and the operation indicator light turns
off.
qClosing the Power Retractable
Hardtop
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-
way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake with the brake pedal depressed.
4. Start the Engine.
NOTE
Do not open/close the hardtop with the engine
stopped. Otherwise the vehicle's battery power
could be depleted.
5. Press and hold the close button until the hardtop closes completely.
NOTElWhen the close switch is pressed, a beep
sound is heard.
lThe hardtop keeps closing and the
operation indicator light flashes while the
close switch is pressed.
lIf the switch is released while the hardtop is
closing, the hardtop stops closing. If the
switch is pressed again, the hardtop
resumes closing.
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Doors and Locks
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CAUTION
ØDo not drive the vehicle with the
hardtop open halfway.
Ø Do not perform the procedure in a
strong wind as it could cause an
unexpected accident.
Ø Two adults are required to
perform the procedure, especially
when lifting up the hardtop. Do
not do it alone so as not to cause
injury or vehicle damage.
Ø Some steps in the procedure
require using multiple tools at the
same time and a certain level of
technical expertise. In addition,
holding your body extended over
the car can result in muscle strains
so Mazda recommends having the
hardtop checked at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
Use a suitable means of illumination, such as a
flashlight, to improve visibility under the deck
lid when performing this task.
Before closing manually
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of- way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transmission in Park (P), a manual
transmission in Reverse (R) or 1, and
turn off the engine.
3. Switch the ignition off while depressing the brake pedal.
4. Turn on the hazard warning flasher if it is needed.
WARNING
Verify that the ignition is switched off
before manually operating the hardtop:
Manually retracting the hardtop with
the ignition not switched off is
dangerous as the retractor motors
could turn on suddenly and cause
injury resulting from hands or fingers
being pinched in the mechanism.
Manual closing
Tool preparation
Locate the following tools in the glove
box.
Refer to Tool Storage on page 7-5.
Rope
Eyebolt
Allen wrench
Opening the deck
1. Remove the antenna if it is installed.
Refer to AM/FM Radio Antenna on
page 6-14.
CAUTION
Do the procedure with the antenna
removed. The antenna may be
damaged if it is left installed.
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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 each occupant'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.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
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Hazardous Driving
WARNING
Be extremely careful if it is necessary to
downshift on slippery surfaces:Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed could cause the tires to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle
control and an accident.
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving: The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazard:
lBe cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
lAvoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
lIf your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Do not hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
do not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
lIf you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the rear
wheels.
lFor more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the rear wheels. NOTE
Use snow chains only on the rear wheels.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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