Black plate (98,1)
Steering Wheel
WARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving:
Adjusting the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control
or an accident.
qSteering Wheel Adjustment
To change the angle or length of the
steering wheel:
1. Stop the vehicle, and then pull down
the lock release lever under the steering
column.
Lock release lever
2. Tilt the steering wheel and/or adjust the
steering column length to the desired
positions, and then push the lever up to
lock the column.
3. Attempt to push the steering wheel up
and down to make sure it's locked
before driving.
3-26
Before Driving
Steering Wheel
CX-5_8CA5-EA-11L_Edition3 Page98
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Form No.8CA5-EA-11L
Black plate (112,1)
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.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
lBe cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
lAvoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
lDo not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Antilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 4-62.
lIf you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the front
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 front wheels.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the front wheels.
Floor Mat
WARNING
Make sure the floor mats are hooked
on the retention pins to prevent them
from bunching up under the foot
pedals:
Using a floor mat that is not secured
is dangerous as it will interfere with
the accelerator and brake pedal
operation, which could result in an
accident.
Do not install two floor mats, one on
top of the other, on the driver's side:
Installing two floor mats, one on top
of the other, on the driver's side is
dangerous as the retention pins can
only keep one floor mat from sliding
forward.
In using a heavy duty floor mat for
winter use always remove the
original floor mat.
Loose floor mat(s) will interfere with
the foot pedal and could result in an
accident.
When setting a floor mat, position the
floor mat so that its grommets are inserted
over the pointed end of the retention
posts.
3-40
Before Driving
Driving Tips
CX-5_8CA5-EA-11L_Edition3 Page112
Friday, June 22 2012 3:45 PM
Form No.8CA5-EA-11L
Black plate (122,1)
The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.
Before driving
lHave your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.lBefore starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all vehicle-
to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short
distance.
Driving
lYour Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing,
and stopping in a traffic-free area.
lTake time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.lAllow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance
increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.
lAvoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.lAvoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially
so on wet or slippery roads.
lShift the shift lever to the D position when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.
The D position will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.
Lane changes and turning
Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to
avoid the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that
are larger than normal.
Passing
Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes.
Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads
will affect handling.
If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but
gradually.
Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or braking is made, the
combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability.
Backing up
Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a
helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.
To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or
prolonged turning.
3-50
Before Driving
Towing
CX-5_8CA5-EA-11L_Edition3 Page122
Friday, June 22 2012 3:45 PM
Form No.8CA5-EA-11L
Black plate (125,1)
4When Driving
Information concerning safe driving and stopping.
Start/Stop Engine .................................... 4-2
Ignition Switch .................................... 4-2
Starting the Engine
í........................... 4-3
Turning the Engine Off ....................... 4-8
Instrument Cluster and Display ............. 4-9
Meters and Gauges .............................. 4-9
Warning/Indicator Lights .................. 4-15
Transaxle ................................................ 4-31
Manual Transaxle Operation ............. 4-31
Automatic Transaxle Controls .......... 4-33
Switches and Controls ........................... 4-40
Lighting Control ............................... 4-40
Fog Lights
í...................................... 4-45
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 4-46
Windshield Wipers and Washer ........ 4-47
Rear Window Wiper and Washer ...... 4-51
Rear Window Defroster ..................... 4-51
Horn .................................................. 4-52
Hazard Warning Flasher .................... 4-53
HomeLink Wireless Control
System
í............................................ 4-53
Brake ...................................................... 4-57
Brake System .................................... 4-57
ABS/TCS/DSC ....................................... 4-62
Antilock Brake System (ABS) .......... 4-62
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 4-63
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ..... 4-64
AWD ....................................................... 4-65
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Operation... 4-65Power Steering ....................................... 4-67
Power Steering .................................. 4-67
Cruise Control ....................................... 4-68
Cruise Control ................................... 4-68
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ........ 4-71
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 4-71
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
System .................................................... 4-75
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
System
í............................................ 4-75
Rear View Monitor ................................ 4-79
Rear View Monitor
í........................ 4-79
4-1íSome models.
CX-5_8CA5-EA-11L_Edition3 Page125
Friday, June 22 2012 3:45 PM
Form No.8CA5-EA-11L
Black plate (160,1)
qManual Shift Mode
This mode gives you the feel of driving a
manual transaxle vehicle by operating the
shift lever and allows you to control
engine rpm and torque to the drive wheels
much like a manual transaxle when more
control is desired.
To change to manual shift mode, shift the
lever from D to M.
NOTE
Changing to manual shift mode while driving
will not damage the transaxle.
To return to automatic shift mode, shift
the lever from M to D.
NOTE
lIf you change to manual shift mode when
the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to
M1.
lIf you change to manual shift mode without
depressing the accelerator pedal when
driving in D range, 5th gear/6th gear, the
gear will shift to M4/M5.
Indicators
Manual shift mode indicator
In manual shift mode, the“M”of the shift
position indicator in the instrument panel
illuminates.Gear position indicator
The numeral for the selected gear
illuminates.
Manual shift mode indicator
Gear position indicator
NOTElIf the gears cannot be shifted down when
driving at higher speeds, the gear position
indicator will flash twice to signal that the
gears cannot be shifted down (to protect the
transaxle).
lIf the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF)
temperature becomes too high, there is the
possibility that the transaxle will switch to
automatic shift mode, canceling manual
shift mode and turning off the gear position
indicator illumination. This is a normal
function to protect the AT. After the ATF
temperature has decreased, the gear
position indicator illumination turns back
on and driving in manual shift mode is
restored.
4-36
When Driving
Transaxle
CX-5_8CA5-EA-11L_Edition3 Page160
Friday, June 22 2012 3:45 PM
Form No.8CA5-EA-11L
Black plate (168,1)
qHeadlight High-Low Beam
Press the lever forward to turn on the high
beams.
Pull the lever back to its original position
for the low beams.
The headlight high-beam indicator light in
the instrument cluster illuminates while
the high beams are turned on.
High beam
Low beam
qFlashing the Headlights
To flash the headlights, pull the lever fully
towards you (the headlight switch does
not need to be on). The headlight high-
beam indicator light in the instrument
cluster illuminates simultaneously. The
lever will return to the normal position
when released.
OFF
Flashing
qHeadlight Levelingí
The number of passengers and weight of
cargo in the luggage compartment change
the angle of the headlights.
The angle of the headlights will be
automatically adjusted when turning on
the headlights.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-15.
qAdaptive Front Lighting System
(AFS)í
The adaptive front lighting system (AFS)
automatically adjusts the headlight beams
to the left or right in conjunction with the
operation of the steering wheel after the
headlights have been turned on and the
vehicle speed is about 2 km/h (2 mph) or
higher.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-15.
4-44
When Driving
íSome models.
Switches and Controls
CX-5_8CA5-EA-11L_Edition3 Page168
Friday, June 22 2012 3:45 PM
Form No.8CA5-EA-11L
Black plate (188,1)
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
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 4-62) and TCS (page
4-63).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-15.
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.
CAUTION
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
ØUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
ØUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
ØDo not mix worn tires.
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
4-64
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
CX-5_8CA5-EA-11L_Edition3 Page188
Friday, June 22 2012 3:45 PM
Form No.8CA5-EA-11L
Black plate (197,1)
NOTE
Because this system detects slight changes in tire conditions, the timing of the warning may be faster
or slower in the following cases:
lThe size, manufacturer, or the type of tires is different from the specification.lThe size, manufacturer, or the type of a tire is different from the others, or the level of tire wear is
excessively different between them.
lA run-flat tire, studless tire, snow tire, or tire chains are used.lAn emergency tire is used (The tire pressure monitoring system warning light may flash and then
continue illuminating).
lA tire is repaired using the emergency flat tire repair kit.lThe tire pressure is excessively higher than the specified pressure, or the tire pressure is suddenly
lowered for some reason such as a tire burst during driving.
lThe vehicle speed is lower than about 15 km/h (9.3 mph) (including when the vehicle is stopped),
or the drive period is shorter than 5 minutes.
lThe vehicle is driven on an extremely rough road or a slippery, icy road.lHard steering and rapid acceleration/deceleration are repeated such as during aggressive driving
on a winding road.
lLoad on the vehicle is applied to a tire such as by loading heavy luggage to one side of the
vehicle.
lSystem initialization has not been implemented with the specified tire pressure.
qTire Pressure Monitoring System
Initialization
In the following cases, system
initialization must be performed so that
the system operates normally.
lA tire pressure is adjusted.lTire rotation is performed.lA tire or wheel is replaced.lThe battery is replaced or completely
drained.
lThe tire pressure monitoring system
warning light is illuminated.
Initialization method
1. Park the car in a safe place and firmly
apply the parking brake.2. Let the tires cool, then adjust the tire
pressure of all four (4) tires to the
specified pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label located on the door jamb
of the driver's door (door open). Refer
to Tires on page 9-7.
3. Switch the ignition ON.
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
4-73
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Friday, June 22 2012 3:45 PM
Form No.8CA5-EA-11L