Black plate (173,1)
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.
Before Driving Your Mazda
Towing
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Form No.8CM9-EA-12I
Black plate (185,1)
WARNING
Do not rely on ABS or RSC as a
substitute for safe driving:
The ABS and RSC 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.
NOTE
lBraking distances may be longer on loose
surfaces (snow or gravel, for example)
which usually have a hard foundation. A
vehicle with a normal braking system may
require less distance to stop under these
conditions because the tires will build up a
wedge of surface layer when the wheels
skid.
lThe sound of the ABS operating may be
heard when starting the engine or
immediately after starting the vehicle,
however, it does not indicate a malfunction.
qABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.If the ABS warning light stays on while
you're driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function normally
as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
lWhen the engine is jump-started to charge
the battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs,
it is the result of the weak battery and does
not indicate an ABS malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
lThe brake assist system does not operate
while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
qElectronic Brake Force
Distribution System Warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may illuminate the brake
system warning light and the ABS
warning light on simultaneously. The
problem is likely to be the electronic
brake force distribution system.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8CM9-EA-12I
Black plate (192,1)
During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to
the following:
Gear Vehicle speed
M6→M5 47 km/h (29 mph)
M5→M4 37 km/h (22 mph)
M4→M3 26 km/h (16 mph)
M3 or M2→M1 7 km/h (4 mph)
NOTE
The gear does not shift down to M1
automatically while in the second gear fixed
mode.
If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:
Gear Vehicle speed
M6→M5 230 km/h (142 mph)
M5→M4 90 km/h (55 mph)
M4→M3 65 km/h (40 mph)
M3→M2 40 km/h (24 mph)
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
M4 to M5 73 km/h (45 mph)
M5 to M6 80 km/h (50 mph)
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.
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8CM9-EA-12I
Black plate (210,1)
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Systemí
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is designed to assist the driver by monitoring
blind spots on both sides of the vehicle to the rear in certain situations such as when
changing lanes on roads and freeways.
The BSM system monitors the detection areas on both sides of the vehicle to the rear when
the vehicle speed is about 32 km/h (20 mph) or more, and notifies the driver of vehicles in
the detection area by illuminating the BSM warning light.
If the turn signal lever is operated in the direction the BSM warning light is illuminated, the
system warns the driver of the vehicle in the detection area with a beep sound.
Detection areas
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the BSM system and be sure to look over your shoulder
before changing lanes:
The BSM system can assist the driver in confirming the safety of the surroundings
but is not a complete substitute. The driver is responsible for assuring lane changes
and other maneuvers. Always pay attention to the direction in which the vehicle is
traveling and the vehicle's surroundings.
NOTE
lThe BSM system does not operate when the vehicle speed is lower than about 32 km/h (20 mph).lThe radar sensors are equipped inside the rear bumper. (page 5-37)lThe system may not operate normally when towing a trailer. Turn off the system by operating the
BSM OFF switch when towing a trailer.
lThe radar sensors do not detect human, animal, or static objects such as fences. In addition, the
system pauses when the selector lever is shifted to the R position. (The system resumes
automatically when the selector lever is shifted from the R position.)
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Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
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Parking Sensor System
The parking sensor system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect obstructions around the vehicle
while parking the vehicle in a garage or during parallel parking when the vehicle is driven
at a speed of about 10 km/h (6 mph) or less. The system is equipped with an assist device
to notify the driver of the approximate distance from the vehicle to the surrounding
obstruction using a beep sound.
Rear sensor Rear corner sensor
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the parking sensor system and be sure to confirm the
safety around your vehicle visually when driving.
This system can assist the driver in operating the vehicle in the forward and
backward directions while parking. The detection ranges of the sensors are limited,
therefore, driving the vehicle while relying only on the system may cause an accident.
Always confirm the safety around your vehicle visually when driving.
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Starting and Driving
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Operation Conditions
The system can be used when the ignition is switched ON.
The sensors detect obstructions under the following conditions:
Sensor Condition
Rear Sensor The shift lever is in reverse (R).
Rear Corner Sensor The shift lever is in reverse (R), and the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6 mph) or less.
qParking Sensor Warning Beep
The beeper sounds as follows while the system is operating.
Distance between vehicle and obstruction
Beeper sound*1Rear Sensor Rear Corner Sensor
Approx. 150―100 cm (59.0―39.3 in)
Approx. 150―100 cm (59.0―39.3 in)
Slow intermittent sound
Approx. 100―50 cm (39.3―19 in)
Approx. 100―50 cm (39.3―19 in)
Medium intermittent
sound
Approx. 50―30 cm (19―11 in)
Approx. 50―30 cm (19―11 in)
Fast intermittent sound
Within approx. 30 cm (11 in)
Within approx. 30 cm (11 in)
Continuous sound
*1 The speed of the intermittent sound increases as the vehicle approaches the obstruction.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)
The indicator light illuminates amber
when the ON switch is pressed and the
cruise control system is activated.
Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)
The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.
qBSM OFF Indicator Lightí
This indicator light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
The BSM OFF indicator light illuminates
when the BSM system is turned off by
pressing the BSM OFF switch.
The indicator light flashes if the BSM
system has a malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven on a road with less
traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors
can detect, the system may pause (The BSM
OFF indicator light in the instrument panel
flashes). However, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
qLights-On Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates when the
exterior lights and dashboard illumination
are on.
qTurn Signal/Hazard Warning
Indicator Lights
When operating the turn signal lights, the
left or right turn signal indicator light
flashes to indicate which turn signal light
is operating (page 5-71).
When operating the hazard warning
lights, both turn signal indicator lights
flash (page 5-80).
NOTE
If an indicator light remains illuminated (does
not flash) or if it flashes abnormally, one of the
turn signal bulbs may be burned out.
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Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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qOperating Tips for CD Player
Condensation phenomenon
Immediately after turning on the heater
when the vehicle is cold, the CD or
optical components (prism and lens) in the
CD player may become clouded with
condensation. At this time, the CD will
eject immediately when placed in the unit.
A clouded CD can be corrected simply by
wiping it with a soft cloth. Clouded
optical components will clear naturally in
about an hour. Wait for normal operation
to return before attempting to use the unit.
Handling the CD player
The following precautions should be
observed.
lDo not spill any liquid on the audio
system.
lDo not insert any objects, other than
CDs, into the slot.
lThe CD revolves at high speed within
the unit. Defective (cracked or badly
bent) CDs should never be used.
lDo not use non-conventional discs
such as heart-shaped, octagonal discs,
etc. The disc may not eject resulting in
a malfunction.
lIf the memory portion of the CD is
transparent or translucent, do not use
the disc.
Transparent
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Interior Comfort
Audio System
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