Black plate (101,1)
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.
Before Driving
Steering Wheel
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Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (118,1)
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 4-92.
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.
3-46
Before Driving
Driving Tips
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Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (176,1)
4. Move the selector lever.
5. Take the vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the system
checked.
qManual Shift Mode
This mode gives you the feel of driving a
manual transaxle vehicle by operating the
selector 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 automatic transaxle.
After the ATF temperature has decreased,
the gear position indicator illumination
turns back on and driving in manual shift
mode is restored.
4-52
When Driving
Transaxle
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Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (178,1)
Manually Shifting down
(M6→M5→M4→M3→M2→M1)
To shift down to a lower gear, move the
selector lever forward (
) once.
To shift down to a lower gear with the
steering shift switches, pull the DOWN
switch (
) toward you once with your
fingers.
DOWN switch (-)
WARNING
Do not use engine braking on slippery
road surfaces or at high speeds:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which 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.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel
rim when using fingers on the steering
shift switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of
the steering wheel when using the
steering shift switches is dangerous.
If the driver's air bag were to deploy
in a collision, your hands could be
impacted causing injury.
NOTE
lWhen driving at high speeds, the gear may
not shift down.
lDuring deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending on
vehicle speed.
lWhen depressing the accelerator fully, the
transaxle will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed.
Second gear fixed mode
When the selector lever is moved back
(
) while the vehicle speed is about 10
km/h (6 mph) or less, the transaxle is set
in the second gear fixed mode. The gear is
fixed in second while in this mode for
easier acceleration from a stop and driving
on slippery roads such as snow-covered
roads.
If the selector lever is moved back (
)or
forward (
) while in the second gear
fixed mode, the mode will be canceled.
4-54
When Driving
Transaxle
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Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (186,1)
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
4-23.
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.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-23.
AFS OFF switch
Pressing the AFS OFF switch turns off the
AFS. The AFS OFF indicator light in the
instrument cluster illuminates.
Pressing the AFS OFF switch again turns
off the switch illumination and turns on
the AFS operation. The AFS OFF
indicator light turns off.
qDaytime Running Lightsí
Some countries require moving vehicles
to have their lights on (daytime running
lights) during the daytime.
Daytime running lights turn on
automatically when the ignition is
switched ON.
They turn off when the parking brake is
operated or the shift lever is shifted to the
P position (automatic transaxle vehicle).
NOTE
(Except Canada)
The daytime running lights can be deactivated.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-9.
4-62
When Driving
íSome models.
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (211,1)
Do not rely completely on the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system:
ØThe Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is only designed to reduce damage in
the event of a collision. Over reliance on the system leading to the accelerator
pedal or brake pedal being mistakenly operated could result in an accident.
ØThe Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is a system which operates in response to a
vehicle ahead. The system may not be able to detect or react to 2-wheeled vehicles
or pedestrians.
ØThe laser sensor for the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is installed near
the rearview mirror. To assure the correct operation of the Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS), heed the following cautions.
ØDo not apply stickers to the surface of the windshield near the laser sensor
(including transparent stickers). Otherwise, the laser sensor may not be able to
detect vehicles ahead which could result in an accident.
ØDo not disassemble the laser sensor.
ØIf cracks or damage caused by flying gravel or debris is visible near the laser
sensor, stop using the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system immediately
and have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer. If the vehicle
continues to be driven with cracks or scratch marks left on the windshield near
the laser sensor, the system may operate unnecessarily and cause an
unexpected accident.
Refer to Stopping The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) System Operation on
page 4-91.
ØWhen replacing the windshield wipers or windshield, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Do not modify the suspension:
If the vehicle height or inclination is changed, the system will not be able to correctly
detect vehicles ahead. This will result in the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system
not operating normally or mistakenly operating, which could cause a serious
accident.
Turn off the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) when the vehicle is running on a chassis
roller or being towed:
Turn off the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system to prevent mistaken operation
when the vehicle is running on a chassis roller or being towed. See the next page on
how to turn off the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).
Refer to Stopping The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) System Operation on page
4-91.
When Driving
Brake
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Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (218,1)
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 4-92) and TCS (page
4-93).
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
4-23.
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.
qDSC OFF Switch
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will turn off.
4-94
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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Form No.8DQ8-EA-13L
Black plate (228,1)
NOTElThe Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system operates when all of the following conditions
are met.
lThe vehicle speed is about 30 km/h (19 mph) to 145 km/h (90 mph).lThe Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is turned on.lThe parking brake is not applied.lThe Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is operating normally.
(Manual transaxle)
lThe shift lever is in a position other than reverse (R) or neutral (N).lThe clutch pedal is not depressed.
(Automatic transaxle)
lThe selector lever is in the drive (D) position or manual (M) position (manual mode).lIn the following cases, the warnings may not activate even if your vehicle starts closing in on the
vehicle ahead.
lYou are driving at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.lDirectly after the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system has been set.lWhen the accelerator pedal is depressed or directly after the accelerator pedal is released.lAnother vehicle cuts into the driving lane.lThe following are not detected as physical objects.lVehicles approaching in the opposite directionlPedestrianslStationary objects (stopped vehicles, obstructions)lIf a vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely low speed, the system may not detect it correctly.lDuring headway control travel, do not set the system on two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles
and bicycles.
lDo not use the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system under conditions in which the close
proximity warnings are frequently activated.
lDuring headway control travel, the system accelerates and decelerates your vehicle in
conjunction with the speed of the vehicle ahead. However, if it is necessary to accelerate for a lane
change or if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly causing you to close in on the vehicle rapidly,
accelerate using the accelerator pedal or decelerate using the brake pedal depending on the
conditions.
lWhile the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is in use, it does not cancel even if the
selector lever (automatic transaxle)/shift lever (manual transaxle) is operated and any intended
engine braking will not occur. If deceleration is required, lower the vehicle speed setting or
depress the brake pedal.
4-104
When Driving
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
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