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.8DA3-EA-13G
Black plate (177,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Turning the Engine Off ............................................................. 5-5
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................. 5-11
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-18
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Operation
í..................................... 5-18
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-21
Traction Control System (TCS) .............................................. 5-24
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)/Roll Stability Control
(RSC) ...................................................................................... 5-27
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
í......................................... 5-29
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Systemí................................. 5-35
Parking Sensor System ........................................................... 5-46
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-52 Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-52
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-56 Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-56
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-70
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-72 Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-72
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-78
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-79
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-80
Rear Window Wiper and Washer ............................................ 5-84
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-85
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-86
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-87
HomeLink Wireless Control System
í.................................... 5-88
5-1íSome models.
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Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Black plate (179,1)
WARNING
Do not stop the engine while the
vehicle is moving:Stopping the engine while the vehicle
is moving for any reason other than
in an emergency is dangerous.
Stopping the engine while the vehicle
is moving will result in reduced
braking ability due to the loss of
power braking, which could cause an
accident and serious injury.
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition to OFF, set the
parking brake and make sure the shift
lever is in P: It is important to switch the ignition
to OFF 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, setting
the parking brake and shifting the
shift lever to P is dangerous.
Unexpected vehicle movement could
occur. This could cause an accident.
ACC (Accessory)
In this position, some electrical
accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. Some indicator
lights/warning lights should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-56). 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.
NOTE
Vibration of the brake pedal may be felt when
the ignition is switched ON, however, this is a
normal operation of the DSC/RSC and does
not indicate an abnormality.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key. It
then returns to the ON position.
q
Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition is switched off or the
ignition is switched to ACC with the key
inserted, a continuous beep sound will be
heard when the driver's door is opened.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-3
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Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Black plate (185,1)
NOTElBraking 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.
WARNING
Do not drive with both the ABS warning
light and brake warning light
illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have
the brakes inspected as soon as
possible:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are illuminated simultaneously is
dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the
rear wheels could lock more quickly
in an emergency stop than under
normal circumstances.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Black plate (212,1)
NOTElThe detectability of the radar sensors has its limitations. The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
may not operate properly under the following conditions:
lIce, snow, or soil adheres to the rear bumper surface around the radar sensors.lDuring adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow, or under conditions where water is
sprayed.
lThe rear bumper area around the radar sensors is blocked by foreign material (such as
stickers or a bicycle carrier).
lThe radar sensors do not detect human, animal, shopping cart, bicycle, or static objects such as
fences.
lThe radar sensors may not detect all types of vehicles around your vehicle, especially the
following types of vehicles:
lMotorcycleslVehicles with body shapes that radar may not reflect such as a flatbed trailer with no cargo.lVehicles with lower body height such as sports cars.lAlthough the system may detect objects on the road side such as parked vehicles or guardrails and
operate the warning light/beep, it does not indicate a malfunction.
lIf the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors can
detect, the system may pause (the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light in the
instrument panel flashes). However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
lThe following conditions may affect the visibility of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
lights on the outside mirror, making it difficult to confirm the illumination of the lights:
lIce or snow adheres to the surface of the outside mirrors.lThe door window glass is tinted.lThe radar sensors are equipped inside the rear bumper. (page 5-43)lHave the radar sensors inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer if any shock is applied to the
rear bumper, even in a minor accident. If the vehicle is driven with a damaged radar sensor, the
system may not operate properly resulting in an accident.
lFor repairs or paintwork around the radar sensors, or replacement of the bumper, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lThe radar sensors of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system may be regulated under the radio
wave related laws of the country where the vehicle is driven. The sensors in this system are
approved for use in the U.S.A. (including territories), Canada, and Mexico. If a vehicle with a
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is driven in a country other than the U.S.A., Canada, or
Mexico, the system has to be turned off using the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF switch.
5-36
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Black plate (218,1)
qBSM Warning Light/Beep
BSM warning light
Equipped on the left and right door
mirrors.
This warning light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
Driving forward
If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
system detects a vehicle in the detection
area while the vehicle is driven at a speed
of about 10 km/h (6.2mph) or more, the
BSM warning light illuminates on the side
of the vehicle where the rear on-coming
vehicle is detected. A warning indicator
light flashes when the turn signal lever is
operated to the side where the BSM
warning lights is illuminated to alert the
driver.
Reversing
If vehicles approach from the rear on the
left and right, the BSM warning lights on
both sides flash. NOTE
lIf ice or snow adhere to the outer mirror
surface, the BSM warning light may not be
visible.
lIf the door window glass is tinted, it may
affect the visibility of the BSM warning
light, making it difficult to confirm the
illumination of the light.
BSM warning beep
Driving forward
The warning beep operates when the turn
signal lever is operated to the side where
the BSM warning light is illuminated.
NOTE
The system can be personalized so that the
BSM warning beep does not operate. Refer to
Personalization Features on page 10-8.
Reversing
If vehicles approach from the rear on the
left and right, the BSM warning beep
operates.
q
BSM OFF Indicator Light
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.
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Black plate (232,1)
Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-58
Malfunction Warning Light5-58
Charging System Warning Light5-60
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light5-60
Check Engine Light5-60
ABS Warning Light5-59
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light5-61
5-56
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
CX-9_8DA3-EA-13G_Edition2 Page232
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Form No.8DA3-EA-13G
Black plate (233,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Low Fuel Warning Light 5-61
Check Fuel Cap Warning Light5-62
Seat Belt Warning Light5-62
Door-Ajar Warning Light5-62
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light5-62
Automatic Transaxle Warning Light5-62
AWD Warning Light5-63
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light5-63
KEY Warning Light (Red)/KEY Indicator Light (Green)5-65
Security Indicator Light5-67
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light5-67
Shift Position Indicator Light5-67
TCS/DSC/RSC Indicator Light5-68
TCS OFF Indicator Light5-68
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green) 5-68
BSM OFF Indicator Light5-69
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-57
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Form No.8DA3-EA-13G