2015 MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR steering

4–39
When Driving
Transaxle
Driving Tips
WARNING
Do not let the vehicle move in a
direction opposite to the direction
selected by the selector lever: Do not let the vehicle move backward
with the selector lever in a forward
position, or do not let the vehicle
move forward with the selector lever
in the reverse position. Otherwise, the
engine may stop, causing the loss of
the power brake and power steering
functions, and make it diffi cult 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.
NOTE
(Some models)
The accelerator pedal may initially feel
heavy as it is being depressed, then feel
lighter as it is depressed further. This
change in pedal force aids the engine
control system in determining how much
the accelerator pedal has been depressed
for performing kickdown, and functions to
control whether or not kickdown should be
performed.
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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*Some models.4–45
When Driving
Switches and Controls
Manual type
The headlight leveling switch is used
to adjust the angle of the headlights
manually.
Select the proper headlight angle from the
following chart.
Front seat Rear
seat Load Switch
Position
Driver Passenger
× — — — 0
× × — — 0
× × × — 2
× × × × 2.5
(Between 2 and 3)
× — — × 3.5
(Between 3 and 4)
× : Y e s
—: No
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)*
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.
AFS OFF Indicator Light
When illuminated
This indicator light illuminates briefl y
when the ignition is switched ON, and
then turns off. Pressing the AFS OFF
switch cancels the AFS function and
illuminates the indicator light.
When fl ashing
The indicator light fl ashes continuously if
the system is malfunctioning. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
 y  Even if the AFS is not operating due to
some malfunction, the normal headlight
function is still operable.
 y If there is a malfunction with the
headlight auto-leveling function, the
indicator light fl ashes.
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*Some models.4–57
When Driving
Switches and Controls
Mirror Defogger *
To turn on the mirror defoggers, switch
the ignition ON and press the rear window
defogger switch (page 4-56 ).
Horn
To sound the horn, press the mark on
the steering wheel.
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4–84
When Driving
i-ELOOP
i-ELOOP Indicator Light/Control Status Display
The driver is notifi ed of the i-ELOOP
power generating status and the vehicle
conditions by the i-ELOOP indicator light
and the control status display.
i-ELOOP Indicator Light
Illuminated (vehicle without type B
audio)
The light turns on during power
generation.
Flashing
If the engine is started after the vehicle has
not been driven for a long period of time,
the i-ELOOP indicator light may fl ash.
Leave the engine idling and wait until the
indicator light turns off.
NOTE
 y  The beep will sound if the vehicle is
driven while the i-ELOOP indicator
light is fl ashing. In addition, if you
turn the steering wheel while the light
is fl ashing, it will feel heavier than
normal, but this does not indicate an
abnormality. Stop the vehicle in a safe
location with the engine running and do
not attempt to turn the steering wheel.
The steering operation will return to
normal after the i-ELOOP indicator
light stops fl ashing.
 y(Vehicles with type B audio) A notifi cation is displayed in the center
display and the i-ELOOP indicator light
fl ashes at the same time.
 Refer to Warning Message Indicated on Display on page 7-33 .
Control status display (vehicles with
type B audio)
The i-ELOOP power generating status is
displayed in the center display.
Refer to Control Status Display on page
4-86 .
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*Some models.4–87
When Driving
Drive Selection
Drive Selection *
Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle's drive mode. When the sport mode
is selected, vehicle's response against accelerator operation is enhance\
d. This provides
additional quick acceleration which may be needed to safely make maneuve\
rs such as lane
changes, merging onto freeways, or passing other vehicles.
CAUTION
Do not use the sport mode when driving on slippery roads such as wet or snow-covered
roads. It may cause tire slipping.
NOTE
 y When the sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds increases and it may
increase fuel consumption. Mazda recommends to cancel the sport mode on normal
driving.
 y Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions:
 y ABS/TCS/DSC is operating y Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
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4–89
When Driving
Power Steering
Power Steering
 y Power steering is only operable when
the engine is running. If the engine is
off or if the power steering system is
inoperable, you can still steer, but it
requires more physical effort.
 If the steering feels stiffer than usual during normal driving or the steering
vibrates, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
 y The warning light notifi es the driver
of system abnormalities and operation
conditions.
 In addition, the buzzer may also activate depending on the system abnormality or
operation condition.
 Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21 . Refer to Power Steering Warning Buzzer on page 7-38 .
CAUTION
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running. This
could damage the power steering
system.
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4–105
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
NOTE
Because this system detects slight changes in tire conditions, the timing of the warning may
be faster or slower in the following cases:
 y The size, manufacturer, or the type of tires is different from the specifi cation. y The size, manufacturer, or the type of a tire is different from the others, or the level of tire
wear is excessively different between them.
 y A run-fl at tire, studless tire, snow tire, or tire chains are used. y An emergency tire is used (The tire pressure monitoring system warning light may fl ash
and then continue illuminating).
 y A tire is repaired using the puncture tire repair kit. y The tire pressure is excessively higher than the specifi ed pressure, or the tire pressure is
suddenly lowered for some reason such as a tire burst during driving.
 y The vehicle speed is lower than about 15 km/h (9.3 mph) (including wh\
en the vehicle is
stopped), or the drive period is shorter than 5 minutes.
 y The vehicle is driven on an extremely rough road or a slippery, icy road. y Hard steering and rapid acceleration/deceleration are repeated such as during aggressive
driving on a winding road.
 y Load on the vehicle is applied to a tire such as by loading heavy luggage to one side of
the vehicle.
 y System initialization has not been implemented with the specifi ed tire pressure.
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*Some models.4–115
When Driving
Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) *
Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) is a system which alerts the driver of a possible
collision using an indicator and warning sound in the instrument cluster\
while the vehicle
is being driven at about 15 km/h or faster (10 mph or faster) and the \
system's radar sensor
determines that your vehicle may hit a vehicle or obstruction ahead.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system and always
drive carefully: Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) is only designed to reduce damage in the event of
a collision. The ability to detect an obstruction is limited depending on the obstruction,
weather conditions, or traffi c conditions. Therefore, if the accelerator pedal or brake
pedal is mistakenly operated it could result in an accident. Always verify the safety of the
surrounding area and depress the brake pedal or accelerator pedal while keeping a safe
distance from vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.
NOTE
 y  The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system operates when all of the following
conditions are met:
 y The ignition is switched ON. y The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system is on. y The vehicle speed is about 15 km/h (10 mph) or faster. y The relative speed between your vehicle and the vehicle or obstruction ahead \
is about
15 km/h (10 mph) — 145 km/h (90 mph).
 y The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system may not operate under the following
conditions:
 y If there is the possibility of hitting only a part of a vehicle or obstruction \
ahead. y If the vehicle is accelerated rapidly and it comes close to a vehicle ah\
ead. y The DSC is malfunctioning. y The vehicle is driven at the same speed as the vehicle ahead. y The accelerator pedal is depressed. y The brake pedal is depressed. y The steering wheel is being operated. y The selector lever is being operated. y The turn signal is being used.
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