2015 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK wheel

4–53
When Driving
Transaxle
Shift-Lock Override
If the selector lever will not move from P
using the proper shift procedure, continue
to hold down the brake pedal.
1. Remove the shift-lock override cover
using a cloth-wrapped fl at head
screwdriver.
2. Insert a screwdriver and push it down.
Cover
3. Press and hold the lock-release button.
4. Move the selector lever.
5. Take the vehicle to an expert repairer,
we recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer to have the system checked.
Manual Shift Mode
The manual shift mode gives you the feel
of driving a manual transaxle vehicle by
allowing you to operate the selector lever
manually. This 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
  If you change to manual shift mode
when the vehicle is stopped, the gear
will shift to M1.
  (6-speed transaxle model)  If 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.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







*Some models.4–56
When Driving
Transaxle
Using steering shift switch *
To shift up to a higher gear with the
steering shift switches, pull the UP switch
(
) toward you once with your
fi ngers.
UP switch (+/OFF)
WARNING
Keep your hands on the steering wheel
rim when using fi ngers on the steering
shift switches (6-speed transaxle
model):
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
  When driving slowly, the gears may
not shift up.
  In manual shift mode, do not run the
engine with the tachometer needle
in the RED ZONE. When the engine
rpm is high, a gear may shift up
automatically to protect the engine.
NOTE
  When depressing the accelerator
fully, the transaxle will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
  The steering shift switch can be used
temporarily even if the selector lever
is in the D position while driving. In
addition, it returns to automatic shift
mode when the UP switch (
)
is pulled rearward for a suffi cient
amount of time.
Manually shifting down
You can shift gears down by operating the
shift lever or the steering shift switches
* .
4-speed transaxle model : M4
: M3
:
M2
: M1
6-speed transaxle model : M6
: M5
:
M4
: M3
: M2
: M1
Using selector lever
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the
selector lever forward
once.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







*Some models.4–57
When Driving
Transaxle
Using steering shift switch *
To shift down to a lower gear with the
steering shift switches, pull the DOWN
switch
toward you once with your
fi ngers.
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 tyre speed could
cause the tyres to skid. This could
lead to loss of vehicle control and an
accident.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel
rim when using fi ngers on the steering
shift switches: (6-speed transaxle
model)
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
  When driving at high speeds, the
gear may not shift down.
  During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending
on vehicle speed.
  When depressing the accelerator
fully, the transaxle will shift to a
lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
Second gear fi xed mode
When the selector lever is moved back
while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h
(6.2 mph) or less, the transaxle is set in the
second gear fi xed mode. The gear is fi xed
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 fi xed
mode, the mode will be cancelled.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







4–80
When Driving
Switches and Controls
Horn
To sound the horn, press the mark on
the steering wheel.
Hazard Warning Flasher
The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway in an emergency.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffi c hazard
and that they must take extreme caution
when near it.

Depress the hazard warning fl asher and
all the direction indicators will fl ash. The
hazard warning indicator lights in the
instrument cluster fl ash simultaneously.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







4–87
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Antilock Brake System
(ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing and
reapplying that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal ABS system operation. Continue to
depress the brake pedal without pumping
the brakes.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-41 .
WARNING
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for unsafe
and reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), driving on ice and snow,
and hydroplaning (reduced tyre friction
and road contact because of water on
the road surface). You can still have an
accident.
NOTE
  Braking 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 tyres will
build up a wedge of surface layer
when the wheels skid.
  The 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.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







*Some models.4–88
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Traction Control System
(TCS)
*
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by controlling
engine torque and braking. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque and operates the brakes to
prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-41 .
WARNING
Do not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) as a substitute for safe
driving:
The Traction Control System (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning (reduced
tyre friction and road contact because
of water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
Use snow tyres or tyre chains and
drive at reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow:
Driving without proper traction devices
on snow and/or ice-covered roads
is dangerous. The Traction Control
System (TCS) alone cannot provide
adequate traction and you could still
have an accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-90 ).
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light fl ashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC
or the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer.
NOTE
  In addition to the indicator light
fl ashing, a slight labouring sound
will come from the engine. This
indicates that the TCS/DSC is
operating properly.
  On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







*Some models.4–89
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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 manoeuvring,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 4-87 ) and TCS (page
4-88 ).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-41 .
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
tyre friction and road contact because
of water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
CAUTION
  The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
 


 Use tyres of the correct size
specifi ed for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
 


 Use tyres of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
 


 Do not mix worn tyres. 

 The DSC may not operate correctly
when tyre chains are used or a
temporary spare tyre is installed
because the tyre diameter changes.
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light fl ashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC
or the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer.
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC







4–93
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 C/type
D 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
  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.

(Vehicles with type C/type D audio) A notifi cation is displayed in the
centre display and the i-ELOOP
indicator light fl ashes at the same
time.
 Refer to Warning Message Indicated
on Display on page 7-47 .
Control status display (vehicles with
type C/type D audio)
The i-ELOOP power generating status is
displayed in the centre display.
Refer to Control Status Display on page
4-95 .
.B[EB@&'&&"@&EJUJPOJOEC