
4–47
When Driving
Switches and Controls
NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, one
of the turn signal bulbs may be burned
out.
A personalized function is available to
change the turn indicator sound volume.
(page 9-12)
Lane-Change Signals
Move the lever halfway toward the
direction of the lane change—until the
indicator flashes— and hold it there. It will
return to the off position when released.
Three-Flash Turn Signal
After releasing the turn signal lever, the
turn signal indicator flashes three times.
The operation can be cancelled by moving
the lever in the direction opposite to which
it was operated.
NOTE
The three-flash turn signal function can be
switched to operable/inoperable using the
personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-12.
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition must be switched ON to use
the wipers.
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the windshield,
affect your visibility, and could result in
an accident.
Only use windshield washer fluid mixed
with anti-freeze protection in freezing
weather conditions: Using windshield washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection in freezing
weather conditions is dangerous as
it could freeze on the windshield and
block your vision which could cause
an accident. In addition, make sure
the windshield is sufficiently warmed
using the defroster before spraying the
washer fluid.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 472015/05/11 14:00:51

4–62
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 4-21.
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 tire 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 tires 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.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 622015/05/11 14:00:56

4–84
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Auto cancel
Under the following conditions, the
LDWS is automatically canceled and
kept on stand-by, and the LDWS warning
light (amber) in the instrument cluster
illuminates.
The system cannot detect white or
yellow lines. The vehicle speed is less than about 65
km/h (40 mph). The vehicle is making a sharp turn. The vehicle is making a turn at an
inadequate speed. The temperature inside the camera is
high or low. The windshield around the camera is
foggy. The windshield around the camera is
blocked by an obstruction, causing poor
forward visibility.
The lane indication (bordered line) is
indicated in the active driving display
(Type A instrument cluster
*1) or the multi
information display (Type B instrument
cluster
*1).
The LDWS is automatically enabled when
the condition changes and the system is
operable.
*1 To determine which instrument cluster
is equipped on your Mazda, Refer to
Meters and Gauges on page 4-11.
Auto cancel of warning
Under the following conditions, the
LDWS determines that the driver is
making lane changes and the warning is
automatically canceled.
The LDWS is automatically enabled after
the operation.
The steering wheel is operated abruptly . The brake pedal is depressed abruptly. The accelerator pedal is depressed
abruptly. A turn signal lever is operated (after the
turn signal lever is returned, the LDWS
warning may not operate for about 3
seconds which is the period of time
required to make a lane correction).
NOTE
After about 5 seconds have elapsed
with the turn signal lever left operating,
the LDWS warning may operate if the
vehicle is close to a white or yellow line.
The sensitivity of the warning
(sensitivity with which the system
determines the driver's intentional lane
change) can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-12.
Canceling the System
To cancel the LDWS, press the LDWS
switch. The LDWS indicator light (Green/
Amber) in the instrument cluster turns off.
The lane indication displayed in the
active driving display (Type A instrument
cluster
*1) or the multi information display
(Type B instrument cluster*1) turns off.
*1 To determine which instrument cluster
is equipped on your Mazda, Refer to
Meters and Gauges on page 4-11.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 842015/05/11 14:01:02

4–88
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
If the road width is extremely narrow, vehicles two lanes over may be detected.
The detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set according to the road width of
expressways.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights may turn on in reaction to stationary
objects on the road or the roadside such as guardrails, tunnels, sidewalls, and parked
vehicles.
The walls at the entrance and exits of tunnels, turnouts.
Objects such as guardrails and concrete walls running alongside the vehicle.Places where the width between guardrails or walls on each side of the vehicle narrows.
A Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light may flash or the warning beep may be
activated several times when making a turn at a city intersection. Turn off the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system while pulling a trailer\
or while an
accessory such as a bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the
radar’s radio waves will be blocked causing the system to not operate normally\
.
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.
Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors. The front door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function when the shift lever (manual
transaxle) or the selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to \
the reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on page 4-92.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 882015/05/11 14:01:03

4–94
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.
The vehicle speed when reversing is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster. The radar sensor (rear) detection area is obstructed by a nearby wall or parked
vehicle. (Reverse the vehicle to a position where the radar sensor detection area is no
longer obstructed.)
Your vehicle
A vehicle is approaching directly from the rear of your vehicle.
Your vehicle
The vehicle is parked on a slant.
Your vehicle
Directly after pressing the BSM OFF switch and the system becomes operable.
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumina tion/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.
Snow or ice adheres to the door mirrors. The front door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
Turn off the Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system while pulling a trailer or while an
accessory such as a bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise,
the radio waves emitted by the radar will be blocked causing the system \
to not operate
normally.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 942015/12/04 19:23:19

5–5
Interior Features
Climate Control System
*Some models.
Manual Climate Control
Rear window defogger switch
Temperature control dial
Fan control dialMode selector dial
A/C switch
Air intake selector
(recirculated air
position)Air intake selector
(outside air position)
With A/C switch
Control Switches
Temperature control dial
This dial controls temperature. Turn it
clockwise for hot and counterclockwise
for cold.
NOTE
When the mode is set to or with the
fan control dial in a position other than 0
and the temperature control dial in the
maximum cold position, the air intake
selector switches to the recirculated air
position and the A/C turns on
automatically.
If A/C is not desired, press the A/C switch
to turn it off.
Fan control dial
This dial allows variable fan speeds.
The fan has seven speeds.
Mode selector dial
Turn the mode selector dial to select
airflow mode (page 5-4).
NOTE
The mode selector dial can be set at the
intermediate positions () between
each mode. Set the dial to an
intermediate position if you want to split
the airflow between the two modes.
For example, when the mode selector
dial is at the position between the
and positions, airflow from the floor
vent is less than that of the position.
A/C switch*
Press the A/C switch to turn the air
conditioner on. The indicator light on the
switch will illuminate when the fan control
dial is in any position except OFF.
Press the switch once again to turn the air
conditioner off.
NOTE
The air conditioner may not function when
the outside temperature approaches 0 °C
(32 °F).
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 52015/12/04 19:23:37

5–7
Interior Features
Climate Control System
NOTE
When maximum cooling is desired,
set the temperature control dial to the
extreme cold position and set the air
intake selector to the recirculated air
position, then turn the fan control dial
fully clockwise.
If warmer air is desired at floor level,
set the mode selector dial at the
position and adjust the temperature
control dial to maintain maximum
comfort.
The air to the floor is warmer than air
to the face (except when the temperature
control dial is set at the extreme hot or
cold position).
Ventilation
1. Set the mode selector dial to the
position.
2. Set the air intake selector to the outside
air position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
4. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.
Windshield Defrosting and
Defogging
1. Set the mode selector dial to the
position.
2. Set the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
3. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.
4. If dehumidified heating is desired, turn
on the air conditioner.
WARNING
Do not defog the windshield using the
position with the temperature
control set to the cold position:
Using the
position with the
temperature control set to the cold
position is dangerous as it will cause
the outside of the windshield to fog up.
Your vision will be hampered, which
could lead to a serious accident. Set
the temperature control to the hot or
warm position when using the
position.
NOTE
For maximum defr osting, turn on the air
conditioner, set the temperature control
dial to the extreme hot position, and
turn the fan control dial fully clockwise.
If warm air is desired at the floor, set the
mode selector dial to the position. In the or position, the air
conditioner is automatically turned on
and the outside air position is
automatically selected to defrost the
windshield. In the
or position, the
outside air position cannot be changed
to the recirculated air position.
Dehumidifying (W ith air
conditioner)
Operate the air conditioner in cool or cold
weather to help defog the windshield and
side windows.
1. Set the mode selector dial to the desired
position.
2. Set the air intake selector to the outside
air position.
3. Set the temperature control dial to the
desired position.
4. Set the fan control dial to the desired
speed.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 72015/05/11 14:01:19

5–9
Interior Features
Climate Control System
Automatic Climate Control
Rear window defogger switch
Temperature control dialFan control dialMode selector dial
A/C switchAir intake selector switch
Control Switches
Temperature control dial
This dial controls temperature. Turn it
clockwise for hot and counterclockwise
for cold.
Fan control dial
The fan has seven speeds.
AUTO position
The amount of airflow will be
automatically controlled in accordance
with the set temperature.
Except AUTO position
The airflow amount can be adjusted to the
desired level by turning the dial.
0 position
To turn off the system, set the dial to 0
position.
Mode selector dial
Turn the mode selector dial to select
airflow mode (page 5-4). AUTO position
The airflow mode automatically adjusts to
the selected temperature.
Except AUTO position
The desired airflow position can be
selected by turning the dial.
NOTE
With the airflow mode set to the
position and the temperature control
dial set at a medium temperature,
heated air is directed to the feet and air
at a comparably lower temperature will
flow through the central, left and right
vents.
When the fan contr
ol dial is ON, and the
mode selector dial is in the or
position, the air conditioner is
automatically turned on and the outside
air position is automatically selected to
defrost the windshield. In the
or
position, the outside air position cannot
be changed to the recirculated air
position.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 92015/05/11 14:01:20