
2–31
Essential Safety Equipment
Child-Restraint
5. Push the child-restraint system firmly
into the vehicle seat. Be sure the
belt retracts as snugly as possible. A
clicking noise from the retractor will be
heard during retraction if the system is
in the automatic locking mode. If the
belt does not lock the seat down tight,
repeat this step.
NOTE
Inspect this function before each use of
the child-restraint system. You should
not be able to pull the shoulder belt out
of the retractor while the system is in the
automatic locking mode. When you remove
the child-restraint system, be sure the
belt fully retracts to return the system to
emergency locking mode before occupants
use the seat belts.
6. If your child-restraint system requires
the use of a tether strap, refer to the
manufacturer's instructions to hook and
tighten the tether strap.
WARNING
Use the tether and tether anchor only
for a child-restraint system:Using the tether or tether anchor to
secure anything but a child-restraint
system is dangerous. This could
weaken or damage the tether or tether
anchor and result in injury.
Always route the tether strap between
the head restraint and the seatback: Routing the tether strap on top of
the head restraint is dangerous. In a
collision the tether strap could slide off
the head restraint and loosen the child-
restraint system. The child-restraint
system could move which may result in
death or injury to the child.
Anchor bracket
Tether strap(4-Door)
Anchor bracket
Tether strap
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 312015/05/11 14:00:08

2–33
Essential Safety Equipment
Child-Restraint
WARNING
Always move the front passenger seat
as far back as possible if installing a
front-facing child-restraint system on it
is unavoidable:As your vehicle has front air bags and
doubly so because your vehicle has
side air bags, a front-facing child-
restraint system should be put on the
front passenger seat only when it is
unavoidable.
Even if the front passenger air
bag deactivation indicator light
illuminates, always move the seat as
far back as possible, because the force
of a deploying air bag could cause
serious injury or death to the child.
Never use a rear-facing child-restraint
system in the front seat with an air bag
that could deploy: Rear-facing child-restraint systems
on the front seat are particularly
dangerous.
Even in a moderate collision, the
child-restraint system can be hit
by a deploying air bag and moved
violently backward resulting in
serious injury or death to the child.
Even though you may feel assured
that the front passenger air bag will
not deploy based on the fact that the
front passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light illuminates, you should
not use a rear-facing child-restraint
system in the front seat. Do not allow a child or anyone to lean
over or against the side window of a
vehicle with side and curtain air bags:
It is dangerous to allow anyone to lean
over or against the side window, the
area of the front passenger seat, the
front and rear window pillars and the
roof edge along both sides from which
the side and curtain air bags deploy,
even if a child-restraint system is used.
The impact of inflation from a side or
curtain air bag could cause serious
injury or death to an out of position
child. Furthermore, leaning over or
against the front door could block the
side and curtain air bags and eliminate
the advantages of supplemental
protection. With the front air bag and
the additional side air bag that comes
out of the front seat, the rear seat is
always a better location for children.
Take special care not to allow a child to
lean over or against the side window,
even if the child is seated in a child-
restraint system.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 332015/05/11 14:00:09

2–34
Essential Safety Equipment
Child-Restraint
Front Passenger's Seat Child-Restraint
System Installation (With Front
Passenger Occupant Classification
System)
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Slide the seat as far back as possible.
3. Place the child-restraint system on the
seat without putting your weight on
the seat and fasten the seat belt. See
the manufacturer's instructions on the
child-restraint system for belt routing
instructions.
4. To get the retractor into the automatic
locking mode, pull the shoulder belt
portion of the seat belt until the entire
length of the belt is out of the retractor.
5. Push the child-restraint system firmly
into the vehicle seat. Be sure the
belt retracts as snugly as possible. A
clicking noise from the retractor will
be heard during retraction if the system
is in automatic locking mode. If the
belt does not lock the seat down tight,
repeat the previous step and also this
one.
NOTE
Inspect this function before each use of
the child-restraint system. You should
not be able to pull the shoulder belt
out of the retractor while the system is
in the automatic locking mode. When
you remove the child-restraint system,
be sure the belt fully retracts to return
the system to emergency locking mode
before occupants use the seat belts.
Follow the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Depending on the type of child-r estraint
system, it may not employ seat belts
which are in automatic locking mode.
6. Seat your child safely in the child-
restraint system and secure the child
according to the instructions from the
child-restraint system manufacturer.
7. Make sure the front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light illuminates
after installing a child-restraint system
on the front passenger seat.
If the front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light does not
illuminate, remove the child-restraint
system, switch the ignition to OFF, and
then re-install the child-restraint system
(page 2-56).
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 342015/05/11 14:00:09

2–37
Essential Safety Equipment
Child-Restraint
Installation on rear outboard seats
1. First, adjust the front seat to allow
clearance between the child-restraint
system and the front seat (page
2-5).
2. Make sure the seatback is securely
latched by pushing it back until it is
fully locked.
3. Expand the area between the seat
bottom and the seatback slightly to
verify the locations of the LATCH
lower anchors.
NOTE
The markings above the LATCH lower
anchors indicate the locations of the
LATCH lower anchors for the attachment
of a child-restraint system.
4. Raise the head restraint to the top
locked position.
Refer to Head Restraints on page
2-11.
5. Secure the child-restraint system
using BOTH LATCH lower anchors,
following the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instruction. Pull on the
child-restraint to be sure both anchors
are engaged.
6. If your child-restraint system came
equipped with a tether, that means it is
very important to properly secure the
tether for child safety. Please carefully
follow the child-restraint system
manufacturer's instructions when
installing tethers.
WARNING
Use the tether and tether anchor only
for a child-restraint system: Using the tether or tether anchor to
secure anything but a child-restraint
system is dangerous. This could
weaken or damage the tether or tether
anchor and result in injury.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 372015/05/11 14:00:10

3–1*Some models.
3Before Driving
Use of various features, including keys, doors, mirrors and windows.
Keys ......................................................3-2
Keys
...............................................3-2
Keyless Entry System
....................3-3
Advanced Keyless Entry System
.......3-9
Advanced Keyless Entry
System
* ...........................................3-9
Operational Range
.......................3-10
Doors and Locks
................................3-11
Door Locks
...................................3-11
Liftgate/Trunk Lid
........................3-20
Inside Trunk Release Lever
(4-Door)
* ......................................3-24
Fuel and Emission
.............................3-26
Fuel and Engine Exhaust
Precautions
...................................3-26
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap
................3-29
Steering Wheel ................................... 3-31
Steering Wheel
.............................3-31
Mirrors
...............................................3-32
Mirrors
.........................................3-32
Windows
.............................................3-35
Power Windows
...........................3-35
Moonroof * ...................................3-38 Security System
.................................3-40
Modification and Add-On
Equipment
....................................3-40
Immobilizer System
.....................3-40
Theft-Deterrent System* ...............3-42
Driving Tips
.......................................3-44
Break-In Period
............................3-44
Saving Fuel and Protection of the
Environment
.................................3-44
Hazardous Driving
.......................3-45
Floor Mat
.....................................3-45
Rocking the Vehicle
.....................3-46
Winter Driving
.............................3-46
Driving In Flooded Area
..............3-48
Overloading
..................................3-49
Driving on Uneven Road
.............3-50
Towing
................................................3-51
Trailer Towing
..............................3-51
Recreational Towing
....................3-51
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 12015/05/11 14:00:16

3–3
Before Driving
Keys
NOTE
The driver must carry the key to ensure the
system functions properly.
Auxiliary key
Transmitter
Ke y code number plate
To use the auxiliary key, press the knob
and pull out the auxiliary key from the
transmitter.
Keyless Entry System
This system uses the key buttons to
remotely lock and unlock the doors and
the liftgate/trunk lid, and opens the trunk
lid.
The system can start the engine without
having to take the key out of your purse or
pocket.
It can also help you signal for attention.
Operating the theft-deterrent system is
also possible on theft-deterrent system-
equipped vehicles.
Press the buttons slowly and carefully.
System malfunctions or warnings are
indicated by the following warning lights
or beeps.
KEY Warning Light (Red)
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-20. Ignition Not Switched Of f (STOP)
Warning Beep
Refer to Ignition Not Switched Of f
(STOP) Warning Beep on page 7-36. Key Removed from Vehicle Warning
Beep
Refer to Key Removed from Vehicle
Warning Beep on page 7-36.
If you have a problem with the key,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If your key is lost or stolen, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible for a replacement and to make the
lost or stolen key inoperative.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 32015/12/04 19:22:07

3–4
Before Driving
Keys
CAUTION
Radio equipment like this is governed
by laws in the United States.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE
The keyless entry system operation may
vary due to local conditions. The keyless entry system is fully
operational (door/liftgate/trunk lid lock/
unlock) when the ignition is switched
off. The system does not operate if the
ignition is switched to any position
other than off.
If the key does not operate when
pressing a button or the operational
range becomes too small, the battery
may be dead. To install a new battery,
refer to Key Battery Replacement (page
6-40).
Battery life is about one year. Replace
the battery with a new one if the KEY
indicator light (green) flashes in the
instrument cluster. Replacing the battery
about once a year is recommended
because the KEY warning light/
indicator light may not illuminate or
flash depending on the rate of battery
depletion.
Additional keys can be obtained at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to
6 keys can be used with the keyless
functions per vehicle. Bring all keys
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer when
additional keys are required.
Transmitter
Operation buttons
Operation indicator light
NOTE
(With theft-deterrent system)
The hazard warning lights flash when
the theft-deterrent system is armed or
turned off.
Refer to Theft-Deterrent System on page
3-42. (With the advanced keyless function)
A beep sound can be heard for
confirmation when the doors and the
liftgate/trunk lid are locked/unlocked
using the key. If you prefer, the beep
sound can be turned off.
The volume of the beep sound can also
be changed.
Refer to Personalization Featur es on
page 9-12.
Use the following procedure to change
the setting.
1. Switch the ignition off and close all
of the doors and the liftgate/trunk
lid.
2. Open the driver's door .
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 42015/05/11 14:00:17

3–5
Before Driving
Keys
3. Within 30 seconds of opening the
driver's door, press and hold the
LOCK button on the key for 5
seconds or longer.
All of the doors and the liftgate/
trunk lid lock and the beep sound
activates at the currently set volume.
(If the beep sound is currently set
to not activate, it will not activate.)
The setting changes each time the
LOCK button on the key is pressed
and the beep sound activates at the
set volume. (If the beep sound has
been set to not activate, it will not
activate.)
4. The setting change is completed by
doing any one of the following:
Switching the ignition to ACC or
ON. Closing the driver's door. Opening the liftgate/trunk lid. Not operating the key for 10
seconds. Pressing any button except the
LOCK button on the key. Pressing a request switch.
The operation indicator light flashes when
the buttons are pressed.
Lock button
To lock the doors and the liftgate/trunk
lid, press the lock button and the hazard
warning lights will flash once.
(With the advanced keyless function)
A beep sound will be heard once.
To confirm that all doors and the liftgate/
trunk lid have been locked, press the lock
button again within 5 seconds. If they are
closed and locked, the horn will sound.
NOTE
The doors and the liftgate/trunk lid can
be locked by pressing the lock button
while any other door or the liftgate/
trunk lid is open. The hazard warning
lights will not flash.
When the lock button is pr essed while
any door is open and then the door is
closed, all the doors and the liftgate/
trunk lid are locked.
Confirm that all doors and the liftgate/
trunk lid are locked visually or audibly
by use of the double click.
Make sure all doors and the liftgate/
trunk lid are locked after pressing the
button.
(With theft-deterrent system)
When the doors are locked by pressing
the lock button on the key while the
theft-deterrent system is armed, the
hazard warning lights will flash once to
indicate that the system is armed.
Unlock button
To unlock the driver's door, press the
unlock button and the hazard warning
lights will flash twice.
(With the advanced keyless function)
A beep sound will be heard twice.
To unlock all doors and the liftgate/trunk
lid, press the unlock button again within
3 seconds and two more beep sounds will
be heard.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 52015/05/11 14:00:18