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Recommendations for shifting (U.S.A.
and Canada)
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.
Gear Vehicle speed*1
M1 to M2 24 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
M4 to M5 73 km/h (45 mph)
M5 to M6 81 km/h (50 mph)
*1: Always observe local speed limit regulations.
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steepupgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steepdowngrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
qDirect Mode
Direct mode can be used for temporarily
switching gears by operating the steering
shift switch while the vehicle is being
driven with the selector lever in the D
range.
While in direct mode, the D and M
indicator lights illuminate and the gear
position in use is illuminated.
Direct mode is canceled (released) under
the following conditions.
lThe UP switch (/OFF) is pulled
rearward for a certain amount of time
or longer.
lThe vehicle is driven for a certain
amount of time or longer (time differs
depending on the driving conditions
while operating).
lThe vehicle is stopped or moving at a
slow speed.
Gear position indicator
Direct mode indicator
NOTE
Shifting up and down while in direct mode may
not be possible depending on the vehicle
speed. In addition, because direct mode is
canceled (released) depending on the rate of
acceleration or if the accelerator is fully
depressed, use of the manual shift mode is
recommended if you need to drive the vehicle
in a particular gear for long periods.
qDriving Tips
WARNING
Do not allow the vehicle to move in
reverse on an up-slope while the
selector lever is in a forward gear
position, or move forward on a down-
slope while the selector lever is in the
reverse position:
Otherwise, the engine will stop,
causing the loss of the power brake
and power steering functions, and
make it difficult to control the vehicle
which could result in an accident.
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When Driving
Transaxle
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Manual Type Climate Control
Indicator light
CAUTION
Do not use sharp instruments or
window cleaners with abrasives to
clean the inside of the rear window
surface. They may damage the
defogger grid inside the window.
NOTE
lThis defogger is not designed for melting
snow. If there is an accumulation of snow
on the rear window, remove it before using
the defogger.
lThe rear window defogger setting can be
changed. After changing the setting, the
rear window defogger stops automatically
after 15 minutes have elapsed and when the
ambient temperature is high. When the
ambient temperature is low, it continues to
operate until the switch is pressed again.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-9.
qMirror Defoggerí
To turn on the mirror defoggers, switch
the ignition ON and press the rear window
defogger switch (page 4-68).
Horn
To sound the horn, press themark on
the steering wheel.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
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qi-ELOOP Charging Display
If the engine is started after the vehicle
has not been driven for a long period of
time, an“i-ELOOP charging”message
may be indicated in the display.
Leave the engine idling and wait until the
message disappears.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven while the message is
displayed, a beep sound is heard.
If you turn the steering wheel while the
message is displayed, 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 message is no
longer displayed.
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When Driving
i-ELOOP
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Drive Selectioní
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 enhanced. This provides
additional quick acceleration which may be needed to safely make maneuvers 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
lWhen 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.
lDrive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions:lABS/TCS/DSC is operatinglThe Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system/cruise control is operating.lSteering wheel is being operated abruptly
qDrive Selection Switch
Press the drive selection switch to the
side (forward) to select the sport
mode.
Pull the drive selection switch to the
side (backward) to cancel the sport mode.
NOTElWhen the ignition is switched off, the sport
mode is canceled.
lDepending on the driving conditions when
sport mode is selected, the vehicle may
perform shift-down or slightly accelerate.
qSelect Mode Indication
When the sport mode is selected, the
select mode indication turns on in the
instrument cluster.
NOTE
If the mode cannot be switched to drive mode,
the select mode indication flashes to notify the
driver.
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When Driving
íSome models.
Drive Selection
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Power Steering
lPower 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.
lFor vehicles with the type A instrument
cluster, check the vehicle condition or
have the vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer according to
the indication.
lA system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
In addition, the buzzer may also
activate depending on the system
abnormality or operation condition.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-22.
Refer to Warning Sound is Activated
on page 7-33.
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.
When Driving
Power Steering
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Adaptive Front Lighting
System (AFS)
í
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 and the
vehicle speed is about 2 km/h (2 mph) or
higher.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-22.
NOTE
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
function can be switched to operable/
inoperable using the personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-9.
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When Driving
íSome models.
i-ACTIVSENSE
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WARNING
Do not use the LDWS under the following conditions:
The system may not operate adequately according to the actual driving conditions,
resulting in an accident.
ØDriving on roads with tight curves.
ØDriving under bad weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow).
The functions of the LDWS have limitations:
Always stay on course using the steering wheel and drive with care. The system is
not designed to compensate for a driver's lack of caution and if you rely too much on
the LDWS it could lead to an accident. The driver is responsible for assuring lane
changes and other maneuvers. Always pay attention to the direction in which the
vehicle is traveling and the vehicle's surroundings.
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension. If the vehicle height or the damping force of the
suspensions is changed, the LDWS may not operate correctly.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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NOTElIf your vehicle deviates from its traffic lane, the LDWS operates (warning sound and indicator
light). Steer the vehicle adequately to drive the vehicle to the center of the lane.
lWhen the turn signal lever is operated for a lane change, the LDWS warning is automatically
canceled. The LDWS warning becomes operable when the turn signal lever is returned and the
system detects the white or yellow lines.
lIf the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal is operated abruptly and the vehicle moves
close to a white or yellow line, the system determines that the driver is making a lane change and
the LDWS warning is automatically canceled.
lThe LDWS may not operate during the period immediately after the vehicle has deviated from its
lane and the LDWS has operated, or the vehicle deviates from its lane repeatedly within a short
period of time.
lThe LDWS does not operate if it does not detect the white or yellow lines of the traffic lane.lUnder the following conditions, the LDWS may not be able to detect white or yellow lines
correctly and the LDWS may not operate correctly.
lIf an object placed on the dashboard is reflected in the windshield and picked up by the
camera.
lHeavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat and the vehicle is
inclined.
lThe tire pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure.lWhen the vehicle is driven on the entry and exit to or from the rest area or tollgate of a
highway.
lThe white or yellow lines are less visible because of dirt or paint flaking.lThe vehicle ahead is running near a white or yellow line and the line is less visible.lA white or yellow line is less visible because of bad weather (rain, fog, or snow).lA misleading line is picked up on the road such as a temporary line for construction, or
because of shade, lingering snow, or grooves filled with water.
lThe surrounding brightness suddenly changes such as when entering or exiting a tunnel.lThe illumination of the headlights is weakened because of dirt or the optical axis is deviated.lThe windshield is dirty or foggy.lBack-light is reflecting from the road surface.lThe road surface is wet and shiny after rain, or there are puddles on the road.lThe shade of a guardrail parallel to a white or yellow line is on the road.lThe width of a lane is excessively narrow or wide.lThe road is excessively uneven.lThe vehicle is shaken after hitting a road bump.lThere are two or more adjacent white or yellow lines.lThere are various road markings or lane markings of various shapes near an intersection.
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