7 –35 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds Signal Warning
(Red)
High Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Indication/Warning
Light The light flashes when the engine coolant temperature is extreme ly high, and
illuminates when the engine coolant temperature increases further.
Handling Procedure
Flashing light
Drive slowly to reduce engine load until you can find a safe pla ce to stop the vehicle
and wait for the engine to cool down.
Illuminated light
This indicates the possibility of overheating. Park the vehicle in a safe place
immediately and stop the engine.
Refer to Overheating 7-27 .
CAUTION Do not drive the vehicle with the high engine coolant temperature warning light
illuminated. Otherwise, it could result in damage to the engine.
Power Steering
Malfunction Indicator
Light The light illuminates if the electric power steering has a malfunction.
If the light illuminates, stop the vehicle in a safe place and do not operate the steering
wheel. There is no problem if the light turns off after a while. Contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer if the light illuminates continuously.
NOTE
If the indicator light illuminates, the power steering will not operate normally. If this
happens, the steering wheel can still be operated, however, the operation may feel
heavy compared to normal, or the steering wheel could vibrate when turning.
Repeatedly jerking the steering wheel left and right while the vehicle is stopped or
moving extremely slowly will cause the power steering system to go into protective
mode which will make the steering feel heavy, but this does not indicate a problem. If
this occurs, park the vehicle safely and wait several minutes for the system to return
to normal.
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7 –36 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models. Contact Authorized Mazda Dealer and Have Vehicle InspectedIf any of the following warning lights or the indicator light t urns on/flashes, the system may
have a malfunction. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have your vehicle inspected. Signal Warning
Master Warning
Indication/Warning
Light *
Type A instrument cluster
(Master warning indication)
Displays when notification of the system malfunctions is require d.
Check the message indicated in the display and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
(Master warning light)
The master warning light displays when a warning message occurs.
This indicates a malfunction with the vehicle system. Check the message indicated in the
display and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
For details, refer to the explanations for the warning/indicato r lights, in the warning/
indicator lights section, which match the symbol in the upper part of the display.
If a message is not indicated in the display, operate the INFO switch to display the
“Warning” screen.
Refer to Message Indicated in Multi-information Display and INF O switch on page 4-18 .
Type B instrument cluster
The light illuminates continuously if any one of the following occurs. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
There is a malfunction in the battery management system.
There is a malfunction in the brake switch.
Electric Vacuum
Pump Warning
Light The light turns on if the electric vacuum pump system has a problem. Have your vehicle
inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
ABS Warning Light If the ABS warning light stays on while you're driving, the ABS control unit has detected a
system malfunction. If this occurs, your brakes will function normally as if the vehicle had
no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it is the result of the weak battery and does
not indicate an ABS malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
The brake assist system does not operate while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
Check Engine Light If this light illuminates while driving, the vehicle may have a problem. It is important to
note the driving conditions when the light illuminated and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
The check engine light may illuminate in the following cases:
The engine's electrical system has a problem.
The emission control system has a problem.
The fuel tank level being very low or approaching empty.
The fuel-filler cap is missing or not tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on, or it flashes continuously , do not drive at high speeds
and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
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7 –37 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
Automatic
Transmission
Indication/Warning
Light *
The indication/light illuminates when the transmission has a problem.
CAUTION If the automatic transmission warning indication/light illuminates, the transmission
has an electrical problem. Continuing to drive your Mazda in this condition could cause
damage to your transmission. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
(Illuminate)
TCS/DSC Indicator
Light 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 Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Air Bag/Seat Belt
Pretensioner System
Warning Light A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly
illuminates or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these
occur, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not operate
in an accident.
WARNING Never tamper with the air bag/pretensioner systems and always have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer perform all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the systems is dangerous. An air bag/pretensioner
could accidentally activate or become disabled causing serious injury or death.
(Flashing)
Tire Pressure
Monitoring System
Warning Light *
If the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tire pressure warning light
flashes. Have your vehicle checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
WARNING If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire
pressure warning beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle speed immediately and avoid
sudden maneuvering and braking:
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire
pressure warning beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at high
speeds, or perform sudden maneuvering or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen
and result in an accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak or a flat, pull over to a safe position where you can
check the visual condition of the tire and determine if you have enough air to proceed
to a place where air may be added and the system monitored again by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer or a tire repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous, even if you know why it is illuminated.
Have the problem taken care of as soon as possible before it develops into a more
serious situation that could lead to tire failure and a dangerous accident.
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7 –38 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
(Red)
KEY Warning
Indication *
“Keyless System malfunction” is displayed
This message is displayed if the advanced keyless entry & push button start system has a
problem.
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION If the message is indicated, or the push button start indicator light (amber) flashes, the
engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it using the emergency
operation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4-9 .
(Amber)
KEY Warning
Indication *
“Ignition is on” is displayed
This message is displayed when the driver's door is opened without switching the ignition
off.
“Key not detected” is displayed
This message is displayed when any of the following operations is performed with the key
out of the operational range or placed in areas inside the cabi n where it is difficult for the
key to be detected.
The push button start is pressed with the ignition switched off
The ignition is switched on
All doors are closed without switching the ignition off
(Red)
(Illuminate)
KEY Warning
Light *
If any malfunction occurs in the keyless entry system, it illuminates continuously.
CAUTION If the key warning indicator light illuminates or the push button start indicator light
(amber) flashes, the engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it
using the emergency operation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4-9 .
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7 –39 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
(Illuminate)
Lane Departure
Warning System
(LDWS) Warning
Indication/Warning
Light *
The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The LDWS does not operate when the warning indication/warning light illuminates.
CAUTION
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions. Have your
vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When the warning indication/warning light illuminates while driving the vehicle.
When the system is canceled automatically, the warning indication/warning
light illuminates. Normally, the system restores automatically and the warning
indication/warning light turns off, however, if the warning indication/warning light
illuminates, there may be a problem with the system.
The warning indication/warning light does not illuminate when the ignition is
switched ON.
Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same
manufacture, brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with significantly
different wear patterns on the same vehicle. If such improper tires are used, the LDWS
may not operate normally.
When an emergency spare tire is used, the system may not operate normally.
NOTE If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or
obstructed, the light turns on temporarily. If the light remains turned on, there may be a
problem with the system.
(Amber)
High Beam Control
System (HBC)
Warning Indication/
Warning Light *
The warning indication/warning light illuminates if there is a problem with the system.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE If the windshield area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or
obstructed, the warning indication/warning light illuminates temporarily. If the warning
indication/warning light illuminates, there may be a problem with the system.
Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM)
Warning Indication *
The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors
can detect, the system may pause. However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM)
OFF Indicator
Light *
A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions.
Have your vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The light does not turn on when the ignition is switched ON.
The light remains on even when the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can be operated.
The light turns on while driving the vehicle.
NOTE If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors
can detect, the system may pause (The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light in
the instrument cluster illuminates). However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
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7 –40 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning
Retractable
Fastback Warning
Indication *
The message is displayed when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
LED Headlight
Warning Light This light illuminates if there is a malfunction in the LED hea dlight. Have your vehicle
inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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7 –41 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds Taking ActionTake the appropriate action and verify that the warning light turns off. Signal Warning Action to be taken
Seat Belt Warning Light Except Mexico
The seat belt warning light turns on if the driver
or passenger's seat is occupied and the seat belt
is not fastened with the ignition switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger's seat is
occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a speed
faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph), the warning
light flashes. After a short time, the warning
light stops flashing, but remains illuminated.
NOTE
The warning light flashes for about 6 seconds
if the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the
ignition is switched ON.
To allow the passenger occupant classification
sensor to function properly, do not place
and sit on an additional seat cushion on the
passenger's seat. The sensor may not function
properly because the additional seat cushion
could cause sensor interference.
If a small child is seated on the passenger's
seat, the warning light may not operate.
Mexico
The seat belt warning light turns on if the driver
or passenger's seat is occupied and the seat belt
is not fastened with the ignition switched ON.
If the driver or passenger's seat belt is
unfastened (only when the passenger's seat is
occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a speed
faster than about 20 km/h (12 mph), the warning
light flashes. After a short time, the warning
light stops flashing, but remains illuminated. If
a seat belt remains unfastened, the warning light
flashes again for a given period of time.
NOTE
Placing heavy items on the passenger's seat
may cause the passenger's seat belt warning
function to operate depending on the weight
of the item.
To allow the passenger seat weight sensor to
function properly, do not place and sit on an
additional seat cushion on the passenger's
seat. The sensor may not function properly
because the additional seat cushion could
cause sensor interference.
If a small child is seated on the passenger's
seat, the warning light may not operate. Fasten the seat belts.
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7 –42 If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.Signal Warning Action to be taken
Door-Ajar/Trunk
lid-Ajar Warning
Indication/Warning Light The light turns on if any door/trunk lid is
not closed securely. Close the door/trunk lid securely.
Low Fuel Warning Light The light turns on when the remaining fuel
is about 9.0 L (2.3 US gal, 1.9 Imp gal).
NOTE The light illumination timing may
vary because fuel inside the fuel tank
moves around according to the driving
conditions and the vehicle posture. Add fuel.
Check Fuel Cap Warning
Light If the check fuel cap warning light
illuminates while driving, the fuel-filler
cap may not be installed properly. Stop the engine and reinstall the fuel-filler
cap.
Refer to Fuel-Filler Cap on page 3-26
Low Washer Fluid Level
Warning Indication/
Warning Light *
This warning light indicates that little
washer fluid remains. Add washer fluid (page 6-31 ).
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