Driving Tips
WA R N I N G
Do not let the vehicle move in a direction
opposite to the direction selected by the
selector lever:
Do not let the vehicle move backward with
the selector lever in a forward position, or
do not let the vehicle move forward with
the selector lever in the reverse position.
Otherwise, the engine may 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.
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
NOTE
•The accelerator pedal may initially feel
heavy as it is being depressed, then feel
lighter as it is depressed further. This
change in pedal force aids the engine
control system in determining how much
the accelerator pedal has been
depressed for performing kickdown, and
functions to control whether or not
kickdown should be performed.
•While the selector lever is in the M
position and the TCS is turned off,
manual shift mode does not switch to
automatic shift mode even if the
accelerator pedal is completely
depressed. Operate the selector lever.
Climbing steep gra des from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift to
lower gears, depending on load weight and
grade steepness. Descend slowly, using the
brakes only occasionally to prevent them
from overheating.
When Driving
Automatic Transaxle
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▼Gate operator/Canadian
Programming
Canadian radio-frequency laws require
transmitter signals to “time-out” (or quit)
after several seconds of transmission ―
which may not be long enough for
HomeLink to pick up the signal during
programming. Simila
r to this Canadian
law, some U.S. gate ope rators are designed
to “time-out” in the same manner.
If you live in Canada or you are having
difficulties progra mming a gate operator
by using the “Programming” procedures
(regardless of where you live), replace
“Programming HomeLink” step 3 with
the following:
NOTE
If programming a garage door opener or
gate operator, it is advised to unplug the
device during the “cycling” process to
prevent possible overheating.
Continue to press and hold the HomeLink
button while you press and release ―
every two seconds (“cycle”) your
hand-held transmitter until the frequency
signal has successfully been accepted by
HomeLink. (The indicator light will flash
slowly and then rapidly.)
Proceed with “Programming” step 4 to
complete.
▼ Operating the HomeLink System
Press the programmed HomeLink button
to operate a programmed device. The code
will continue being transmitted for a
maximum of 20 seconds.
▼Reprogramming the HomeLink
system
To program a device to HomeLink using a
HomeLink button previously trained,
follow these steps:
1. Press and hold the desired HomeLink
button. DO NOT release the button.
2. The indicator light will begin to flash after 20 seconds. Without releasing the
HomeLink button, proceed with
“Programming” - step 1.
▼Erasing Programmed HomeLink
Buttons
To erase the existing programming from
all three operating
channels, press and
hold the two outside buttons (
, ) on
the auto-dimming mirror until the
HomeLink indicator light begins to flash
after approximately 10 seconds.
Verify that the programming has been
erased when you re sell the vehicle.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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Wear shoes appropriate for driving in
order to avoid your shoe contacting the
brake pedal when depressing the
accelerator pedal.
▼ Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
The EPB equipment applies the parking
brake using an electric motor. When the
EPB is applied, the EPB switch indicator
light turns on.
Indicator light
WA R N I N G
Do not drive the vehicle with the EPB
applied:
If the vehicle is driven with the parking
brake applied, the brake parts may
generate heat and the brake system may
not operate, leading to an accident.
Before driving, release the EPB and verify
that the brake system warning light is
turned off.
NOTE
•The EPB cannot be applied or released
while the vehicle battery is dead.
•If the EPB is repeatedly applied and
released it may stop operating to
prevent overheating of the motor. If this
occurs, wait approx. 1 minute before
operating the EPB switch again.
•An operation sound occurs when
applying or releasing the EPB, however,
this does not indicate a malfunction.
•If the EPB is not used for long periods,
an automatic inspection of the system is
performed while the vehicle is parked.
An operation sound can be heard,
however, this does not indicate a
problem.
•When the EPB is applied and the
ignition is switched OFF, an operation
sound can be heard, however, this does
not indicate a problem.
•The brake pedal may move while the
EPB is being applied or released,
however, this does not indicate a
problem.
•If the EPB switch is continually pulled
while driving the vehicle, the EPB will
be applied and the EPB warning beep
will be activated. When the switch is
released, the EPB is released and the
beep stops.
•If the EPB is applied with the ignition
switched off or in ACC, the brake system
warning light in the
instrument cluster
and the indicator light in the switch may
turn on for 15 seconds.
When Driving
Brake
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i-ACTIV AWD Operation*
AWD provides excellent drivability on
snow-covered and ice-packed roads, sand
and mud, as well as on steep slopes and
other slippery surfaces.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-32.
WA R N I N G
Never spin a wheel that is off the ground:
Spinning a wheel that is off the ground as a
result of the vehicle being stuck or in a
ditch is dangerous. The drive assembly
could be seriously damaged which could
lead to an accident or could even lead to
overheating, oil leakage, and a fire.
▼ AW D D r i v i n g
WA R N I N G
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvers when driving this
vehicle:
Sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvering of this
vehicle is dangerous
as it could result in the increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle roll-over,
personal injury or death.
This vehicle has a higher center of gravity.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity
such as utility and AWD vehicles handle
differently than vehicles with a lower center
of gravity.
Utility and AWD vehicles are not designed
for cornering at high speeds any more than
low profile sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. In addition, utility vehicles have
a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Drive carefully when the vehicle is loaded
by lowering vehicle speed and applying the
brakes earlier:
Abrupt maneuvering and sudden braking
when driving a loaded vehicle is dangerous
as the driving behavior of a vehicle with a
high center of gravity is different when it is
loaded compared to when it is not, and
could result in the loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
*Some models.4-81
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7If Trouble Arises
Helpful information on what to do if a problem arises with the vehicle.
Parking in an Emergency................. 7-2 Parking in an Emergency..............7-2
Flat Tire.............................................. 7-3 Spare Tire and Tool Storage......... 7-3
Changing a Flat Tire................... 7-10
Battery Runs Out............................ 7-21 Jump-Starting............................. 7-21
Emergency Starting.........................7-24 Starting a Flooded Engine.......... 7-24
Push-Starting.............................. 7-24
Overheating......................................7-25 Overheating................................ 7-25
Emergency Towing.......................... 7-27 Towing Description.................... 7-27
Towing Hooks (Mexico ).............7-28
Warning/Indicator Lights and
Warning Sounds.............................. 7-30
If a Warning Light Turns On or
Flashes........................................ 7-30
Message Indicated on
Display........................................7-44
Message Indicated in Multi-
information Display
*.................. 7-46
Warning Sound is Activated....... 7-47
When Liftgate Cannot be
Opened..............................................7-52 When Liftgate Cannot be
Opened........................................7-52
Active Driving Display Does Not
Operate
*........................................... 7-53
If the Active Driving Display Does
Not Operate................................ 7-53
*Some models.7-1
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Overheating
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating or the high engine coolant
temperature warning light turns on, the
vehicle loses power, or you hear a loud
knocking or pinging noise, the engine is
probably too hot.
WA R N I N G
Pull over to a safe location, then switch
the ignition off and make sure the fan is
not running before attempting to work
near the cooling fan:
Working near the cooling fan when it is
running is dangerous. The fan could
continue running indefinitely even if the
engine has stopped and the engine
compartment temperature is high. You
could be hit by the fan and seriously
injured.
Do not remove either cooling
system cap when the engine and radiator
are hot:
When the engine and radiator are hot,
scalding coolant and steam may shoot out
under pressure and cause serious injury.
Open the hood ONLY after steam is no
longer escaping from the engine:
Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you.
If the temperature gauge indicates
overheating or the high engine coolant
temperature warning light turns on:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way.
2. Shift into park (P).
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Turn off the air conditioner.
5. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from the engine
compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Do not go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine
until it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the engine
temperature will increase. Stop the
engine and call an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
6. Make sure the cooling fan is operating, then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
If Trouble Arises
Overheating
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7. When cool, check the coolant level.If it is low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
If you find a leak or other damage, or if
coolant is still leaking:
Stop the engine and call an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Cooling system cap
Coolant reservoir
Cooling fan
If you find no problems, the engine is
cool, and no leaks are obvious:
Carefully add coolant as required (page
6-27).
CAUTION
If the engine continues to overheat or
frequently overheats, have the cooling
system inspected. The engine could be
seriously damaged unless repairs are
made. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
If Trouble Arises
Overheating
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SignalWarning
(Red)
High Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning
Indication/Warning
Light The light flashes when the engine
coolant temperature is extremely high, and illumi-
nates when the engine coolant temperature increases further.
Handling Procedure
Flashing light
Drive slowly to reduce engine load until you can find a safe pl ace 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 immedi-
ately and stop the engine.
Refer to Overheating on page 7-25.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle with the high engine coolant temperature warning light illumi‐
nated. Otherwise, it could resu lt in damage to the engine.
Power Steering Mal-
function Indication*
The message is displayed if the electric power steering has a m alfunction.
If the message is displayed, st op the vehicle in a safe place a nd do not operate the
steering wheel. There is no problem if the message in the displ ay turns off after a
while. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer if the message is dis played continuously.
NOTE
•If the message is displayed, the power steering will not operate normally. In this
case, the steering wheel can still be operat ed, however, the operation may feel heavy
compared to normal, or the steerin g 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.
Power Steering Mal- function Indicator
Light
*
The light illuminates/flashes if the electric power steering ha s a malfunction.
If the light illuminates/flashes, stop the vehicle in a safe pl ace and do not operate the
steering wheel. There is no problem if the light turns off afte r a while. Contact an Au-
thorized Mazda Dealer if the lig ht illuminates/flashes continuously.
NOTE
•If the indicator light illuminates/flashes, the power steering will not operate normal-
ly. If this happens, the steering wheel can still be oper ated, however, the operation
may feel heavy compar ed to normal, or the steering wheel could vibrate when turn-
ing.
•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.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
7-32*Some models.
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