WA R N I N G
Do not use engine braking on slippery road
surfaces or at high speeds:
Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy,
or frozen roads, or while driving at high
speeds causes sudden engine braking,
which is dangerous. The sudden change in
tire speed could cause the tires to skid. This
could lead to loss of vehicle control and an
accident.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel rim
when using fingers on the steering shift
switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of the
steering wheel when using the steering
shift switches is dangerous. If the driver's
air bag were to deploy in a collision, your
hands could be impacted causing injury.
NOTE
When driving at high speeds, the gear
may not shift down.
During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending on
vehicle speed.
When depressing the accelerator fully,
the transmission will shift to a lower
gear, depending on vehicle speed.
However, the gears do not kickdown
while the DSC is turned off.
▼Second Gear Fixed Mode
When the selector lever is moved back +
while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h
(6.2 mph) or less, the
transmission is set in
the second gear fixed mode. The gear is
fixed in second while in this mode for
easier acceleration from a stop and driving
on slippery roads such as snow-covered
roads.
If the selector lever is moved back + or
forward – while in the second gear fixed
mode, the mode will be canceled.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
4-38
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1 2018-10-17 19:05:10
To turn on the windshield wiper de-icer,
switch the ignition ON and press the rear
window defogger switch (page 4-55).
1. Indicator light
▼ Mirror Defogger*
The mirror defoggers defrost the outside
mirrors.
The mirror defoggers operate in
conjunction with the rear window
defogger.
To turn on the mirror defoggers, switch the
ignition ON and press the rear window
defogger switch (page 4-55).
1. Indicator light
Horn
▼ Horn
To sound the horn, press the mark on
the steering wheel.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
4-56*Some models.
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1 2018-10-17 19:05:10
AUTOHOLD
▼AUTOHOLD
The AUTOHOLD function automatically holds the vehicle stopped,
even if you take your
foot off the brake pedal. This function can be best used while stopped in traffic or at a traffic
light. The brakes are released when you resume driving the vehi cle such as by releasing the
clutch pedal with the shift leve r shifted to a position other than the neutral position (manual
transmission vehicle) or depressing the accelerator pedal (automatic transmission vehicle).
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on the AUTOHOLD function:
The AUTOHOLD function is only designed to assist the brake operation while the vehicle is
stopped. Neglecting to operate the brakes and relying only on the AUTOHOLD system is
dangerous and could result in an unexpected a ccident if the vehicle were to suddenly move.
Operate the brakes appropriatel y in accordance with the road and surrounding conditions.
Do not release your foot from the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a steep grade:
Because there is a possibility of the vehicle not being held in the stopped position by the
AUTOHOLD function, the vehicle may move un expectedly and result in an accident.
Do not use the AUTOHOLD function on slippery roads such as icy or snow-covered roads, or
unpaved roads:
Even if the vehicle is held in the stopped posi tion by the AUTOHOLD function, the vehicle may
move unexpectedly and result in an accident . Operate the accelerator pedal, brakes, or
steering wheel approp riately as necessary.
Immediately depress the brake pedal in the following cases:
Because the AUTOHOLD function is canceled forcibly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly
and result in an accident.
“Depress Brake Pedal. Brake Hold Disabled” is displayed in the multi-information display
and the warning sound is activated at the same time.
Always apply the parking brake when parking the vehicle:
Not applying the parking brake when parking the vehicle is dangerous as the vehicle may
move unexpectedly and result in an accident. When parking the vehicle, shift the selector
lever to the P position (automatic transmission vehicle) and apply the parking brake.
When Driving
Brake
4-68
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1 2018-10-17 19:05:10
Drive Selection*
▼Drive Selection
Drive selection is a s
ystem to switch the
vehicle's drive mode. When the sport
mode is selected, v ehicle'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
When the sport mode is selected, driving
at higher engine speeds increases and it
may increase fuel consumption. Mazda
recommends that you cancel the sport
mode on normal driving.
Drive mode cannot be switched in the
following conditions:
ABS/TCS/DSC is operating
Cruise control* is operating.
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop
& Go function) System
* is operating.
Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS)* is
operating.
Steering wheel is being operated
abruptly
▼ Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive sele
ction switch forward
(SPORT) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back (OFF)
to cancel the sport mode.
NOTE
In the following cases, the drive
selection is canceled.
The ignition is switched OFF.
Cruise Control is set.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop
& Go function) is set.
Cruising & Traffic Support (CTS) is
set.
Depending on the driving conditions
when sport mode is selected, the vehicle
may perform shift-down or slightly
accelerate.
▼ Select Mode Indicator Light
When the sport mode is selected, the select
mode indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster.
1. Select mode indicator light
When Driving
Drive Selection
4-78*Some models.
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1
2018-10-17 19:05:10
i-ACTIV AWD Operation*
▼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 Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and AWD Warning Indication/
Warning Light on page 7-30.
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.
▼ AWD Driving
This vehicle has not been designed for the
purpose of off-road driving or rallies. Do
not attempt to drive over uneven or rocky
surfaces, or across rivers.
Although this vehicle is equipped with
AWD, acceleration, steering and braking
operations should be conducted in the
same manner as with a non-AWD vehicle,
with the emphasis placed on safe driving.
▼Tires and Tire Chains
The condition of the tires plays a large role
in the performance of the vehicle.
Moreover, to prevent adverse effects to the
drive assembly, please note the following:
Tires
When replacing tires, always replace all
front and rear tires
at the same time.
All tires must be of the same size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern.
Pay particular attention when equipping
snow or other types of winter tires.
Do not mix tread-worn tires with normal
tires.
Inspect tire inflation pressures at the
specified periods adjust to the specified
pressures.
NOTE
Check the tire inflation pressure label
attached to driver's door frame for the
correct tire inflation pressure.
Make sure to equip the vehicle with
genuine wheels of the specified size, on
all wheels. With AWD, the system is
calibrated for all 4 wheels being of the
same dimensions.
Tire chains
Install tire chains to the front tires.
Do not use tire chains on the rear
wheels.
Do not drive the veh icle faster than 30
km/h (19 mph) with the tire chains
installed.
Do not drive the vehicle with tire chains
on road conditions other than snow or
ice.
▼ To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing, have it
towed with all 4 wheels completely off the
ground.
Refer to Towing Description on page
7-22.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
4-80*Some models.
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1
2018-10-17 19:05:10
Power Steering
▼Power Steering
Power 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.
The warning indication notifies the
driver of system abnormalities and
operation conditions.
Refer to Power Steering Malfunction
Indication/Indicator Light on page
7-28.
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
4-81
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1
2018-10-17 19:05:10
NOTE
You can select systems you want to cancel
using the personalization features.
Refer to the Settings section in the Mazda
Connect Owner's Manual.
When the i-ACTIVSENSE switch is
pressed and held
When pressing and holding the
i-ACTIVSENSE switch, the following
systems are canceled in addition to the
systems which are canceled by pressing
and immediately releas ing the switch. The
i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol (warning/
risk avoidance support system) turns off
and the SBS OFF indicator light turn on.
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
Smart Brake Support [Rear] (SBS-R)
Smart Brake Support [Rear Crossing]
(SBS-RC)
If the i-ACTIVSENSE switch is pressed
again, the systems return to their original
status, the SBS OFF indicator light turns
off and the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol
(warning/risk avoidance support system)
turns on.
Adaptive Front Lighting
System (AFS)
*
▼Adaptive Front Lighting System
(AFS)
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 Exterior Light Warning
Indication/Warning Light on page 7-33.
NOTE
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
can be switched to operable/inoperable
using the personalization function.
Refer to the Settings section in the Mazda
Connect Owner's Manual.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.4-87
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1
2018-10-17 19:05:10
Lane Departure WarningSystem (LDWS)
*
▼Lane Departure Warning System
(LDWS)
The LDWS alerts the driver that the
vehicle may be deviating from its lane. If
the white (yellow) lin
es on the traffic lane
are detected using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) and the system determines
that the vehicle may be deviating from its
lane, it notifies the driver by flashing the
LDWS warning light and activating the
LDWS warning beep, and by the
multi-information display.
Refer to Forward Sen sing Camera (FSC)
on page 4-198.
Use the LDWS when you drive the vehicle
on roads with white (yellow) lines.
1. Forward sensing camera (FSC)
2. Multi-information display
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on the LDWS.
The LDWS system is not designed to
compensate for a driver’s lack of caution
and relying too much on the system
could lead to an accident.
The functions of the LDWS have
limitations. Always stay on course using
the steering wheel and drive with care.
Do not use the LDWS under the following
circumstances, otherwise it may result in
an accident.
The vehicle is driven on slippery roads
such as icy or snow-covered roads, and
unpaved roads.
Tires of a different specified size are
used, such as a temporary spare tire.
Tires with insufficient tread are used.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to
the specified pressure.
The vehicle is being used to tow a
camper or boat trailer.
Tire chains are used.
The vehicle is driven on roads with lane
lines other than white (yellow) lines,
such as an expressway.
CAUTION
Heed the following cautions so that the
LDWS can operate normally.
Do not modify the vehicle's suspensions.
Always use wheels of the specified type
and size for the front and rear wheels.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer for
tire replacement.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-90*Some models.
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1 2018-10-17 19:05:10