2019 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK wheel

M (Manual)
M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the selector lever.
Refer to Manual Shift Mode on page
4-35.
▼Shift Position Indication
1. Shift position indication

The selector position is indicated when the
ignition is switched ON.
Gear position indication
In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift
position indication illuminates and the
numeral for the select ed gear is displayed.
▼Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
Active Adaptive
Shift (AAS)
automatically controls the transmission
shift points to best suit the road conditions
and driver input. This improves driving
feel. The transmission may switch to AAS
mode when driving up and down slopes,
cornering, driving at high elevations, or
depressing the accelerator pedal quickly
while the selector lever is in the D
position. Depending on the road and
driving conditions/vehicle operations, gear
shifting could be delayed or not occur,
however, this does not indicate a problem
because the AAS mode will maintain the
optimum gear position.
Manual Shift Mode
▼ Manual Shift Mode
The manual shift mode gives you the feel
of driving a manual transmission vehicle
by allowing you to operate the selector
lever manually. This allows you to control
engine rpm and torque to the drive wheels
much like a manual transmission when
more control is desired.
To change to manual shift mode, shift the
lever from D to M.

NOTE
Changing to manual shift mode while
driving will not damage the
transmission.
If you change to manual shift mode
when the vehicle is stopped, the gear
will shift to M1.
If you change to manual shift mode
without depressing the accelerator pedal
when driving in D range, 5th gear/6th
gear, the gear will shift to M4/M5.
To return to automatic shift mode, shift the
lever from M to D.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
4-35
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1 2018-10-17 19:05:10

WA R N I N G
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 slowly, the gears may not
shift up.
Do not drive the vehicle with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE
while in manual shift mode. In addition,
manual shift mode switches to automatic
shift mode while the accelerator pedal is
completely depressed.
This function is canceled while the DSC
is turned off. However, if the vehicle is
continuously driven at a high rpm, the
gears may automatically shift up to
protect the engine.
The steering shift switch can be used
temporarily even if the selector lever is
in the D position while driving. In
addition, it returns to automatic shift
mode when the UP switch (+/OFF) is
pulled rearward for a sufficient amount
of time.
▼Manually Shifting Down
You can shift gears down by operating the
selector lever or
the steering shift
switches
*.
M6 → M5 → M4 → M3 → M2→ M1
Using selector lever
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the
selector lever forward – once.

Using steering shift switch*
To shift down to a l ower gear with the
steering shift switches, pull the DOWN
switch (–) toward you once with your
fingers.

1. DOWN switch (–)
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
*Some models.4-37
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1 2018-10-17 19:05:10

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

NOTE
To release the parking brake when the
ignition is switched OFF, it is necessary to
cancel the parking brake auto operation.
For details, refer to Canceling the parking
brake automatic operation.
Releasing the parking brake
automatically
If the accelerator pe dal is depressed with
the parking brake applied and all of the
following conditions met, the parking
brake is released automatically. When the
parking brake is released, the EPB
indicator light in the instrument cluster
and the EPB switch indicator light turn
off.
The engine is running.
The driver's door is closed.
The driver's seat belt is fastened.
(Manual transmission vehicle)
The shift lever is in a position other
than neutral.
The clutch pedal is depressed halfway.
(Automatic transmission vehicle)
The selector lever is in the D, M, or R
position.
NOTE
If something such as the driver's foot
contacts the accelerator pedal with the
engine running and the parking brake
applied, the parking brake might be
released automatically. If you do not
intend to start driving the vehicle
immediately, shift the shift lever to the
neutral position for a manual
transmission, or shift the selector lever to
the P or N position for an automatic
transmission.
Canceling the parking brake automatic
operation
The parking brake automatic operation can
be canceled by doing any of the following
after switching the ignition from ON to
OFF.
Auto operation cancel method 1
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
3. Press the EPB switch continuously for 2 seconds or longer (until a sound is
activated).
4. Release the EPB switch and switch the ignition OFF within 5 seconds after the
sound was activated.
After the auto opera tion is canceled, a
sound is activated one time, and the
EPB switch indicator light switches
from illumination to flashing, and then
turns off after 3 seconds.
Auto operation cancel method 2
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
3. Switch the ignition OFF with the EPB switch pressed.
When the auto operation is canceled, a
sound is activated one time, and the
EPB switch indicator light from
normal flashing to faster flashing, and
then turns off after 3 seconds.
NOTE
When canceling the parking brake auto
operation and parking the vehicle, shift
the shift lever to the 1st gear or the R
position for a manual transmission, or
shift the selector lever to the P position
for an automatic transmission, and then
use wheel blocks.
When Driving
Brake
4-65
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

Antilock Brake System(ABS)
▼Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed o
f each wheel. If one
wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing and
reapplying that wheel's brake.

The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal ABS system operation. Continue
to depress the brak e pedal without
pumping the brakes.

The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to ABS Warning Indication/Warning
Light on page 7-29.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for safe
driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for unsafe
and reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle too
closely), driving on ice and snow, and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and
road contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
NOTE
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires wi ll build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
The sound of the ABS operating may be
heard when starting the engine or
immediately after starting the vehicle,
however, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-74
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1 2018-10-17 19:05:10

Traction Control System(TCS)
▼Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and
safety by controlling
engine torque and braking. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque and operates the brakes to
prevent loss of traction.

This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.

The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to TCS/DSC Indication/Indicator
Light (Turns on) on page 7-31.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely on the Traction Control System
(TCS) as a substitute for safe driving:
The Traction Control System (TCS) cannot
compensate for unsafe and reckless
driving, excessive speed, tailgating
(following another vehicle too closely), and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and
road contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
Use snow tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are covered
with ice and/or snow:
Driving without proper traction devices on
snow and/or ice-covered roads is
dangerous. The Traction Control System
(TCS) alone cannot provide adequate
traction and you co uld still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-77).
▼ TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
If the TCS or DSC
is operating, the
indicator light flashes.

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.
NOTE
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-75
Mazda3_8HE9-EA-18K_Edition1 2018-10-17 19:05:10