▼Gear Shift Indicator (GSI)
The GSI supports you to obtain optimum
fuel economy and smooth driving. It
displays the selected gear position in the
instrument cluster as well as notifies the
driver to change to the most suitable gear
position corresponding to the actual
driving condition.
1. Selected gear position
2. Suitable gear position
Indication
Condition
Numeral The selected gear
position is dis‐
played.
and numeral Shift up or down to the indicated
gear position is
recommended.
CAUTION
Do not rely solely on the shift-up/
shift-down recommendations by
indications. The actual driving situation
might require shift operations different
from indication. To avoid the risk of
accidents, the road and traffic conditions
have to be judged correctly by the driver
before shifting.
NOTE
The GSI turns off when the following
operations are performed.
The vehicle is stopped.
The vehicle is put in neutral.
The vehicle is driven in reverse.
The clutch is not fully engaged when
accelerating from a stop.
The clutch pedal remains depressed for
2 seconds or longer while driving.
▼Recommendations for Shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration, Mazda
recommends these shift points:
(U.S.A. and Canada)
Gear
Vehicle speed
1 to 2 24 km/h (15 mph)
2 to 3 42 km/h (26 mph)
3 to 4 60 km/h (37 mph)
4 to 5 75 km/h (46 mph)
5 to 6 79 km/h (49 mph)
For cruising, Mazda recommends these
shift points:
(U.S.A. and Canada)
Gear Vehicle speed
1 to 2 13 km/h (8 mph)
2 to 3 29 km/h (18 mph)
3 to 4 49 km/h (30 mph)
4 to 5 63 km/h (39 mph)
5 to 6 70 km/h (43 mph)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade , downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
reduces the chance of stalling and gives
better acceleration when you need more
speed.
On a steep downgrade , downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
When Driving
Manual Transmission Operation
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Transmission Ranges
▼Transmission Ranges
The shift position indication in the
instrument clust
er illuminates.
Refer to Shift Position Indication on
page 4-36.
Shift the selector lever to the P or N
position to start the engine.
P (Park)
P locks the transmission and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.
WA R N I N G
Always set the selector lever to P position
and set the parking brake:
Only setting the selector lever to the P
position without using the parking brake to
hold the vehicle is dangerous. If P fails to
hold, the vehicle could move and cause an
accident.
CAUTION
Shifting into P, N or R while the vehicle is
moving can damage your transmission.
Shifting into a driving gear or reverse
when the engine is running faster than
idle can damage the transmission.
R (Reverse)
In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except under
rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 3-46).
N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transmission are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
WA R N I N G
If the engine is running faster than idle, do
not shift from N or P into a driving gear:
It's dangerous to shift from N or P into a
driving gear when the engine is running
faster than idle. If this is done, the vehicle
could move suddenly, causing an accident
or serious injury.
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle:
Shifting into N while driving is dangerous.
Engine braking cannot be applied when
decelerating which could lead to an
accident or serious injury.
CAUTION
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transmission
damage.
NOTE
Apply the parking brake or depress the
brake pedal before moving the selector
lever from N position to prevent the
vehicle from moving unexpectedly.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transmission will automatically
shift through a 6-gear sequence.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
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*2 When the light switch is switched to a different position from the OFF, position while the vehicle is
stopped, the daytime running light s turn off. When starting to drive the vehicle, the daytime running lights turn
on again.
*3 When the ignition is switched fr om ON to ACC or OFF, the headlights remain on if the auto headlight off
function has been canceled. If the auto headlight off function is enabled, the lights turn on for the set period
using the auto headlight off function, and then they turn off.
With auto-light control
Switch Position OFF*1
AUTO
Surround‐
ings are
bright
*2
Surround‐ ings are
dark
*3
Surround‐ ings are
bright
*2
Surround‐ ings are
dark
*3
Headlights Off Off On Off
On*4*5On*6
Daytime running lightsOff
On*7OffOn*8Off Off
Taillights
Parking lights
License plate lights
Side-marker lights Off Off On
On
*9On*9On*6
*1 When the light switch is switched to OFF while the vehicle is stopped, the lights turn off. The light switch
returns automatically to the AUTO position and the headlights c hange to AUTO operation when you start
driving the vehicle.
*2 The level of brightness around the vehicle is of a sufficient level.*3 The level of brightness around the vehicle is of an insufficie nt level.*4 The daytime running lights can be disabled using the personali zation features (page 4-49). If the daytime
running lights are disabled, the headlights turn off directly a fter starting the engine. The headlights turn on
when you begin driving the vehicle.
*5 When the light switch is sw itched from the OFF, AUTO, or position to the position while the
vehicle is stopped, the headlight s turn off. When starting to drive the vehicle, the headlights turn on again.
*6 When the ignition is switched fr om ON to ACC or OFF, the headlights turn off if the auto headlight off
function has been canceled. If the auto headlight off function is enabled, the lights turn on for the set period
using the auto headlight off function, and then they turn off.
*7 When the light switch is switche d to a different position from the AUTO position while the vehicle is stopped,
the daytime running lights turn off. When starting to drive the vehicle, the daytime running lights turn on
again.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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*8 If one of the following operations is done from the position while the vehicle is stopped, the daytime
running lights turn off.
Switch the light switch to the OFF position.
Switch the light switch to the AUTO position, and then to the position again.
Switch the light switch to the position.
When starting to drive the vehic le, the daytime running lights turn on again.
*9 When the ignition is switched from ON to ACC or OFF, the headl ights remain on if the auto headlight off
function has been canceled. If the auto headlight off function is enabled, the lights turn on for the set period
using the auto headlight off function, and then they turn off.
Auto-light control
When the headlight switch is in the AUTO position and the ignit ion is switched ON, the
light sensor senses the surrounding lightness or darkness and a utomatically turns the
headlights and other exterior lights on or off.
CAUTION
Do not shade the light sensor by adhering a st icker or a label on the windshield. Otherwise
the light sensor will not operate correctly.
The light sensor also works as a rain sensor for the auto-wiper control. Keep hands and
scrapers clear of the windshield when the wiper lever is in the AUTO position and the
ignition is switched ON as fingers could be pinched or the wipers and wiper blades could be
damaged when the wipers activate automaticall y. If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off completely when it is partic
ularly tempting to leave the
engine running. This is particularly important when clearing ice and snow.
NOTE
The headlights and other exterior lights may not turn off immediately even if the
surrounding area becomes well-lit because the light sensor determines that it is night time
if the surrounding area is continuously dark for several minutes such as inside long
tunnels, traffic jams inside tunnels, or in indoor parking lots.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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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 w hen you start driving the 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 accident if the vehicle were to suddenly move.
Operate the brakes appr opriately 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 no t being held in the stopped position by the
AUTOHOLD function, the vehicle may move unexpectedly 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 appropriately 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 transmi ssion vehicle) and apply the parking brake.
When Driving
Brake
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CAUTION
If you stop operating the accelerator pedal before the vehicle starts moving, the force holding
the vehicle in the stopped position may weaken. Firmly depress the brake pedal or depress the
accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
NOTE
Under the following conditions, a problem wi th the AUTOHOLD is occurring. Have your
vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
A message is indicated on the multi-information display and a warning sound is
activated for about 5 seconds while the AUTOHOLD is operating or when you press the
AUTOHOLD switch.
If you switch the ignition OFF while the AUTOHOLD is operating, the parking brake is
applied automatically to assist you with parking the vehicle.
The AUTOHOLD is canceled when the selector lever/shift lever is shifted to R position
while the vehicle is on level ground, or facing up a hill or grade (as shown below).
Vehicle posture and road surface gradient AUTOHOLD operation status
Vehicle tilts forward
Operates
Level ground
Does not operate, canceled
Vehicle tilts rearward
Does not operate, canceled
: Reverse driving (selector lever/sh ift lever in the reverse (R) position)
When Driving
Brake
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▼To Turn On AUTOHOLD System
Press the AUTOHOLD
switch and when
the AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
turns on, the AUTOHOLD function turns
on.
1. AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
NOTE
When all of the following conditions are
met, the AUTOHOLD standby indicator
light turns on when the AUTOHOLD
switch is pressed and the AUTOHOLD
function turns on.
The ignition is switched ON (engine is
running).
The driver's seat belt is fastened.
The driver's door is closed.
There is no problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
To operate AUTOHOLD and hold the
brakes
1. Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. The AUTOHOLD active indicator light in the instrument cluster turns on
and the brakes are held.
3. The vehicle is held in its stopped
position even with the brake pedal
released.
NOTE
When all of the following conditions are
met, the AUTOHOLD operates and the
brakes are held.
The ignition is swit ched ON (engine is
running).
The vehicle is stopped.
The brake pedal is being depressed.
The AUTOHOLD active indicator light
turns on.
The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
The driver's seat belt is fastened.
The driver's door is closed.
There is no problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
The parking brake is released.
There is no problem with the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) function.
(Automatic transmission vehicle)
The selector lever is in a position other
than R position or the vehicle tilts
forward with the selector lever in the R
position.
To release AUTOHOLD and start
driving the vehicle
If you do any of the following actions to
resume driving the vehicle, the brakes will
be released automatically and the
AUTOHOLD active indi cator light turns
off.
(Manual transmission vehicle)
You start to release the clutch pedal with
the shift lever shifted to a position other
than the neutral position
(Automatic transmission vehicle)
The accelerator pedal is depressed.
When Driving
Brake
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The vehicle could roll depending on the
vehicle's load or if it is towing something. In
addition, for vehicles with a manual
transmission, the vehicle could still roll
depending on how the clutch pedal or the
accelerator pedal is operated.
Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the vehicle.
NOTE
HLA does not operate on a gentle slope.
In addition, the gradient of the slope on
which the system will operate changes
depending on the vehicle's load.
HLA does not operate if the parking
brake is applied, the vehicle has not
stopped completely, or the clutch pedal
is released.
While HLA is operating, the brake pedal
may feel stiff and vibrate, however, this
does not indicate a malfunction.
HLA does not operate while the
TCS/DSC indicator light is illuminated.
Refer to TCS/DSC Indication/Indicator
Light (Turns on) on page 7-32.
HLA does not turn of f even if the DSC
OFF switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS/DSC.
When Driving
Brake
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