▼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
displayed.
and numer-
al Shift up or down to the indi-
cated gear position is recom-
mended.
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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Tra n s m i s s i o n R a n ge s
▼Transmission Ranges
The shift position indication in the
instrument cluster illuminates.
Refer to Shift Position Indication on
page 4-38.
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.
WARNING
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.
WARNING
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 lights turn off. When starting to drive the vehicle, the daytime
running lights turn on again.
*3 When the ignition is switched from 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 lights OffOn*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 th e vehicle is stopped, the lights turn off. The light
switch returns automatically to the AUTO position and the headlights change 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 insufficient level.*4 The daytime running lights can be disabled usin g the personalization features (page 4-51). If the
daytime running lights are disabled, the headlights turn off directly after starting the engine. The
headlights turn on when you begin driving the vehicle.
*5 When the light switch is switched from the OFF, AUTO, or position to the position while
the vehicle is stopped, the headlights turn off. When starting to drive the vehicle, the headlights turn
on again.
*6 When the ignition is switched from 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.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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*7 When the light switch is switched to a different position from the AUTO position while the vehicle isstopped, the daytime running lights turn off. When starting to drive the vehicle, the daytime running
lights turn on again.
*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 vehicle, the daytime running lights turn on again.
*9 When the ignition is switched from 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.
Auto-light control
When the headlight switch is in the AUTO position and the ignition is switched ON,
the light sensor senses the surrounding li ghtness or darkness and automatically turns
the headlights and other exterior lights on or off.
CAUTION
Do not shade the light sensor by adhering a sticker 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 automatically. If you are
going to clean the windshield, be sure the wipers are turned off completely when
it is particularly tempting to leave the en gine running. This is particularly important
when clearing ice and snow.
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 when you start driving the vehicle.
WARNING
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 appropriately 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 vehicl
e not 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 position 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 transmission 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 accelerato r pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
NOTE
Under the following conditions, a problem with 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
Ve h i c l e t i l t s f o r wa r d
Operates
Level ground
Does not operate, canceled
Ve h i c l e t i l t s rea r wa rd
Does not operate, canceled
: Reverse driving (selector lever/shift 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 switched 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 try to resume driving the vehicle,
the brakes will be released
automatically and the AUTOHOLD
active indicator light turns off.
When Driving
Brake
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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 off even if the
DSC OFF switch is pressed to turn off
the TCS/DSC.
When Driving
Brake
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