2021 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK Owners Manual

If there is a problem with the brake
system (foot brake) while driving the
vehicle, continually pulling up the
EPB switch will apply the brakes and
decelerate or stop the vehicle. The
parking brake on-reminder sound is
activated while the brake is applied.
In addition, when releasing the
switch, the brake is released and the
sound stops.
If the parking brake is applied with
the ignition switched OFF or in ACC,
the EPB indicator light in the
instrument cluster and the indicator
light in the switch may turn on for 15
seconds.
When using an automatic car wash
which moves the vehicle with the
front tires mounted, it is necessary to
cancel the parking brake auto
operation before the vehicle enters
the automatic car wash. For details,
refer to Canceling the parking brake
automatic operation.
Manual operation
Applying the parking brake manually
When the brake pedal is firmly
depressed and the EPB switch is pulled
up, the parking brake is applied
regardless of the ignition position.
When the parking brake is applied, the
EPB indicator light in the instrument
cluster and the EPB switch indicator
light turn on.
Releasing the parking brake manually
When the brake pedal is firmly
depressed and the EPB switch is
pressed while the ignition is switched
ON or the engine is running, the
parking brake is released. When the
parking brake is released, the EPB
indicator light in the instrument cluster
and the EPB switch indicator light turn
o ff.
If the EPB switch is pressed without
depressing the brake pedal, a message
is displayed on the multi-information
display to notify the driver to depress
the brake pedal.
Refer to Message Indicated on
Multi-information Display on page
7-39.
Auto operation
Applying the parking brake
automatically
When the ignition is switched from ON
to ACC or OFF, the parking brake will
be applied automatically. When the
parking brake is applied, the EPB
indicator light in the instrument cluster
and the EPB switch indicator light turn
on.
When Driving
Brake
4-67
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

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 pedal 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. Release the parking brake manually.
3. Turn o ff the AUTOHOLD.
4. Press the EPB switch continuously for 2 seconds or longer (until a
sound is activated).
5. Release the EPB switch and switch the ignition OFF within 5 seconds
after the sound was activated.
After the auto operation is
canceled, a sound is activated one
time, and the EPB switch indicator
light switches from illumination to
flashing, and then turns o ff after 3
seconds.
Auto operation cancel method 2
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Release the parking brake manually.
3. Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
4. Switch the ignition OFF with the EPB switch pressed while the brake
pedal is not depressed.
When the auto operation is
canceled, a sound is activated one
time, and the EPB switch indicator
light goes from normal flashing to
faster flashing , and then turns off
after 3 seconds.
When Driving
Brake
4-68
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

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.
The auto operation may not cancel if
the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope.
When the ignition is switched ON, the
parking brake auto operation is
restored.
▼ Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Brake System Warning
Indication/Warning Light on page
7-27.
▼Brake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become
worn, the built-in wear indicators
contact the disc plates. This causes a
screeching noise to warn that the pads
should be replaced.
When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING
Do not drive with worn disc pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is
dangerous. The brakes could fail and
cause a serious accident. As soon as
you hear a screeching noise consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
In high humidity weather conditions,
brake noises, such as brake squeak or
brake squeal can be heard. It does not
indicate a malfunction.
▼Brake Assist
During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the
brake pedal with greater force, the
brake assist system provides braking
assistance, thus
enhancing braking
performance.

When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, the
brakes apply more firmly.
NOTE
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, the
pedal will feel softer but the brakes
will apply more firmly. This is a
normal eff ect of the brake assist
operation and does not indicate a
malfunction.
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, a
motor/pump operation noise may
be heard. This is a normal e ffect of
the brake assist and does not
indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the
vehicle's main braking system.
When Driving
Brake
4-69
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

▼Brake Override System
The brake override system applies the
brake
first for safety if the brake pedal
and accelerator pedal are depressed at
the same time.
NOTE
Operation of the brake override system
can be turned on or off.
Refer to the Settings section in the
Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.
When Driving
Brake
4-70
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

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
4-71
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

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
4-72
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

▼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 o ff.
When Driving
Brake
4-73
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

NOTE
If the Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
switch is pulled while the
AUTOHOLD is operating, the
parking brake is applied and the
AUTOHOLD is released. In addition,
if the parking brake is released under
this condition, the AUTOHOLD
operates to hold the brakes.
Under the following conditions, the
parking brake is automatically
applied and the AUTOHOLD is
released. The AUTOHOLD is
re-enabled when the conditions
before the AUTOHOLD is released
are restored.
The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.The driver’s door is opened.When about 10 minutes or longer
have passed since the AUTOHOLD
operation started, the parking brake
is automatically applied. Because the
AUTOHOLD is restored when
releasing the parking brake, the hold
on the brakes by AUTOHOLD
function resumes.
(Manual transmission vehicle)
When starting to drive the vehicle
forward or in reverse on a down
slope, depress the clutch pedal and
shift the shift lever to the appropriate
position for driving in the desired
direction, and then depress the
accelerator pedal to release the
AUTOHOLD.
The AUTOHOLD can be canceled
forcibly by fully depressing the
accelerator pedal for 1 second or
longer while the AUTOHOLD is
operating. Forcibly cancel the
AUTOHOLD only when the
AUTOHOLD cannot be canceled due
to a system malfunction or it is
necessary to cancel the AUTOHOLD
in an emergency.
▼To Tu r n O
ff AUTOHOLD System
Depress the brake pedal and press the
AUTOHOLD switch. The AUTOHOLD
is turned o ff and the AUTOHOLD
standby indicator light turns o ff.
1. AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
NOTE
When the brakes are not held such
as while driving the vehicle, the
AUTOHOLD can be turned
off only
by pressing the AUTOHOLD switch.
If the AUTOHOLD switch is pressed
without depressing the brake pedal
while AUTOHOLD is operating
(AUTOHOLD active indicator light in
instrument cluster is turned on), the
message “Depress Brake Pedal and
Operate Switch to Release” is
indicated on the multi-information
display to notify the driver to depress
the brake pedal.
When Driving
Brake
4-74
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34