Towing Description
We recommend that towing be done only
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a
commercial tow-truck service.
Proper lifting and towing are necessary to
prevent damage to the vehicle. Particularly
when towing an AWD vehicle, where all
the wheels are connected to the drive train,
proper transporting of the vehicle is
absolutely essential to avoid damaging the
drive system. Government and local laws
must be followed.
Wheel dollies
A towed FWD vehicle should have its
drive wheels (front wheels) off the ground.
If excessive damage or other conditions
prevent this, use wheel dollies.
When towing a FWD vehicle with the rear
wheels on the ground, release the parking
brake.
Refer to Electric Parking Brake (EPB) on
page 4-55.
A towed AWD vehicle must have all its
wheels off the ground.
WARNING
Always tow an AWD vehicle with all four
wheels off the ground:
Towing an AWD vehicle with either the
front or rear wheels on the ground is
dangerous as the drive train could be
damaged, or the vehicle could trail away
from the tow truck and cause an accident.
If the drive train has been damaged,
transport the vehicle on a flatbed truck.
CAUTION
Do not tow the vehicle pointed backward
with driving wheels on the ground. This
may cause internal damage to the
transaxle.
Do not tow with sling-type equipment.
This could damage your vehicle. Use
wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.
If Trouble Arises
Emergency Towing
7-23
CX-3_8JL1-EA-20G_Edition1_old 2020-5-22 15:31:00
If the parking brake cannot be released
when towing the vehicle, transport the
vehicle with all front and rear wheels
raised off the ground as shown in the
figure. If the vehicle is towed without
raising the wheels off the ground, the
brake system could be damaged.
Wheel dollies
Tiedown Hooks*
CAUTION
Do not use the front tiedown eyelet for
towing the vehicle.
They have been designed only for securing
the vehicle to a transport vessel during
shipping.
Using the eyelet for any other purpose
could result in the vehicle being damaged.
▼ Tiedown Hook-Front
1. Remove the tiedown eyelet and the lug
wrench from the luggage compartment
(page 7-3).
2. Wrap a jack lever or similar tool with a soft cloth to prevent damage to a
painted bumper, and open the cap
located on the front bumper.
CAUTION
Do not use excessive force as it may
damage the cap or scratch the painted
bumper surface.
If Trouble Arises
Emergency Towing
7-24*Some models.
CX-3_8JL1-EA-20G_Edition1_old 2020-5-22 15:31:00
SignalWarning
Brake System Warning
Light This warning has the
following functions:
Parking brake warning/Warning light inspection
The light illuminates when the parking brake is applied w ith the ignition switched to
START or ON. It turns off when the parking brake is released.
When the light turns on
If the brake system warning light remains turned on even though the parking brake is
released, the brake fluid may be low or th ere could be a problem with the brake sys ‐
tem. Park the vehicle in a safe place i mmediately and contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
When the light is flashing
The light flashes if the Electric Pa rking Brake (EPB) has a malfunction.
If the light remains flashing even if th e Electric Parking Brake (EPB) switch is oper ‐
ated, consult an Authorized Mazd a Dealer as soon as possible.
WA R N I N G
Do not drive with the brake system warning light illuminated. Contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the brakes inspected as soon as possible:
Driving with the brake system warning light illuminated is dangerous. It indicates that
your brakes may not work at all or that they could completely fail at any time. If this
light remains illuminated, after checking that the parking brake is fully released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.
CAUTION
In addition, the effectiveness of the braking may diminish so you may need to depress
the brake pedal more st rongly than normal to stop the vehicle.
Electronic Brake Force
Distribution System Wa r n i n g If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some compo ‐
nents are operating incorrectly, the control unit may illuminate the brake system
warning light and the ABS warning light si multaneously. The problem is likely to be
the electronic brake forc e distribution system.
WA R N I N G
Do not drive with both the ABS warning light and brake warning light illuminated.
Have the vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the brakes inspected as
soon as possible:
Driving when the brake system warning lig ht and ABS warning light are illuminated
simultaneously is dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the rear wheels could lock more quickly in an emer‐
gency stop than under normal circumstances.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
7-27
CX-3_8JL1-EA-20G_Edition1_old 2020-5-22 15:31:00
SignalWarning
Power Steering Mal‐
function Indicator Light The light illuminates/flashes if the electric power steering has a malfunction.
If the light illuminates/flashes, stop the vehicle in a safe place and do not operate the
steering wheel. There is no problem if the
light turns off after a while. Contact an Au ‐
thorized Mazda Dealer if the light illuminates/flashes continuously.
NOTE
If the indicator light illuminates/flashes, the power steering will not operate nor‐
mally. If this happens, the steering wheel can still be operated, however, the opera‐
tion may feel heavy compared to normal , or the steering wheel could vibrate when
turning.
Repeatedly jerking the steering wheel left and right while the vehicle is stopped or
moving extremely slowly will cause the power steering system to go into protective
mode which will make the steerin g feel heavy, but this does not indicate a problem.
If this occurs, park the vehicle safely and wait several minutes for the system to
return to normal.
▼ Contact Authorized Mazda Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected
If any of the following warning lights or the indicator light turns on/flashes, the system may
have a malfunction. Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have your vehicle inspected.
Signal
Warning
ABS Warning LightIf the ABS warning light stay
s on while you're driving, the ABS control unit has detected
a system malfunction. If this occurs, your brakes will functio n normally as if the vehicle
had no ABS.
Should this happen, consu lt an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
When the engine is jump-sta rted to charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs, it is the result of the weak battery and does
not indicate an ABS malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
The brake assist system does not operate while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
Master Warning
Light (Vehicles with type B audio)
The light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Operate the center display
and verify the content.
Refer to If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes on page 7-26.
(Vehicles with type A audio)
The light illuminates continuously if any one of the following occu rs. Consult an Author‐
ized Mazda Dealer.
There is a malfunction in th e battery management system.There is a malfunction in the brake switch.
Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) Warn ‐
ing Light The warning light illuminates when the system
has a malfunction. Have your vehicle in‐
spected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
7-29
CX-3_8JL1-EA-20G_Edition1_old 2020-5-22 15:31:00
SignalWarning
Air Bag/Front Seat
Belt Pretensioner
System Warning
Light A system malfunction is indicated
if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly illu‐
minates or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these oc ‐
cur, consult an Authorized M azda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not operate
in an accident.WA R N I N G
Never tamper with the air bag/pretensioner systems and always have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer perform all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the systems is dangerous. An air bag/pretensioner could
accidentally activate or become disabled causing serious injury or death.
AW D Wa r n i n g
Light*
When the light is turned on
The light turns on under the following conditions. The system may have a malfunction.
Have the vehicle checked at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When there is a malfunction in the AWD system.When there is a large difference between th e tire size of the front and rear wheels.
When the light is flashing
Park the vehicle in a safe place. After a few moments, if the warning light stops flashing,
you can resume driving. If the light does not stop flashing, contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
When the differential oil temperature is excessively high.When there is a large difference between the front and rear wheel rotation, such as
when trying to remove the vehicle from mud.
(Flashing)
Tire Pressure Moni ‐
toring System
Warning Light
*
If the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tire pressure warning light
flashes. Have your vehicle checked by an Au thorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
WA R N I N G
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or
flashes, or the tire pres‐
sure warning beep sound is heard, decrease vehicle speed immediately and avoid sudden
maneuvering and braking:
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light illuminates or flashes, or the tire pres‐
sure warning beep sound is heard, it is dangerous to drive the vehicle at high speeds, or
perform sudden maneuvering or braking. Vehicle drivability could worsen and result in an
accident.
To determine if you have a slow leak or a flat, pull over to a safe position where you can
check the visual condition of the tire and determine if you have enough air to proceed to a
place where air may be added and the system monitored again by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer or a tire repair station.
Do not ignore the TPMS Warning Light:
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous, even if you know why it is illuminated. Have
the problem taken care of as soon as possible before it develops into a more serious situa‐
tion that could lead to tire failure and a dangerous accident.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.7-31
CX-3_8JL1-EA-20G_Edition1_old 2020-5-22 15:31:00
SignalWarning
(Red)
(Turns on)
KEY Warning Light If any malfunction occurs in the keyless
entry system, it illuminates continuously.
CAUTION
If the key warning indicator light illuminates or the push button start indicator light (amber)
flashes, the engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try starting it using the
emergency operation for starting the engine, and have the vehicle inspected at an Author‐
ized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Refer to Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine on page 4-9.
Security Indicator Light If the engine does not start with the correct ke
y, and the security indicator light remains
illuminated or flashing, try the following:
Make sure the key is within the operational range for signal transmission. Switch the igni‐
tion off, and then restart the en gine. If the engine does not start after 3 or more tries, con‐
tact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
(Amber)
High Beam Control System (HBC)
Wa r n i n g L i g h t
*
The light remains turned on if there is a pr oblem with the system. Have your vehicle in ‐
spected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) field of view is impaired during bad weather condi ‐
tions (such as rain, fog, and snow) and when the windshield is dirty, the warning indica‐
tion/warning light for the High Beam Contro l System (HBC) may display/turn on. Howev‐
er, this does not indicate a problem.
(Turns on)
Lane Departure
Wa r n i n g S y s t e m
(LDWS) Warning
Light
*
The warning light remains turn ed on if there is a problem with the system. Have your
vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The LDWS does not operate when the warning light illuminates.
CAUTION
A problem in the system may be indicated un der the following conditions. Have your ve‐
hicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When the light remains turned on while driving the vehicle.
When the system is canceled automatically, the light turns on. Normally, the system
restores automatically and the light turns off , however, if the light remains turned on,
there may be a problem with the system.
The light does not illuminate when the ignition is switched ON.
Always use tires for all wheels that are of the
specified size, and the same manufacture,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do no t use tires with significantly different wear
patterns on the same vehicle. If such improper tires are used, the LDWS may not operate
normally.
When an emergency spare tire is used, the system may not operate normally.
NOTE
If the windshield area in fr ont of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is fogged or ob ‐
structed, the light turns on temporarily. If the light remains turned on, there may be a
problem with the system.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
7-32*Some models.
CX-3_8JL1-EA-20G_Edition1_old 2020-5-22 15:31:00
Action to be taken
Inspect the tires and adjust to the specified inflation pressure (page 6-36).
CAUTION
When replacing/repairing the tires or wheels or both, have the work done by an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or the
tire pressure sens ors may be damaged.
NOTE
Perform tire pressure adjustment when the tires are cold . Tire pressure will vary according to the tire temper‐
ature, therefore let the vehicle stand for 1 hour or on ly drive it 1.6 km (1 mile) or less before adjusting the
tire pressures. When pressure is adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation pressure, the TPMS warning light/
beep may turn on after the tires cool and pressure drops below specification.
Also, an illuminated TPMS warning light, resulting from th e tire air pressure dropping due to cold ambient
temperature, may turn off if the ambient temperature rises. In this case, it will also be necessary to adjust the
tire air pressures. If the TPMS warnin g light illuminates due to a drop in tire air pressure, make sure to check
and adjust the tire air pressures.
After adjusting the tire air pressures, it may require some time for the TPMS warning light to turn off. If the
TPMS warning light remains illuminated, drive the vehicle at a speed of at least 25 km/h (16 mph) for 10
minutes, and then verify that it turns off.
Tires lose air naturally over time and the TPMS cannot tell if the tires are getting too soft over time or you
have a flat. However, when you find one low tire in a set of four-that is an indication of trouble; you should
have someone drive the vehicle slowly forward so you ca n inspect any low tire for cuts and any metal objects
sticking through tread or sidewall. Pu t a few drops of water in the valve stem to see if it bubbles indicating a
bad valve. Leaks need to be addressed by more than simply refilling the trouble tire as leaks are dangerous
― take it to an Authorized Mazda Dealer which has all the equipmen t to fix tires, TPMS systems and order
the best replacement tire for your vehicle.
If the warning light illuminates again even after the tire pressures are adjusted, there may be a tire puncture.
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
7-38
CX-3_8JL1-EA-20G_Edition1_old 2020-5-22 15:31:00
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
This information relates to the tire grading system developed by the U.S. National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration for grading t ires by tread wear, traction, and temperature
performance.
▼ Tr e a d We a r
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear on e-and-a-half times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm because of variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
▼ Traction-AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as meas
ured under controlled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and conc rete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and
does not include acceleration cornering (turning), hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
▼ Te m p e r a t u r e - A , B , C
The temperature grades A (the highest), B, and C, represent the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its abili
ty to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
8-23
CX-3_8JL1-EA-20G_Edition1_old 2020-5-22 15:31:00