windshield wipers MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2018 Owners Manual

4When Driving
Information concerning safe driving and stopping.
Start/Stop Engine.............................. 4-4 Ignition Switch........ ..................... 4-4
Starting the Engine....................... 4-5
Turning the Engine Off...............4-10
Instrument Cluster and Display............
........................................................... 4-12 Meters and Gauges..................... 4-12
Active Driving Display
*............. 4-20
Warning/Indicator Lights............4-23
Manual Transaxle Operation......... 4-29 Manual Transaxle Shift
Pattern......................................... 4-29
Automatic Transaxle....................... 4-32 Automatic Transaxle
Controls...................................... 4-32
Shift-Lock System...................... 4-33
Transaxle Ranges........................4-33
Manual Shift Mode..................... 4-35
Direct Mode
*.............................. 4-41
Driving Tips................................4-42
Switches and Controls..................... 4-43
Lighting Control......................... 4-43
Fog Lights
*................................. 4-48
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals........................................ 4-48
Windshield Wipers and
Washer........................................ 4-49
Rear Window Wiper and Washer
*.....
.................................................... 4-53
Rear Window Defogg er.............. 4-53
Horn............................................ 4-55
Hazard Warning Flasher............. 4-56
HomeLink Wireless Control
System
*.......................................4-56
Brake................................................ 4-60 Brake System.............................. 4-60
Hill Launch Assist (HLA).......... 4-64
ABS/TCS/DSC................................. 4-66 Antilock Brake System
(ABS)..........................................4-66
Traction Control System
(TCS).......................................... 4-67
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)..........................................4-68
i-ELOOP.......................................... 4-70 i-ELOOP
*................................... 4-70
Fuel Economy Monitor................... 4-72 Fuel Economy Monitor
*............. 4-72
*Some models.4-1
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21

Auto-light control*
When the headlight switch is in the position and the ignition is switched ON, the light
sensor senses the surrounding lightness or darkness and automat ically 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
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 wh en it is particularly 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 minute s such as inside long
tunnels, traffic jams inside tunn els, or in indoor parking lots.
In this case, the lights turn off if the light switch is turned to the
position.
The sensitivity of the auto-light control may be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-12.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
*Some models.4-45
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21

NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, one
of the turn signal bulbs may be burned
out.
A personalized function is available to
change the turn indicator sound volume.
(page 9-12)
▼Lane-Change Signals
Move the lever halfway toward the
direction of the lane change―until the
indicator flashes― and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.
▼Three-Flash Turn Signal
After releasing the turn signal lever, the
turn signal indicator flashes three times.
The operation can be cancelled by moving
the lever in the direction opposite to which
it was operated.
NOTE
The three-flash turn signal function can be
switched to operable/inoperable using the
personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-12.
Windshield Wipers and
Wa s h e r
The ignition must be switched ON to use
the wipers.
WA R N I N G
Use only windshield washer fluid or plain
water in the reservoir:
Using radiator antifreeze as washer fluid is
dangerous. If sprayed on the windshield, it
will dirty the windshield, affect your
visibility, and could result in an accident.
Only use windshield washer fluid mixed
with anti-freeze protection in freezing
weather conditions:
Using windshield washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection in freezing weather
conditions is dangerou s as it could freeze
on the windshield and block your vision
which could cause an accident. In addition,
make sure the windshield is sufficiently
warmed using the defroster before
spraying the washer fluid.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
4-49
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21

NOTE
If the windshield wipers are operated
under cold weather conditions or during
snowfall, they could stop due to
accumulated snow on the windshield. If
the windshield wipers stop due to
accumulated snow on the windshield, park
the vehicle in a safe place, turn the wiper
switch off, and then remove the
accumulated snow. If the wiper switch is
turned to another position other than OFF,
the wipers will operate. If the wipers do
not operate even though the wiper switch
is turned to a position other than OFF,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
▼ Windshield Wipers
Turn the wipers on by pressing the lever
up or down.
With intermittent wiper

Switch Posi-
tion Wiper operation
Operation while pulling up lever
Stop
Intermittent
Low speed
High speed
Variable-speed intermittent wipers
Set the lever to the intermittent position
and choose the interval timing by rotating
the ring.

INT ringFast
Slow
With auto-wiper control

Switch Posi-
tion Wiper operation
Operation while pulling up lever
Stop
Auto control
Low speed
High speed
When Driving
Switches and Controls
4-50
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1
2017-4-7 11:59:21

Auto-wiper control
When the wiper lever is in the
position, the rain sensor senses the amount
of rainfall on the windshield and turns the
wipers on or off automatically
(off―intermittent―low speed―high
speed).

The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be
adjusted by turning the switch on the
wiper lever.
From the center position (normal), rotate
the switch upward for higher sensitivity
(faster response) or rotate it downward for
less sensitivity (slower response).

Higher sensitivity
Less sensitivitySwitch
Center
position
CAUTION
Do not shade the rain sensor by adhering
a sticker or a label on the windshield.
Otherwise the rain sensor will not
operate correctly.
When the wiper lever is in the
position and the igniti on is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
 If the windshield above the rain sensor
is touched or wiped with a cloth.
 If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of the
windshield when the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is
switched ON as fingers could be pinched
or the wipers and wiper blades 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 most likely that the
engine is left running) this is particularly
important when clearing ice and snow.
NOTE
Switching the auto-wiper lever from the
to the position while driving
activates the windshield wipers once,
after which they operate according to
the rainfall amount.
The auto-wiper control may not operate
when the rain sensor temperature is
about
－10 °C (14 °F) or lower, or
about 85 °C (185 °F) or higher.
If the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be
able to sense the amount of rainfall
correctly and the auto-wiper control
may not operate properly.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
4-51
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21

If dirt or foreign matter (such as ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres to
the windshield above the rain sensor, or
if the windshield is iced, it could cause
the wipers to move automatically.
However, if the wipers cannot remove
this ice, dirt or foreign matter, the
auto-wiper control will stop operation.
In this case, set the wiper lever to the
low speed position or high speed
position for manual operation, or
remove the ice, dirt or foreign matter by
hand to restore the auto-wiper
operation.
If the auto-wiper lever is left in the
position, the wipers could operate
automatically from the effect of strong
light sources, electromagnetic waves, or
infrared light because the rain sensor
uses an optical sensor. It is
recommended that the auto-wiper lever
be switched to the
position other
than when driving the vehicle under
rainy conditions.
The auto-wiper control functions can be
turned off. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-12.
▼ Windshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid.

Washer
OFF
NOTE
If the windshield wash
er is turned on when
the windshield wipers are not operating,
the windshield wipers operate a few times.
If the washer does no t work, inspect the
fluid level (page 6-27). If the fluid level
is normal, consult a n Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
4-52
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21

The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) includes a function for detecting a soiled windshield
and informing the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may not detect plastic
shopping bags, ice or snow on the windshield. In such cases, the system cannot accurately
determine a vehicle ahead and may not be able to operate normally. Always drive carefully
and pay attention to the road ahead.
NOTE
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot detect target objects
correctly, and each system may be unable to operate normally.
The height of the vehicle ahead is low.
You drive your vehicle at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
Headlights are not turned on during the night or when going through a tunnel.
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) may not be able to detect
target objects correctly.
Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow.
The window washer is being used or the windshield wipers are not used when it's
raining.
Ice, fog, snow, frost, rainfall, dirt, or foreign matter such as a plastic bag is stuck on the
windshield.
Trucks with low loading platforms and vehicl es with an extremely low or high profile.
When driving next to walls with no patterning (including fences and longitudinally
striped walls).
The taillights of the vehicle ahead are turned off.
A vehicle is outside the illumi nation range of the headlights.
The vehicle is making a sharp turn, or ascending or descending a steep slope.
Entering or exiting a tunnel.
Heavy luggage is loaded causing the vehicle to tilt.
Strong light is shone at the front of the vehicle (back light or high-beam light from
on-coming vehicles).
There are many light emitters on the vehicle ahead.
When the vehicle ahead is not equipped with taillights or the taillights are turned off at
nighttime.
Elongated luggage or cargo is loaded onto installed roof rails and covers the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
Exhaust gas from the vehicle in front, sand, snow, and water vapor rising from
manholes and grating, and water splashed into the air.
When towing a malfunctioning vehicle.
The vehicle is driven with tires having significantly different wear.
The vehicle is driven on down slopes or bumpy roads.
There are water puddles on the road.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-133
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21

Wiper Blades
CAUTION
Hot waxes applied by automatic car
washers have been known to
affect the
wiper's ability to clean windows.
 To prevent damage to the wiper blades,
do not use gasoline, kerosene, paint
thinner, or other solvents on or near
them.
 When the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
 If the windshield above the rain sensor
is touched.
 If the windshield above the rain sensor
is wiped with a cloth.
 If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object.
 If the rain sensor is struck with a hand
or other object from inside the vehicle.
Be careful not to pinch hands or fingers
as it may cause injury, or damage the
wipers. When washing or servicing the
vehicle, make sure the wiper lever is in
the OFF position.
Contamination of either the windshield or
the blades with foreign matter can reduce
wiper effectiveness. Common sources are
insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments
used by some commercial car washes.

If the blades are not wiping properly, clean
the window and blades with a good
cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse
thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if
necessary.
▼ Replacing Windshield Wiper Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well, the
blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiper arms and
other components, do not try to sweep the
wiper arm by hand.
NOTE
When raising both windshield wiper arms,
raise the driver's side wiper arm first.
When lowering the wiper arms, slowly
lower the wiper arm from the passenger's
side first while supporting it with your
hand. Forcefully lowering the wiper arms
could damage the wiper arm and blade,
and may scratch or crack the windshield.
1. Raise the wiper arm.
2. Open the clip and slide the blade
assembly in the direction of the arrow.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
6-29
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21

Wa t e r M a r k s
Occurrence
Rain, fog, dew, and even tap water can
contain harmful minerals such as salt and
lime. If moisture containing these minerals
settles on the vehicle and evaporates, the
minerals will concentrate and harden to
form white rings. The rings can damage
your vehicle's finish.
Prevention
It is necessary to wash and wax your
vehicle to preserve its finish according to
the instructions in this section. These steps
should be taken immediately after you find
water marks on your vehicle's finish.
Paint Chipping
Occurrence
Paint chipping occurs when gravel thrown
in the air by another vehicle's tires hits
your vehicle.
How to avoid paint chipping
Keeping a safe distance between you and
the vehicle ahead reduces the chances of
having your paint chipped by flying
gravel.
NOTE
The paint chipping zone varies with the
speed of the vehicle. For example, when
traveling at 90 km/h (56 mph), the paint
chipping zone is 50 m (164 ft).
In low temperatures a vehicle's finish
hardens. This increases the chance of
paint chipping.
Chipped paint can lead to rust forming
on your Mazda. Before this happens,
repair the damage by using Mazda
touch-up paint according to the
instructions in this section. Failure to
repair the affected area could lead to
serious rusting and expensive repairs.

Follow all label and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
▼ Maintaining the Finish
Wa s h i n g
CAUTION

When the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
 If the windshield above the rain sensor
is touched or wiped with a cloth.
 If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of the
windshield when the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is
switched ON as fingers could be pinched
or the wipers and wiper blades 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 most likely that the
engine is left running) this is particularly
important when clearing ice and snow.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
6-64
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21

Index
Tire inflation pressure warning
beep..............................................7-40
Warranty............................................ 8-16
Weights................................................ 9-8
Windows Power windows......... .................. 3-35
Windshield Washer........................... 4-52Windshield Wipers............................ 4-50
Winter Driving.................................. 3-48
Wiper Replacing Rear Window Wiper Blade
(5-Door)................ ....................... 6-31
Replacing Windshield Wiper
Blades.......................................... 6-29
10-9
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21