brake light MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK 2004 (in English) User Guide

5-6
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Brake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning/
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
Low brake fluid level warning
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-18).
2. After adding fluid, check the light
again.If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light on.
In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-35).Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system
warning light on 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 on, after checking that
the parking brake is fully released,
have the brakes inspected
immediately. Don’t drive with this
light on, and contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the brakes
inspected as soon as possible.
WARNING
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5-7
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)*
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
is about to lock up, the ABS responds by
automatically releasing and reapplying
that wheel’s brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal when the ABS operates. Don’t
pump the brakes, continue to press down
on the brake pedal.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
WARNING
ABS:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident. So don’t rely on ABS as a
substitute for safe driving.
NOTE
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires will build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
WARNING
*Some models.
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5-8
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

ABS Warning Light*
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you’re driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function
normally as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
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.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
WARNING
NOTE
When the engine is jump-started to
charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs
and the ABS warning light comes on.
This is due to a weak battery, not a
malfunction.
Recharge the battery.
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 effect of the brake assist
operation and does not indicate an
abnormality.
•When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, a
clicking noise from the brake
booster may be heard. This is a
normal effect of the brake assist and
does not indicate an abnormality.
•The brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the
vehicle’s main braking system.
*Some models.
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5-11
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Transaxle Ranges
The shift lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.
P (Park)
P locks the transaxle and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.
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 4-9).N (Neutral)
In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 4-gear sequence.
Holding the Vehicle with P:
Only setting the shift 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. To hold the vehicle, set the
shift lever to P AND set the parking
brake.
•Shifting into P, N or R while the
vehicle is moving can damage your
transaxle.
•Shifting into a driving gear or
reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transaxle.
WARNING
CAUTION
Shifting from N or P:
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. If the engine is
running faster than idle, don’t shift
from N or P into a driving gear.
Shifting into N while Driving:
Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury. Do not shift into N when
driving the vehicle.
Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle
damage.
WARNING
CAUTION
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5-21
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

To Resume Cruising Speed at
More Than 30 km/h (19 mph)
If some other method besides the ON/
OFF switch was used to cancel cruising
speed and the system is still activated, the
most recent set speed will automatically
resume when the RES/ACCEL button is
pressed.
If vehicle speed is below 30 km/h (19
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 30
km/h (19 mph) and press the RES/
ACCEL button.

To Cancel
To turn off the system, use one
of these
methods:
•Press the ON/OFF switch.
•Slightly depress the brake pedal.
•Depress the clutch pedal. (Manual
transaxle only)
•Press the CANCEL button.
The system is off when the ignition is off.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed
or below 30 km/h (19 mph).
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5-31
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Warning/Indicator Lights
Signal Warning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-33
Charging System Warning Light 5-34
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light 5-34
Check Engine Light 5-35
ABS Warning Light 5-35
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light 5-36
Low Fuel Warning Light 5-36
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
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5-33
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Brake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level warning/
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
Low brake fluid level warning
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the
brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-18).
2. After adding fluid, check the light
again.If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.
Electronic brake force distribution
system warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light on.
In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-35).Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system
warning light on 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 on, after checking that
the parking brake is fully released,
have the brakes inspected
immediately. Don’t drive with this
light on, and contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer to have the brakes
inspected as soon as possible.
WARNING
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5-34
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Charging System Warning Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
If the warning light illuminates while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

Engine Oil Pressure Warning
Light
This warning light illuminates when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and turns off when the engine is
started.
This warning light indicates low engine
oil pressure.
If the light illuminates while driving:
1. Drive to the side of the road and park
off the right-of-way.
2. Turn off the engine and inspect the
engine oil level (page 8-13). If it’s low,
add oil.
3. Check the light.
If the light remains illuminated even after
you add oil, have your vehicle towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
Don’t continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.
WARNING
CAUTION
Don’t run the engine if oil pressure is
low. It could result in extensive engine
damage.
CAUTION
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5-35
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Check Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
•The fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
•The engine’s electrical system has a
problem.
•The emission control system has a
problem.
•The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on or
flashes continuously, do not drive at high
speeds and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.

ABS Warning Light*
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
If the ABS warning light stays on while
you’re driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function
normally as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.
WARNING
*Some models.
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5-47
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
Form No. 8S18-EA-03I

Daytime Running Lights
(Canada)
In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.
For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.

Tu r n S i g n a l
Move the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.
If the indicator light continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to
its original position.
Green indicators on the dashboard show
which signal is working.
Lane-change signals
Move the lever slightly toward the
direction of the change —until the
indicator flashes— and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.
NOTE
The Daytime Running Lights turn off
when the parking brake is applied.
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals
NOTE
If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, the
turn signal bulb may be burned out.
Right turn
Left turn Right lane
change
Left lane
changeOFF
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