weight MAZDA MAZDA 2023 User Guide

▼Front Passenger Seat Weight
Sensors
Your vehicle is equipped with a front
passenger seat weight sensors as a part
of the supplemental restraint system.
These sensors are located under both
of the front passenger seat rails. These
sensors determine the total seated
weight on the front passenger seat and
monitor the seat belt buckle for the
front passenger seat. The SAS unit is
designed to prevent the front
passenger front and side air bags and
knee air bags, and seat belt
pretensioner system from deploying if
the front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light illuminates.
To reduce the chance of injuries
caused by deployment of the front
passenger air bag, the system
deactivates the front passenger front
and side air bags and knee air bags,
and also the seat belt pretensioner
system when the front passenger air
bag deactivation indicator light
illuminates. Refer to the following
table for the front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light
illumination conditions.

This system shuts off the front
passenger front and side air bags and
knee air bags, and seat belt
pretensioner system, so make sure the
front passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light illuminates according to
the following table.

The air bag/ seat belt pretensioner
system warning light flashes and the
front passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light illuminates if the sensors
have a possible malfunction. If this
happens, the front passenger front and
side air bags and knee air bags, and
seat belt pretension
er system will not
deploy.
Front passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light
This indicator light illuminates to
remind you that the front passenger
front and side air bags and knee air
bags, and seat belt pretensioners will
not deploy during a collision.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-70
Mazda3_8LC2-EA-22G_Edition1_new 2022-5-20 11:26:10

If the front passenger weight sensors
are normal, the indicator light
illuminates when the ignition is
switched ON. The light turns off after a
few seconds. Then, the indicator light
illuminates or is off under the following
conditions:
Front passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light on/off condition chart
Condition
detected by the
front pas-
senger oc- cupant
classifica- tion sys- tem Front pas-
senger air
bag deacti-
vation indi- cator light Front pas-
senger
front and side andknee air
bags Front
passen-
ger seat
belt pre-
tensioner
system
Empty
(Not occu-
pied) On
Deactivat-
ed Deacti-
vated
Child or
child-re-
straint sys-
tem
*1
On Deactivat-
ed Deacti-
vated
Adult
*2Off Ready Ready
*1 If a larger child sits on the front passenger seat, the sensors might detect the child as
being an adult depending on the child's
physique.
*2 If a smaller adult sits on the front passengerseat, the sensors might detect the person as
being a child depending on the person's
physique.
The curtain air bag is ready for inflating
regardless of what the front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light on/off condition
chart indicates.

If the front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light does not
illuminate when the ignition is
switched ON and does not illuminate
as indicated in the front passenger air
bag deactivation indicator light on/off
condition chart, do not allow a child to
sit in the front passenger seat and
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer
as soon as possible. The system may
not work properly in an accident.
WARNING
Do not decrease the total seated
weight on the front passenger seat:
When an adult or large child sits on the
front passenger seat, decreasing the
total seated weight on the front
passenger seat required for air bag
deployment is dangerous. The front
passenger seat we ight sensors will
detect the reduced total seated weight
condition and the front passenger front
and side air bags and knee air bags,
and the seat belt pretensioner system
will not deploy during an accident. The
front passenger will not have the
supplementary protection of the air
bag, which could result in serious
injury. Decreasing the total seated
weight on the front passenger seat
could result in an air bag not deploying
under the following conditions, for
example:
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-71
Mazda3_8LC2-EA-22G_Edition1_new 2022-5-20 11:26:10

A front passenger is seated as shown
in the following figure:
A rear passenger pushes up on the
front passenger seat with their feet.
Luggage or other items placed under
the front passenger seat or between
the front passenger seat and driver
seat that push up the front passenger
seat bottom.
 Any accessories which might
decrease the total seated weight on
the front passenger seat are attached
to the front passenger seat.
The front passenger front and side air
bags and knee air bags, and the seat
belt pretensioner system will
deactivate if the front passenger air
bag deactivation indicator light
illuminates.

Do not increase the total seated
weight on the front passenger seat:
When an infant or small child sits on
the front passenger seat, increasing the
total seated weight on the front
passenger seat is dangerous. The front
passenger seat weight sensors will
detect the increased total seated
weight, which could result in the
unexpected deployment of the front
passenger front and side air bags and
knee air bags, and seat belt
pretensioner system in an accident and
may cause serious injury. Increasing the
total seated weight on the front
passenger seat could result in the front
passenger front and side air bags and
knee air bags, and seat belt
pretensioner system deployment in an
accident under the following
conditions, for example:
 Luggage or other items are placed on
the seat with the child in the
child-restraint system.
 A rear passenger or luggage push or
pull down on the front passenger
seatback.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-72
Mazda3_8LC2-EA-22G_Edition1_new 2022-5-20 11:26:10

A rear passenger steps on the front
passenger seat rails with their feet.
 Luggage or other items are placed on
the seatback or hung on the head
restraint.
 Heavy items are placed in the
seatback map pocket.
 The seat is washed.
 Liquids are spilled on the seat.
 The front passenger seat is moved
backward, pushing into luggage or
other items placed behind it.
 The front passenger seatback
contacts the rear seat.
 Luggage or other items are placed
between the front passenger seat
and driver seat.
 Any accessories which might increase
the total seated weight on the front
passenger seat are attached to the
front passenger seat.
CAUTION
To assure proper deployment of the
front air bag and to prevent damage
to the sensors in the front seat
bottoms:
 Do not place sharp objects on the
front seat bottoms or leave heavy
luggage on them.
 Do not spill any liquids on the
front seats or under the front seats.
 To allow the sensors to function
properly, always perform the
following:
 Adjust the front seats as far back as
possible and always sit upright
against the seatbacks with seat
belts worn properly.
If you place your child on the front
passenger seat, secure the
child-restraint system properly and
slide the front passenger seat as far
back as possible (page 2-46).
NOTE
The system requires about 10
seconds to alternate between turning
the front passenger front and side air
bags and knee air bags, and seat belt
pretensioner system on or off.
The front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light may
illuminate repeatedly if luggage or
other items are put on the front
passenger seat, or if the temperature
of the vehicle's interior changes
suddenly.
The front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light may
illuminate for 10 seconds if the total
seated weight on the front passenger
seat changes.
The air bag/seat belt pretensioner
system warning light might illuminate
if the front passenger seat receives a
severe impact.
If the front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light does not
illuminate after installing a
child-restraint system on the front
passenger seat, first, re-install your
child-restraint system according to
the procedure in this owner's
manual. Then, if the front passenger
air bag deactivation indicator light
still does not illuminate, install the
child-restraint system on the rear seat
and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-73
Mazda3_8LC2-EA-22G_Edition1_new 2022-5-20 11:26:10

Liftgate/Trunk Lid
▼Liftgate/Trunk Lid
WARNING
Never allow a person to ride in the
luggage compartment/trunk:
Allowing a person to ride in the
luggage compartment/trunk is
dangerous. The person in the luggage
compartment/trunk could be seriously
injured or killed during sudden braking
or a collision.
Do not drive with the liftgate/trunk
lid open:
Exhaust gas in the cabin of a vehicle is
dangerous. An open liftgate/trunk lid
in a moving vehicle will cause exhaust
gas to be drawn into the cabin. This
gas contains CO (carbon monoxide),
which is colorless,
odorless, and highly
poisonous, and it can cause loss of
consciousness and death. Moreover,
an open liftgate/trunk lid could cause
occupants to fall out in an accident.
Do not stack or leave loaded luggage
unsecured in the luggage
compartment:
Otherwise, the luggage may move or
collapse, resulting in injury or an
accident. In addition, do not load
luggage higher than the seatbacks. It
may affect the side or rear
field of view.
Additionally, if the air bags deploy, the
cargo may scatter which could result in
serious injury or death.
CAUTION
 Before opening the liftgate/trunk lid,
remove any snow and ice
accumulation on it. Otherwise, the
liftgate/trunk lid could close under
the weight of the snow and ice
resulting in injury.
 Be careful when opening/closing the
liftgate/trunk lid during strong
winds. If a strong gust blows against
the liftgate/trunk lid, it could close
suddenly resulting in injury.
 Fully open the liftgate/trunk lid and
make sure that it stays open. If the
liftgate/trunk lid is only opened
partially, it could slam shut by
vibration or wind gusts resulting in
injury.
 When loading or unloading luggage
in the luggage compartment/trunk,
turn
off the engine. Otherwise, you
could get burned by the heat of the
exhaust gas.
 Be careful not to apply excessive
force to the damper stay on the
liftgate such as by putting your hand
on the stay. Otherwise, the damper
stay may bend and
affect the liftgate
operation.
1. Damper stay
Before Driving
Doors and Locks
3-20
Mazda3_8LC2-EA-22G_Edition1_new 2022-5-20 11:26:10

Break-In Period
▼Break-In Period
No special break-in is necessary, but a
few precautions in the
first 1,000 km
(600 miles) may add to the
performance, economy, and life of the
vehicle.
Do not race the engine.Do not maintain one constant
speed, either slow or fast, for a long
period of time.
Do not drive constantly at
full-throttle or high engine rpm for
extended periods of time.
Avoid unnecessary hard stops.Avoid full-throttle starts.
Saving Fuel and
Protection of the Environment
▼ Saving Fuel and Protection of the
Environment
How you operate your Mazda
determines how far it will travel on a
tank of fuel. Use these suggestions to
help save fuel and reduce CO
2.
Avoid long warm-ups. Once the
engine runs smoothly, begin driving.
Avoid fast starts.Drive at lower speeds.Anticipate when to apply the brakes
(avoid sudden braking).
Follow the maintenance schedule
and have an Authorized Mazda
Dealer perform inspections and
servicing.
Refer to Scheduled Maintenance
(U.S.A. and Puerto Rico) on page
6-4.
Refer to Scheduled Maintenance
(Canada) on page 6-6.
Refer to Scheduled Maintenance
(Mexico) on page 6-8.
Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
Slow down on rough roads.Keep the tires properly inflated.Do not carry unnecessary weight.Do not rest your foot on the brake
pedal while driving.
Keep the wheels in correct
alignment.
Keep windows closed at high
speeds.
Slow down when driving in
crosswinds and headwinds.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-46
Mazda3_8LC2-EA-22G_Edition1_new
2022-5-20 11:26:10

Driving In Flooded Area
▼Driving In Flooded Area
WARNING
Dry off brakes that have become wet
by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the
brake performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle on flooded
roads as it could cause short circuiting
of electrical/electronic parts, or engine
damage or stalling from water
absorption. If the vehicle has been
immersed in water, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Overloading
▼Overloading
WARNING
Be careful not to overload your
vehicle:
The gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of the vehicle are on the
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label
on the driver's door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an accident or
vehicle damage. You can estimate the
weight of the load by weighing the
items (or people) before putting them
in the vehicle.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-51
Mazda3_8LC2-EA-22G_Edition1_new
2022-5-20 11:26:10

Driving Tips
▼Driving Tips
WARNING
Do not let the vehicle move in a
direction opposite to the direction
selected by the selector lever:
Do not let the vehicle move backward
with the selector lever in a forward
position, or do not let the vehicle
move forward with the selector lever in
the reverse position. Otherwise, the
engine may stop, causing the loss of
the power brake and power steering
functions, and make it difficult to
control the vehicle which could result
in an accident.
Pa s s i n g
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades,
depress the accelerator fully. The
transmission will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed.
NOTE
The accelerator pedal may initially
feel heavy as it is being depressed,
then feel lighter as it is depressed
further. This change in pedal force
aids the engine control system in
determining how much the
accelerator pedal has been
depressed for performing kickdown,
and functions to control whether or
not kickdown should be performed.
The manual shift mode does not
switch to automatic shift mode while
the DSC is turned off when the
selector lever is in the M position.
Shift the selector lever.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while
gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift
to lower gears, depending on load
weight and grade steepness. Descend
slowly, using the brakes only
occasionally to prevent them from
overheating.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
4-52
Mazda3_8LC2-EA-22G_Edition1_new 2022-5-20 11:26:10

▼Headlight Leveling*
The number of passengers and weight
of cargo in the luggage compartment/
trunk change the angle of the
headlights.
The angle of the headlights will be
automatically adjusted when turning
on the headlights.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Exterior Light Warning
Indication/Warning Light on page
7-35.
▼ Daytime Running Lights
Some countries require moving
vehicles to have their lights on
(daytime running lights) during the
daytime.

The daytime running lights turn on
automatically.
NOTE
(Except Canada)
The daytime running lights can be
deactivated.
Refer to the Settings section in the
Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
4-62*Some models.
Mazda3_8LC2-EA-22G_Edition1_new
2022-5-20 11:26:10

▼Margin of Error Between Road Surface
on Screen and Actual Road Surface
There might be some margin of error between the road surface appearing on the
screen and the actual road surface. A margin of error in the perceived distance could
lead to an accident, therefore be aware of the following conditions which can more
easily produce errors in the perceived distance.

The vehicle tilts due to weight of passengers and cargo.
If the vehicle is tilted, obstructions picked up by a camera can appear farther or
closer than the actual distance from the vehicle.
Front camera
1. Obstruction
2. Margin of error
Side camera
1. Obstruction
2. Margin of error
Rear camera
1. Obstruction
2. Margin of error

When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-205
Mazda3_8LC2-EA-22G_Edition1_new 2022-5-20 11:26:10