brakes MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2010 User Guide

Black plate (179,1)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steepupgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.
On a steep downgrade , downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
q Driving Tips
WARNING
Do not allow the vehicle to move in
reverse on an up-slope while the
selector lever is in a forward gear
position, or move forward on a down-
slope while the selector lever is in the
reverse position.
Otherwise, the engine will 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.
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
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 theload 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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-19
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page179
Tuesday, December 8 2009 1:28 PM
Form No.8BG3-EA-09J

Black plate (186,1)
(Type A)
(Type B)
The system turns off when the ignition is
off.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15 km/h (9
mph) below the preset speed (such as may
happen when climbing a long, steep grade).
Traction Control System
(TCS)
í
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by
controlling engine torque and braking.
When the TCS detects driving wheel
slippage, it lowers engine torque and
operates the brakes to prevent loss of
traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.
WARNING
Do not rely on the traction control
system as a substitute for safe driving:The traction control system (TCS)
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.
Use snow tires or tire chains and drive
at reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and/or snow: Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and/or ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF switch
(page 5-28).
5-26
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page186
Tuesday, December 8 2009 1:28 PM
Form No.8BG3-EA-09J

Black plate (203,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Lights-On Indicator Light 5-55
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light5-55
Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights5-56
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light illuminates when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switched
to START or ON. It turns off when the
parking brake is fully released.
Low brake fluid level 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.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
depress 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, open the
hood and check the brake fluid level
immediately, and then add fluid if
required (page 8-23). 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 turns off have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
Having to add brake fluid is sometimes an
indicator of leakage. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible even if the
brake light is no longer illuminated.
WARNING
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-43
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page203
Tuesday, December 8 2009 1:28 PM
Form No.8BG3-EA-09J

Black plate (204,1)
qABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
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.
NOTE
lWhen the engine is jump-started 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.
l(With DSC vehicles)
The brake assist system does not operate
while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
qElectronic Brake Force
Distribution System Warning
If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may illuminate the brake
system warning light and the ABS
warning light on simultaneously. The
problem is likely to be the electronic
brake force distribution system.
WARNING
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 light and ABS warning light
are illuminated simultaneously is
dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the
rear wheels could lock more quickly
in an emergency stop than under
normal circumstances.
5-44
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page204
Tuesday, December 8 2009 1:28 PM
Form No.8BG3-EA-09J

Black plate (375,1)
Scheduled Maintenance (USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico)
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
apply.
lRepeated short-distance drivinglDriving in dusty conditionslDriving with extended use of brakeslDriving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are usedlDriving on rough or muddy roadslExtended periods of idling or low-speed operationlDriving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climateslDriving in extremely hot conditionslDriving in mountainous conditions continually
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 (Canada and Puerto Rico residents follow Schedule 2).
NOTE
After the prescribed period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the recommended
intervals.
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-3
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page375
Tuesday, December 8 2009 1:29 PM
Form No.8BG3-EA-09J

Black plate (376,1)
qSchedule 1
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48
×1000 km 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96
×1000 miles 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60
ENGINE
Engine valve clearance Audibly inspect every 120,000 km (75,000 miles), if noisy,
adjust
Drive belts I
Engine oil RRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter RRRRRRRR
COOLING SYSTEM
Engine coolant FL22 type
*1Replace at first 192,000 km (120,000 miles) or 10 years; after
that, every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 5 years
Others Replace at first 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or 4 years; after that,
every 2 years
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter R
Fuel lines and hoses
*2II
Hoses and tubes for emission*2I
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 120,000 km (75,000 miles)
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
Steering operation and linkages I I
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play II
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLL
8-4
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page376
Tuesday, December 8 2009 1:29 PM
Form No.8BG3-EA-09J

Black plate (379,1)
Maintenance IntervalNumber of months or kilometers (miles), whichever comes first
Months 4 8 12 16 20 24 28 32 36 40 44 48
×1000 km 8 16 24 32 40 48 56 64 72 80 88 96
×1000 miles 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections I I
Brake fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Disc brakes IIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 8,000 km (5,000 miles)
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages I I
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play II
Driveshaft dust boots I I
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body T T
Exhaust system and heat shields Inspect every 72,000 km (45,000 miles) or 5 years
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
AIR CONDITIONER SYSTEM
Cabin air filter Replace every 40,000 km (25,000 miles) or 2 years
Chart symbols:
I: Inspect: Inspect and clean, repair, adjust, fill up, or replace if necessary.
R: Replace
L: Lubricate
T: Tighten
Remarks:
*1 Use FL22 type coolant in vehicles with the inscription “FL22 ”on the radiator cap itself or the surrounding
area. Use FL22 when replacing the coolant.
*2 According to state/provincial and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on these items will not void your emissions warranties. However, Mazda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at
the recommended time or mileage/kilometer period to ensure long-term reliability.
*3 If the vehicle is operated primarily under any of the following conditions, replace the spark plugs at every 96,000 km (60,000 miles) or shorter.
a) Repeated short-distance driving
b) Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
c) Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-7
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page379
Tuesday, December 8 2009 1:29 PM
Form No.8BG3-EA-09J

Black plate (380,1)
Scheduled Maintenance (Mexico)
Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
apply.
lRepeated short-distance drivinglDriving in dusty conditionslDriving with extended use of brakeslDriving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are usedlDriving on rough or muddy roadslExtended periods of idling or low-speed operationlDriving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climateslDriving in extremely hot conditionslDriving in mountainous conditions continually
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2.
NOTE
After the prescribed period, continue to follow the described maintenance at the recommended
intervals.
8-8
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page380
Tuesday, December 8 2009 1:30 PM
Form No.8BG3-EA-09J

Black plate (381,1)
qSchedule 1
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72
×1000 km 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
ENGINE
Engine valve clearance Audibly inspect every 120,000 km, if noisy, adjust
Drive belts III
Engine oil RRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter RRRRRRRRRRRR
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system III
Engine coolant FL22 type
*1Replace at first 190,000 km or 10 years; after that, every
60,000 km or 3 years
Others RRR
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter RRRRRR
Fuel lines and hoses I
*2I*2I
Hoses and tubes for emission I*2I*2I
Fuel filter R R R
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 60,000 km
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections IIIIII
Brake fluid level I I I I I I I I I
Brake fluid RRR
Disc brakes IIIIIIIIIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIIIIIIIII
Steering operation and linkages IIIIIIIIIIII
Power steering fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play IIIIII
Driveshaft dust boots IIIIII
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body TTTTTT
Exhaust system and heat shields IIIIII
All locks and hinges LLLLLLLLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIIIIIIIII
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-9
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page381
Tuesday, December 8 2009 1:30 PM
Form No.8BG3-EA-09J

Black plate (383,1)
qSchedule 2
Maintenance Interval Number of months or kilometers, whichever comes first
Months 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
×1000 km 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
ENGINE
Engine valve clearance Audibly inspect every 120,000 km, if noisy, adjust
Drive belts I
Engine oil RRRRRRRRRRRR
Engine oil filter RRRRRRRRRRRR
COOLING SYSTEM
Cooling system I
Engine coolant FL22 type
*1Replace at first 190,000 km or 10 years; after that, every
60,000 km or 3 years
Others R
Engine coolant level IIIIIIIIIIII
FUEL SYSTEM
Air filter CRCRCR
Fuel lines and hoses I
*2
Hoses and tubes for emissionI*2
Fuel filter R
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark plugs Replace every 60,000 km
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Function of all lights IIIIIIIIIIII
CHASSIS and BODY
Brake lines, hoses and connections III
Brake fluid level I I II I
Brake fluid R
Disc brakes IIIIII
Tire (Rotation) Rotate every 10,000 km
Tire inflation pressure and tire wear IIIIII
Steering operation and linkages IIIIII
Power steering fluid level IIIIII
Front and rear suspension, ball joints and wheel
bearing axial play III
Driveshaft dust boots III
Bolts and nuts on chassis and body TTT
Exhaust system and heat shields III
All locks and hinges LLLLLL
Washer fluid level IIIIII
Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
8-11
Mazda3_8BG3-EA-09J_Edition2 Page383
Tuesday, December 8 2009 1:30 PM
Form No.8BG3-EA-09J