transaxle MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2012 Owner's Guide

Black plate (223,1)
qHeadlight High-Beam Indicator
Light
This light indicates one of two things:lThe high-beam headlights are on.lThe turn signal lever is in the flash-to-
pass position.
qShift Position Indicator Light
(Automatic Transaxle)
This indicates the selected shift position.
Gear position indicator
In manual mode, the “M ”of the shift
position indicator illuminates and the
numeral for the selected gear displays in
the gear position indicator.
qLow Engine Coolant Temperature
Indicator Light (Blue)
When the ignition is switched ON, the
light illuminates momentarily and then
turns off.
The light illuminates continuously when
the engine coolant temperature is low and
turns off after the engine is warm.
NOTE
If the low engine coolant temperature indicator
light remains illuminated after the engine has
been sufficiently warmed up, the temperature
sensor could have a malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q TCS/DSC Indicator Lightí
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC may
have a malfunction and they may not
operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-59íSome models.
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page223
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (368,1)
NOTElMake sure the jack is well lubricated before
using it.
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
lBe sure to register the tire pressure sensor
ID signal code whenever tires or wheels are
changed (page 5-35).
1. Park on a level surface off the right-of- way and firmly set the parking brake.
2. Put a vehicle with an automatic transaxle in Park (P), a manual
transaxle in Reverse (R) or 1, and turn
off the engine.
3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.
4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle and away from the vehicle and traffic.
5. Remove the jack, tool, and spare tire (page 7-3).
6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite the flat tire. When blocking a wheel,
place a tire block both in front and
behind the tire.
NOTE
When blocking a tire, use rocks or wood blocks
of sufficient size if possible to hold the tire in
place.
qRemoving a Flat Tire
1. If your vehicle is equipped with a
wheel cover, pry off the wheel cover
with the beveled end of the lug wrench.
NOTE
Force the end of the lug wrench firmly between
wheel and cover, or removal will be difficult.
CAUTION
There is a valve-stem mark inside the
wheel cover. When installing the
wheel cover, align this mark with the
tire's valve stem.
Damage could occur during
installation if the wheel cover is not
properly aligned.
7-10
In Case of an Emergency
Flat Tire
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page368
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (374,1)
Overheating
If the High engine coolant temperature
warning light illuminates, the vehicle
loses power, or you hear a loud knocking
or pinging noise, the engine is probably
too hot.
WARNING
Switch the ignition to off and
make sure the fan is not running before
attempting to work near the cooling
fan: Working near the cooling fan when it
is running is dangerous. The fan
could continue running indefinitely
even if the engine has stopped and
the engine compartment temperature
is high. You could be hit by the fan
and seriously injured.
Do not remove the cooling
system cap when the engine and
radiator are hot:
When the engine and radiator are
hot, scalding coolant and steam may
shoot out under pressure and cause
serious injury.
Open the hood ONLY after steam is no
longer escaping from the engine: Steam from an overheated engine is
dangerous. The escaping steam could
seriously burn you.
If the High engine coolant temperature
warning light illuminates:
1. Drive safely to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. 2. Put a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle in park (P), a manual
transaxle in neutral.
3. Apply the parking brake.
4. Turn off the air conditioner.
5. Check whether coolant or steam is escaping from under the hood or from
the engine compartment.
If steam is coming from the engine
compartment:
Do not go near the front of the vehicle.
Stop the engine.
Wait until the steam dissipates, then
open the hood and start the engine.
If neither coolant nor steam is
escaping:
Open the hood and idle the engine until
it cools.
CAUTION
If the cooling fan does not operate
while the engine is running, the
engine temperature will increase.
Stop the engine and call an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
6. Make sure the cooling fan is operating, then turn off the engine after the
temperature has decreased.
7. When cool, check the coolant reservoir level.
If it's low, look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
7-16
In Case of an Emergency
Overheating
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page374
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (376,1)
Starting a Flooded Engine
If the engine fails to start, it may be
flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).
Follow this procedure:
(Without Advanced Keyless Entry &
Push Button Start System)
1. If the engine does not start within fiveseconds on the first try, switch the
ignition off, wait ten seconds and try
again.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the accelerator all the way and hold it there.
4. Depress the clutch pedal (Manual transaxle) or the brake pedal
(Automatic transaxle).
5. Switch the ignition to START and hold it there ―for up to ten seconds. If the
engine starts, release the key and
accelerator immediately because the
engine will suddenly rev up.
6. If the engine fails to start, crank it without depressing the accelerator ―for
up to ten seconds.
(With Advanced Keyless Entry & Push
Button Start System)
1. If the engine does not start within five seconds on the first try, wait ten
seconds and try again.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the accelerator all the way and hold it there. 4. Depress the clutch pedal (Manual
transaxle) or the brake pedal
(Automatic transaxle), then press the
push button start. If the engine starts,
release the accelerator immediately
because the engine will suddenly rev
up.
5. If the engine fails to start, crank it without depressing the accelerator.
If the engine still does not start using the
above procedure, have your vehicle
inspected by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
7-18
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Starting
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page376
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (382,1)
NOTE
Verify that the covers are securely installed.Push-Starting
Do not push-start your Mazda.
WARNING
Never tow a vehicle to start it:Towing a vehicle to start it is
dangerous. The vehicle being towed
could surge forward when its engine
starts, causing the two vehicles to
collide. The occupants could be
injured.
CAUTION
Do not push-start a vehicle that has
a manual transaxle. It can damage
the emission control system.
NOTE
You can't start a vehicle with an automatic
transaxle by pushing it.
7-24
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Starting
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page382
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (383,1)
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.
Government and local laws must be
followed.
A towed vehicle usually should have its
drive wheels (front wheels) off the
ground. If excessive damage or other
conditions prevent this, use wheel dollies.
Wheel dollies
When towing with the rear wheels on the
ground, release the parking brake.
CAUTION
Do not tow the vehicle pointed
backward with driving wheels on the
ground. This may cause internal
damage to the transaxle.
CAUTION
Do not tow with sling-type
equipment. This could damage your
vehicle. Use wheel-lift or flatbed
equipment.
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
7-25
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page383
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (386,1)
qTiedown Hook-Rear
Tiedown hook
CAUTION
The rear tiedown hook is designed
only for lashing the vehicle during
overseas transport. Do not use the
rear tiedown hook for any other use
such as transporting the vehicle on
trucks or railway.
Recreational Towing
An example of “recreational towing ”is
towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.
The transaxle is not designed for towing
this vehicle on all 4 wheels.
When doing recreational towing refer to
“ Towing Description ”(page 7-25) and
“ Tiedown Hook ”(page 7-26) and
carefully follow the instructions.
7-28
In Case of an Emergency
Emergency Towing
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page386
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (387,1)
8Maintenance and Care
How to keep your Mazda in top condition.
Introduction .................................................................................. 8-2Introduction ............................................................................... 8-2
Scheduled Maintenance ................................................................ 8-3 Scheduled Maintenance (USA, Canada, and Puerto Rico) ....... 8-3
Scheduled Maintenance (Mexico) ............................................. 8-8
Owner Maintenance ................................................................... 8-15 Owner Maintenance Schedule ................................................ 8-15
Owner Maintenance Precautions ............................................. 8-16
Engine Compartment Overview .............................................. 8-17
Engine Oil ............................................................................... 8-19
Engine Coolant ....................................................................... 8-22
Brake/Clutch Fluid .................................................................. 8-24
Power Steering Fluid ............................................................... 8-25
Automatic Transaxle Fluid (ATF)
í........................................ 8-26
Washer Fluid ........................................................................... 8-27
Body Lubrication .................................................................... 8-28
Wiper Blades ........................................................................... 8-29
Battery ..................................................................................... 8-33
Tires ........................................................................................ 8-37
Light Bulbs ............................................................................. 8-44
Fuses ....................................................................................... 8-56
Appearance Care ........................................................................ 8-63 How to Minimize Environmental Paint Damage .................... 8-63
Exterior Care ........................................................................... 8-65
Interior Care ............................................................................ 8-69
8-1íSome models.
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page387
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (401,1)
Owner Maintenance Schedule
The owner or a qualified service technician should make these vehicle inspections at the
indicated intervals to ensure safe and dependable operation.
Bring any problem to the attention of an Authorized Mazda Dealer or qualified service
technician as soon as possible.
qWhen Refueling
lBrake and clutch fluid level (page 8-24)lEngine coolant level (page 8-22)lEngine oil level (page 8-21)lWasher fluid level (page 8-27)
qAt Least Monthly
Tire inflation pressures (page 8-38)
qAt Least Twice a Year (For Example, Every Spring and Fall)
lAutomatic transaxle fluid level (page 8-26)lPower steering fluid level (page 8-25)
You can do the following scheduled maintenance items if you have some mechanical
ability and a few basic tools and if you closely follow the directions in this manual.
lEngine coolant (page 8-22)lEngine oil (page 8-19)
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-15
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page401
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (403,1)
Engine Compartment Overview
Power steering fluid reservoir
Windshield washer fluid reservoir
Power steering fluid reservoir
Windshield washer fluid reservoir
Engine coolant reservoirFuse block
Engine coolant reservoir
Engine oil-filler capEngine oil-filler cap
Engine oil dipstick Engine oil dipstick
Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
Brake/Clutch fluid reservoir
Battery
Battery
Fuse block
Automatic transaxle fluid-level dipstick
(Only for automatic transaxle)
MZR 2.0 and MZR 2.5 SKYACTIV-G 2.0
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-17
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page403
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F