check engine light MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2012 Owners Manual

Black plate (127,1)
Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap
WARNING
When removing the fuel-filler cap,
loosen the cap slightly and wait for any
hissing to stop. Then remove it:Fuel spray is dangerous. Fuel can
burn skin and eyes and cause illness
if ingested. Fuel spray is released
when there is pressure in the fuel
tank and the fuel-filler cap is
removed too quickly.
Before refueling, stop the engine, and
always keep sparks and flames away
from the filler neck: Fuel vapor is dangerous. It could be
ignited by sparks or flames causing
serious burns and injuries.
Additionally, use of the incorrect fuel-
filler cap or not using a fuel-filler cap
may result in fuel leak, which could
result in serious burns or death in an
accident.
CAUTION
Always use only a genuine Mazda
fuel-filler cap or an approved
equivalent, available at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The wrong
cap can result in a serious
malfunction of the fuel and emission
control systems. It may also cause
the check engine light in the
instrument cluster to illuminate.
qFuel-Filler Lid
To open, pull the remote fuel-filler lid
release.
5 door
Remote fuel-filler
lid release
4 door
Remote fuel-filler
lid release
qFuel-Filler Cap
To remove the fuel-filler cap, turn it
counterclockwise.
Attach the removed cap to the inner side
of the fuel lid.
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
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Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (128,1)
To close the fuel-filler cap, turn it
clockwise until two or more clicks are
heard.
Open
Close
CAUTION
If the check fuel cap warning light
illuminates, the fuel-filler cap may
not be properly installed. If the
warning light illuminates, park your
vehicle safely off the right-of-way,
remove the fuel-filler cap and
reinstall it correctly. After the cap has
been correctly installed, the fuel cap
warning light may continue to
illuminate until a number of driving
cycles have been completed. A drive
cycle consists of starting the engine
(after four or more hours with the
engine off) and driving the vehicle on
city and highway roads.
Continuing to drive with the check
fuel cap warning light illuminated
could cause the check engine light to
illuminate as well.
Hood
WARNING
Always check that the hood is closed
and securely locked:A hood that is not closed and
securely locked is dangerous as it
could fly open while the vehicle is
moving and block the driver's vision
which could result in a serious
accident.
qOpening the Hood
1. With the vehicle parked, pull the
release handle to unlock the hood.
Release handle
2. Insert your hand into the hood opening,
slide the hood latch lever to the right,
and lift the hood.
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Doors and Locks
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Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (136,1)
qOperation
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition is
switched from ON to ACC or OFF. The
security indicator light in the instrument
cluster flashes every 2 seconds until the
system is disarmed.
Disarming
The system is disarmed when the ignition
is switched ON with the registered
advanced key.
The security indicator light illuminates for
about 3 seconds and goes out.
If the engine does not start with the
correct advanced key, and the security
indicator light keeps illuminating or
flashing, the system may have a
malfunction. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer. NOTE
lThe engine may not start and the security
indicator light may illuminate or flash if the
advanced key is placed in an area where it
is difficult for the system to detect the
signal, such as on the dashboard, or in the
glove box. Move the advanced key to
another place, switch the ignition off, and
then restart the engine.
lSignals from a TV or radio station, or from
a transceiver or a mobile telephone could
interfere with your immobilizer system. If
you are using the proper advanced key and
the engine fails to start, check the security
indicator light. If the indicator light is
flashing, switch the ignition to ACC or
switch the ignition off and wait for a while,
then restart the engine. If it does not start
after 3 or more tries, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, do not
shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If the
engine is shut off while the indicator light is
flashing, you will not be able to restart it.
lSince the electronic codes are reset when
repairing the immobilizer system, the
advanced key (including auxiliary key) are
needed. Bring all the advanced keys
(including auxiliary keys) to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
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Knowing Your Mazda
Security System
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Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (140,1)
qOperation
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition is
switched from ON to ACC or OFF.
The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes every two
seconds until the system is disarmed.
Disarming
The system is disarmed when the ignition
is switched ON with the correct ignition
key.
The security indicator light illuminates for
about three seconds and goes out.
If the engine does not start with the
correct ignition key, and the security
indicator light keeps illuminating or
flashing, the system may have a
malfunction. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer. NOTE
lIf the security indicator light illuminates
and stays on or flashes when the ignition is
switched ON, the engine will not start.
lSignals from a TV or radio station, or from
a transceiver or a mobile telephone, could
interfere with your immobilizer system. If
you are using the proper key and your
engine fails to start, check the security
indicator light. If it is flashing, remove the
ignition key and wait 2 seconds or more,
then reinsert it and try starting the engine
again. If it does not start after 3 or more
tries, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lIf the security indicator light flashes
continuously while you are driving, do not
shut off the engine. Go to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer and have it checked. If you
shut off the engine while the light is
flashing you will not be able to restart it.
lSince the electronic codes are reset when
repairing the immobilizer system, the keys
are needed. Bring all the existing keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q
Modification and Add-On
Equipment
Mazda cannot guarantee the immobilizer
system's operation if the system has been
modified or if any add-on equipment has
been installed.
CAUTION
To avoid damage to your vehicle, do
not modify the system or install any
add-on equipment to the immobilizer
system or the vehicle.
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Security System
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Black plate (154,1)
Before Getting In
lBe sure the windows, outside mirrors,
and outside lights are clean.
lInspect inflation pressures and
condition of tires.
lLook under the vehicle for any sign of
fluid leaks.
lIf you plan to back up, make sure
nothing is in your way.
NOTE
Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/clutch fluid,
washer fluid, and other fluid levels should be
inspected. See Maintenance, Section 8.
After Getting In
lAre all doors closed and locked?lIs the seat adjusted properly?lAre the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?
lIs the steering wheel adjusted properly?lIs everyone's seat belt fastened?lCheck all gauges.lCheck all warning lights when the
ignition is switched ON.
lRelease the parking brake and make
sure the brake warning light goes off.
Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.
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Before Driving Your Mazda
Before Starting the Engine
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Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (171,1)
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and then firmly
pull the parking brake lever fully upwards
with sufficient force to hold the vehicle in
a stationary position.
Releasing the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and pull the
parking brake lever upwards, then press
the release button. While holding the
button, lower the parking brake lever all
the way down to the released position.
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 8-24).
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (172,1)
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.
qAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
wheel 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 ABS system operation. Continue
to depress the brake pedal without
pumping the brakes.
WARNING
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
NOTE
lBraking 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.
lThe sound of the ABS operating may be
heard when starting the engine or
immediately after starting the vehicle,
however, it does not indicate a malfunction.
q ABS Warning Light
The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
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Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
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Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (211,1)
Warning/Indicator Lights
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light 5-49
Malfunction Warning Light5-50
Charging System Warning Light5-51
Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light5-51
Check Engine Light5-52
High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light (Red)5-52
ABS Warning Light5-50
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (212,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light 5-53
Low Fuel Warning Light5-53
Check Fuel Cap Warning Light5-53
Seat Belt Warning Light5-54
Door-Ajar Warning Light5-54
Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light5-54
Automatic Transaxle Warning Light5-54
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light5-55
KEY Warning Light (Red)/KEY Indicator Light (Green)5-57
Security Indicator Light5-58
Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light5-59
Shift Position Indicator Light5-59
Low Engine Coolant Temperature Indicator Light (Blue) 5-59
TCS/DSC Indicator Light5-59
DSC OFF Indicator Light5-60
AFS OFF Indicator Light5-60
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Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
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Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (213,1)
SignalWarning/Indicator Lights Page
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green) 5-60
BSM OFF Indicator Light 5-61
Lights-On Indicator Light5-61
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light5-61
Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Indicator Lights5-62
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 8-24).
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds
5-49
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Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F