wiper blades MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2012 Owners Manual

Black plate (11,1)
Front (4 Door)
Hood .................................................................................................................. page 3-50
Windshield wiper blades .................................................................................... page 8-29
Moonroof ........................................................................................................... page 3-52
Child safety locks .............................................................................................. page 3-37
Tires ................................................................................................................... page 8-37
Door lock ........................................................................................................... page 3-32
Light bulbs ......................................................................................................... page 8-44
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Exterior Overview
1-5The equipment and installation position varies by vehicle
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page11
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:16 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (13,1)
Front (5 Door)
Hood .................................................................................................................. page 3-50
Windshield wiper blades .................................................................................... page 8-29
Moonroof ........................................................................................................... page 3-52
Door lock ........................................................................................................... page 3-32
Tires ................................................................................................................... page 8-37
Light bulbs ......................................................................................................... page 8-44
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Exterior Overview
1-7The equipment and installation position varies by vehicle
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page13
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:16 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (229,1)
Switch Position
HeadlightsOff
Auto Off On
Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker lights
Dashboard illumination Off On On
AUTO (Auto-light control)
When the headlight switch is in the AUTO position and the ignition is switched ON, the
light sensor senses the surrounding lightness or darkness and automatically turns the
headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination on or off (see chart above).
CAUTION
Ø
Do not shade the light sensor by adhering a sticker or a label on the windshield.
Otherwise the light sensor will not operate correctly.
Light sensor
ØThe light sensor also works as a rain sensor for the auto-wiper control. Keep
hands and scrapers clear of the windshield when the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is switched ON as fingers could be pinched or the wipers
and wiper blades damaged when the wipers activate automatically. If you are
going to clean the windshield, be sure the wipers are turned off completely ―this
is particularly important when clearing ice and snow ―when it is particularly
tempting to leave the engine running.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-65
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page229
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (235,1)
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition must be switched ON.
WARNING
Use only windshield washer fluid or
plain water in the reservoir:Using radiator antifreeze as washer
fluid is dangerous. If sprayed on the
windshield, it will dirty the
windshield, affect your visibility, and
could result in an accident.
Only use windshield washer fluid
mixed with anti-freeze protection in
freezing weather conditions: Using windshield washer fluid
without anti-freeze protection in
freezing weather conditions is
dangerous as it could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision
which could cause an accident.
In addition, make sure the
windshield is sufficiently warmed
using the defroster before spraying
the washer fluid. NOTE
Because heavy ice and snow can jam the wiper
blades, the wiper motor is protected from
motor breakdown, overheating and possible
fire by a circuit breaker. This mechanism will
automatically stop operation of the blades, but
only for about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper switch and
park off the right-of-way, and remove the snow
and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and the
blades should operate normally. If they do not
resume functioning, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. Drive to
the side of the road and park off the right-of-
way. Wait until the weather clears before trying
to drive with the wipers inoperative.
q
Windshield Wipers
Turn the wipers on by pressing the lever
up or down.
With INT position
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-71
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page235
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (237,1)
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be
adjusted by turning the switch on the
wiper lever.
From the center position (normal), rotate
the switch downward for higher
sensitivity (faster response) or rotate it
upward for less sensitivity (slower
response).
Higher sensitivity
Less sensitivity
Switch
Center
position
CAUTION
ØDo not shade the rain sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on
the windshield. Otherwise the rain
sensor will not operate correctly.
Rain sensor
ØWhen the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition is
switched ON, the wipers may
move automatically in the
following cases:
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with
a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object from
either outside or inside the
vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of
the windshield when the wiper
lever is in the AUTO position and
the ignition is switched ON as
fingers could be pinched or the
wipers and wiper blades damaged
when the wipers activate
automatically.
If you are going to clean the
windshield, be sure the wipers are
turned off completely ―this is
particularly important when
clearing ice and snow ―when it is
most likely that the engine is left
running.
Driving Your Mazda
Switches and Controls
5-73
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page237
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:17 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 (415,1)
Wiper Blades
CAUTION
ØHot waxes applied by automatic
car washers have been known to
affect the wiper's ability to clean
windows.
Ø To prevent damage to the wiper
blades, do not use gasoline,
kerosene, paint thinner, or other
solvents on or near them.
Ø When the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition is
switched ON, the wipers may
move automatically in the
following cases:
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched.
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object.
ØIf the rain sensor is struck with
a hand or other object from
inside the vehicle.
Be careful not to pinch hands or
fingers as it may cause injury, or
damage the wipers. When
washing or servicing your Mazda,
make sure the wiper lever is in the
OFF position.
Contamination of either the windshield or
the blades with foreign matter can reduce
wiper effectiveness. Common sources are
insects, tree sap, and hot wax treatments
used by some commercial car washes.
If the blades are not wiping properly,
clean the window and blades with a good
cleaner or mild detergent; then rinse
thoroughly with clean water. Repeat if
necessary.
qReplacing Windshield Wiper Blades
When the wipers no longer clean well, the
blades are probably worn or cracked.
Replace them.
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the wiper arms
and other components, don't try to
sweep the wiper arm by hand.
1. Raise the wiper arm and turn the blade assembly to expose the plastic locking
clip.
Compress the clip and slide the
assembly downward; then lift it off the
arm.
Plastic locking clip
CAUTION
To prevent damage to the windshield
let the wiper arm down easily, don't
let it slap down on the windshield.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
8-29
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page415
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:18 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (451,1)
Exterior Care
Followalllabel and container directions
when using a chemical cleaner or polish.
Read all warnings and cautions.
q Maintaining the Finish
Washing
CAUTION
Ø When the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition is
switched ON, the wipers may
move automatically in the
following cases:
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with
a cloth.
ØIf the windshield is struck with
a hand or other object from
either outside or inside the
vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of
the windshield when the wiper
lever is in the AUTO position and
the ignition is switched ON as
fingers could be pinched or the
wipers and wiper blades damaged
when the wipers activate
automatically.
If you are going to clean the
windshield, be sure the wipers are
turned off completely ―this is
particularly important when
clearing ice and snow ―when it is
most likely that the engine is left
running.
Ø Do not spray water in the engine
compartment. Otherwise, it could
result in engine-starting problems
or damage to electrical parts. To help protect the finish from rust and
deterioration, wash your Mazda
thoroughly and frequently, at least once a
month, with lukewarm or cold water.
If the vehicle is washed improperly, the
paint surface could be scratched. Here are
some examples of how scratching could
occur.
Scratches occur on the paint surface
when:
lThe vehicle is washed without first
rinsing off dirt and other foreign
matter.
lThe vehicle is washed with a rough,
dry, or dirty cloth.
lThe vehicle is washed at a car wash
that uses brushes that are dirty or too
stiff.
lCleansers or wax containing abrasives
are used.
NOTE
lMazda is not responsible for scratches
caused by automatic car washes or
improper washing.
lScratches are more noticeable on vehicles
with darker paint finishes.
To minimize scratches on the vehicle's
paint finish:
lRinse off any dirt or other foreign
matter using lukewarm or cold water
before washing.
lUse plenty of lukewarm or cold water
and a soft cloth when washing the
vehicle. Do not use a nylon cloth.
lRub gently when washing or drying the
vehicle.
lTake your vehicle only to a car wash
that keeps its brushes well maintained.
lDo not use abrasive cleansers or wax
that contain abrasives.
Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care
8-65
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page451
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F

Black plate (527,1)
T
TiedownHook .......................................... 7-26
Tire Information ................................ 9-24
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-31 System error activation .............. 5-35
Tire pressure monitoring system
warning light .............................. 5-33
Tires and wheels ......................... 5-35
Tires Flat Tire ........................................ 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-38
Replacement ............................... 8-40
Rotation ...................................... 8-39
Snow tires .................................. 4-10
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Specifications ........................... 10-11
Tire chains .................................. 4-10
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-22
Tool ..................................................... 7-3
Towing Description ................................. 7-25
Emergency towing ..................... 7-25
Recreational towing ................... 7-28
Trailer towing ............................. 4-15
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-27 TCS/DSC indicator light ............ 5-28
Trailer Towing .................................. 4-15
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-43
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-42 Inside trunk release lever ............ 3-44
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-43
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-69
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-95
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Lights ................................. 5-47 ABS ............................................ 5-50
Air bag system ........................... 5-53
Automatic transaxle ................... 5-54
Brake system .............................. 5-49
Charging system ......................... 5-51
Check engine .............................. 5-52
Check fuel cap ........................... 5-53
Door-ajar .................................... 5-54
Engine oil pressure ..................... 5-51
Front seat belt pretensioner
system ........................................ 5-53
High engine coolant
temperature ................................ 5-52
KEY ............................................ 5-57
Low fuel ..................................... 5-53
Low washer fluid level ............... 5-54
Malfunction ................................ 5-50
Seat belt ...................................... 5-54
Tire pressure monitoring
system ........................................ 5-55
Warranty ............................................ 9-15
Washer Fluid ..................................... 8-27
Weights ............................................. 10-8
Wheel Replacement .......................... 8-41
Windows Power windows .......................... 3-46
Windshield Washer ........................... 5-74
Windshield Wipers ............................ 5-71 Blades replacement .................... 8-29
Winter Driving .................................... 4-9
Index
11-7
Mazda3_8BY6-EA-11F_Edition3 Page527
Thursday, March 1 2012 10:19 AM
Form No.8BY6-EA-11F