check engine light MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2016 Owners Manual

3–29
Before Driving
Fuel and Emission
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 a fuel leak, which could
result in serious burns or death in an
accident.
Do not continue refueling after the fuel
pump nozzle shuts off automatically: Continuing to add fuel after the
fuel pump nozzle has shut off
automatically is dangerous because
overfilling the fuel tank may cause
fuel overflow or leakage. Fuel overflow
and leakage could damage the vehicle
and if the fuel ignites it could cause a
fire and explosion resulting in serious
injury or death.
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.
Fuel-Filler Lid
To open, pull the remote fuel-filler lid
release.
To close, press the fuel-filler lid until it
locks securely.
Remote fuel-filler lid release
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3–30
Before Driving
Fuel and Emission
Fuel-Filler Cap
To remove the fuel-filler cap, turn it
counterclockwise.
Attach the removed cap to the inner side
of the fuel lid.
To close the fuel-filler cap, turn it
clockwise until a click is 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.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 302015/05/11 14:00:25

3–41
Before Driving
Security System
NOTE
 The keys carry a unique electronic code.
For this reason, and to assure your
safety, obtaining a replacement key
requires some waiting time. They are
only available through an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
 Always keep a spare key in case one
is lost. If a key is lost, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
 If you lose a key, an Authorized Mazda
Dealer will reset the electronic codes of
your remaining keys and immobilizer
system. Bring all the remaining keys to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer to reset.
Starting the vehicle with a key that has
not been reset is not possible.
Operation
NOTE
 The engine may not start and security
indicator light may illuminate or flash
if the 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 compartment. Move the key
to a location within the signal range,
switch the ignition off, and then restart
the engine.
 Signals from a TV or radio station, or
from a transceiver or mobile telephone
could interfere with your immobilizer
system. If you are using the proper key
and the engine fails to start, check the
security indicator light.
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition is
switched from ON to 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 correct
programmed key. The security indicator
light illuminates for about 3 seconds and
then turns off. If the engine does not start
with the correct key, and the security
indicator light remains illuminated or
flashing, try the following:
Make sure the key is within the
operational range for signal transmission.
Switch the ignition off, and then restart the
engine. If the engine does not start after
3 or more tries, contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
 If 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.
 Because the electr onic codes are
reset when the immobilizer system
is repaired, the keys are needed.
Make sure to bring all the keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer so that they
can be programmed.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 412015/05/11 14:00:30

3–46
Before Driving
Driving Tips
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
Do not spin the wheels at more than
56 km/h (35 mph), and do not allow
anyone to stand behind a wheel when
pushing the vehicle:When the vehicle is stuck, spinning the
wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire
damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the accelerator
slightly and slowly move the shift lever
from 1 (D) to R.
Winter Driving
Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag of
sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to check
the following:
 Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the
radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page
6-30.
 Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity. Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that the
vehicle will be driven in (page 6-27).
 Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections. Use washer fluid made with antifreeze—
but do not use engine coolant antifreeze
for washer fluid (page 6-32).
NOTE
 Do not use the parking brake in fr eezing
weather as it may freeze. Instead, shift
to P with an automatic transaxle and to
1 or R with a manual transaxle. Block
the rear wheels.
 Remove snow before driving. Snow left
on the windshield is dangerous as it
could obstruct vision.
 Do not apply excessive for ce to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 462015/05/11 14:00:31

4–9
When Driving
Start/Stop Engine
NOTE
 The engine cannot be started unless the
clutch pedal is fully depressed (manual
transaxle) or the brake pedal is fully
depressed (automatic transaxle).
 If there is a malfunction with the push
button start function, the push button
start indicator light (amber) flashes.
In this case, the engine may start,
however, have the vehicle checked at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
 If the push button start indicator light
(green) does not illuminate, perform the
operation from the beginning again. If
it does not illuminate, have the vehicle
checked at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
 To switch the ignition position without
starting the engine, perform the
following operations after the push
button start indicator light (green) turns
on.
1. Release the clutch pedal (manual
transaxle) or brake pedal (automatic
transaxle).
2. Press the push button start to switch
the ignition position. The ignition
switches in the order of ACC, ON,
and off each time the push button
start is pressed. To switch the
ignition position again, perform the
operation from the beginning.
Emergency Operation for Starting
the Engine
If the KEY warning light (red) illuminates,
or the push button start indicator light
(amber) flashes, this could indicate that
the engine may not start using the usual
starting method. Have your vehicle
inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer
as soon as possible. If this occurs, the
engine can be force-started. Press and hold
the push button start until the engine starts.
Other procedures necessary for starting the
engine such as having the key in the cabin,
and depressing the clutch pedal (manual
transaxle) or the brake pedal (automatic
transaxle) are required.
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4–21
When Driving
Instrument Cluster and Display
*Some models.
Warning Lights
These lights turn on or flash to notify the user of the system operation status or a system
malfunction.
SignalWarning Lights Page
Master Warning Light*17-24
Brake System Warning Light*1*27-24
ABS Warning Light*17-24
Charging System Warning Light*17-24
Engine Oil Warning Light*17-24
Check Engine Light*17-24
(Red)High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Light*17-24
* Automatic Transaxle Warning Light*17-24
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light*17-24
Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light*17-24
Low Fuel Warning Light7-24
Check Fuel Cap Warning Light*17-24
Seat Belt Warning Light7-24
Door-Ajar Warning Light7-24
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5–2
Interior Features
Climate Control System
Operating Tips
 Operate the climate control system with
the engine running. To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the fan control
dial on for a long period of time with the
ignition switched ON when the engine is
not running.
 Clear all obstructions such as leaves,
snow and ice from the hood and the air
inlet in the cowl grille to improve the
system efficiency.
 Use the climate control system to defog
the windows and dehumidify the air. The recirculate mode should be used
when driving through tunnels or while in
a traffic jam, or when you would like to
shut off outside air for quick cooling of
the interior.
 Use the outside air position for
ventilation or windshield defrosting. If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then
run the climate control system.
(With A/C switch)
 Run the air conditioner about 10 minutes
at least once a month to keep internal
parts lubricated.
 Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot. Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient.
The refrigerant specifications are
indicated on a label attached to the
inside of the engine compartment. Check
the label before refilling the refrigerant.
If the wrong type of refrigerant is used,
it could result in a serious malfunction
of the air conditioner.
For details, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Label
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 22015/05/11 14:01:17

7–19
If Trouble Arises
Overheating
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
Pull over to a safe location, then
switch the ignition 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 either 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 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 level.
If it is low , look for coolant leaks from
the radiator and hoses.
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7–25
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
SignalWarning
Electronic 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 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.
Charging System Warning Light If the warning light illuminates while driving, it indicates a malfuncti\
on of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.CAUTION
Do not continue driving when the charging system warning light is illuminated because the engine could stop unexpectedly.
Engine Oil Warning LightThis warning light indicates low engine oil pressure.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil pressure is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive engine damage.
If the light illuminates or the warning indication is displayed while dr\
iving:
1.Drive to the side of the road and park off the right-of-way on level ground.
2.Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil p\
an.
3.Inspect the engine oil level 6-30. If it's low, add the appropriate amount of engine
oil while being careful not to overfill.
CAUTION
Do not run the engine if the oil level is low. Otherwise, it could result in extensive engine damage.
4.Start the engine and check the warning light.
If the light remains illuminated even though the oil level is normal or \
after adding oil,
stop the engine immediately and have your vehicle towed to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
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7–27
If Trouble Arises
Warning/Indicator Lights and Warning Sounds
*Some models.
SignalWarning
ABS Warning Light
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 a\
s if the vehicle had
no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
When 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.
The brake assist system does not operate while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
Check Engine Light
If this light illuminates while driving, the vehicle may have a problem.\
It is important to
note the driving conditions when the light illuminated and consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
The check engine light may illuminate in the following cases:
The fuel tank level being very low or approaching empty.The engine's electrical system has a problem.The emission control system has a problem.The fuel-filler cap is missing or not tightened securely.
If the check engine light remains on, or it flashes continuously , do not drive at high speeds
and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Automatic
Transaxle Warning Light
*
The light/indication illuminates when the transaxle has a problem.
CAUTION
If the automatic transaxle warning light illuminates, the transaxle has an electrical problem. Continuing to drive your Mazda in this condition could cause damage to your
transaxle. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly
illuminates or does not illuminate at all when the ignition is switched ON. If any of these
occur, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not operate
in an accident.WARNING
Never tamper with the air bag/pretensioner systems and always have an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the systems is dangerous. An air bag/pretensioner
could accidentally activate or become disabled causing serious injury or death.
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