windshield wipers MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2016 Owners Manual

4–1*Some models.
4When Driving
Information concerning safe driving and stopping.
Start/Stop Engine ................................4-4
Ignition Switch
...............................4-4
Starting the Engine
.........................4-5
Turning the Engine Off
................4-10
Instrument Cluster and Display
......4-11
Meters and Gauges
.......................4-11
Active Driving Display* ...............4-18
Warning/Indicator Lights
.............4-20
Transaxle
............................................4-26
Manual Transaxle Operation
........4-26
Automatic Transaxle Controls
.....4-29
Switches and Controls
......................4-40
Lighting Control
...........................4-40
Fog Lights* ...................................4-46
Turn and Lane-Change Signals
....4-46
Windshield Wipers and Washer
...4-47
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer
*......................................... 4-51
Rear Window Defogger
...............4-52
Horn
.............................................4-53
Hazard Warning Flasher
...............4-54
HomeLink Wireless Control
System
* .........................................4-54
Brake
..................................................4-58
Brake System
...............................4-58
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
............4-60 ABS/TCS/DSC
...................................4-62
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
.....4-62
Traction Control System (TCS)
...4-63
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
...........................................4-64
i-ELOOP
............................................4-66
i-ELOOP* .....................................4-66
Fuel Economy Monitor
.....................4-69
Fuel Economy Monitor* ...............4-69
Drive Selection
...................................4-71
Drive Selection* ...........................4-71
Power Steering ................................... 4-73
Power Steering
.............................4-73
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 12015/05/11 14:00:32

4–42
When Driving
Switches and Controls
Auto-light control
When the headlight switch is in the
position and the ignition is switched ON, the light
sensor senses the surrounding lightness or darkness and automatically tu\
rns the headlights,
other exterior lights and dashboard illumination on or off (see chart above).
CAUTION
 Do not shade the light sensor by adhering a sticker or a label on the windshield. Otherwise
the light sensor will not operate correctly.

 The 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 position and the
ignition is switched ON as fingers could be pinched or the wipers and wiper blades could be
damaged when the wipers activate automatically. If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off completely when it is particularly tempting to leave the
engine running. This is particularly important when clearing ice and snow.
NOTE
 The headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination may not turn off
immediately even if the surrounding area becomes well-lit because the light sensor
determines that it is night time if the surrounding area is continuously dark for several
minutes such as inside long tunnels, traffic jams inside tunnels, or in indoor parking lots.
In this case, the lights turn off if the light switch is turned to the position. (Without auto headlight off function)
When the headlight switch is in the position and the ignition is switched to ACC or
the ignition is switched off, the headlights, other exterior lights and \
dashboard
illumination will turn off.
 The dashboard illumination can be adjusted by rotating the knob in the instrument cluster.
Also, the day/night mode can be changed by rotating the knob until a beep sound is heard.
To adjust the brightness of the dashboard illumination:
Refer to Dashboar d Illumination on page 4-15. The sensitivity of the AUTO lights may be changed by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Refer to Personalization Featur es on page 9-12.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 422015/05/11 14:00:49

4–47
When Driving
Switches and Controls
NOTE
 If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, one
of the turn signal bulbs may be burned
out.
 A personalized function is available to
change the turn indicator sound volume.
(page 9-12)
Lane-Change Signals
Move the lever halfway toward the
direction of the lane change—until the
indicator flashes— and hold it there. It will
return to the off position when released.
Three-Flash Turn Signal
After releasing the turn signal lever, the
turn signal indicator flashes three times.
The operation can be cancelled by moving
the lever in the direction opposite to which
it was operated.
NOTE
The three-flash turn signal function can be
switched to operable/inoperable using the
personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-12.
Windshield Wipers and
Washer
The ignition must be switched ON to use
the wipers.
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.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 472015/05/11 14:00:51

4–48
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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.
Windshield Wipers
Turn the wipers on by pressing the lever
up or down.
With intermittent wiper
Switch
Position Wiper operation
Operation while pulling up lever
Stop
Intermittent
Low speed
High speed
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 482015/05/11 14:00:51

4–49
When Driving
Switches and Controls
Variable-speed intermittent wipers
Set the lever to the intermittent position
and choose the interval timing by rotating
the ring.
INT ringFast
Slow
With auto-wiper control
Switch
Position Wiper operation
Operation while pulling up lever
Stop
Auto control
Low speed
High speed
Auto-wiper control
When the wiper lever is in the

position, the rain sensor senses the amount
of rainfall on the windshield and turns the
wipers on or off automatically (off—
intermittent—low speed—high speed).
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 upward for higher sensitivity
(faster response) or rotate it downward for
less sensitivity (slower response).
Higher sensitivity
Less sensitivitySwitch
Center
position
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 492015/12/04 19:23:00

4–50
When Driving
Switches and Controls
CAUTION
 Do not shade the rain sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on the
windshield. Otherwise the rain sensor
will not operate correctly.

 When the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
 If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a
cloth.
 If 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
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 (when it is most likely
that the engine is left running) this is
particularly important when clearing ice
and snow.
NOTE
 Switching the auto-wiper lever from the
to the position while driving
activates the windshield wipers once,
after which they operate according to
the rainfall amount.
 The auto-wiper control may not operate
when the rain sensor temperature is
about -10 °C (14 °F) or lower, or about
85 °C (185 °F) or higher.
 If the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be
able to sense the amount of rainfall
correctly and the auto-wiper control
may not operate properly.
 If dirt or foreign matter (such as ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres
to the windshield above the rain sensor,
or if the windshield is iced, it could
cause the wipers to move automatically.
However, if the wipers cannot remove
this ice, dirt or foreign matter, the auto-
wiper control will stop operation. In
this case, set the wiper lever to the low
speed position or high speed position
for manual operation, or remove the ice,
dirt or foreign matter by hand to restore
the auto-wiper operation.
 If the auto-wiper lever is left in the
position, the wipers could operate
automatically from the effect of strong
light sources, electromagnetic waves, or
infrared light because the rain sensor
uses an optical sensor. It is
recommended that the auto-wiper lever
be switched to the
position other
than when driving the vehicle under
rainy conditions.
 The auto-wiper contr ol functions can
be turned off. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-12.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 502015/05/11 14:00:52

4–51
When Driving
Switches and Controls
*Some models.
Windshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid.
Washer
OFF
NOTE
If the windshield washer is turned on when
the windshield wipers are not operating,
the windshield wipers operate a few times.
If the washer does not work, inspect the
fluid level (page 6-32). If the fluid level
is normal, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer*
The ignition must be switched ON to use
the wiper.
Rear Window Wiper
Turn the wiper on by turning the rear
wiper/washer switch.
Switch
Position Wiper operation
Stop
Intermittent
Normal
Rear Window Washer
To spray washer fluid, turn the rear wiper/
washer switch to either of the
position.
After the switch is released, the washer
will stop.
If the washer does not work, inspect the
fluid level (page
6-32). If the fluid
level is normal and the washer still does
not work, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 512015/12/04 19:23:02

4–107
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Do not rely completely on the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system:
 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is only designed to reduce damage in the
event of a collision. Over reliance on the system leading to the accelerator pedal or
brake pedal being mistakenly operated could result in an accident.
 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is a system which operates in response to a
vehicle ahead. The system may not be able to detect or react to 2-wheeled vehicles or
pedestrians.
 The laser sensor (front) for the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is installed near
the rearview mirror. To assure the correct operation of the Smart City Brake Support
(SCBS), heed the following cautions.
 Do not apply stickers to the surface of the windshield near the laser sensor (front)
(including transparent stickers). Otherwise, the laser sensor (front) may not be able
to detect vehicles ahead which could result in an accident.
 Do not apply coating agent to the windshield. Otherwise, the laser sensor (front)
may not be able to detect vehicles or obstructions in front which could result in an
accident.
 Do not disassemble the laser sensor (front). If cracks or damage caused by flying gravel or debris is visible near the laser sensor
(front), stop using the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system immediately and
have your vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer. If the vehicle continues
to be driven with cracks or scratch marks left on the windshield near the laser sensor
(front), the system may operate unnecessarily and cause an unexpected accident.
Refer to Stopping The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) System Operation on page
4-110. When replacing the windshield wipers or windshield, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Do not modify the suspension: If the vehicle height or inclination is changed, the system will not be able to correctly
detect vehicles ahead. This will result in the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system not
operating normally or mistakenly operating, which could cause a serious accident.
Turn off the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) when the vehicle is running on a chassis
roller or being towed: Turn off the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system to prevent mistaken operation when
the vehicle is running on a chassis roller or being towed. See the next page on how to turn
off the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).
Refer to Stopping The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) System Operation on page 4-110.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 1072015/05/11 14:01:08

4–10 8
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
CAUTION
 When driving off-road in areas where there is grass or forage, it is recommended that the
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system be turned off. Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacturer,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with significantly different wear
patterns on the same vehicle as the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system may not
operate normally.
 The laser sensor (front) includes a function for detecting a soiled windshield and informing
the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may not detect plastic shopping bags,
ice or snow on the windshield. In such cases, the system cannot accurately determine a
vehicle ahead and may not be able to operate normally. Always drive carefully and pay
attention to the road ahead.
NOTE
 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will not operate if the dri\
ver is deliberately
performing driving operations (accelerator pedal and steering wheel). The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will operate under the foll\
owing conditions.
 The engine is running. The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warning light (amber) does not i\
lluminate. The vehicle speed is between about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph). The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is not turned off. The DSC operation is not turned off using the DSC OFF switch. The DSC is not malfunctioning.
 The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) detects a vehicle ahead by emittin\
g a near-infrared
laser beam and receiving the beam reflected off the reflector of the vehicle ahead, and
then using it for the measurement. Consequently, the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
may not operate under the following conditions:
 Reflection of the laser is poor due to the shape of the vehicle ahead. The vehicle ahead is significantly dirty. Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow . The window washer is being used or the windshield wipers ar e not used when it's
raining. The windshield is dirty. The steering wheel is turned completely left or right, or the vehicle is\
accelerated
rapidly and comes close to the vehicle ahead. Trucks with low loading platforms and vehicles with an extremely low or high profile. Vehicles with certain shapes such as a vehicle carrier.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 1082015/05/11 14:01:08

6–34
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Wiper Blades
CAUTION
 Hot waxes applied by automatic car
washers have been known to affect the
wiper's ability to clean windows.
 To prevent damage to the wiper blades,
do not use gasoline, kerosene, paint
thinner, or other solvents on or near
them.
 When the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
 If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched. If the windshield above the rain
sensor is wiped with a cloth. If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object. If 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 the
vehicle, 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.
Replacing W indshield 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, do not try to
sweep the wiper arm by hand.
NOTE
When raising both windshield wiper arms,
raise the driver's side wiper arm first.
When lowering the wiper arms, slowly
lower the wiper arm from the passenger's
side first while supporting it with your
hand. Forcefully lowering the wiper arms
could damage the wiper arm and blade,
and may scratch or crack the windshield.
1. Raise the wiper arm.
2. Open the clip and slide the blade
assembly in the direction of the arrow.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 342015/05/11 14:02:16