wheel MAZDA MODEL 3 5-DOOR 2017 Owner's Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: MAZDA, Model Year: 2017, Model line: MODEL 3 5-DOOR, Model: MAZDA MODEL 3 5-DOOR 2017Pages: 612
Page 168 of 612

4–38
When Driving
Automatic Transaxle
*Some models.
Manually Shifting Down
You can shift gears down by operating
the selector lever or the steering shift
switches
*.
M6 → M5 → M4 → M3 → M2→ M1
Using selector lever
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the
selector lever forward
once.
Using steering shift switch*
To shift down to a lower gear with the
steering shift switches, pull the DOWN
switch
toward you once with your
fingers.
DOWN switch
WARNING
Do not use engine braking on slippery
road surfaces or at high speeds:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while driving
at high speeds causes sudden engine
braking, which is dangerous. The
sudden change in tire speed could
cause the tires to skid. This could lead to
loss of vehicle control and an accident.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel
rim when using fingers on the steering
shift switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of the
steering wheel when using the steering
shift switches is dangerous. If the driver's
air bag were to deploy in a collision, your
hands could be impacted causing injury.
NOTE
When driving at high speeds, the gear
may not shift down. During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending on
vehicle speed.
When depressing the accelerator fully,
the transaxle will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed. However,
the gears do not kickdown while the
DSC is turned off.
Second Gear Fixed Mode
When the selector lever is moved back
while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h
(6.2 mph) or less, the transaxle is set in the
second gear fixed mode. The gear is fixed
in second while in this mode for easier
acceleration from a stop and driving on
slippery roads such as snow-covered roads.
If the selector lever is moved back or
forward
while in the second gear fixed
mode, the mode will be canceled.
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Page 186 of 612

4–56
When Driving
Switches and Controls
Horn
To sound the horn, press the mark on
the steering wheel.
Hazard Warning Flasher
The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway in an emergency.
The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that they must take extreme caution
when near it.
Depress the hazard warning flasher and
all the turn signals will flash. The hazard
warning indicator lights in the instrument
cluster flash simultaneously.
NOTE
The turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning lights are on. Check local regulations about the use of
hazard warning lights while the vehicle
is being towed to verify that it is not in
violation of the law.
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Page 198 of 612

4–68
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Antilock 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.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page
4-24.
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
Braking 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.
The 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.
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Page 199 of 612

4–69
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Traction Control System
(TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by controlling
engine torque and braking. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque and operates the brakes to
prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page
4-24.
WARNING
Do not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) as a substitute for safe
driving:The Traction Control System (TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.
Use snow tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are covered
with ice and/or snow: Driving without proper traction devices
on snow and/or ice-covered roads
is dangerous. The Traction Control
System (TCS) alone cannot provide
adequate traction and you could still
have an accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page
4-71).
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
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, DSC
or the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
On slippery surfaces, such as fr esh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
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Page 200 of 612

4–70
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Dynamic Stability
Control (DSC)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page
4-68) and TCS
(page
4-69).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page
4-24.
WARNING
Do not rely on the Dynamic Stability
Control as a substitute for safe driving: The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.
CAUTION
The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
Use tires of the correct size specified
for your Mazda on all four wheels. Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
Do not mix worn tires.
The DSC may not operate correctly when
tire chains are used or a temporary spare
tire is installed because the tire diameter
changes.
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
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, DSC
or the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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Page 204 of 612

4–74
When Driving
i-ELOOP
i-ELOOP Indicator Light/Control
Status Display
The driver is notified of the i-ELOOP
power generating status and the vehicle
conditions by the i-ELOOP indicator light
and the control status display.
i-ELOOP Indicator Light
Illuminated (vehicle without type B
audio)
The light turns on during power
generation.
Flashing
If the engine is started after the vehicle has
not been driven for a long period of time,
the i-ELOOP indicator light may flash.
Leave the engine idling and wait until the
indicator light turns off.
NOTE
The beep will sound if the vehicle is
driven while the i-ELOOP indicator
light is flashing. In addition, if you
turn the steering wheel while the light
is flashing, it will feel heavier than
normal, but this does not indicate an
abnormality. Stop the vehicle in a safe
location with the engine running and do
not attempt to turn the steering wheel.
The steering operation will return to
normal after the i-ELOOP indicator
light stops flashing.
(Vehicles with type B audio)
A notification is displayed in the center
display and the i-ELOOP indicator light
flashes at the same time.
Refer to Warning Message Indicated on
Display on page 7-37.
Control status display (vehicles with
type B audio)
The i-ELOOP power generating status is
displayed in the center display.
Refer to Control Status Display on page
4-77.
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Page 208 of 612

4–78
When Driving
Drive Selection
*Some models.
Drive Selection*
Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle's drive mode. When the sport mode
is selected, vehicle's response against accelerator operation is enhance\
d. This provides
additional quick acceleration which may be needed to safely make maneuvers such as lane
changes, merging onto freeways, or passing other vehicles.
CAUTION
Do not use the sport mode when driving on slippery roads such as wet or snow-covered
roads. It may cause tire slipping.
NOTE
When the sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds increases and it may
increase fuel consumption. Mazda recommends that you cancel the sport mode on normal
driving.
Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions:
ABS/TCS/DSC is operating The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system/cruise control is operating. Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
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Page 210 of 612

4–80
When Driving
Power Steering
Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when
the engine is running. If the engine is
off or if the power steering system is
inoperable, you can still steer, but it
requires more physical effort.
If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving or the steering
vibrates, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
The warning light notifies the driver
of system abnormalities and operation
conditions.
In addition, the buzzer may also activate
depending on the system abnormality or
operation condition.
Refer to Warning Lights on page
4-24.
Refer to Power Steering Warning Buzzer
on page 7-43.
CAUTION
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running. This
could damage the power steering
system.
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Page 214 of 612

4–84
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.
Adaptive Front Lighting
System (AFS)*
The adaptive front lighting system (AFS)
automatically adjusts the headlight beams
to the left or right in conjunction with the
operation of the steering wheel after the
headlights have been turned on.
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Page 231 of 612

4–101
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.
Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)*
The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) measures the distance between your
vehicle and a vehicle ahead using a radar sensor (front) while the veh\
icle speed is about 30
km/h (19 mph) or faster, and if your vehicle approaches a vehicle ahead more closely than
what is appropriate for maintaining distance between the vehicles accord\
ing to the vehicle
speed, a notification in the active driving display is indicated to advise you to keep a safe
distance from the vehicle ahead.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) and always
drive carefully:The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) provides advice for safer driving and
notifies the driver of a recommended, safer distance to maintain with a vehicle ahead.
The ability to detect a vehicle ahead is limited depending on the type of vehicle ahead,
the weather conditions, and the traffic conditions. Therefore, if the accelerator and brake
pedals are not operated correctly it could lead to an accident. Always verify the safety of
the surrounding area and depress the brake pedal or accelerator pedal while keeping a
safer distance from vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.
NOTE
The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) operates when all of th\
e following
conditions are met:
The ignition is switched ON. The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) is on. The selector lever is in a position other than r everse (R). The vehicle speed is 30 km/h or faster (19 mph or faster).
The objects which activate the system are 4-wheeled vehicles. The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) may also operate in the\
pr esence of
motorcycles and bicycles. The Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) system may not operate \
normally
under the following conditions:
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) has a malfunction. The vehicle ahead is traveling at an extr emely slow speed.
The system does not operate with the following objects:
Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction. Stationary objects (stopped vehicles, obstructions)
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