MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK 2011 Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (160,1)
4-16
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page160
Monday, June 7 2010 2:32 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (161,1)
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Turning Off the Engine ............................................................. 5-5
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transaxle Operation ................................................... 5-11
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................ 5-13
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-20
Cruise Control
í...................................................................... 5-21
Traction Control System (TCS)í........................................... 5-26
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)í........................................ 5-27
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-30
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-36 Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-36
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-41 Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-41
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-57
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-59 Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-59
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-64
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-65
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-65
Rear Window Wiper and Washer (5 Door) ............................. 5-69
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-70
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-71
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-71
5-1íSome models.
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page161
Monday, June 7 2010 2:32 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (162,1)
Ignition Switch
With advanced key
Refer to“Starting the engine (page 3-12) ”
for information on how to use the ignition
switch.
q Ignition Switch Positions
(Without Advanced Key)
The engraved mark (LOCK) indicated in
the illustration may differ from that
indicated on the actual vehicle (it may
read OFF).
OFF/LOCK
The power supply to electrical devices is
turned off. Only in this position can the
key be removed. Manual transaxle
To switch the ignition from ACC to OFF/
LOCK, push the button when the key is at
the ACC position, then turn the key to the
OFF/LOCK position.
Button
Push the
button
Automatic transaxle
To switch the ignition from ACC to OFF/
LOCK, the shift lever must be in the P
position.
Shift lever
engaged in P
(park)
5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page162
Monday, June 7 2010 2:32 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (163,1)
WARNING
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked (with steering lock
mechanism):Removing the key from the ignition
switch while the vehicle is moving is
dangerous. Removing the key allows
the steering wheel to lock. You will
lose steering control and a serious
accident could occur.
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the shift lever is
in P (automatic transaxle) or in 1st gear
or R (manual transaxle): Leaving the driver's seat without
switching the ignition off, setting the
parking brake, and shifting the shift
lever to P (automatic transaxle) or to
1st gear or R (manual transaxle) is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur which could
result in an accident.
In addition, if your intention is to
leave the vehicle for even a short
period, it is important to switch the
ignition off, as leaving it in another
position will disable some of the
vehicle's security systems and run the
battery down.
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the steering
wheel from side to side.
Leaving the key in any position but the OFF/
LOCK position also disables some of the
security features and may run the battery
down.
ACC (Accessory)
In this position, some electrical
accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. Some indicator
lights/warning lights should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-41).
NOTE
When the ignition is switched ON, the sound of
the fuel pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not indicate an
abnormality.
NOTE
(With headlight auto-leveling)
When the ignition is switched ON, the sound of
the headlight leveling motors operating at the
front of the engine compartment can be heard.
This does not indicate an abnormality.
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key. It
then returns to the ON position.
q Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition is switched off or the
ignition is switched to ACC with the key
inserted, a continuous beep sound will be
heard when the driver's door is opened.
NOTE
A personalized function is available to change
the sound volume for the ignition key reminder.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
10-12.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-3
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page163
Monday, June 7 2010 2:32 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (164,1)
Starting the Engine
With advanced key
Refer to“Starting the engine (page 3-12) ”
for information on how to start the engine.
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the spark
ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Standard requirements
regulating the impulse electrical field strength
of radio noise.
1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (Manual transaxle)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the clutch pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transaxle)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
(Manual transaxle)
The starter will not operate unless the clutch is
depressed sufficiently.
(Automatic transaxle)
The starter will not operate if the shift lever is
not in P or N.
5. Switch the ignition to START and hold
(up to 10 seconds at a time) until the
engine starts.
CAUTION
Do not try the starter for more than
10 seconds at a time. If the engine
stalls or fails to start, wait 10 seconds
before trying again. Otherwise, you
may damage the starter and drain
the battery.
6. After starting the engine, let it idle for about 10 seconds.
NOTE
lIn extremely cold weather or after the
vehicle has not been driven in several days,
let the engine warm up without operating
the accelerator.
lWhether the engine is cold or warm, it
should be started without use of the
accelerator.
lIf the engine does not start the first time,
refer to Starting a Flooded Engine under
Emergency Starting. If the engine still does
not start, have your vehicle inspected by an
Authorized Mazda Dealer (page 7-17).
5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page164
Monday, June 7 2010 2:32 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (165,1)
Turning Off the Engine
1. Stop the vehicle completely.
2.(Manual transaxle)
Shift into neutral.
(Automatic transaxle)
Shift the shift lever to the P position.
3. (Without Advanced Keyless Entry &
Push Button Start System)
Switch the ignition from ON to OFF/
LOCK.
(With Advanced Keyless Entry &
Push Button Start System)
Press the push button start to turn off
the engine.
WARNING
Do not stop the engine while the
vehicle is moving:
Stopping the engine while the vehicle
is moving for any reason other than
in an emergency is dangerous.
Stopping the engine while the vehicle
is moving will result in reduced
maneuverability and braking ability
due to the loss of power steering and
power braking, which could cause an
accident and serious injury.
CAUTION
When leaving the vehicle, make sure
the ignition is switched off.
NOTE
The electrical fan in the engine compartment
could turn on for a few minutes after the
ignition is switched from ON to OFF, whether
or not the A/C is on or off, to cool the engine
compartment quickly.
Brake System
q Foot Brake
Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.
Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But the distance required to
stop will be greater than usual.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-5
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page165
Monday, June 7 2010 2:32 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (166,1)
WARNING
Do not coast with the engine stalled or
turned off, find a safe place to stop:Coasting with the engine stalled or
turned off is dangerous. Braking will
require more effort, and the brake's
power-assist could be depleted if you
pump the brake. This will cause
longer stopping distances or even an
accident.
Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep hills: Driving with your foot continuously
on the brake pedal or steadily
applying the brakes for long
distances is dangerous. This causes
overheated brakes, resulting in
longer stopping distances or even
total brake failure. This could cause
loss of vehicle control and a serious
accident. Avoid continuous
application of the brakes.
Dry off brakes that have become wet
by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to normal: Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
CAUTION
ØDo not drive with your foot held
on the clutch pedal or brake pedal,
or hold the clutch pedal depressed
halfway unnecessarily. Doing so
could result in the following:
ØThe clutch and brake parts will
wear out more quickly.
ØThe brakes can overheat and
adversely affect brake
performance.
Ø Always depress the brake pedal
with the right foot. Applying the
brakes with the unaccustomed left
foot could slow your reaction time
to an emergency situation
resulting in insufficient braking
operation.
ØWear shoes appropriate for driving
in order to avoid your shoe
contacting the brake pedal when
depressing the accelerator pedal.
5-6
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page166
Monday, June 7 2010 2:32 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (167,1)
qParking Brake
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the shift lever is
in P (automatic transaxle) or in 1st gear
or R (manual transaxle):
Leaving the driver's seat without
switching the ignition off, setting the
parking brake, and shifting the shift
lever to P (automatic transaxle) or to
1st gear or R (manual transaxle) is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur which could
result in an accident.
In addition, if your intention is to
leave the vehicle for even a short
period, it is important to switch the
ignition off, as leaving it in another
position will disable some of the
vehicle's security systems and run the
battery down.
CAUTION
Driving with the parking brake on
will cause excessive wear of the brake
linings or pads.
NOTE
For parking in snow, refer to Winter Driving
(page 4-9) regarding parking brake use.
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-7
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page167
Monday, June 7 2010 2:32 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (168,1)
qBrake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Brake system warningí
Illuminates when there is a malfunction in
the brake switch.
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 8-23).
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.
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
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 when the ABS operates. Continue
to depress the brake pedal without
pumping the brakes.
5-8
Driving Your Mazda
íSome models.
Starting and Driving
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page168
Monday, June 7 2010 2:32 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F

Black plate (169,1)
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. 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
as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
lWhen 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.
l(With DSC vehicles)
The brake assist system does not operate
while the ABS warning light is illuminated.
q
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 on simultaneously. The
problem is likely to be the electronic
brake force distribution system.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-9
Mazda3_8BM6-EC-10F_Edition1 Page169
Monday, June 7 2010 2:32 PM
Form No.8BM6-EC-10F