traction control MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK 2012 Owners Manual (in English)

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Hazardous Driving
WARNING
Be extremely careful if it is necessary to
downshift on slippery surfaces:Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces 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.
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.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
lBe cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
lAvoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
lDo not pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Anti-Lock Brake System
(ABS) on page 5-8.
lIf you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Do not spin the front
wheels.
lFor more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the front wheels.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the front wheels.
Floor Mat
WARNING
Make sure the floor mats are hooked
on the retention pins to prevent them
from bunching up under the foot
pedals: Using a floor mat that is not secured
is dangerous as it will interfere with
the accelerator and brake pedal
operation, which could result in an
accident.
Do not install two floor mats, one on
top of the other, on the driver's side: Installing two floor mats, one on top
of the other, on the driver's side is
dangerous as the retention pins can
only keep one floor mat from sliding
forward.
In using a heavy duty floor mat for
winter use always remove the
original floor mat.
Loose floor mat(s) will interfere with
the foot pedal and could result in an
accident.
When setting a floor mat, position the
floor mat so that its eyelets are inserted
over the pointed end of the retention
posts.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-3
Turning the Engine Off ............................................................. 5-4
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transaxle Operation ................................................... 5-10
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................ 5-13
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-21
Cruise Control
í...................................................................... 5-22
Traction Control System (TCS)í........................................... 5-27
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)í........................................ 5-28
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systemí......................................... 5-31
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Systemí................................. 5-37
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-42 Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-42
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-47 Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-47
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-62
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-64 Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-64
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-69
Fog Lights
í............................................................................ 5-70
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-70
Rear Window Wiper and Washer (5 Door) ............................. 5-74
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-75
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-76
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-76
5-1íSome models.
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(Type A)
(Type B)
The system turns off when the ignition is
switched off.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15 km/h (9
mph) below the preset speed (such as may
happen when climbing a long, steep grade).
Traction Control System
(TCS)
í
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.
WARNING
Do not rely on the traction control
system 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 5-29).
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-27íSome models.
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Audio Control Switch
Operation
í
When the audio unit is turned on,
operation of the audio unit from the
steering wheel is possible.
NOTE
Because the audio unit will be turned off under
the following conditions, the switches will be
inoperable.
lWhen the ignition is switched off.lWhen the power button on the audio unit is
pressed and the audio unit is turned off.
Without Bluetooth Hands-Free
With Bluetooth Hands-Free
Talk buttonPick-up buttonTalk button
Hang-up button
Pick-up button
NOTElThe talk button, pick-up button, and hang-
up button are operable with the audio unit
turned off.
lMazda has installed this system to prevent
distraction while driving the vehicle and
using audio controls on the dashboard.
Always make safe driving your first priority.
q
Adjusting the Volume
To increase the volume, press up the
volume switch.
To decrease the volume, press down the
volume switch.
Without Bluetooth Hands-Free
With Bluetooth Hands-Free
6-56
Interior Comfort
íSome models.
Audio System
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CAUTION
Limited-Slip Differential system;
don't use the following:
ØTires not of the designated size
Ø Tires of different sizes or types at
the same time
Ø Tires not sufficiently inflated
If these instructions aren't followed,
the rotation of the left and right
wheels will be different and will thus
apply a constant load on the limited-
slip differential.
This will cause a malfunction.
q Replacing a Tire
WARNING
Always use tires that are in good
condition:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and
traction could result in an accident.
Replace all four tires at the same time: Replacing just one tire is dangerous.
It could cause poor handling and
poor braking resulting in loss of
vehicle control. Mazda strongly
recommends that you replace all four
tires at the same time.
CAUTION
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring
System)
When replacing/repairing the tires or
wheels or both, have the work done
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer, or
the tire pressure sensors may be
damaged. NOTE
(With Tire Pressure Monitoring System)lWhen tires with steel wire reinforcement in
the sidewalls are used, the system may not
function correctly even with a genuine
wheel.
Refer to System Error Activation on page
5-35.
lBe sure to install the tire pressure sensors
whenever tires or wheels are replaced.
Refer to Tires and Wheels on page 5-35.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator
will appear as a solid band across the
tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New tread
Tread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace the tire before the
band crosses the entire tread.
NOTE
Tires degrade over time, even when they are
not being used on the road. It is recommended
that tires generally be replaced when they are
6 years or older. Heat caused by hot climates
or frequent high loading conditions can
accelerate the aging process. You should
replace the spare tire when you replace the
other road tires due to the aging of the spare
tire. The period in which the tire was
manufactured (both week and year) is
indicated by a 4-digit number.
Refer to Tire Labeling on page 9-24.
8-40
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
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Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
This information relates to the tire grading system developed by the U.S. National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration for grading tires by tread wear, traction, and
temperature performance.
qTread Wear
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one-and-a-half times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm because of variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.
qTraction-AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.
WARNING
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction
tests and does not include acceleration cornering (turning), hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
qTemperature-A, B, C
The temperature grades A (the highest), B, and C, represent the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
9-22
Customer Information
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
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Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature Grades
Tread wear:The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
Traction: The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The grades
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
Temperature: The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Snow Tires
In some heavy snow areas, local governments may require true snow tires, those with very
deeply cut tread. These tires should only be used in pairs or placed on all four wheels.
Make sure you purchase snow tires that are the same size and construction type as the other
tires on your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
The following safety warning appears on the tire's sidewall.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT FROM:
lEXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING-
MATCH TIRE DIAMETER TO RIM DIAMETER; NEVER EXCEED 40 psi (275 kPa)
TO SEAT BEADS-ONLY SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONS SHOULD MOUNT
TIRES.
lTIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/DAMAGE-
FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY
CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR DAMAGE.
Customer Information
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-27
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T
Tire Information ................................ 9-24
Tire Pressure Monitoring System ...... 5-31System 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 .......................................... 3-41 Inside trunk release lever ............ 3-43
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-42
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 .......................... 3-45
Windshield Washer ........................... 5-74
Windshield Wipers ............................ 5-71 Blades replacement .................... 8-29
Winter Driving .................................... 4-9
Index
11-7
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