automatic transmission MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK 2021 Owner's Manual

▼Shift Gear (Shifting) Speed Limit
For each gear position while in the manual
mode, the speed limit is set as follows:
When the selector lever is operated within the range of the speed limit, the gear is
shifted.

1. 1st
2. 2nd
3. 3rd
4. 4th
5. 5th
6. 6th
Shift up
The gear does not shift up while the vehi cle speed is lower than the speed limit.
Shift down
The gear does not shift down while th e vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit.
If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limi t and the gear does not shift down, the
gear position indication flashes 2 times to notify the driver that the gear cannot be
shifted.
Kickdown
When the accelerator pedal is depressed fu lly while driving, the gear shifts down.
However, the gears do not kickdown while the DSC is turned o ff.
NOTE
The gear also shifts down using kickdown while in the second gear fixed mode.
Auto-shift down
The gear shifts down automatically depending on the vehicle speed during
deceleration.
NOTE
If the vehicle comes to a stop while in the second gear fixed mode, the gear remains
in second.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
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▼Recommendations for Shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, Mazda recommends these shift points:
(U.S.A. and Canada)
Gear
Vehicle speed*1
M1 to M224 km/h (15 mph)
M2 to M3 40 km/h (25 mph)
M3 to M4 65 km/h (40 mph)
M4 to M5 73 km/h (45 mph)
M5 to M6 81 km/h (50 mph)
*1 Always observe local speed limit regulations.
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy tra ffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift before
the engine starts to overwork. This gives better acceleration when you need more
speed.

On a steep downgrade, downshifting helps ma intain safe speed and prolongs brake
life.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
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Direct Mode*
▼Direct Mode
Direct mode can be used for
temporarily switching gears by
operating the steering shift switch
while the vehicle is being driven with
the selector lever in the D position.
While in direct mode, the D and M
indication illuminate and the gear
position in use is illuminated.
1. Direct mode indication
2. Gear position indication

Direct mode is canceled (released)
under the following conditions.
The UP switch (+/OFF) is pulled
rearward for a certain amount of
time or longer.
The vehicle is driven for a certain
amount of time or longer (time
di ffers depending on the driving
conditions while operating).
The vehicle is stopped or moving at a
slow speed.

NOTE
Shifting up and down while in direct
mode may not be possible depending
on the vehicle speed. In addition,
because direct mode is canceled
(released) depending on the rate of
acceleration or if the accelerator is fully
depressed, use of the manual shift
mode is recommended if you need to
drive the vehicle in a particular gear for
long periods.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
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Driving Tips
▼Driving Tips
WARNING
Do not let the vehicle move in a
direction opposite to the direction
selected by the selector lever:
Do not let the vehicle move backward
with the selector lever in a forward
position, or do not let the vehicle
move forward with the selector lever in
the reverse position. Otherwise, the
engine may stop, causing the loss of
the power brake and power steering
functions, and make it diffi
cult to
control the vehicle which could result
in an accident.
Pa s s i n g
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades,
depress the accelerator fully. The
transmission will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed.
NOTE
The accelerator pedal may initially
feel heavy as it is being depressed,
then feel lighter as it is depressed
further. This change in pedal force
aids the engine control system in
determining how much the
accelerator pedal has been
depressed for performing kickdown,
and functions to control whether or
not kickdown should be performed.
While the selector lever is in the M
position and the DSC is turned o ff,
manual shift mode does not switch
to automatic shift mode even if the
accelerator pedal is completely
depressed. Operate the selector
lever.
Climbing steep grades from a stop
To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:
1. Depress the brake pedal.
2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the
load weight and grade steepness.
3. Release the brake pedal while
gradually accelerating.
Descending steep grades
When descending a steep grade, shift
to lower gears, depending on load
weight and grade steepness. Descend
slowly, using the brakes only
occasionally to prevent them from
overheating.
When Driving
Automatic Transmission
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NOTE
To release the parking brake when the
ignition is switched OFF, it is necessary
to cancel the parking brake auto
operation. For details, refer to
Canceling the parking brake automatic
operation.
Releasing the parking brake
automatically
If the accelerator pedal is depressed
with the parking brake applied and all
of the following conditions met, the
parking brake is released automatically.
When the parking brake is released,
the EPB indicator light in the
instrument cluster and the EPB switch
indicator light turn off.
The engine is running.The driver's door is closed.The driver's seat belt is fastened.(Manual transmission vehicle)
The shift lever is in a position other
than neutral.
The clutch pedal is depressed
halfway.
(Automatic transmission vehicle)
The selector lever is in the D, M, or R
position.
NOTE
If something such as the driver's foot
contacts the accelerator pedal with the
engine running and the parking brake
applied, the parking brake might be
released automatically. If you do not
intend to start driving the vehicle
immediately, shift the shift lever to the
neutral position for a manual
transmission, or shift the selector lever
to the P or N position for an automatic
transmission.
Canceling the parking brake
automatic operation
The parking brake automatic operation
can be canceled by doing any of the
following after switching the ignition
from ON to OFF.
Auto operation cancel method 1
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Release the parking brake manually.
3. Turn o ff the AUTOHOLD.
4. Press the EPB switch continuously for 2 seconds or longer (until a
sound is activated).
5. Release the EPB switch and switch the ignition OFF within 5 seconds
after the sound was activated.
After the auto operation is
canceled, a sound is activated one
time, and the EPB switch indicator
light switches from illumination to
flashing, and then turns o ff after 3
seconds.
Auto operation cancel method 2
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Release the parking brake manually.
3. Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
4. Switch the ignition OFF with the EPB switch pressed while the brake
pedal is not depressed.
When the auto operation is
canceled, a sound is activated one
time, and the EPB switch indicator
light goes from normal flashing to
faster flashing , and then turns off
after 3 seconds.
When Driving
Brake
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NOTE
When canceling the parking brake
auto operation and parking the
vehicle, shift the shift lever to the 1st
gear or the R position for a manual
transmission, or shift the selector
lever to the P position for an
automatic transmission, and then
use wheel blocks.
The auto operation may not cancel if
the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope.
When the ignition is switched ON, the
parking brake auto operation is
restored.
▼ Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Brake System Warning
Indication/Warning Light on page
7-27.
▼Brake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become
worn, the built-in wear indicators
contact the disc plates. This causes a
screeching noise to warn that the pads
should be replaced.
When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING
Do not drive with worn disc pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is
dangerous. The brakes could fail and
cause a serious accident. As soon as
you hear a screeching noise consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
In high humidity weather conditions,
brake noises, such as brake squeak or
brake squeal can be heard. It does not
indicate a malfunction.
▼Brake Assist
During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the
brake pedal with greater force, the
brake assist system provides braking
assistance, thus
enhancing braking
performance.

When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, the
brakes apply more firmly.
NOTE
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, the
pedal will feel softer but the brakes
will apply more firmly. This is a
normal eff ect of the brake assist
operation and does not indicate a
malfunction.
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, a
motor/pump operation noise may
be heard. This is a normal e ffect of
the brake assist and does not
indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the
vehicle's main braking system.
When Driving
Brake
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AUTOHOLD
▼AUTOHOLD
The AUTOHOLD function automatically holds the vehicle stopped, even if you take
your foot
off the brake pedal. This function can be best used while stopped in
traffic
or at a traffic light. The brakes are released when you start driving the vehicle.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the AUTOHOLD function:
The AUTOHOLD function is only designed to assist the brake operation while the
vehicle is stopped. Neglecting to operate the brakes and relying only on the
AUTOHOLD system is dangerous and could result in an unexpected accident if the
vehicle were to suddenly move. Operate the brakes appropriately in accordance
with the road and surrounding conditions.
Do not release your foot from the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a
steep grade:
Because there is a possibility of the vehicl
e not being held in the stopped position by
the AUTOHOLD function, the vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an
accident.
Do not use the AUTOHOLD function on slippery roads such as icy or
snow-covered roads, or unpaved roads:
Even if the vehicle is held in the stopped position by the AUTOHOLD function, the
vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. Operate the accelerator
pedal, brakes, or steering wheel appropriately as necessary.
Immediately depress the brake pedal in the following cases:
Because the AUTOHOLD function is canceled forcibly, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly and result in an accident.
 “Depress Brake Pedal. Brake Hold Disabled” is displayed in the multi-information
display and the warning sound is activated at the same time.
Always apply the parking brake when parking the vehicle:
Not applying the parking brake when parking the vehicle is dangerous as the vehicle
may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. When parking the vehicle, shift
the selector lever to the P position (automatic transmission vehicle) and apply the
parking brake.
When Driving
Brake
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▼To Turn On AUTOHOLD System
Press the AUTOHOLD switch and
when the AUTOHOLD standby
indicator light turns on, the
AUTOHOLD function turns on.
1. AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
NOTE
When all of the following conditions
are met, the AUTOHOLD standby
indicator light turns on when the
AUTOHOLD switch is pressed and the
AUTOHOLD function turns on.
The ignition is switched ON (engine
is running).
The driver's seat belt is fastened.The driver's door is closed.There is no problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
To operate AUTOHOLD and hold the
brakes
1. Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. The AUTOHOLD active indicator light in the instrument cluster turns
on and the brakes are held.
3. The vehicle is held in its stopped
position even with the brake pedal
released.
NOTE
When all of the following conditions
are met, the AUTOHOLD operates and
the brakes are held.
The ignition is switched ON (engine
is running).
The vehicle is stopped.The brake pedal is being depressed.The AUTOHOLD active indicator
light turns on.
The accelerator pedal is not
depressed.
The driver's seat belt is fastened.The driver's door is closed.There is no problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
The parking brake is released.There is no problem with the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) function.
(Automatic transmission vehicle)
The selector lever is in a position
other than R position or the vehicle
tilts forward with the selector lever in
the R position.
To release AUTOHOLD and start
driving the vehicle
If you try to resume driving the vehicle,
the brakes will be released
automatically and the AUTOHOLD
active indicator light turns o ff.
When Driving
Brake
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NOTE
If the Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
switch is pulled while the
AUTOHOLD is operating, the
parking brake is applied and the
AUTOHOLD is released. In addition,
if the parking brake is released under
this condition, the AUTOHOLD
operates to hold the brakes.
Under the following conditions, the
parking brake is automatically
applied and the AUTOHOLD is
released. The AUTOHOLD is
re-enabled when the conditions
before the AUTOHOLD is released
are restored.
The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.The driver’s door is opened.When about 10 minutes or longer
have passed since the AUTOHOLD
operation started, the parking brake
is automatically applied. Because the
AUTOHOLD is restored when
releasing the parking brake, the hold
on the brakes by AUTOHOLD
function resumes.
(Manual transmission vehicle)
When starting to drive the vehicle
forward or in reverse on a down
slope, depress the clutch pedal and
shift the shift lever to the appropriate
position for driving in the desired
direction, and then depress the
accelerator pedal to release the
AUTOHOLD.
The AUTOHOLD can be canceled
forcibly by fully depressing the
accelerator pedal for 1 second or
longer while the AUTOHOLD is
operating. Forcibly cancel the
AUTOHOLD only when the
AUTOHOLD cannot be canceled due
to a system malfunction or it is
necessary to cancel the AUTOHOLD
in an emergency.
▼To Tu r n O
ff AUTOHOLD System
Depress the brake pedal and press the
AUTOHOLD switch. The AUTOHOLD
is turned o ff and the AUTOHOLD
standby indicator light turns o ff.
1. AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
NOTE
When the brakes are not held such
as while driving the vehicle, the
AUTOHOLD can be turned
off only
by pressing the AUTOHOLD switch.
If the AUTOHOLD switch is pressed
without depressing the brake pedal
while AUTOHOLD is operating
(AUTOHOLD active indicator light in
instrument cluster is turned on), the
message “Depress Brake Pedal and
Operate Switch to Release” is
indicated on the multi-information
display to notify the driver to depress
the brake pedal.
When Driving
Brake
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If any of the following conditions
occurs while the AUTOHOLD
function is operating (AUTOHOLD
active indicator light is turned on),
the parking brake is applied
automatically and the AUTOHOLD
function turns o ff. For the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) operation, refer
to the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) on
page 4-66.
The ignition is switched OFF.There is a problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
▼ Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
The HLA functions to assist in
accelerating the vehicle from a stop on
slopes. When releasing the brake pedal
and depressing the accelerator pedal
to accelerate the vehicle from a stop
while on a slope, the function prevents
the vehicle from rolling. The HLA also
operates when reversing on a slope.
The braking force is maintained
automatically after releasing the brake
pedal on a steep slope.
For manual transmission vehicles, the
HLA operates when the vehicle is tilted
rearward with the shift lever in a
forward gear, and operates when the
vehicle is tilted forward with the shift
lever in the R position.
For automatic transmission vehicles,
the HLA operates when the vehicle is
tilted rearward with the selector lever
in a forward gear, and operates when
the vehicle is tilted forward with the
selector lever in the R position.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on HLA
:
HLA is an auxiliary device for
accelerating from a stop on a slope.
The system only operates for about 2
seconds and therefore, relying only on
the system, when accelerating from a
stop is dangerous because the vehicle
may move (roll) unexpectedly and
cause an accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on
the vehicle's load or if it is towing
something. In addition, for vehicles
with a manual transmission, the
vehicle could still roll depending on
how the clutch pedal or the accelerator
pedal is operated.
When Driving
Brake
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