steering MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK 2021 Owner's Manual

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
4-44*Some models.
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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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To turn on the windshield wiper
de-icer, switch the ignition ON and
press the rear window defogger switch
(page 4-58).
1. Indicator light
▼Mirror Defogger*
The mirror defoggers defrost the
outside mirrors.

The mirror defoggers operate in
conjunction with the rear window
defogger.
To turn on the mirror defoggers, switch
the ignition ON and press the rear
window defogger switch (page 4-58).
1. Indicator light
Horn
▼Horn
To sound the horn, press the
mark on the steering wheel.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
*Some models.4-59
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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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Drive Selection*
▼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 enhanced. 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Cruise control* is operating.The Mazda Radar Cruise Control
with Stop & Go function (MRCC
with Stop & Go function) System
*
is operating.Tra
ffic Jam Assist (TJA) is operating.Steering wheel is being operated
abruptly
▼ Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive selection switch forward
(SPORT) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(OFF) to cancel the sport mode.

NOTE
In the following cases, the drive
selection is canceled.
The ignition is switched OFF.Mazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with
Stop & Go function) System/cruise
control is set.
Tra
ffic Jam Assist (TJA) is set.Depending on the driving conditions
when sport mode is selected, the
vehicle may perform shift-down or
slightly accelerate.
When Driving
Drive Selection
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i-ACTIV AWD Operation*
▼i-ACTIV AWD Operation
AWD provides excellent drivability on
snow-covered and ice-packed roads,
sand and mud, as well as on steep
slopes and other slippery surfaces.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to AWD Wa
rning Indication/
Warning Light on page 7-31.
WARNING
Never spin a wheel that is o ff the
ground:
Spinning a wheel that is o ff the ground
as a result of the vehicle being stuck or
in a ditch is dangerous. The drive
assembly could be seriously damaged
which could lead to an accident or
could even lead to overheating, oil
leakage, and a fire.
▼AWD Driving
This vehicle has not been designed for
the purpose of o
ff-road driving or
rallies. Do not attempt to drive over
uneven or rocky surfaces, or across
rivers.
Although this vehicle is equipped with
AWD, acceleration, steering and
braking operations should be
conducted in the same manner as with
a non-AWD vehicle, with the emphasis
placed on safe driving.
▼ Tires and Tire Chains
The condition of the tires plays a large
role in the performance of the vehicle.
Moreover, to prevent adverse eff
ects to
the drive assembly, please note the
following:
Tires
When replacing tires, always replace
all front and rear tires at the same
time.
All tires must be of the same size,
manufacture, brand and tread
pattern. Pay particular attention
when equipping snow or other types
of winter tires.
Do not mix tread-worn tires with
normal tires.
Inspect tire inflation pressures at the
speci fied periods adjust to the
speci fied pressures.
NOTE
Check the tire
inflation pressure label
attached to driver's door frame for the
correct tire inflation pressure.
Make sure to equip the vehicle with
genuine tires of the speci
fied size, on
all wheels. With AWD, the system is
calibrated for all 4 wheels being of
the same dimensions.
Tire chains
Install tire chains to the front tires.Do not use tire chains on the rear
wheels.
Do not drive the vehicle faster than
30 km/h (19 mph) with the tire
chains installed.
Do not drive the vehicle with tire
chains on road conditions other than
snow or ice.
▼ To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing, have it
towed with all 4 wheels completely
off
the ground.
Refer to Towing Description on page
7-23.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
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Powe r Ste er i n g
▼Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when
the engine is running. If the engine is
o ff or if the power steering system is
inoperable, you can still steer, but it
requires more physical eff ort.
If the steering feels sti ffer than usual
during normal driving or the steering
vibrates, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
The malfunction indication notifies
the driver of system abnormalities
and operation conditions.
Refer to Power Steering Malfunction
Indication/Indicator Light on page
7-29.
When Driving
Powe r Ste er in g
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Adaptive Front LightingSystem (AFS)
*
▼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 and the vehicle
speed is about 2 km/h (2 mph) or
higher.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Exterior Light Warning
Indication/Warning Light on page
7-34.
NOTE
The Adaptive Front Lighting System
(AFS) can be switched to on/o
ff using
the personalization function.
Refer to the Settings section in the
Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.
High Beam Control
System (HBC)
*
▼ High Beam Control System (HBC)
The HBC determines the conditions in
front of the vehicle using the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC) while driving in
darkness to automatically switch the
headlights between high and low
beams.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC) on page 4-203.
While driving the vehicle at a speed of
about 30 km/h (19 mph) or more, the
headlights are switched to high beams
when there are no vehicles ahead or
approaching in the opposite direction.
The system switches the headlights to
low beams when one of the following
occurs:
The system detects a vehicle or the
headlights/lights of a vehicle
approaching in the opposite
direction.
The vehicle is driven on roads lined
with streetlamps or on roads in
well-lit cities and towns.
The vehicle is driven at less than
about 20 km/h (12 mph).
The headlight high-beam indicator
light turns on while the high beams
are on.
1. Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)*1
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-90*Some models.
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WARNING
Do not rely completely on the LDWS:
 The LDWS system is not designed to
compensate for a driver’s lack of
caution and relying too much on the
system could lead to an accident.
 The functions of the LDWS have
limitations. Always stay on course
using the steering wheel and drive
with care.
CAUTION
Heed the following cautions so that
the LDWS can operate normally.
Do not modify the vehicle's
suspensions.
 Always use tires of the speci fied type
and size for the front and rear
wheels. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer for tire replacement.
NOTE
The system may not operate normally
under the following conditions.
The white (yellow) lane lines are less
visible because of dirt or paint
fl aking.
White (yellow) lane lines are less
visible because of bad weather (rain,
fog , or snow).
The vehicle is driven on a temporary
lane or section with a closed lane
resulting from construction where
there might be multiple white
(yellow) lane lines, or they are
interrupted.
The camera picks up an obscure line,
such as a temporary line being used
for construction, or because of
shade, unmelted snow, or grooves
filled with water.
The surrounding brightness suddenly
changes such as when entering or
exiting a tunnel.
Back-light is re flected off the road
surface.
The road surface is wet and shiny
after rain, or there are puddles on
the road.
The width of a lane is excessively
narrow.
The vehicle is driven on roads with
tight curves.
Heavy luggage is loaded in the
trunk/luggage compartment or on
the rear seat causing the vehicle to
tilt.
The vehicle is driven through a fork in
the road or a junction.
The shade of a guardrail parallel to a
white (yellow) lane line is cast on the
road.
The illumination of the headlights is
weakened because of dirt or the
optical axis is deviated at night.
The road is excessively uneven.The vehicle is shaken after hitting a
road bump.
A vehicle in front of your vehicle is
running near a white (yellow) lane
line making it less visible.
The windshield is dirty or foggy.Strong light is directed from the front
of the vehicle (such as sunlight, or
headlights (high-beam) of
on-coming vehicles).
The vehicle is driven through an
intersection or a roundabout.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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▼When the System Operates
When the ignition is switched ON, the
i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol (warning/
risk avoidance support system) (white)
turns on and the system goes on
standby.
NOTE
If the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol
(warning/risk avoidance support
system) (white) does not turn on, the
system is canceled using the
i-ACTIVSENSE OFF switch or the
personalization feature.
Operation conditions
When all of the following conditions
are met, the i-ACTIVSENSE status
symbol (warning
/risk avoidance
support system) on the
multi-information display changes
from white to green and the system
becomes operational.
The ignition is switched ON.The vehicle speed is about 64 km/h
(40 mph) or faster.
The system detects white (yellow)
lane lines.
NOTE
When the system does not detect a
white (yellow) lane line on one side
only, the system does not operate on
the side that is not being detected.
When temporarily canceling the
system
The LDWS goes on standby in the
following cases: The LDWS operation
is automatically restored when the
system's operation conditions are met.
The system cannot detect white
(yellow) lane lines.
The vehicle speed is less than about
56 km/h (35 mph).
The turn signal lever is operated.The accelerator pedal is depressed.The steering wheel is operated.The brake pedal is operated.
The function is temporarily stopped.
The LDWS stops functioning in the
following cases:
The temperature in the forward
sensing camera (FSC) is too high or
too low.
The windshield around the forward
sensing camera (FSC) is foggy.
The windshield around the forward
sensing camera (FSC) is blocked by
an obstruction, causing poor forward
visibility.
Strong light (such as sunlight, or
headlights (high-beam) of
on-coming vehicles) is directed at
the forward sensing camera (FSC).
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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