ignition MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK 2021 Owner's Guide

NOTE
The keys carry a unique electronic
code. For this reason, and to assure
your safety, obtaining a replacement
key requires some waiting time. They
are only available through an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Always keep a spare key in case one
is lost. If a key is lost, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
If you lose a key, an Authorized
Mazda Dealer will reset the
electronic codes of your remaining
keys and immobilizer system. Bring
all the remaining keys to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to reset.
Starting the vehicle with a key that
has not been reset is not possible.
▼Operation
NOTE
The engine may not start and security
indicator light may illuminate or
flash
if the key is placed in an area where
it is di fficult for the system to detect
the signal, such as on the dashboard
or in the glove compartment. Move
the key to a location within the signal
range, switch the ignition off, and
then restart the engine.
Signals from a TV or radio station, or
from a transceiver or mobile
telephone could interfere with your
immobilizer system. If you are using
the proper key and the engine fails to
start, check the security indicator
light.
Arming
The system is armed when the ignition
is switched from ON to o ff.
The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes every 2
seconds until the system is disarmed.

Disarming
The system is disarmed when the
ignition is switched ON with the
correct programmed key. The security
indicator light illu minates for about 3
seconds and then turns o ff.
If the engine does not start with the
correct key, and the security indicator
light remains illuminated or flashing ,
try the following:
Make sure the key is within the
operational range for signal
transmission. Switch the ignition o ff,
and then restart the engine. If the
engine does not start after 3 or more
tries, contact an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
Before Driving
Security System
3-41
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

Theft-Deterrent System*
▼Theft-Deterrent System
If the theft-deterrent system detects an
inappropriate entry into the vehicle,
which could result in the vehicle or its
contents being stolen, the alarm alerts
the surrounding area of an abnormality
by sounding the horn and
flashing the
hazard warning lights.

The system will not function unless it's
properly armed. So when you leave the
vehicle, follow the arming procedure
correctly.
▼ Operation
System triggering conditions
The horn sounds intermittently and the
hazard warning lights
flash for about
30 seconds when the system is
triggered by any one of the following:
Unlocking a door with the auxiliary
key, door lock switch, or an inside
door-lock knob.
Forcing open a door, the hood or the
liftgate/trunk lid.
Opening the hood by operating the
hood release handle.
Switching the ignition ON without
using the push button start.
If the system is triggered again, the
lights and horn will activate until the
driver's door or the liftgate/trunk lid is
unlocked with the transmitter.
(With the advanced keyless function)
The lights and horn can also be
deactivated by touching the sensing
area of the door release touch sensor.
NOTE
If the battery goes dead while the
theft-deterrent system is armed, the
horn will activate and the hazard
warning lights will flash when the
battery is charged or replaced.
▼ How to Arm the System
1. Close the windows and the
moonroof* securely.
2. Switch the ignition OFF.
3. Make sure the hood, the doors, and the liftgate/trunk lid are
closed.
4. Press the lock button on the transmitter.
The hazard warning lights will flash
once.
The following method will also arm
the theft-deterrent system:
Press the door-lock switch “
”
while any door is open and then
close all of the doors.
(With the advanced keyless
function)
Touch the sensing area of the door
lock touch sensor.

The security indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes twice per
second for 20 seconds.
5. After 20 seconds, the system is fully armed.
Before Driving
Security System
3-42*Some models.
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

NOTE
The theft-deterrent system can also
be armed by activating the auto
relock function with all the doors,
the liftgate/trunk lid and the hood
closed.
Refer to Transmitter on page 3-5.
The system will disarm if one of the
following operations takes place
within 20 seconds after pressing the
lock button:
Unlocking any door.Opening any door.Opening the hood.Switching the ignition ON.
To rearm the system, do the arming
procedure again.
When the doors are locked by
pressing the lock button on the
transmitter while the theft-deterrent
system is armed, the hazard warning
lights will flash once to indicate that
the system is armed.
▼ To Tu r n O
ff an Armed System
An armed system can be turned o ff
using any one of the following
methods:
Pressing the unlock button on the
transmitter.
Starting the engine with the push
button start.
(With the advanced keyless
function)
Touching the sensing area of the
door release touch sensor.
The hazard warning lights will flash
twice.
NOTE
When the doors are unlocked by
pressing the unlock button on the
transmitter while the theft-deterrent
system is turned o ff, the hazard
warning lights will flash twice to
indicate that the system is turned o ff.
▼ To S t o p t h e A l a r m
A triggered alarm can be turned o
ff
using any one of the following
methods:
Pressing the unlock button or the
trunk button (4–door) on the
transmitter.
Starting the engine with the push
button start.
(With the advanced keyless
function)
Touching the sensing area of the
door release touch sensor.
Pressing the electric liftgate/trunk
lid opener while the key is being
carried.
The hazard warning lights will flash
twice.
Before Driving
Security System
3-43
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

Winter Driving
▼Winter Driving
Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper,
flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
check the following:
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page
6-20.
Inspect the battery and its cables.
Cold reduces battery capacity.
Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that
the vehicle will be driven in (page
6-17).
Inspect the ignition system for
damage and loose connections.
Use washer fluid made with
antifreeze ―but do not use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 6-22).
NOTE
Remove snow before driving. Snow
left on the windshield is dangerous
as it could obstruct vision.
Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice
or frozen snow on the mirror glass
and windshield.
Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows
and mirrors as it could result in the
glass cracking.
Drive slowly. Braking performance
can be adversely a ffected if snow or
ice adheres to the brake
components. If this situation occurs,
drive the vehicle slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the
brake performance returns to
normal.
▼ Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all 4 wheels
Do not go faster than 120 km/h (75
mph) while driving with snow tires.
In
flate snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm
2,
4.3 psi) more than recommended on
the tire pressure label (driver's door
frame), but never more than the
maximum cold-tire pressure shown on
the tires.

Mexico
The vehicle is originally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, Mazda recommends
that you replace the tires originally
equipped on your vehicle with snow
tires during the winter months.
Except Mexico
The vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used
all year around. In some extreme
climates you may find it necessary to
replace them with snow tires during
the winter months to further improve
traction on snow and ice covered
roads.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
3-47
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

4When Driving
Information concerning safe driving and stopping.
Start/Stop Engine..................... 4-4 Ignition Switch.......................4-4
Starting the Engine................. 4-5
Turning the Engine Off.......... 4-10
Cylinder Deactivation...........4-11
Instrument Cluster and
Display.................................. 4-12 Instrument Cluster and
Display................................4-12
Instrument Cluster............... 4-12
Active Driving Display
*......... 4-30
Manual Transmission
Operation.............................. 4-33 Manual Transmission Shift
Pattern................................ 4-33
Automatic Transmission........... 4-35 Automatic Transmission
Controls.............................. 4-35
Shift-Lock System................. 4-36
Transmission Ranges............ 4-37
Manual Shift Mode.............. 4-38
Direct Mode
*.......................4-44
Driving Tips......................... 4-45
Switches and Controls............. 4-46 Lighting Control................... 4-46
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals................................ 4-52
Windshield Wipers and
Washer............................... 4-53
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer
*.............................. 4-57
Rear Window Defogger........ 4-58
Horn................................... 4-59
Hazard Warning Flasher....... 4-60
HomeLink Wireless Control
System
*............................... 4-60
Brake.....................................4-65 Brake System....................... 4-65
AUTOHOLD........................ 4-71
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)........4-75
ABS/TCS/DSC....................... 4-77 Antilock Brake System
(ABS).................................. 4-77
Tra c t i o n C o n t r o l Sy s t e m
(TCS).................................. 4-78
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)................................. 4-79
Drive Selection....................... 4-81 Drive Selection
*................... 4-81
i-ACTIV AWD......................... 4-83 i-ACTIV AWD Operation
*..... 4-83
Power Steering....................... 4-84 Power Steering.....................4-84
i-ACTIVSENSE......................... 4-85 i-ACTIVSENSE
*..................... 4-85
*Some models.4-1
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

Ignition Switch
▼Push Button Start Positions
The system operates only when the key
is within operational range.
Each time the push button start is
pressed, the ignition switches in the
order of
off, ACC, and ON. Pressing
the push button start again from ON
switches the ignition off.
1. Indicator light
2. Push button start
NOTE
The engine starts by pressing the
push button start while depressing
the clutch pedal (manual
transmission) or the brake pedal
(automatic transmission). To switch
the ignition position, press the push
button start without depressing the
pedal.
Do not leave the ignition switched
ON while the engine is not running.
Doing so could result in the battery
going dead. If the ignition is left in
ACC (For automatic transmission,
the selector lever is in the P position,
and the ignition is in ACC), the
ignition switches o ff automatically
after about 25 minutes.
O ff
The power supply to electrical devices
turns off and the indicator light
(amber) also turns off .
WARNING
Before leaving the driver's seat,
always switch the ignition o ff, set the
parking brake, and make sure the
selector lever is in P (automatic
transmission) position or in 1st gear
or R (manual transmission):
Leaving the driver's seat without
switching the ignition off, setting the
parking brake, and shifting the selector
lever to P (automat ic transmission)
position or to 1st gear or R (manual
transmission) 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.
ACC (Accessory)
Some electrical accessories will
operate and the indicator light (amber)
illuminates.
NOTE
The keyless entry system does not
function while the push button start
has been pressed to ACC, and the
doors will not lock/unlock even if they
have been locked manually.
When Driving
Start/Stop Engine
4-4
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

ON
This is the normal running position
after the engine is started. The
indicator light (amber) turns o ff. (The
indicator light (amber) illuminates
when the ignition is switched ON and
the engine is not running.)
Some indicator lights/warning lights
should be inspected before the engine
is started.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-23.
Refer to Indication/Indicator Lights on
page 4-25.
NOTE
When the push button start is pressed
to ON, the sound of the fuel pump
motor operating near the fuel tank can
be heard. This does not indicate an
abnormality.
Starting the Engine
▼ Starting the Engine
WARNING
Radio waves from the key may a
ffect
medical devices such as pacemakers:
Before using the key near people who
use medical devices, ask the medical
device manufacturer or your physician
if radio waves from the key will aff ect
the device.
NOTE
The key must be carried because the
key carries an immobilizer chip that
must communicate with the engine
controls at short range.
The engine can be started when the
push button start is pressed from o ff,
ACC, or ON.
The push button start system
functions (function which can start
the engine by only carrying the key)
can be deactivated to prevent any
possible adverse e ffect on a user
wearing a pacemaker or other
medical device. If the system is
deactivated, you will be unable to
start the engine by carrying the key.
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer
for details. If the push button start
system functions have been
deactivated, you can start the engine
by following the procedure indicated
when the key battery goes dead.
Refer to Engine Start Function When
Key Battery is Dead on page 4-8.
After starting a cold engine, the
engine speed increases and a
whining sound from the engine
compartment can be heard.
When Driving
Start/Stop Engine
4-5
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

This is for improved exhaust gaspuri fication and does not indicate
any parts defect.
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. Make sure you are carrying the key.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat belts.
3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Continue to depress the brake pedal firmly until the engine has
completely started.
5. (Manual transmission)
Continue to depress the clutch
pedal firmly until the engine has
completely started.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you
must restart the engine while the
vehicle is moving, shift into neutral
(N).
NOTE
(Manual transmission)
The starter will not operate if the
clutch pedal is not depressed
su fficiently.
(Automatic transmission)
The starter will not operate if the
selector lever is not in P or N
position and the brake pedal is
not depressed su fficiently.
6. Make sure that the KEY indicator
light (green) in the instrument
cluster and push button start
indicator light (green) turns on.
1. Indicator light
2. Push button start
NOTE
If the push button start indicator
light (green) flashes, make sure
that the key is being carried.
If the push button start indicator
light (green) flashes with the key
being carried, touch the key to
the push button start and start
the engine.
Refer to Engine Start Function
When Key Battery is Dead on
page 4-8.
CAUTION
If the KEY warning indication (red)
is displayed, or the push button
start indicator light (amber) fl ashes,
this could indicate a problem with
the engine starting system. This may
prevent the engine from starting or
from switching the ignition to ACC
or ON.
Refer to KEY Warning Indication/
Warning Light (Red) on page
7-33.
When Driving
Start/Stop Engine
4-6
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

Have your vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon
as possible.
NOTE
Under the following conditions,
the KEY warning indication (red)
is displayed after the push button
start is pressed. This informs the
driver that the push button start
will not switch to ACC, even if it
is pressed from off (page 7-33).
The key battery is dead.The key is out of operational
range.
The key is placed in areas where
it is di
fficult for the system to
detect the signal (page 3-7).
A key from another
manufacturer similar to the key
is in the operational range.
(Forced engine starting method)
If the KEY warning indication
(red) is displayed, or the push
button start indicator light
(amber) flashes, this could
indicate that the engine may not
start using the usual starting
method (page 7-33). Have your
vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible. If this occurs,
the engine can be force-started.
Press and hold the push button
start until the engine starts. Other
procedures necessary for starting
the engine, such as having the key
in the cabin, and depressing the
clutch pedal (manual
transmission) or the brake pedal
(automatic transmission) are
required.
When the engine is force-started,
the KEY warning indication (red)
remains displayed and the push
button start indicator light
(amber) remains flashing.
(Automatic transmission)
When the selector lever is in the
neutral (N) position, the push
button start indicator light (green)
does not turn on.
7. Press the push button start after the push button start indicator light
(green) turns on.
NOTE
After starting the engine, the push
button start indicator light
(amber) turns o ff and the ignition
switches to the ON position.
After pressing the push button
start and before the engine starts,
the operation sound of the fuel
pump motor from near the fuel
tank can be heard, however, this
does not indicate a malfunction.
8. After starting the engine, let it idle for about 10 seconds.
NOTE
Do not use high engine speeds
until reaching the operating
temperature.
Whether the engine is cold or
warm, it should be started
without the use of the
accelerator.
If 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 7-20).
When Driving
Start/Stop Engine
4-7
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

NOTE
The engine cannot be started
unless the clutch pedal is fully
depressed (manual transmission)
or the brake pedal is fully
depressed (automatic
transmission).
If there is a malfunction with the
push button start function, the
push button start indicator light
(amber) flashes. In this case, the
engine may start, however, have
the vehicle checked at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
If the push button start indicator
light (green) does not illuminate,
perform the operation from the
beginning again. If it does not
illuminate, have the vehicle
checked at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
To switch the ignition position
without starting the engine,
perform the following operations
after the push button start
indicator light (green) turns on.
1. Release the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or
brake pedal (automatic
transmission).
2. Press the push button start to switch the ignition position.
The ignition switches in the
order of ACC, ON, and off
each time the push button
start is pressed. To switch the
ignition position again,
perform the operation from
the beginning.
▼ Emergency Operation for Starting
the Engine
If the KEY warning indication (red) is
displayed, or the push button start
indicator light (amber)
flashes, this
could indicate that the engine may not
start using the usual starting method.
Have your vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible. If this occurs, the engine can
be force-started. Press and hold the
push button start until the engine
starts. Other procedures necessary for
starting the engine such as having the
key in the cabin, and depressing the
clutch pedal (manual transmission) or
the brake pedal (automatic
transmission) are required.
When Driving
Start/Stop Engine
4-9
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34