ABS MAZDA MODEL 3 SEDAN 2021 Owners Manual

Seat Belt Precautions
▼Seat Belt Precautions
Seat belts help to decrease the
possibility of severe injury during
accidents and sudden stops. Mazda
recommends that the driver and all
passengers always wear seat belts.

(Mexico)
All the seats have lap/shoulder belts.
These belts have retractors with inertia
locks that keep them out of the way
when not in use. The locks allow the
belts to remain comfortable on users,
but they will lock in position during a
collision.

(Except Mexico)
All of the seat belt retractors are
designed to keep the lap/shoulder
belts out of the way when not in use.
The driver's seat belt has no provisions
for child-restraint systems and has only
an emergency locking mode. The
driver may wear it comfortably, and it
will lock during a collision.
However, the front passenger's seat
and all rear lap/shoulder belt
retractors operate in two modes:
emergency locking mode, and for
child-restraint systems, automatic
locking mode. While we recommend
you put all children in the rear seats, if
you must use the front passenger seat
for a child, slide the front passenger
seat as far back as possible and make
sure any child-restraint system is
secured properly.
WARNING
Always wear your seat belt and make
sure all occupants are properly
restrained:
Not wearing a seat belt is extremely
dangerous. During a collision,
occupants not wearing seat belts could
hit someone or things inside the
vehicle or even be thrown out of the
vehicle. They could be seriously injured
or even killed. In the same collision,
occupants wearing seat belts would be
much safer.
Do not wear twisted seat belts:
Twisted seat belts are dangerous. In a
collision, the full width of the belt is
not available to absorb the impact.
This puts more force on the bones
beneath the belt, which could cause
serious injury or death. So, if your seat
belt is twisted, you must straighten the
seat belt to remove any twists and to
allow the full width of the belt to be
used.
Never use one seat belt on more than
one person at a time:
Using one seat belt for more than one
person at a time is dangerous. A seat
belt used in this way cannot spread the
impact forces properly and the two
passengers could be crushed together
and seriously injured or even killed.
Never use one belt for more than one
person at a time and always operate
the vehicle with each occupant
properly restrained.
Essential Safety Equipment
Seat Belt Systems
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Tra n s m i t t e r
1. Transmitter (page 3-5)

Auxiliary key
There is a removable auxiliary key
inside the transmitter.

Removing the auxiliary key
1. Remove the lower cover whilepressing the knob in the direction
of the arrow.
2. Remove the auxiliary key.
Installing the auxiliary key
1. Install the auxiliary key as the
illustration.
2. Insert the tabs of the lower coverinto the slots of the transmitter and
install the lower cover.

Key code number plate
A code number is stamped on the
plate attached to the key set; detach
this plate and store it in a safe place
(not in the vehicle) for use if you need
to make a replacement key (auxiliary
key).
Also write down the code number and
keep it in a separate safe and
convenient place, but not in the
vehicle.
If your key (auxiliary key) is lost, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer and have
your code number ready.
1. Key code number plate
Before Driving
Keys
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WARNING
Never stop the engine when going
down a hill:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the loss
of power steering and power brake
control, and may cause damage to the
drivetrain. Any loss of steering or
braking control could cause an
accident.
Hazardous Driving
▼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.
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazards:
Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
Avoid sudden braking and sudden
maneuvering.
Do not pump the brakes. Continue
to press down on the brake pedal.
Refer to Antilock Brake System (ABS)
on page 4-77.
If you get stuck, select a lower gear
and accelerate slowly. Do not spin
the front wheels.
For 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.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
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Driving In Flooded Area
▼Driving In Flooded Area
WARNING
Dry o
ff 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
a ff ected.
CAUTION
Do not drive the vehicle on flooded
roads as it could cause short circuiting
of electrical/electronic parts, or engine
damage or stalling from water
absorption. If the vehicle has been
immersed in water, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Overloading
▼ Overloading
WARNING
Be careful not to overload your
vehicle:
The gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of the vehicle are on the
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label
on the driver's door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an accident or
vehicle damage. You can estimate the
weight of the load by weighing the
items (or people) before putting them
in the vehicle.
Before Driving
Driving Tips
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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
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▼Warning Indication/Warning Lights
These lights turn on or
flash to notify the user of the system operation status or a
system malfunction.
Signal Warning Refer to
Brake System Warning Indication/Warning Light*17-27
ABS Warning Indication/Warning Light*1
Electronic
Brake Force
Distribution
System Warn- ing
7-28
ABS warning 7-30
Charging System Warning Indication/Warning Light*17-28
Engine Oil Warning Indication/Warning Light*17-28
High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Indication 7-29
Power Steering Malfunction Indication/Indicator Light*17-29
Master Warning Indication7-30
Brake Control System Warning Indication/Warning Light*17-30
Brake Override Warning Indication7-31
Check Engine Indication/Light*17-31
*Automatic Transmission Warning Indication/Warning Light*17-31
*AWD Warning Indication/Warning Light*17-31
When Driving
Instrument Cluster and Display
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Antilock Brake System(ABS)
▼Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If
one wheel 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 ABS system operation.
Continue to depress the brake pedal
without pumping the brakes.

The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to ABS Warning Indication/
Warning Light on page 7-30.
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
Braking 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.
The 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.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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Tra c t i o n C o n t r o l Sy s te m(TCS)
▼Traction Control System (TCS)
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.

The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to TCS/DSC Indication/
Indicator Light (Turns on) on page
7-32.
WARNING
Do not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) 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 t u r n o
ff the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-80).
▼ TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light
flashes.

If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or
the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
In addition to the indicator light fl ashing , a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating
properly.
On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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Dynamic Stability Control(DSC)
▼Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and
engine torque in conjunction with
systems such as ABS and TCS to help
control side slip when driving on
slippery surfaces, or during sudden or
evasive maneuvering, enhancing
vehicle safety.

Refer to ABS (page 4-77) and TCS
(page 4-78).

DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).

The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to TCS/DSC Indication/
Indicator Light (Turns on) on page
7-32.
WARNING
Do not rely on the Dynamic Stability
Control as a substitute for safe
driving:
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
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.
CAUTION

The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
 Use tires of the correct size
speci fied for your Mazda on all 4
wheels.
 Use tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all 4 wheels.
 Do not mix worn tires.
 The DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
NOTE
If there is a problem with the DSC, the
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) may not
operate.
Refer to Hill Launch Assist (HLA) on
page 4-75.
▼ TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating ,
the indicator light
flashes.

If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or
the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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▼DSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched o
ff.
Refer to DSC OFF Switch on page
4-80.

If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched o ff, take your
vehicle to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. The DSC may have a
malfunction.
▼ DSC OFF Switch
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn o
ff
the TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator
light in the instrument cluster will
illuminate.

Press the switch again to turn the
TCS/DSC back on. The DSC OFF
indicator light will turn off.
NOTE
When DSC is on and you attempt to
free the vehicle when it is stuck, or
drive it out of freshly fallen snow, the
TCS (part of the DSC system) will
activate. Depressing the accelerator
will not increase engine power and
freeing the vehicle may be di fficult.
When this happens, turn o ff the
TCS/DSC.
If the TCS/DSC is off when the
engine is turned o ff, it automatically
activates when the ignition is
switched ON.
Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide
the best traction.
If the DSC OFF switch is pressed and
held for 10 seconds or more, the
DSC OFF switch malfunction
detection function operates and the
DSC system activates automatically.
The DSC OFF indicator light turns o ff
while the DSC system is operative.
(Vehicles with Smart Brake Support
(SBS))
If the Smart Brake Support (SBS)
operates with the TCS/DSC turned
o ff, the TCS/DSC becomes
operational automatically.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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