MAZDA MODEL 6 2009 Owners Manual (in English)

Black plate (161,1)
Second gear fixed mode
When the shift lever is tapped back (
)
while the vehicle is stopped or driven at
about 10 km/h (6 mph) or less, the
transaxle is set in the second gear fixed
mode. The gear is fixed in second while in
this mode for easier starting and driving
on slippery roads. If the shift lever is
tapped back (
) or forward () while in
the second gear fixed mode, the mode will
be canceled.
Shifting specification
Shifting up
If the vehicle speed is lower than the speed specified
for each gear, the gear cannot be shifted up to a
higher gear.
(2.5-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 →M2 You can shift up to M2 whether
the vehicle is stopped or
moving.
M2 →M3 20.5 km/h (12.8 mph)
M3 →M4 33.9 km/h (21.1 mph)
M4 →M5 34.1 km/h (21.2 mph)
(3.7-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 →M2 You can shift up to M2 whether
the vehicle is stopped or
moving.
M2 →M3 15 km/h (10 mph)
M3 →M4 30.8 km/h (19.2 mph)
M4 →M5 42.1 km/h (26.2 mph)
M5 →M6 54.4 km/h (33.9 mph) Shifting down
If the vehicle speed is higher than the speed specified
for each gear, the gear cannot be shifted to a lower
gear so as to protect the transaxle.
(2.5-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M5 →M4 190 km/h (118 mph)
M4 →M3 135.1 km/h (83.9 mph)
M3 →M2 89.7 km/h (55.7 mph)
M2 →M1 44.9 km/h (27.8 mph)
(3.7-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M6 →M5 230 km/h (142 mph)
M5 →M4 187.3 km/h (116.3 mph)
M4 →M3 130 km/h (80 mph)
M3 →M2 82 km/h (50 mph)
M2 →M1 40.7 km/h (25.2 mph)
During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to the
following:
(2.5-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M5 or M4 →M3 30.8 km/h (19.1 mph)
M3 or M2 →M1 10 km/h (6 mph)
(3.7-liter engine model) Gear Vehicle speed
M6 →M5 51.4 km/h (31.9 mph)
M5 →M4 39.1 km/h (24.2 mph)
M4 →M3 27.8 km/h (17.2 mph)
M3 or M2 →M1 7.2 km/h (4.4 mph)
NOTEThe gear does not shift down to M1
automatically while in the second gear fixed
mode.
If the vehicle is kicked down at the following speeds
or lower, the gears shift down automatically:
(2.5-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M5 →M4 180 km/h (111 mph)
M4 →M3 126 km/h (78 mph)
M3 →M2 49.4 km/h (30.6 mph)
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Black plate (162,1)
(3.7-liter engine model)Gear Vehicle speed
M6 →M5 230 km/h (142 mph)
M5 →M4 166 km/h (103 mph)
M4 →M3 72 km/h (44 mph)
M3 →M2 47 km/h (29 mph)
Recommendations for shifting
Upshifting
For normal acceleration and cruising, we recommend
these shift points.
(2.5-liter engine model)
Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 24 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)
(3.7-liter engine model) Gear Vehicle speed
M1 to M2 24 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 80 km/h (50 mph)
Downshifting
When you must slow down in heavy
traffic 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 maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.
q Driving Tips
Passing
For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully. The transaxle will
shift to a lower gear, depending on vehicle
speed.
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.
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Black plate (163,1)
Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.
If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power
steering system.
Cruise Controlí
With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 32 km/h (20 mph).
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control under the
following conditions:Using the cruise control under the
following conditions is dangerous
and could result in loss of vehicle
control.
ØHilly terrain
Ø Steep inclines
Ø Heavy or unsteady traffic
Ø Slippery or winding roads
Ø Similar restrictions that require
inconsistent speed
qCruise Main Indicator Light
(Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator
Light (Green)
The indicator light has two colors.
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)
The indicator light illuminates amber
when the ON/OFF switch is pressed up
and the cruise control system is activated.
Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)
The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.
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Black plate (164,1)
qActivation/Deactivation
To activate the system, press up on the
ON/OFF switch.
The cruise main indicator light
illuminates.
To deactivate the system, press down on
the ON/OFF switch.
The cruise main indicator light turns off.
WARNING
Keep the ON/OFF switch off when
cruise control is not in use:
Leaving the ON/OFF switch on when
not using the cruise control is
dangerous as you may hit one of the
other buttons and put the vehicle in
cruise control unexpectedly. This
could result in loss of vehicle control.
qTo Set Speed
1. Activate the cruise control system by
momentarily pressing up the ON/OFF
switch.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which must be more than 32 km/h (20 mph). 3. Immediately release the cruise control
SET+/SET- switch by pressing it up or
down when the vehicle reaches the
desired speed. Release the accelerator
pedal simultaneously.
Cruise control switch
NOTElRelease the cruise control switch at the
desired speed, otherwise the speed will
continue increasing while the switch is
pulled up, and continue decreasing while it
is pulled down (except when the accelerator
pedal is depressed).
lOn a steep grade, the vehicle may
momentarily slow down while ascending,
or speed up while descending.
lCruise control will turn off if vehicle speed
drops below about 27 km/h (17 mph) when
cruise is activated, such as when climbing a
steep grade.
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qTo Increase Cruising Speed
Follow either of these procedures.
To increase speed using cruise controlswitch
Press up the cruise control SET + switch
and hold it. Your vehicle will accelerate.
Release the switch at the speed you want.
Cruise control switch
Your vehicle has a tap-up feature that
allows you to increase your current speed
in increments of 1.6 km/h (1 mph) by a
momentary tap of the cruise control SET
+ switch. Multiple taps will increase your
vehicle speed 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each
tap.
To increase speed using acceleratorpedal
Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate
to the desired speed.
Press down or press up on the cruise
control SET +/SET - switch and release it
immediately.
Cruise control switch
NOTEAccelerate if you want to speed up temporarily
when the cruise control is on. Greater speed
will not interfere with or change the set speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator to return to
the set speed.
qTo Decrease Cruising Speed
Press down the cruise control SET -
switch and hold it. The vehicle will
gradually slow.
Release the switch at the speed you want.
Cruise control switch
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Your vehicle has a tap-down feature that
allows you to decrease your current speed
in decrements of 1.6 km/h (1 mph) by a
momentary tap of the cruise control SET -
switch. Multiple taps will decrease your
vehicle speed 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each
tap.
qTo Resume Cruising Speed at
More Than 32 km/h (20 mph)
If some other method besides the ON/
OFF switch was used to cancel cruising
speed (such as applying the brake pedal)
and the system is still activated, the most
recent set speed will automatically resume
when the RESUME switch is pressed.
If vehicle speed is below 32 km/h (20
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 32
km/h (20 mph) or more and press the
RESUME switch.
qTo Cancel
To cancel the system, use oneof these
methods:
lPull down the ON/OFF switch.lSlightly depress the brake pedal.lDepress the clutch pedal (Manual
transaxle only).
lPress the CANCEL switch.
The system turns off when the ignition is
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).
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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
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.
* DSC-equipped vehicles only
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 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.
qTCS/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.
*DSC-equipped vehicles only
NOTE
lIn addition to the indicator light flashing, a
slight lugging sound will come from the
engine. This indicates that the TCS is
operating properly.
lOn slippery surfaces, such as fresh snow, it
will be impossible to achieve high rpm
when the TCS is on.
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qTCS OFF Indicator Lightí
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.
It also illuminates when the TCS OFF
switch is pressed and TCS is switched off.
Refer to TCS OFF Switch on page 5-24.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS is not switched off, take your vehicle
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The TCS
may have a malfunction.
NOTE
(3.7-liter engine)
If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is
replaced, the TCS will be inoperable. When
this happens, the TCS OFF indicator light
flashes and the TCS indicator light illuminates.
To reactivate the TCS, perform the following
procedure with the battery connected.
1. Switch the ignition ON
2. Turn the steering clockwise fully, then turn
it counterclockwise fully.
3. Make sure the TCS OFF indicator light and TCS indicator light turn off.
If the TCS indicator light and the TCS OFF
indicator light remain illuminated even after
switching the ignition ON, attempt the
procedure again. If this still does not work,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q TCS OFF Switchí
Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the
TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light will
illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS
back on. The TCS OFF indicator light
will turn off.
NOTE
lWhen TCS is on and you attempt to free the
vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it out of
freshly fallen snow, the TCS will activate.
Depressing the accelerator will not
increase engine power and freeing the
vehicle may be difficult. When this happens,
turn off the TCS.
l(DSC-equipped vehicles)
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS (page 5-26).
lIf the TCS is off when the engine is turned
off, it automatically activates when the
ignition switch is turned on.
lLeaving the TCS on will provide the best
traction.
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Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)í
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 5-7) and TCS (page
5-23).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than15 km/h (9 mph).
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
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
ØUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
ØUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
ØDo not mix worn tires.
Ø The DSC may not operate correctly
when a temporary spare tire is
installed because the tire diameter
changes.
qTCS/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.
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qDSC 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 off (page 5-26).
If the light stays on when the TCS/DSC is
not switched off, take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer. The dynamic
stability control may have a malfunction.
NOTE
If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is
replaced, the DSC will be inoperable. In this
case, the DSC OFF indicator light flashes and
the TCS/DSC indicator light illuminates.
To make the DSC operable, do the following
procedure with the battery connected.
1. Switch the ignition ON.
2. Turn the steering clockwise fully, then turn
it counterclockwise fully.
3. Make sure the DSC OFF indicator and the TCS/DSC indicator go off.
If the TCS/DSC indicator light and the DSC
OFF indicator light remain illuminated even
after switching the ignition ON, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
q DSC OFF Switch
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will go out.
NOTE
lWhen 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 difficult.
When this happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.
lIf the TCS/DSC is off when the engine is
turned off, it automatically activates when
the ignition is switched on.
lLeaving the TCS/DSC on will provide the
best stability.
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