Rc low MAZDA MODEL 626 2002 Service Manual

4-7
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Driving Tips
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
•Don ’t race the engine.
• Don ’t maintain one constant speed for
long.
• Don ’t drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
• Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
• Avoid full-throttle starts. How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
•
Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
• Av o i d f a s t s t a r t s .
• Keep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3)
and have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
• Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
• Slow down on rough roads.
• Keep the tires properly inflated.
• Don ’t carry unnecessary weight.
• Don ’t rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
• Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
• Keep windows closed at high speeds.
• Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
Break-In PeriodMoney-Saving Suggestions
Coasting:Turning off the engine to coast down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control. Any loss of steering or
braking control could cause an
accident. Never turn off the engine
and coast down a hill.
WARNING
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4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazard:
•Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
• Avoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
• If your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don ’t hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
don’ t pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
• If you get stuck, shift to 1 (L) or 2 (S)
and accelerate slowly. Don ’t spin the
front wheels.
• For more traction in starting, use sand,
rock salt, chains, carpeting, or other
nonslip material under the front
wheels. If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever back and forth from 1 (D) to R.
Hazardous Driving
Downshifting 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. If it is
necessary to downshift on slippery
surfaces, be very careful.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the front
wheels.
WARNING
Rocking the Vehicle
Spinning the Wheels:When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries. Don
’t spin the wheels at
more than 56 km/h (35 mph) , and
don ’t allow anyone to stand behind a
wheel when pushing the vehicle.
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire
damage.
WARNING
CAUTION
J94S.book Page 8 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
•Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask a Mazda dealer to perform the
following precautions:
• Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
• Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
• Use only cold-weather engine
oil (page 8-10).
• Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
• Use washer fluid made with
antifreeze —but don ’t use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer
fluid (page 8-20).
• Don ’t use the parking brake if it might
freeze. Instead, shift to P with an
automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with
a manual transaxle. Block the rear
wheels.





Snow Tires
Your 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.
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don ’t go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph).
Inflate snow tires 28 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm 2, 4
psi) more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver’ s door), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Winter Driving
Mixing Tire Types:Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle ’s handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
WARNING
CAUTION
J94S.book Page 9 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Don ’t use chains on the rear tires.
Use only SAE Class "S" chains, and make
sure they fit.
Installing the chains
1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the front tires as tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer ’s instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2—1 km (1/4 —1/2 mile).
•
Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
• Chains may affect handling.
• Don ’t go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer ’s
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
• Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
• Avoid locked-wheel braking.
• Don ’t use chains on the temporary
tire; it may result in damage to the
vehicle and to the tire.
• Don ’t use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
CAUTION
Driving In Flooded Area
Driving with Wet Brakes: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
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance
returns to normal.
Make sure water does not enter the
vehicle interior or the engine area. The
vehicle interior could become wet or
the engine could be damaged.
WARNING
CAUTION
J94S.book Page 10 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Starting and Driving





Ignition Switch Positions
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.
Manual transaxle
When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, push the key in at the
ACC position. Automatic transaxle
When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, keep the shift lever in P.
Ignition Switch
ON(II)
ACC(I)
LOCK(0) Push the key
Removing the Key:It
’s dangerous to remove the key from
the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving. Removing the key allows the
steering wheel to lock. You will lose
steering control and a serious
accident could occur.
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked.
Not Setting the Parking Brake:
Leaving the driver ’s seat without
setting the parking brake is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur if the parking
brake is not set. This could cause an
accident. Before leaving the driver ’s
seat, always set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P with
an automatic transaxle or in 1 or R
with a manual transaxle.
ON(II)
ACC(I)
LOCK(0) Shift lever
engaged in P
(park)
WARNING
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5-4
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
(Automatic transaxle)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
5. Turn the ignition switch to the START position and hold (up to 10 seconds at a
time) until the engine starts.
6. After starting the engine, let it idle for about 10 seconds.





Foot Brake
Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.
Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But the distance required to
stop will be greater than usual.NOTE
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever is not in P or N.
Don ’t try the starter for more than 10
seconds at a time. If the engine stalls or
fails to start, wait 10 seconds before
trying again. Otherwise, you may
damage the starter and drain the
battery.
NOTE
• In extremely cold weather, below
−18 °C (0 °F), or after the vehicle has
stood idle several days, let the
engine warm up without operating
the accelerator.
• Whether cold or warm, the engine
should be started without use of the
accelerator.
CAUTION
Brake System
Driving with the Engine Off:Continuing to drive when the engine
is stalled or turned off is dangerous.
Braking will require more effort, and
the brake ’s power-assist could be
depleted if you pump the brake. This
will cause longer stopping distances
or even an accident. Don ’t continue
driving when the engine is stalled or
turned off, find a safe place to stop.
Riding the Brakes:
Driving with your foot continuously
on the brake pedal or steadily
applying the brakes for long distances
is dangerous. This causes overheated
brakes, resulting in longer stopping
distances or even total brake failure.
This could cause loss of vehicle
control and a serious accident. Avoid
continuous application of the brakes.
Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep hills.
WARNING
J94S.book Page 4 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

5-5
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





Parking Brake
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal, then pull the
brake handle fully upward. Releasing the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal, then pull the
handle up and press the button. Lower the
handle to the release position while
holding in the button.





Brake System Warning Light
This warning has the following functions:
Parking brake warning
The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.
Driving with Wet Brakes: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
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance is
normal.
Driving with the parking brake on will
cause excessive wear of the brake
linings or pads.
WARNING
CAUTION
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5-6
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Low brake fluid level warning
If the light stays on after the parking brake
is fully released, you may have a brake
problem.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way.
You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push or that it may go closer to the floor.
In either case, it will take longer to stop
the vehicle.
1. With the engine stopped, check the brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-15).
2. After adding fluid, check the light again.
If the warning light remains on, or if the
brakes do not operate properly, do not
drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Even if the light goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.





Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
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 when the ABS operates. Don ’t
pump the brakes, continue to press down
on the brake pedal.
Brake Warning Light:Driving with the brake system
warning light on is dangerous. It
indicates that your brakes may not
work at all or that they could
completely fail at any time. If this
light remains on, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don ’t drive
with this light on, and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible.
WARNING
ABS:The ABS 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. So don ’t rely on ABS as a
substitute for safe driving.
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.
WARNING
J94S.book Page 6 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

5-8
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





Manual Transaxle Shift Pattern
The shift pattern of the transaxle is
conventional, as shown.
Press the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.
A safety feature prevents accidental
shifting from 5 to reverse. The shift lever
must be put in neutral before being shifted
to reverse.
Manual Transaxle
Operation
• Keep your foot off the clutch pedal
except when shifting gears. Also,
don ’t use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. This will
avoid needless clutch wear and
damage.
• Make sure the vehicle comes to a
complete stop before shifting to
reverse.
Shifting to reverse while the vehicle
is still moving may damage the
transaxle.
Neutral position
CAUTION
NOTE
If shifting to reverse is difficult, shift
into neutral, release the clutch pedal,
and try again.
J94S.book Page 8 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

5-10
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
D (Drive)
D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 4-gear sequence.
2 (Second)
The 2 position is helpful when driving in
heavy, slow-moving traffic and climbing
hills, for engine braking assist when going
down hills, or for starting on slick
surfaces and other situations where gentle
acceleration may be necessary.
Do not exceed the following speeds in the
2 position.
1 (Low)
Use the 1 position for maximum power in
hard-pulling situations, or for climbing
and descending very steep grades.
Do not exceed the following speeds in the
1 position.





Shift-Lock System
For your safety, the automatic transaxle
has a shift-lock, which prevents shifting
out of P unless the brake pedal is
depressed.
To shift from P:
1. Depress and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Push and hold the lock-release button.
4. Move the shift lever.
Shifting from N or P:It ’s dangerous to shift from N or P
into a driving gear when the engine is
running faster than idle. If this is
done, the vehicle could move
suddenly, causing an accident or
serious injury. If the engine is
running faster than idle, don ’t shift
from N or P into a driving gear.
2.0-liter engine 116 km/h (72 mph)
2.5-liter engine 104 km/h (65 mph)
2.0-liter engine 63 km/h (39 mph)
2.5-liter engine 60 km/h (38 mph)
WARNING
NOTE
• When the ignition switch is in the
LOCK position, the transaxle
cannot be shifted from P.
• To be sure the vehicle is in park, the
ignition key cannot be removed
unless the shift lever is in P.
J94S.book Page 10 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM