traction control MAZDA MODEL 626 2002 Owners Manual

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

5-1
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ................................................................... 5- 2
Ignition Switch ........................................................................ 5- 2
Starting the Engine .................................................................. 5- 3
Brake System ........................................................................... 5- 4
Manual Transaxle Operation ................................................... 5- 8
Automatic Transaxle Controls ................................................. 5- 9
Power Steering ......................................................................... 5-12
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-13
Traction Control System (TCS) ............................................... 5-16
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-19
Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-19
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps ........................................ 5-23
Warning/Indicator Lights ......................................................... 5-23
Beeps ....................................................................................... 5-31
Switches and Controls ................................................................. 5-32
Lighting Control ...................................................................... 5-32
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-33
Daytime Running Lights ......................................................... 5-33
Windshield Wipers and Washer ............................................... 5-34
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-35
Horn ......................................................................................... 5-36
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-36
J94S.book Page 1 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

5-11
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





Overdrive
Overdrive operation
In D, the transaxle automatically shifts to
overdrive, which improves fuel economy
and reduces noise.
To allow engine braking when going
down a steep grade, make sure the
overdrive button is in the off position.
And for a smoother ride with less shifting,
don ’t use it when:
• Going up a steep grade.
• Driving in stop-and-go traffic.
• Pulling heavy loads.
To turn off the overdrive, push the
button.
The transaxle will then shift through a
three-gear sequence in D.
Shift patterns without overdrive: To turn it on, push the button again.
Shift patterns with overdrive:
O/D OFF indicator light
This light comes on when the overdrive
has been turned off.
D
1st, 2nd, 3rd
2 Without Traction
Control System
2nd
With Traction
Control System 1st, 2nd
11st
Overdrive button
D 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
2 Without Traction
Control System
2nd
With Traction
Control System 1st, 2nd
11st
If the overdrive-off indicator light
flashes, the transaxle has an electrical
problem. Continuing to drive your
Mazda in this condition could cause
damage to your transaxle. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
CAUTION
J94S.book Page 11 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

5-16
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





To Cancel
To turn off the system, use one of these
methods:
• Push the OFF end of the CRUISE
MAIN switch.
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
• (Manual transaxle)
Depress the clutch pedal.
The system is off when the ignition is off. The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by regulating
engine torque. When the TCS detects
driving wheel slippage, it lowers engine
torque 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.
NOTE
Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed
or below 40 km/h (25 mph).
Traction Control System
(TCS)
TCS and Unsafe 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. So don
’t rely on the traction
control system as a substitute for safe
driving.
TCS and Snow and Ice:
Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident. Use snow
tires or tires chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and snow.
WARNING
J94S.book Page 16 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

5-17
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





TCS Warning Light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. It flashes when the
system regulates engine torque.
If the light stays on, take your vehicle to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The traction
control system may have a malfunction.





TCS OFF Indicator Light
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
It goes off when the engine is started. It
also comes on when you switch off the
traction control system or when the
system has a malfunction.





TCS OFF Switch
Push this switch once to turn off the TCS.
Push it again to turn the TCS back on.
NOTE
• In addition to the TCS warning light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This
indicates that the traction control
system is operating properly.
• On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the traction
control system is on.
NOTE
After starting the engine on very cold
days, the TCS OFF indicator will
remain on and TCS will not operate
until the engine is warm.
J94S.book Page 17 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

5-27
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





TCS Warning Light
This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. It flashes when the
system regulates engine torque.
If the light stays on, take your vehicle to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The traction
control system may have a malfunction.





Low Fuel Warning Light
This warning light in the fuel gauge
signals that the fuel tank will soon be
empty.
Get fuel as soon as possible.





Low Washer Fluid Level
Warning Light
This warning light reveals that little
windshield washer fluid remains. Add
fluid (page 8-20).





Check Engine Light
If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
• The fuel tank level being very low or
approaching empty.
• The engine ’s electrical system has a
problem.
• The emission control system has a
problem.
• The fuel-filler cap is missing or not
tightened securely.
NOTE
•In addition to the TCS warning light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This
indicates that the traction control
system is operating properly.
• On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the traction
control system is on.
J94S.book Page 27 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

5-30
Driving Your Mazda
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G





O/D OFF Indicator Light
This light comes on when the overdrive
has been turned off.





Cruise Set Indicator Light
This light comes on when a cruising speed
is set.





TCS OFF Indicator Light
This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
It goes off when the engine is started. It
also comes on when you switch off the
traction control system or when the
system has a malfunction.
If the overdrive-off indicator light
flashes, the transaxle has an electrical
problem. Continuing to drive your
Mazda in this condition could cause
damage to your transaxle. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
CAUTION
NOTE
After starting the engine on very cold
days, the TCS OFF indicator will
remain on and TCS will not operate
until the engine is warm.
J94S.book Page 30 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

9-12
Customer Information
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
This information relates to the tire grading system developed by the U.S. National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration for grading tires by tread wear, traction, and
temperature performance.





Tre a d We a r
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one-and-a-half times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.
The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm because of variations in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.





Traction-AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent
the tire ’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor
traction performance.





Temperature-A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, represent the tire ’s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.
Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by
law.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction
tests and does not include acceleration cornering (turning), hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
WARNING
J94S.book Page 12 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM

11-5
Index
Form No. 8Q50-EA-01G
R
Rear Door Child Safety Lock ............ 3-5
Rear Seat
............................................ 2-6
Rear Window Defroster
................... 5-35
Rear-Armrest Box
............................ 6-43
Rearview Mirror
............................... 3-22
Recreational Towing
........................ 7-16
Rocking the Vehicle
........................... 4-8
S
Safety Defects, Reporting ................ 9-14
Seat Belt System 3-point type
............................... 2-12
Automatic locking
.................... 2-11
Emergency locking
................... 2-10
Extender
.................................... 2-16
Pregnant women
....................... 2-10
Rear-center lap/shoulder
........... 2-14
Seat belt precautions
................... 2-9
Warning light/beep
................... 2-17
Seats Front seat
.................................... 2-2
Rear seat
...................................... 2-6
Security System Immobilizer system
.................. 3-17
Theft-deterrent system
.............. 3-19
Service Publications
......................... 9-15
Spare Tire and Tool Storage
.............. 7-3
Specifications
................................... 10-4
Speedometer
..................................... 5-20
SRS Air Bags Air bag system description
....... 2-29
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions
................................ 2-25
Warning light
............................ 2-34
Starting the Engine
............................. 5-3
Steering Wheel
................................. 3-21
Horn
.......................................... 5-36
S
Storage Compartments .....................6-41
Storage Pocket
..................................6-42
Sunroof
.............................................3-15
Sunshade
...........................................3-16
Sunvisors
..........................................6-44
T
Tachometer .......................................5-21
Temporary Spare Tire
......................8-28
Theft-Deterrent System
....................3-19
Tiedown Hook
..........................................7-16
Tires Flat tire
........................................7-3
Inflation pressure
.......................8-26
Replacement
..............................8-27
Rotation
.....................................8-27
Snow tires
....................................4-9
Spare tire and tool storage
...........7-3
Specifications
............................10-6
Tire chains
.................................4-10
Uniform tire quality grading
system (UTQGS)
.......................9-12
Tool
....................................................7-3
Towing Description
................................7-15
Emergency towing
....................7-15
Recreational towing
..................7-16
Trailer towing
............................4-11
Traction Control System (TCS)
.......5-16
Indicator light
............................5-17
Switch
........................................5-17
Warning light
............................5-17
Trailer Towing
..................................4-11
Trip Meter
........................................5-20
Trunk Lid
..........................................3-10
Trunk Light
......................................3-11
J94S.book Page 5 Saturday, June 23, 2001 1:04 PM