traction control MAZDA MODEL SPEED 6 2006 Owners Manual

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Hazardous Driving
WARNING
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.
ABS:
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. So don't rely on
ABS as a substitute for safe driving.
When driving in water, mud, sand, or
similar hazard:
lBe cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
lAvoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
lDon't pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
lIf you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Don't spin the front
wheels.
lFor more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces, use sand, rock salt,
chains, carpeting, or other nonslip
material under the front wheels.
Rocking the Vehicle
WARNING
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.
CAUTION
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire
damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 to R.
4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
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5Driving Your Mazda
Explanation of instruments and controls.
Starting and Driving ..................................................................... 5-2Ignition Switch .......................................................................... 5-2
Starting the Engine .................................................................... 5-4
Brake System ............................................................................ 5-5
Manual Transaxle Operation ..................................................... 5-9
Power Steering ........................................................................ 5-11
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Operation ........................................ 5-11
Cruise Control ......................................................................... 5-13
Traction Control System (TCS) .............................................. 5-17
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) ........................................... 5-18
Instrument Cluster and Indicators ............................................ 5-20 Meters and Gauges .................................................................. 5-20
Warning/Indicator Lights and Beep Sounds ............................ 5-24 Warning/Indicator Lights ........................................................ 5-24
Beep Sounds ........................................................................... 5-35
Switches and Controls ................................................................ 5-36 Lighting Control ..................................................................... 5-36
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ............................................... 5-38
Fog Lights ............................................................................... 5-38
Windshield Wipers and Washer .............................................. 5-39
Rear Window Defroster ........................................................... 5-40
Horn ........................................................................................ 5-41
Hazard Warning Flasher .......................................................... 5-42
5-1
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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.
WARNING
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/or 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 and drive at reduced speeds when
roads are covered with ice and/or
snow.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC
OFF switch (page 5-19).
qTCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. 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
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.
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
5-17
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Audio Control Switch
Operation (Steering Wheel)
í
When the audio unit is turned on,
operation of the audio unit from the
steering wheel is possible.
NOTE
Because the audio unit will be turned
off under the following conditions, the
switches will be inoperable.
lWhen the ignition switch is turned to
the LOCK position.
lWhen the power button on the audio
unit is pressed and the audio unit is
turned off.
lWhen all CDs are ejected.
NOTE
Mazda has installed this system to
prevent distraction while driving the
vehicle and using audio controls on the
dashboard.
Always make safe driving your first
priority.
qAdjusting the Volume
To increase the volume, press volume
button (
).
To decrease the volume, press volume
button (
).
q Changing the Source
Press the mode switch () to change
the audio source (FM1 radio> FM2 radio>
AM radio> CD changer> Cassette tape
player> SIRIUS1> SIRIUS2> SIRIUS3>
cyclical).
Interior Comfort
Audio System
6-35íSome models.
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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.
qTread Wear
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.
qTraction-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.
WARNING
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.
qTemperature-A, B, C
The temperature grades 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.
9-16
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
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Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature Grades
Tread wear: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 one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
Traction: The traction grades, from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The 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: The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing 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.
Snow Tires
In some heavy snow areas, local governments may require true snow tires, those with very
deeply cut tread. These tires should only be used in pairs or placed on all four wheels.
Make sure you purchase snow tires that are the same size and construction type as the other
tires on your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
The following safety warning appears on the tire's sidewall.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT FROM:
lEXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING-
MATCH TIRE DIAMETER TO RIM DIAMETER; NEVER EXCEED 40 psi (275 kPa)
TO SEAT BEADS-ONLY SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONS SHOULD MOUNT
TIRES.
lTIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/DAMAGE-
FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY
CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR DAMAGE.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
9-21
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S
SRS Air BagsHow the Air Bags Work ............. 2-46
Supplemental restraint systems
precautions ................................. 2-38
Starting the Engine .............................. 5-4
Steering Wheel .................................. 3-55 Horn ........................................... 5-41
Storage Compartments ...................... 6-47 Center box .................................. 6-47
Center console ............................ 6-48
Glove box ................................... 6-48
Overhead console ....................... 6-47
Storage pocket ............................ 6-47
Storage Pocket .................................. 6-47
Sunshade ........................................... 3-46
Sunvisors .......................................... 6-38
T
Tachometer ........................................ 5-22
Temporary Spare Tire ....................... 8-28
Theft-Deterrent System ..................... 3-53
Tiedown Hook .......................................... 7-19
Tire Information ................................ 9-18
Tires
Flat Tire ........................................ 7-3
Inflation pressure ........................ 8-26
Replacement ............................... 8-28
Rotation ...................................... 8-27
Snow tires .................................... 4-9
Spare tire and tool storage ............ 7-3
Specifications ............................. 10-5
Tire chains .................................... 4-9
Uniform tire quality grading system
(UTQGS) ................................... 9-16
Tool ..................................................... 7-3
T
Towing Description ................................. 7-18
Emergency towing ..................... 7-18
Recreational towing ................... 7-21
Trailer towing ............................. 4-12
Traction Control System (TCS) ........ 5-17 TCS/DSC indicator light ............ 5-17
Trailer Towing .................................. 4-12
Trip Meter ......................................... 5-21
Trunk Lid .......................................... 3-29 Inside trunk release lever ............ 3-33
Trunk Light ....................................... 3-32
Turn and Lane-Change Signals ......... 5-38
V
Vanity Mirrors ................................... 6-38
Vehicle Information Labels ............... 10-2
W
Warning Light KEY Warning Light
(Red)/KEY Indicator Light
(Green) ....................................... 5-31
11-6
Index
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