Mazda 3 Owners Manual: Driving Tips
| WARNING Do not let the vehicle move in a direction opposite to the direction selected by the selector lever: Do not let the vehicle move backward with the selector lever in a forward position, or do not let the vehicle move forward with the selector lever in the reverse position. Otherwise, the engine may stop, causing the loss of the power brake and power steering functions, and make it diffi cult to control the vehicle which could result in an accident. |
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.
NOTE (Some models) The accelerator pedal may initially feel heavy as it is being depressed, then feel lighter as it is depressed further. This change in pedal force aids the engine control system in determining how much the accelerator pedal has been depressed for performing kickdown, and functions to control whether or not kickdown should be performed.
Climbing steep grades from a stop To climb a steep grade from a stopped position:
- Depress the brake pedal.
- Shift to D or M1, depending on the load weight and grade steepness.
- 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.
Direct Mode
Direct mode can be used for temporarily
switching gears by operating the steering
shift switch while the vehicle is being
driven with the selector lever in the D
range.
While in direct mode, th ...
Other materials:
Steering Wheel
WARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving:
Adjusting the steering wheel while
the vehicle is moving is dangerous.
Moving it can very easily cause the
driver to abruptly turn to the left or
right. This can lead to loss of control or
an accident ...
Hood Removal/Installation
WARNING:
Removing the hood without supporting it could cause the hood to fall and
cause serious injury. Always perform the procedure with at least another person
to prevent the hood from falling.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable..
2. Remove the following parts:
a. Fro ...
Brake Fluid Air Bleeding
CAUTION:
Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces. Be careful not to spill any on
painted surfaces. If it is spilled, wipe it off immediately.
NOTE:
Keep the fluid level in the reserve tank at 3/4 full or more during the air
bleeding.
Begin air bleeding with the b ...