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:
Radar Sensor (Front)
Your vehicle is equipped with a radar sensor (front).
The following systems also use the radar sensor (front).
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
The radar sensor (front) functions by detecting the radio waves reflected off
a vehicle ahead
or an obstru ...
Keyless Entry System
This system uses the key buttons to
remotely lock and unlock the doors and
the liftgate/trunk lid, and opens the trunk
lid.
The system can start the engine without
having to take the key out of your purse or
pocket.
It can also help you signal for attention.
Operating the theft-deterre ...
Steering Shaft Inspection
1. Inspect the column bearing for excessive play and damage.
2. Verify that the measurement of the steering shaft indicated in the figure
is as specified.
If not within the specification replace the steering shaft component.
Steering shaft length
315—320 mm {12.41—12.59 ...
