Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 (2013 year). Instruction

CAUTION

Ø Do not drive with your foot held

on the clutch pedal or brake pedal,
or hold the clutch pedal depressed
halfway unnecessarily. Doing so
could result in the following:

The clutch and brake parts will
wear out more quickly.

The brakes can overheat and
adversely affect brake
performance.

Ø Always depress the brake pedal

with the right foot. Applying the
brakes with the unaccustomed left
foot could slow your reaction time
to an emergency situation
resulting in insufficient braking
operation.

Ø Wear shoes appropriate for driving

in order to avoid your shoe
contacting the brake pedal when
depressing the accelerator pedal.

qParking Brake

WARNING

Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the shift lever is
in P (automatic transaxle) or in 1st gear
or R (manual transaxle):

Leaving the driver's seat without
switching the ignition off, setting the
parking brake, and shifting the shift
lever to P (automatic transaxle) or to
1st gear or R (manual transaxle) is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur which could
result in an accident.
In addition, if your intention is to
leave the vehicle for even a short
period, it is important to switch the
ignition off, as leaving it in another
position will disable some of the
vehicle's security systems and run the
battery down.

CAUTION

Driving with the parking brake on
will cause excessive wear of the brake
linings or pads.

NOTE

For parking in snow, refer to Winter Driving
(page 4-9) regarding parking brake use.

5-6

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Setting the parking brake

Depress the brake pedal and then firmly
pull the parking brake lever fully upwards
with sufficient force to hold the vehicle in
a stationary position.

Releasing the parking brake

Depress the brake pedal and pull the
parking brake lever upwards, then press
the release button. While holding the
button, lower the parking brake lever all
the way down to the released position.

qBrake System Warning Light

This warning has the following functions:

Parking brake warning

The light illuminates when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switched
to START or ON. It turns off when the
parking brake is fully released.

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
depress 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, open the

hood and check the brake fluid level
immediately, and then add fluid if
required (page 8-27).

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 turns off, have your
brake system inspected as soon as
possible by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-7

NOTE

Having to add brake fluid is sometimes an
indicator of leakage. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible even if the
brake light is no longer illuminated.

WARNING

Do not drive with the brake system
warning light illuminated. Contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible:

Driving with the brake system
warning light illuminated 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
illuminated, after checking that the
parking brake is fully released, have
the brakes inspected immediately.

qAnti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
wheel 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 ABS system operation. Continue
to depress the brake pedal without
pumping the brakes.

WARNING

Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:

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.

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.

The sound of the ABS operating may be
heard when starting the engine or
immediately after starting the vehicle,
however, it does not indicate a malfunction.

qABS Warning Light

The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON.

5-8

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

If the ABS warning light stays on while
you're driving, the ABS control unit has
detected a system malfunction. If this
occurs, your brakes will function normally
as if the vehicle had no ABS.
Should this happen, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.

NOTE

When the engine is jump-started to charge
the battery, uneven rpm occurs and the ABS
warning light may illuminate. If this occurs,
it is the result of the weak battery and does
not indicate an ABS malfunction.
Recharge the battery.

(With DSC vehicles)
The brake assist system does not operate
while the ABS warning light is illuminated.

qElectronic Brake Force

Distribution System Warning

If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may illuminate the brake
system warning light and the ABS
warning light on simultaneously. The
problem is likely to be the electronic
brake force distribution system.

WARNING

Do not drive with both the ABS warning
light and brake warning light
illuminated. Have the vehicle towed to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer to have
the brakes inspected as soon as
possible:

Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are illuminated simultaneously is
dangerous.
When both lights are illuminated, the
rear wheels could lock more quickly
in an emergency stop than under
normal circumstances.

qBrake Assist

During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the brake
pedal with greater force, the brake assist
system provides braking assistance, thus
enhancing braking performance.

When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, the brakes apply
more firmly.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-9

NOTE

When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, the pedal will feel
softer but the brakes will apply more firmly.
This is a normal effect of the brake assist
operation and does not indicate a
malfunction.

(Without DSC vehicles)
When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, a clicking noise
from the brake booster may be heard. This
is a normal effect of the brake assist and
does not indicate a malfunction.

(With DSC vehicles)
When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, a motor/pump
operation noise may be heard. This is a
normal effect of the brake assist and does
not indicate a malfunction.

The brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the vehicle's
main braking system.

Manual Transaxle Operation

qManual Transaxle Shift Pattern

5-speed transaxle

6-speed transaxle

Neutral position

The vehicle is equipped with either a 5-
speed or 6-speed manual transaxle. The
shift pattern for each is shown above.

Depress the clutch pedal all the way down
while shifting; then release it slowly.

(5-speed transaxle)
A safety feature prevents accidental
shifting from 5 to R (reverse). The shift
lever must be put in neutral before being
shifted to R.

5-10

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

(6-speed transaxle)
Vehicles with 6-speed transaxle are
equipped with a device to prevent shifting
to R (reverse) by mistake. Push the shift
lever downward and shift to R.

WARNING

Do not use sudden engine braking on
slippery road surfaces or at high
speeds:

Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or while
driving at high speeds causes sudden
engine braking, which 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.

Be sure to leave the shift lever in 1 or R
position and set the parking brake
when leaving the vehicle unattended:

Otherwise the vehicle could move
and cause an accident.

CAUTION

Ø Keep your foot off the clutch pedal

except when shifting gears. Also,
do not use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. Riding the
clutch will cause needless clutch
wear and damage.

Ø Do not apply any excessive lateral

force to the gear lever when
changing from 5th to 4th gear.
This could lead to the accidental
selection of 2nd gear, which can
result in damage to the transaxle.

Ø Make sure the vehicle comes to a

complete stop before shifting to R.
Shifting to R while the vehicle is
still moving may damage the
transaxle.

NOTE

If shifting to R is difficult, shift back into
neutral, release the clutch pedal, and try
again.

qRecommendations for Shifting

Upshifting

For normal acceleration, we recommend
these shift points.

(MZR 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

21 km/h (13 mph)

2 to 3

39 km/h (24 mph)

3 to 4

55 km/h (34 mph)

4 to 5

79 km/h (49 mph)

(SKYACTIV-G 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

24 km/h (15 mph)

2 to 3

42 km/h (26 mph)

3 to 4

60 km/h (37 mph)

4 to 5

75 km/h (46 mph)

5 to 6

79 km/h (49 mph)

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-11

(MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo)

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

24 km/h (15 mph)

2 to 3

40 km/h (25 mph)

3 to 4

65 km/h (40 mph)

4 to 5

73 km/h (45 mph)

5 to 6

81 km/h (50 mph)

(MZR 2.5)

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

24 km/h (15 mph)

2 to 3

43 km/h (27 mph)

3 to 4

56 km/h (35 mph)

4 to 5

73 km/h (45 mph)

5 to 6

90 km/h (56 mph)

For cruising

(MZR 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

18 km/h (11 mph)

2 to 3

29 km/h (18 mph)

3 to 4

47 km/h (29 mph)

4 to 5

68 km/h (42 mph)

(SKYACTIV-G 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

13 km/h (8 mph)

2 to 3

29 km/h (18 mph)

3 to 4

49 km/h (30 mph)

4 to 5

63 km/h (39 mph)

5 to 6

70 km/h (43 mph)

(MZR 2.3 DISI Turbo)

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

24 km/h (15 mph)

2 to 3

40 km/h (25 mph)

3 to 4

65 km/h (40 mph)

4 to 5

73 km/h (45 mph)

5 to 6

81 km/h (50 mph)

(MZR 2.5)

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

16 km/h (10 mph)

2 to 3

32 km/h (20 mph)

3 to 4

49 km/h (30 mph)

4 to 5

60 km/h (37 mph)

5 to 6

71 km/h (44 mph)

Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
reduces the chance of stalling and gives
better acceleration when you need more
speed.
On a steep downgrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.

5-12

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

qTransaxle Ranges

The shift lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.

P (Park)

P locks the transaxle and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.

WARNING

Always set the shift lever to P and set
the parking brake:

Only setting the shift lever to the P
position without using the parking
brake to hold the vehicle is
dangerous. If P fails to hold, the
vehicle could move and cause an
accident.

CAUTION

Ø Shifting into P, N or R while the

vehicle is moving can damage
your transaxle.

Ø Shifting into a driving gear or

reverse when the engine is running
faster than idle can damage the
transaxle.

R (Reverse)

In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except under
rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 4-9).

N (Neutral)

In N, the wheels and transaxle are not
locked. The vehicle will roll freely even
on the slightest incline unless the parking
brake or brakes are on.

WARNING

If the engine is running faster than idle,
do not shift from N or P into a driving
gear:

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.

Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle:

Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury.

CAUTION

Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle
damage.

NOTE

Apply the parking brake or depress the brake
pedal before moving the shift lever from N to
prevent the vehicle from moving unexpectedly.

D (Drive)

D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 5-gear/6-gear

sequence.

* SKYACTIV-G 2.0

M (Manual)

M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the shift lever.
Refer to Manual Shift Mode (page 5-16).

5-14

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

qActive Adaptive Shift (AAS)

Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
automatically controls the transaxle shift
points to best suit the road conditions and
driver input. This improves driving
comfort.
(SKYACTIV-G 2.0)
The transaxle may switch to AAS mode
when driving up and down slopes,
cornering, or depressing the accelerator
pedal quickly while the shift lever is in the
D position.
Depending on the driving conditions and
vehicle operations, it may not be possible
to shift gears, however, this does not
indicate a problem because the AAS
mode will maintain the optimum gear
position.
(Except SKYACTIV-G 2.0)
If the driver accelerates rapidly, or
accelerates and decelerates rapidly by
operating the accelerator and brake pedal
for a certain period of time while the shift
lever is in the D position, AAS mode
could activate.
When cornering the vehicle, AAS mode
will hold the transaxle in the gear the
vehicle was in before entering the curve,
allowing the vehicle to be accelerated
from the same gear after exiting the curve.
AAS mode will maintain the transaxle in
the optimum gear and the driver may
sense that the transaxle is not shifting,
however this does not indicate an
abnormality.

qShift-Lock System

The shift-lock system 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. Move the shift lever.

NOTE

When the ignition is switched off, the shift
lever 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.

(With Advanced Key)
The ignition cannot be switched from ACC
to OFF when the shift lever is not in P.

qShift-Lock Override

If the shift lever will not move from P
using the proper shift procedure, continue
to hold down the pedal.

1. Remove the shift-lock override cover

using a cloth-wrapped flat head
screwdriver.

2. Insert a screwdriver and push it down.

Cover

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-15

3. Move the shift lever.

4. Take the vehicle to an Authorized

Mazda Dealer to have the system
checked.

qManual Shift Mode

This mode gives you the feel of driving a
manual transaxle vehicle by operating the
shift lever and allows you to control
engine rpm and torque to the front wheels
much like a manual transaxle when more
control is desired.

To change to manual shift mode, shift the
lever from D to M.

NOTE

Changing to manual shift mode while driving
will not damage the transaxle.

To return to automatic shift mode, shift
the lever from M to D.

NOTE

If you change to manual shift mode when
the vehicle is stopped, the gear will shift to
M1.

If you change to manual shift mode without
depressing the accelerator pedal when
driving in D range, 5th gear, the gear will
shift to M4.

(SKYACTIV-G 2.0 model)
If you change to manual shift mode without
depressing the accelerator pedal when
driving in D range, 6th gear, the gear will
shift to M5.

Indicators

Manual shift mode indicator

In manual shift mode, the

“M” of the shift

position indicator in the instrument panel
illuminates.

Gear position indicator

The numeral for the selected gear
illuminates.

Shift position indicator

D range/gear position indicator

5-16

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

NOTE

If the gears cannot be shifted down when
driving at higher speeds, the gear position
indicator will flash twice to signal that the
gears cannot be shifted down (to protect the
transaxle).

If the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF)
temperature becomes too high, there is the
possibility that the transaxle will switch to
automatic shift mode, canceling manual
shift mode and turning off the gear position
indicator illumination. This is a normal
function to protect the AT. After the ATF
temperature has decreased, the gear
position indicator illumination turns back
on and driving in manual shift mode is
restored.

Shifting

Manually Shifting up

(M1

→ M2 → M3 → M4 → M5 →

)

To shift up to a higher gear, tap the shift
lever back (

) once.

NOTE

When driving slowly, the gears may not
shift up.

In manual shift mode, gears do not shift up
automatically. Do not run the engine with
the tachometer needle in the RED ZONE. If
the tachometer needle enters the RED
ZONE, you may feel engine-braking
because the fuel delivery will be stopped to
protect the engine. However, this does not
indicate an abnormality.

When depressing the accelerator fully, the
transaxle will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed (Except M2

→

M1).

Manually Shifting down

( M6

→ M5 → M4 → M3 → M2 →

M1)
To shift down to a lower gear, tap the shift
lever forward (

) once.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-17

Some models.

WARNING

Do not use engine braking on slippery
road surfaces or at high speeds:

NOTE

When driving at high speeds, the gear may
not shift down.

During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending on
vehicle speed.

When depressing the accelerator fully, the
transaxle will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed (Except M2

→

M1).

Second gear fixed mode

When the shift lever is tapped back (

)

while the vehicle is stopped or driven at
the following speeds, the transaxle is set
in the second gear fixed mode.
SKYACTIV-G 2.0 model:
10.1 km/h (6.27 mph) or less
MZR 2.0, MZR 2.5 model:
12 km/h (7.5 mph) or less

The gear is fixed in second while in this
mode for easier starting and driving on
slippery roads. If the shift lever is tapped
back (

) or forward (

) while in the

second gear fixed mode, the mode will be
canceled.

Shifting specification

Shifting up

If the vehicle speed is lower than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted up to a higher gear.

(MZR 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M2

You can shift up to M2 whether the
vehicle is stopped or moving.

→ M3

20.5 km/h (12.8 mph)

→ M4

37 km/h (23 mph)

→ M5

(SKYACTIV-G 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M2

10.1 km/h (6.28 mph)

→ M3

25.6 km/h (16.0 mph)

→ M4

35.2 km/h (21.9 mph)

→ M5

55 km/h (35 mph)

→ M6

70 km/h (44 mph)

(MZR 2.5)

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M2

You can shift up to M2 whether the
vehicle is stopped or moving.

→ M3

20.5 km/h (12.8 mph)

→ M4

34 km/h (22 mph)

→ M5

Shifting down

If the vehicle speed is higher than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted to a lower gear so as to
protect the transaxle.

(MZR 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M4

213 km/h (132 mph)

→ M3

153 km/h (95 mph)

→ M2

100 km/h (62 mph)

→ M1

40 km/h (24 mph)

5-18

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

(SKYACTIV-G 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M5

271.1 km/h (168.4 mph)

→ M4

192 km/h (119 mph)

→ M3

132.2 km/h (82.14 mph)

→ M2

94.9 km/h (58.9 mph)

→ M1

54 km/h (33 mph)

(MZR 2.5)

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M4

196 km/h (121 mph)

→ M3

135 km/h (83 mph)

→ M2

90 km/h (55 mph)

→ M1

37 km/h (22 mph)

NOTE

Regarding the vehicle speed at the highest
gear indicated above, achieving this speed
may not actually be possible depending on
various driving conditions such as the wind,
upslope, and road surface.

During deceleration, the gears shift down
automatically when speed is reduced to
the following:

(SKYACTIV-G 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M5

66.8 km/h (41.5 mph)

→ M4

53 km/h (32 mph)

→ M3

32 km/h (19 mph)

→ M2

13.7 km/h (8.51 mph)

→ M1

7.1 km/h (4.4 mph)

(MZR 2.0, MZR 2.5)

Gear

Vehicle speed

M5 or M4

→

31 km/h (19 mph)

M3 or M2

→

10 km/h (6 mph)

NOTE

The gear does not shift down to M1
automatically while in the second gear fixed
mode.

If the vehicle is kicked down at the
following speeds or lower, the gears shift
down automatically:

(MZR 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M4

199 km/h (123 mph)

→ M3

146 km/h (90 mph)

→ M2

54 km/h (33 mph)

(SKYACTIV-G 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M5

248.5 km/h (154.4 mph)

→ M4

160 km/h (99.4 mph)

→ M3

66.1 km/h (41.0 mph)

→ M2

47.4 km/h (29.4 mph)

(MZR 2.5)

Gear

Vehicle speed

→ M4

183 km/h (113 mph)

→ M3

126 km/h (78 mph)

→ M2

51 km/h (31 mph)

Recommendations for shifting

Upshifting

For normal acceleration and cruising, we
recommend these shift points.

(SKYACTIV-G 2.0)

Gear

Vehicle speed

M1 to M2

24 km/h (15 mph)

M2 to M3

40 km/h (25 mph)

M3 to M4

65 km/h (40 mph)

M4 to M5

73 km/h (45 mph)

M5 to M6

81 km/h (50 mph)

(MZR 2.0, MZR 2.5)

Gear

Vehicle speed

M1 to M2

24 km/h (15 mph)

M2 to M3

40 km/h (25 mph)

M3 to M4

65 km/h (40 mph)

M4 to M5

73 km/h (45 mph)

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-19

Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
gives better acceleration when you need
more speed.

On a steep downgrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.

qDriving Tips

WARNING

Do not allow the vehicle to move in
reverse on an up-slope while the
selector lever is in a forward gear
position, or move forward on a down-
slope while the selector lever is in the
reverse position.

Otherwise, the engine will stop,
causing the loss of the power brake
and power steering functions, and
make it difficult 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.

Climbing steep grades from a stop

To climb a steep grade from a stopped
position:

1. Depress the brake pedal.

2. Shift to D or M1, depending on the

load weight and grade steepness.

3. 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.

5-20

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Power Steering

Power steering is only operable when the
engine is running. If the engine is off or if
the power steering system is inoperable,
you can still steer, but it requires more
physical effort.

If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

CAUTION

Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running.
This could damage the power
steering system.

qPower Steering Malfunction

Indicator Light

This indicator light illuminates when the
ignition is switched ON, and turns off
when the engine is started.

If the light remains illuminated after the
engine is started, or illuminates while
driving, turn off the engine after parking
in a safe place, and then start the engine
again.
If the light does not illuminate after
restarting the engine, this indicates that
the power steering is restored and normal
steering is possible.
If the light remains illuminated, the power
steering is still inoperable. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

NOTE

The power steering system is inoperable
when the power steering malfunction
indicator light illuminates. Steering is
possible, but requires more physical effort.

Repeatedly jerking the steering wheel left
and right while the vehicle is stopped or
moving at slow speeds will cause the power
steering system to go into protective mode
which will make the steering feel heavy, but
this does not indicate a malfunction. If this
occurs, park the vehicle safely and wait a
few minutes for the system to return to
normal.

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

5-21

Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 (2013 year). Instruction - part 11