Mazda Protege (2003 year). Manual — part 7

5-8

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ Brake Pad Wear Indicator

When the disc brake pads become worn,
the built-in wear indicators contact the
disc plates. This causes a screeching noise
to warn that the pads should be replaced.

When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.

▼ Manual Transaxle Shift Pattern

The shift pattern of the transaxle is
conventional, as shown.

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

A safety feature prevents accidental
shifting from 5 to reverse. The shift lever
must be put in neutral before being shifted
to reverse.

NOTE

When the engine is jump-started to
charge the battery, uneven rpm occurs
and the ABS warning light comes on.
This is due to a weak battery, not a
malfunction.
Recharge the battery.

Driving with Worn Disc Pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is
dangerous. The brakes could fail and
cause a serious accident. As soon as
you hear a screeching noise consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

WARNING

Manual Transaxle
Operation

Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or 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. Do not cause sudden engine
braking on slippery road surfaces or
at high speeds.

Neutral position

WARNING

5-9

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Various Lockouts:

• Keep your foot off the clutch pedal

except when shifting gears. Also,
don’t use the clutch to hold the
vehicle on an upgrade. This will
avoid needless clutch wear and
damage.

• Make sure the vehicle comes to a

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

NOTE

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

CAUTION

Automatic Transaxle
Controls

Indicates that you must depress the
brake pedal and hold in the lock-release
button to shift (The ignition switch must
be in the ACC or ON position).

Indicates the shift lever can be shifted
freely into any position.

Indicates that you must hold in the lock-
release button to shift.

Lock-release button
To prevent unsafe
shifting

Overdrive button
For gear selection with either
a three-speed or four-speed
transaxle

Shift pattern indicator
Shows shift lever
position

5-10

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ Transaxle 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.

R (Reverse)

In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except as
explained under Rocking the Vehicle
(page 4-7).

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.

D (Drive)

D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 4-gear sequence.

2 (Second)

The 2 position is helpful when driving in
heavy, slow-moving traffic and climbing
hills, for engine braking assist when going
down hills, or for starting on slick
surfaces and other situations where gentle
acceleration may be necessary.
Do not exceed 108 km/h (67 mph) in the 2
position.

1 (Low)

Use the 1 position for maximum power in
hard-pulling situations, or for climbing
and descending very steep grades.
Do not exceed 57 km/h (35 mph) in the 1
position.

Holding the Vehicle with P:
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. To hold the
vehicle, set the shift lever to P AND
set the parking brake.

• Shifting into P, N or R while the

vehicle is moving can damage your
transaxle.

• Shifting into a driving gear or

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

WARNING

CAUTION

Shifting from N or P:
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. If the engine is
running faster than idle, don’t shift
from N or P into a driving gear.

Shifting into N while Driving:
Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury. Do not shift into N when
driving the vehicle.

WARNING

5-11

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ Shift-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. Push and hold the lock-release button.

4. Move the shift lever.

▼ 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:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd
2 = 2nd
1 = 1st

To turn it on, push the button again.

Shift patterns with overdrive:
D = 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th
2 = 2nd
1 = 1st

Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or 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. Do not cause sudden engine
braking on slippery road surfaces or
at high speeds.

NOTE

• When the ignition switch is in the

LOCK position, the transaxle
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.

WARNING

Overdrive button

5-12

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

O/D OFF indicator light

This light comes on when the overdrive
has been turned off.

▼ Driving Tips

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 1, depending on the load

weight and grade steepness.

3. Release all brakes while gradually

accelerating.

Descending steep grades

When descending a steep grade, shift to 2
or 1, depending on load weight and grade
steepness. Descend slowly, using the
brakes only occasionally to prevent them
from overheating.

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

5-13

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Various Lockouts:

▼ Transaxle 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.

R (Reverse)

In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except as
explained under Rocking the Vehicle
(page 4-7).

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.

Automatic Transaxle
Controls (Sport AT)

Indicates that you must depress the
brake pedal to shift (The ignition switch
must be in the ON position).
Indicates the shift lever can be shifted
freely into any position.

Holding the Vehicle with P:
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. To hold the
vehicle, set the shift lever to P AND
set the parking brake.

• Shifting into P, N or R while the

vehicle is moving can damage your
transaxle.

• Shifting into a driving gear or

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

WARNING

CAUTION

5-14

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

D (Drive)

D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 4-gear sequence.

M (Manual)

M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
tapping the shift lever back or forward
from this position.

▼ Shift-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.

▼ Shift-Lock Override

If the shift lever won’t move from P with
the brake pedal depressed, continue to
hold down the pedal.

1. Remove the shift-lock override cover

with a screwdriver.

2. Insert a screwdriver and push it down.

Shifting from N or P:
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. If the engine is
running faster than idle, don’t shift
from N or P into a driving gear.

Shifting into N while Driving:
Shifting into N while driving is
dangerous. Engine braking cannot be
applied when decelerating which
could lead to an accident or serious
injury. Do not shift into N when
driving the vehicle.

WARNING

NOTE

• When the ignition switch is in the

ACC or LOCK position, the
transaxle 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.

5-15

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

3. Move the shift lever.

4. Take the vehicle to an Authorized

Mazda Dealer to have the system
checked.

▼ Manual Shift Mode

This mode gives you the feel of driving a
manual transaxle vehicle by tapping the
shift lever forward and back while in this
mode.

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

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

▼ Indicators

Shift position indicator

In manual shift mode, the "M" of the shift
position indicator in the instrument panel
illuminates.

Gear position indicator

In manual shift mode, the numeral for the
selected gear illuminates below the shift
position indicator.

NOTE

If the gears cannot be shifted down
when driving at higher speeds, the shift
position and gear position indicators
will flash twice to signal that the gears
cannot be shifted down (page 5-17).

C

F

Shift position
indicator

Gear position
indicator

5-16

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ Shifting

Shifting up

(M1

→M2→M3→M4)

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

) once.

Shifting down

(M4

→M3→M2→M1)

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

) once.

NOTE

• When driving slowly, the gears may

not shift up depending on vehicle
speed (page 5-17).

• In manual shift mode, gears do not

shift up automatically. Don’t 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.

• Gears may not be shifted from M1

to M2 right after shifting the lever
from D to M. Wait a few seconds
and then shift up to M2.

Sudden Engine-Braking:
Shifting down while driving on wet,
snowy, or frozen roads, or 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. Do not cause sudden engine
braking on slippery road surfaces or
at high speeds.

NOTE

• When driving at high speeds, the

gear may not shift down depending
on vehicle speed (page 5-17).

• During deceleration, the gear may

automatically shift down depending
on vehicle speed (page 5-17).

WARNING

5-17

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ Shifting Recommendation

In manual shift mode, shift the gears
within the vehicle speed specified for each
gear.

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.

Shifting up to M2

You can shift up to M2 when the engine is
running, whether the vehicle is stopped or
moving.

Shifting up to M3

The vehicle speed must be higher than 20
km/h (12 mph) to shift up to M3.

Shifting up to M4

The vehicle speed must be higher than 38
km/h (24 mph) to shift up to M4.

Shifting down

If the vehicle speed is higher than the
speed specified for each gear, the gear
cannot be shifted down to a lower gear.
In this situation, the shift position and
gear position indicators will flash twice to
signal that the gears cannot be shifted
down.

Shifting down to M3

The vehicle speed must be lower than 161
km/h (100 mph) to shift down to M3.

Shifting down to M2

The vehicle speed must be lower than 100
km/h (62 mph) to shift down to M2.

Shifting down to M1

The vehicle speed must be lower than 45
km/h (28 mph) to shift down to M1.

NOTE

• If you change to manual shift mode

when the vehicle is stopped, the
gear will shift to M1.

• If you tap the shift lever back when

the vehicle is stopped and the gear
is at M1, the gear will shift to M2.
M2 is helpful for starting on
slippery surfaces.

• Gears may not be shifted from M1

to M2 right after shifting the lever
from D to M. Wait a few seconds
and then shift up to M2.

NOTE

• At M4, the gears shift down to M3

automatically when the vehicle
speed slows to 36 km/h (22 mph) or
less.

• At M3 or M2, the gears shift down

to M1 automatically when the
vehicle speed slows to 9 km/h (6
mph) or less.

5-18

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ Driving Tips

Passing

For extra power when passing another
vehicle or climbing steep grades, depress
the accelerator fully (D range). 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 all brakes 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.

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 rigid during normal
driving, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.

Power Steering

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

CAUTION

5-19

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

With cruise control, you can set and
automatically maintain any speed of more
than about 40 km/h (25 mph).

▼ Cruise Set Indicator Light

This light comes on when a cruising speed
is set.

▼ Activation/Deactivation

To activate the system, press the cruise
main switch.

To deactivate the system, press the switch
again.

Cruise Control

Cruise Control Use:
Using cruise control in the following
conditions could cause you to lose
control of the vehicle:

• Heavy or unsteady traffic

• Slippery or winding roads

• Similar restrictions that require

inconsistent speed

Don’t use cruise control in these
situations.

WARNING

Cruise Main Switch:
Leaving the cruise main switch on
when not using the cruise control is
dangerous as it may be switched on
accidentally. This could result in loss
of vehicle control. Keep the cruise
main switch off when cruise control is
not in use.

Cruise main switch

WARNING

5-20

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ To Set Speed

1. Activate the cruise control system.

2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which

must be more than 40 km/h (25 mph).

3. Press the SET/COAST button and

release it at the speed you want.
Release the accelerator at the same
time.

Don’t continue to hold in the button.
Until you release it, speed will
continue to drop (unless you continue
to accelerate) and you’ll miss the
desired speed.

▼ To Increase Cruising Speed

Follow either of these procedures.
• Press the RESUME/ACCEL button

and hold it. Your vehicle will
accelerate.
Release the button at the speed you
want.

Your vehicle has a tap-up feature that
allows you to increase your current
speed in increments of 1.6 km/h (1
mph) by a momentary tap of the
RESUME/ACCEL button. Multiple
taps will increase your vehicle speed
1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each tap.

• Accelerate to the desired speed.

Press the SET/COAST button and
release it immediately.

NOTE

• The SET function can’t be activated

until about 2 seconds after the
cruise main switch has been
engaged.

• On a steep grade, the vehicle may

momentarily slow down going up or
speed up while going down.

5-21

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ To Decrease Cruising Speed

Press the SET/COAST button and hold it.
The vehicle will gradually slow.
Release the button at the speed you want.

Your vehicle has a tap-down feature that
allows you to decrease your current speed
in decrements of 1.6 km/h (1 mph) by a
momentary tap of the SET/COAST
button. Multiple taps will decrease your
vehicle speed 1.6 km/h (1 mph) for each
tap.

▼ To Resume Cruising Speed at

More Than 40 km/h (25 mph)

If some other method besides the cruise
main switch was used to cancel cruising
speed and the system is still activated, the
most recent set speed will automatically
resume when the RESUME/ACCEL
button is pressed.
If vehicle speed is below 40 km/h (25
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 40
km/h (25 mph) and press the RESUME/
ACCEL button.

NOTE

Accelerate if you want to speed up
temporarily when the cruise control is
on. Greater speed will not interfere
with it or change the set speed.
Take your foot off the accelerator to
return to the set speed.

5-22

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ To Cancel

To turn off the system, use one of these
methods:
• Press the cruise main switch.
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
• Press the CANCEL button.

• (Manual transaxle)

Depress the clutch pedal.

The system is off when the ignition is off.

NOTE

Cruise control will cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed
or below 40 km/h (25 mph).

5-23

Driving Your Mazda

Instrument Cluster and Indicators

1 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5-24

2 Odometer and Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5-24

3 Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-25

4 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..5-25

5 Fuel Gauge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-26

Meters and Gauges

With tachometer

Without tachometer