Mazda Protege (2003 year). Manual — part 8

5-24

Driving Your Mazda

Instrument Cluster and Indicators

▼ Speedometer

The speedometer indicates the speed of
the vehicle.

▼ Odometer and Trip Meter

The display mode can be changed from
odometer to trip meter A to trip meter B
and then back to odometer by pressing the
selector while they are displayed. The
selected mode will be displayed.

Odometer

When this mode is selected, ODO will be
displayed.
The odometer records the total distance
the vehicle has been driven.

Trip meter

The trip meter can record the total
distance of two trips. One is recorded in
trip meter A, and the other is recorded in
trip meter B.

For instance, trip meter A can record the
distance from the point of origin, and trip
meter B can record the distance from
where the fuel tank is filled.

When trip meter A is selected, pressing
the selector again within one second will
change to trip meter B mode.

Selector

Odometer

Trip meter A

Press the selector

Press the selector

Press the selector

Trip meter B

NOTE

The odometer and trip meter can be
displayed as follows even when the
ignition switch is in the ACC or LOCK
position:

• Displays for about 10 minutes after

the ignition switch is turned to the
ACC or LOCK position from the
ON position.

• Displays for about 10 minutes after

any door is opened.

(Sport AT model)
The headlight switch must be in the

or

position to see the

odometer and trip meter display when
the ignition switch is in the LOCK
position.

5-25

Driving Your Mazda

Instrument Cluster and Indicators

When trip meter A is selected, TRIP A
will be displayed. When trip meter B is
selected, TRIP B will be displayed.

The trip meter records the total distance
the vehicle is driven until the meter is
again reset. Return it to "0.0" by holding
the selector depressed for more than 1
second. Use this meter to measure trip
distances and to compute fuel
consumption.

▼ Tachometer

The tachometer shows engine speed in
thousands of revolutions per minute
(rpm).

▼ Engine Coolant Temperature

Gauge

The engine coolant temperature gauge
shows the temperature of the engine
coolant.

If the needle exceeds normal range toward
H, it indicates overheating.

NOTE

• Only the trip meters record tenths of

kilometers (miles).

• The trip record will be erased when;

• The power supply is interrupted

(blown fuse or the battery is
disconnected).

• The vehicle is driven over 999.9

km (mile).

Red zone

Don’t run the engine with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE.
This may cause severe engine damage.

Driving with an overheated engine can
cause serious engine damage
(page 7-13).

CAUTION

CAUTION

5-26

Driving Your Mazda

Instrument Cluster and Indicators

▼ Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is in the tank. We recommend
keeping the tank over 1/4 full. When the
low fuel warning light illuminates or
when the needle is near E, refuel as soon
as possible.

▼ Dashboard Illumination

When the headlight switch is in the

or

position, rotate the thumb-wheel

to adjust the brightness of the dashboard
lights.

Low fuel warning
light

Bright

Dim

5-27

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

Warning/Indicator Lights

Signal

Warning/Indicator Lights

Page

Brake System Warning Light

5-29

Charging System Warning Light

5-30

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

5-31

Check Engine Light

5-31

ABS Warning Light

5-32

Air Bag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light

5-32

Low Fuel Warning Light

5-33

Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas

5-28

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

Seat Belt Warning Light

5-33

Door-Ajar Warning Light

5-33

Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light

5-33

Automatic Transaxle Warning Light

5-33

Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light

5-34

O/D OFF Indicator Light

5-34

Shift Position Indicator Light

5-34

Cruise Set Indicator Light

5-35

Signal

Warning/Indicator Lights

Page

5-29

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ Brake System Warning Light

This warning has the following functions:

Parking brake warning

The light comes on when the parking
brake is applied with the ignition switch
in the START or ON position. It goes off
when the parking brake is fully released.

Low brake fluid level warning/
Electronic brake force distribution
system 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.

Low brake fluid level warning

You may notice that the pedal is harder to
push 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, check the

brake fluid level immediately and add
fluid as required (page 8-14).

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 goes off, have your brake
system inspected as soon as possible.

Electronic brake force distribution
system warning

If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light on.
In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-32).

5-30

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ Charging System Warning Light

This warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and goes off when the engine is
started.

If the warning light comes on while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

Brake Warning Light:
Driving with the brake system
warning light on 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 on, have the brakes
inspected immediately. Don’t drive
with this light on, and contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer to have the
brakes inspected as soon as possible.

ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.

WARNING

Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.

CAUTION

5-31

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ Engine Oil Pressure Warning

Light

This warning light indicates low engine
oil pressure.

If the light comes on while driving:

1. Drive to the side of the road and park

off the right-of-way.

2. Turn off the engine and inspect the

engine oil level (page 8-9). If it’s low,
add oil.

3. Check the light.

If the light remains on even after you add
oil, have your vehicle towed to the nearest
service station or to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.

▼ Check Engine Light

If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
• The fuel tank level being very low or

approaching empty.

• The engine’s electrical system has a

problem.

• The emission control system has a

problem.

• The fuel-filler cap is missing or not

tightened securely.

If the check engine light flashes
continuously, decrease your speed and
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.

Don’t run the engine if oil pressure is
low. It could result in extensive engine
damage.

CAUTION

5-32

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ ABS Warning Light

The warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.

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.

▼ Air Bag/Front Seat Belt

Pretensioner System Warning
Light

If the air bag/front seat belt pretensioner
system is OK, the warning light comes on
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position or after the engine is cranked.
After about 6 seconds it goes out.

A system malfunction is indicated when
the warning light constantly flashes, stays
on or doesn’t come on at all. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system
may not work in an accident.

ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.

WARNING

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.

5-33

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ Low Fuel Warning Light

This warning light in the fuel gauge
signals that the fuel tank will soon be
empty.
Get fuel as soon as possible.

▼ Seat Belt Warning Light

If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, the seat belt warning light
will remain on until the belt is fastened.
If the system does not operate correctly,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

▼ Door-Ajar Warning Light

This warning light comes on when any
door isn’t securely closed.

▼ Low Washer Fluid Level

Warning Light

This warning light reveals that little
windshield washer fluid remains. Add
fluid (page 8-18).

▼ Automatic Transaxle Warning

Light

This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
The light flashes when the transaxle has a
problem.

Self-Servicing the Air Bag/
Pretensioner Systems:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled. This
could cause serious injuries. Never
tamper with the systems and always
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform all servicing and repairs.

WARNING

5-34

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ Headlight High-Beam Indicator

Light

This light indicates one of two things:
• The high-beam headlights are on.
• The turn signal lever is in the flash-to-

pass position.

▼ O/D OFF Indicator Light

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

▼ Shift Position Indicator Light

This indicates the selected shift position
when the ignition switch is in the ACC or
ON position.

In manual mode, the "M" of the shift
position indicator illuminates and the
numeral for the selected gear illuminates
in the gear position indicator.

If the automatic transaxle warning
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

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

Gear position indicator

5-35

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ Cruise Set Indicator Light

This light comes on when a cruising speed
is set.

▼ Seat Belt Warning Beep

If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, a beep will sound for about
6 seconds.

▼ Ignition Key Reminder

If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position, a beep will sound when
any door is opened.

▼ Lights-On Reminder

If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a beep will
sound when any door is opened.

Beeps

5-36

Driving Your Mazda

Switches and Controls

▼ Headlights

To turn on the lights, turn the knob on the
end of the control lever.

▼ Lights-On Reminder

If lights are on and the key is removed
from the ignition switch, a beep will
sound when any door is opened.

▼ Headlight High-Low Beams

Push the lever forward for high beams.
Pull it back for low.

▼ Flashing the Headlights

To flash the headlights, pull the lever fully
toward you. The headlight switch need
not be on, and the lever will return to the
normal position when released.

Lighting Control

Lever Position

OFF

Headlights

Off

Off

On

Taillights
Parking lights
License lights
Side-marker lights

Off

On

On

NOTE

To prevent discharging the battery,
don’t leave the lights on while the
engine is off.

High beams

Low beams

5-37

Driving Your Mazda

Switches and Controls

▼ Turn Signal

Move the signal lever down (for a left
turn) or up (for a right turn) to the stop
position. The signal will self-cancel after
the turn is completed.

If the indicator light continues to flash
after a turn, manually return the lever to
its original position.

Green indicators on the dashboard show
which signal is working.

Lane-change signals

Move the lever slightly toward the
direction of the change —until the
indicator flashes— and hold it there. It
will return to the off position when
released.

Use this switch to turn on the fog lights.
They help you to see as well as to be seen.

To turn on the fog lights, first turn on the
headlight switch. Then press the fog light
switch.
To turn the fog lights off, press the fog
light switch again or turn the headlight
switch off.

Turn and Lane-Change
Signals

NOTE

If an indicator light stays on without
flashing or if it flashes abnormally, the
turn signal bulb may be burned out.

Right turn

Left turn

Right lane
change

Left lane
change

OFF

Fog Lights

5-38

Driving Your Mazda

Switches and Controls

In Canada, vehicles must be driven with
the headlights on during daytime
operation.

For that reason, the daytime running lights
automatically turn on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.

The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.

Daytime Running Lights

NOTE

The running lights go off when the
parking brake is applied.

Windshield Wipers and
Washer

Frozen Washer Fluid:
Using windshield washer fluid in
freezing temperatures is dangerous.
The washer fluid could freeze on the
windshield and block your vision.
You could have an accident. Don’t use
the washer without first warming the
windshield.

NOTE

Because heavy ice and snow can jam
the wiper blades, the wiper motor is
protected by a circuit breaker. This
mechanism will automatically stop
operation of the blades, but only for
about 5 minutes.
If this happens, turn off the wiper
switch and park off the right-of-way,
and remove the snow and ice.
After 5 minutes, turn on the switch and
the blades should operate normally. If
they don’t resume functioning, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon
as possible.

WARNING

5-39

Driving Your Mazda

Switches and Controls

▼ Windshield Wipers

Turn the wipers on by pulling the lever
down.
INT — Intermittent
1 — Normal
2 — Fast

One-touch wipers

For a single wiping cycle, push the lever
up to MIST.

▼ Windshield Washer

Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid.

If the washer doesn’t work, inspect the
fluid level (page 8-18). If it’s OK, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

OFF

INT

1

2

MIST

OFF

NOTE

In the OFF or INT position, the wipers
will be activated until the lever is
released.