Mazda Millenia (2002 year). Manual — part 5

4-6

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
• Don’t race the engine.
• Don’t maintain one constant speed for

long.

• Don’t drive constantly at full-throttle or

high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.

• Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
• Avoid full-throttle starts.

How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
• Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine

runs smoothly, begin driving.

• Avoid fast starts.
• Keep the engine tuned. Follow the

maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.

• Use the air conditioner only when

necessary.

• Slow down on rough roads.
• Keep the tires properly inflated.
• Don’t carry unnecessary weight.
• Don’t rest your foot on the brake pedal

while driving.

• Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
• Keep windows closed at high speeds.
• Slow down when driving in crosswinds

and headwinds.

Break-In Period

Money-Saving Suggestions

Coasting:
Turning off the engine to coast down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control. Any loss of steering or
braking control could cause an
accident. Never turn off the engine
and coast down a hill.

WARNING

4-7

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazard:
• Be cautious and allow extra distance

for braking.

• Avoid sudden braking and quick

steering.

• If your vehicle is not equipped with

ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don’t hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
don’t pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.

• If you get stuck, shift to L or S and

accelerate slowly. Don’t spin the front
wheels.

• For more traction in starting, use sand,

rock salt, chains, carpeting, or other
nonslip material under the front
wheels.

If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from D to R.

Hazardous Driving

Downshifting on Slippery Surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces 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. If it is
necessary to downshift on slippery
surfaces, be very careful.

NOTE

Use snow chains only on the front
wheels.

WARNING

Rocking the Vehicle

Spinning the Wheels:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries. Don’t spin the wheels at
more than 56 km/h (35 mph), and
don’t allow anyone to stand behind a
wheel when pushing the vehicle.

Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transaxle failure, and tire
damage.

WARNING

CAUTION

4-8

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

• Carry emergency gear, including tire

chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.

Ask a Mazda dealer to perform the
following precautions:
• Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in

the radiator.

• Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold

reduces battery capacity.

• Use only cold-weather engine oil (page

8-10).

• Inspect the ignition system for damage

and loose connections.

• Use washer fluid made with

antifreeze—but don’t use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-19).

• Don’t use the parking brake in freezing

weather as the parking brake may
freeze. Instead, shift to P and block the
rear wheels.

▼ Snow Tires

l

Your vehicle is originally equipped with
all season radials designed to be used all
year around. In some extreme climates
you may find it necessary to replace them
with snow tires during the winter months
to further improve traction on snow and
ice covered roads.

Use snow tires on all four wheels

Don’t go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph).
Inflate snow tires 28 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm

2

, 4

psi) more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver’s door), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.

Winter Driving

Mixing Tire Types:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle’s handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.

Check local regulations before using
studded tires.

WARNING

CAUTION

4-9

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

▼ Tire Chains

Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the front tires.
Don’t use chains on the rear tires.
Use only SAE Class "S" chains, and make
sure they fit.

Installing the chains

1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain

bands will scratch them.

2. Secure the chains on the front tires as

tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Retighten the chains after driving

1/2—1 km (1/4—1/2 mile).

• Chains may scratch or chip

aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.

• Chains may affect handling.
• Don’t go faster than 50 km/h (30

mph) or the chain manufacturer’s
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.

• Drive carefully and avoid bumps,

holes, and sharp turns.

• Avoid locked-wheel braking.
• Don’t use chains on the temporary

tire; it may result in damage to the
vehicle and to the tire.

• Don’t use chains on roads that are

free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.

CAUTION

Driving In Flooded Area

Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance
returns to normal.

Make sure water does not enter the
vehicle interior or the engine area. The
vehicle interior could become wet or
the engine could be damaged.

WARNING

CAUTION

4-10

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

Never tow a trailer with your Mazda.

Overloading

Vehicle Load Weight:
The gross axle weight rating (GAWR)
and the gross vehicle weight rating
(GVWR) of your vehicle are on the
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Label
on the driver’s door frame. Exceeding
these ratings can cause an accident or
vehicle damage. You can estimate the
weight of your load by weighing the
items (or people) before putting them
in the vehicle. Be careful not to
overload your vehicle.

WARNING

Trailer Towing

5-1

5

Driving Your Mazda

Explanation of instruments and controls.

Starting and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5- 2

Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 2
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5- 3
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5- 4
Automatic Transaxle Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 8
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5-16

Instrument Cluster and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

Meters and Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-18

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Warning/Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Beeps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5-30

Switches and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-31

Lighting Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-31
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5-32
Fog Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32
Daytime Running Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Windshield Wipers and Washer . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5-33
Rear Window Defroster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5-36
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-37

5-2

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ Ignition Switch Positions

LOCK

The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.

ACC (Accessory)

The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.

ON

This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-22).

START

The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-22).

▼ Ignition Key Reminder

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

Ignition Switch

Removing the Key:
It’s dangerous to remove the key from
the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving. Removing the key allows the
steering wheel to lock. You will lose
steering control and a serious
accident could occur.
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked.

Not Setting the Parking Brake:
Leaving the driver’s seat without
setting the parking brake is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur if the parking
brake is not set. This could cause an
accident. Before leaving the driver’s
seat, always set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P.

WARNING

NOTE

If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.

5-3

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

1. Occupants should fasten their seat

belts.

2. Make sure the parking brake is on.

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must

restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).

5. Turn the ignition switch to the START

position and hold (up to 10 seconds at a
time) until the engine starts.

6. After starting the engine, let it idle for

about 10 seconds.

Starting the Engine

NOTE

Engine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.

NOTE

The starter will not operate if the shift
lever is not in P or N.

Don’t try the starter for more than 10
seconds at a time. If the engine stalls or
fails to start, wait 10 seconds before
trying again. Otherwise, you may
damage the starter and drain the
battery.

CAUTION

NOTE

• In extremely cold weather, below

−18°C (0°F), or after the vehicle has
stood idle several days, let the
engine warm up without operating
the accelerator.

• Whether cold or warm, the engine

should be started without use of the
accelerator.

5-4

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ Foot Brake

Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.

Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But the distance required to
stop will be greater than usual.

▼ Parking Brake

Setting the parking brake

Depress the brake pedal, then pull the
brake handle fully upward.

Brake System

Driving with the Engine Off:
Continuing to drive when the engine
is stalled or turned off is dangerous.
Braking will require more effort, and
the brake’s power-assist could be
depleted if you pump the brake. This
will cause longer stopping distances
or even an accident. Don’t continue
driving when the engine is stalled or
turned off, find a safe place to stop.

Riding the Brakes:
Driving with your foot continuously
on the brake pedal or steadily
applying the brakes for long distances
is dangerous. This causes overheated
brakes, resulting in longer stopping
distances or even total brake failure.
This could cause loss of vehicle
control and a serious accident. Avoid
continuous application of the brakes.
Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep hills.

WARNING

Driving with Wet Brakes:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous.
Increased stopping distance or the
vehicle pulling to one side when
braking could result in a serious
accident. Light braking will indicate
whether the brakes have been
affected. Dry the brakes by driving
very slowly and applying the brakes
lightly until brake performance is
normal.

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

WARNING

CAUTION

5-5

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Releasing the parking brake

Depress the brake pedal, then pull the
handle up and press the button. Lower the
handle to the release position while
holding in the button.

▼ 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 8-15).

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.

NOTE

The drum-in disc parking brake system
in your vehicle needs to be bedded by
an Authorized Mazda Dealer whenever
the parking brake shoes or drums are
changed, or there is a reduction in
parking brake performance.

5-6

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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 5-27).

▼ Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
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 when the ABS operates. Don’t
pump the brakes, continue to press down
on the brake pedal.

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

ABS:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road
contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an
accident. So don’t rely on ABS as a
substitute for safe driving.

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.

WARNING

5-7

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ 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.

▼ 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.

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.

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

5-8

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

Indicates that you must depress the

brake pedal and hold in the lock-

release button to shift (The ignition

switch must be in the 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

Shift pattern
indicator
Shows shift lever
position

Hold button
Pushing this button
activates the hold
mode.
Pushing this again
deactivates this mode.

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

5-9

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.

S (Second)

The S position is helpful when driving in
slow-moving traffic and when climbing a
hill.

L (Low)

Use the L position when pulling heavy
loads and climbing steep grades.

Shift patterns without hold mode:

▼ 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.

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.

D

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th

S

1st, 2nd, 3rd

L

1st, 2nd

WARNING

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

ACC or LOCK position, the
transaxle cannot be shifted from P.

• If the brake is pumped with the shift

lever in P, a chattering near the shift
lever may be heard. Don’t worry,
this is a normal sound.

• To be sure the vehicle is in park, the

ignition key cannot be removed
unless the shift lever is in P.

WARNING

5-10

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ 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.

3. Push and hold the lock-release button.

4. Move the shift lever.

5. Take the vehicle to an Authorized

Mazda Dealer to have the system
checked.

▼ Hold Mode

The hold mode stops the automatic speed-
change operation and has three positions:
third (D), second (S), and first (L).

Hold operation

Use the hold mode when starting from a
stop on slippery surfaces, when driving up
steep inclines, and for braking assistance
on downgrades.

Push the hold button to activate the hold
mode. Push it again to deactivate it.

When the hold mode is on

D (Drive)

The transaxle is held in third. It
automatically downshifts to a lower gear
at a stop, however, and returns to third for
smoother acceleration.

S (Second)

The transaxle is held in second. Don’t
drive faster than 102km/h (63mph).

L (Low)

The transaxle is held in first. Don’t drive
faster than the speeds indicated in the
following:

Shift-up patterns with hold mode on

2.5 liter V6 DOHC

46km/h

(28mph)

Miller Cycle Engine V6

DOHC

56km/h

(34mph)

D-Hold

3rd (temporarily lowers gears

for standing start)

S-Hold

2nd (fixed)

L-Hold

1st (fixed)

Hold button

5-11

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

Hold indicator

This light comes on when the hold mode
is selected.

▼ 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, S, or L, 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 S,
or L, depending on load weight and grade
steepness. Descend slowly, using the
brakes only occasionally to prevent them
from overheating.

NOTE

The hold mode is automatically
canceled when the ignition is switched
off.

If the hold 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