Mazda 626 (2002 year). Manual — part 5

4-2

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

Vehicles with catalytic converters must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL, which will reduce
exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.

Fuel with a lower rating could cause the emission control system to lose effectiveness. It
could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.

Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.

*U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
2.5-liter engine
You may use a regular unleaded fuel with Octane Rating from 87 to 90 (91 to 95 RON) but
this will slightly reduce performance.

Fuel Requirements

Engine

Fuel

Octane Rating* (Anti-knock index)

2.5-liter engine

Premium unleaded fuel

91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)

2.0-liter engine

Regular unleaded fuel

87 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (91 RON or above)

• USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.

Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter. The lead will accumulate on the
oxygen sensor and the catalyst inside the converter. This will result in a malfunction
of the emission control system, causing poor performance.

• Your vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10% ethanol by

volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of any
kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.

• Never add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those specified

by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

CAUTION

4-3

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10%. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name "Gasohol".

Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.
• Gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol.
• Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
• Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.

4-4

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

Your vehicle is equipped with an emission control system (the catalytic converter is part of
this system) that enables your vehicle to comply with existing exhaust emissions
requirements.

Emission Control System

Parking Over Things That Burn:
Parking over or near anything inflammable, such as dry grass, is dangerous. Even
with the engine turned off, the exhaust system could ignite it because the exhaust
system gets very hot during normal use. A resulting fire could cause serious injury or
death. Never park over or near anything inflammable.

Ignoring the following precautions could cause lead to accumulate on the catalyst inside
the converter or cause the converter to get very hot. Either condition will damage the
converter and cause poor performance.
• USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
• Don’t drive your Mazda with any sign of engine malfunction.
• Don’t coast with the ignition switch turned off.
• Don’t descend steep grades in gear with the ignition switch turned off.
• Don’t operate the engine at high idle for more than 5 minutes.
• Don’t tamper with the emission control system. All inspections and adjustments must

be made by a qualified technician.

• Don’t try to push-start or pull-start your vehicle.

NOTE

Under U.S. federal law, any modification to the original-equipment emission control
system before the first sale and registration of a vehicle is subject to penalties. In some
states, such modification made on a used vehicle is also subject to penalties.

WARNING

CAUTION

4-5

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide)

Carbon Monoxide:
Engine exhaust is dangerous. This gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), which is
colorless, odorless, and poisonous. When inhaled, it can cause loss of consciousness
and death. If you smell exhaust gas inside your vehicle, keep all windows fully open
and contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer immediately.

Exhaust Gas in Enclosed Area:
Running the engine inside an enclosed area, such as a garage, is dangerous. Exhaust
gas, which contains poisonous carbon monoxide, could easily enter the cabin. Loss of
consciousness or even death could occur. Don’t run the engine when inside an
enclosed area.

Idling with the Windows Closed:
Exhaust gas is dangerous. When your vehicle is stopped with the windows closed and
the engine running for a long time in an open area, exhaust gas, which contains
poisonous carbon monoxide, could enter the cabin. Loss of consciousness or even
death could occur. Open the windows or adjust the heating or cooling system to draw
fresh air.

Snow Blocking the Exhaust Gas:
Running the engine when a vehicle is stopped in deep snow is dangerous. The exhaust
pipe could be blocked by the snow, allowing exhaust gas to enter the cabin. Because
exhaust gas contains poisonous carbon monoxide, anyone in the cabin could be
injured or killed. Clear the snow from underneath and around your vehicle before
starting the engine.

WARNING

4-6

Before Driving Your Mazda

Before Starting the Engine

• Be sure the windows, outside

mirror (s), and outside lights are clean.

• Inspect inflation pressures and

condition of tires.

• Look under the vehicle for any sign of

a leak.

• If you plan to back up, make sure

nothing will be in your way.

• Are all doors closed and locked?
• Are the inside and outside mirrors

adjusted?

• Is everyone’s seat belt fastened?
• Do all the lights work?
• Check all gauges.
• Check all warning lights when the

ignition switch is turned to the ON
position.

• Release the parking brake and make

sure the parking brake warning light
goes off.

Always be thoroughly familiar with your
Mazda.

Before Getting In

NOTE

Engine oil, engine coolant, brake/
clutch fluid, washer fluid, and other
fluid levels should be inspected daily,
weekly, or at refueling, depending on
the fluid. See Maintenance, Section 8.

After Getting In

4-7

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

4-8

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 1 (L) or 2 (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 back and forth from 1 (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

4-9

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 8-20).

• Don’t use the parking brake if it might

freeze. Instead, shift to P with an
automatic transaxle and to 1 or R with
a manual transaxle. Block the rear
wheels.

▼

▼

▼

▼ Snow Tires

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

4-10

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

4-11

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

Never tow a trailer with your Mazda.

Trailer Towing

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

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
Manual Transaxle Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5- 8
Automatic Transaxle Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5- 9
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-13
Traction Control System (TCS) . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5-16

Instrument Cluster and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

Meters and Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-19

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps . . . . . . . . . . 5-23

Warning/Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-23
Beeps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5-31

Switches and Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-32

Lighting Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-32
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5-33
Daytime Running Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-33
Windshield Wipers and Washer . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5-34
Rear Window Defroster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 5-35
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-36
Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 5-36

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.

Manual transaxle

When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, push the key in at the
ACC position.

Automatic transaxle

When turning the ignition switch to the
LOCK position, keep the shift lever in P.

Ignition Switch

ON(II)

ACC(I)

LOCK(0)

Push the key

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 with
an automatic transaxle or in 1 or R
with a manual transaxle.

ON(II)

ACC(I)

LOCK(0)

Shift lever
engaged in P
(park)

WARNING

5-3

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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 5-23).

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 5-23).

▼

▼

▼

▼ Ignition Key Reminder

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

1. Occupants should fasten their seat

belts.

2. Make sure the parking brake is on.

3. Depress the brake pedal.

4. (Manual transaxle)

Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.

NOTE

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

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
clutch pedal is not pushed down all the
way.

5-4

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

(Automatic transaxle)
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.

▼

▼

▼

▼ 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.

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.

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.

CAUTION

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

5-5

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼

▼

▼

▼ Parking Brake

Setting the parking brake

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

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.

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