Mazda 626 (2002 year). Manual — part 6

5-6

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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
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.

▼

▼

▼

▼ 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.

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.

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

▼

▼

▼

▼ 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.

Manual Transaxle
Operation

• 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.

Neutral position

CAUTION

NOTE

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

5-9

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 4-8).

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
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

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 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

5-10

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.

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 the following speeds 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 the following speeds in the
1 position.

▼

▼

▼

▼ Shift-Lock System

For your safety, the automatic transaxle
has a shift-lock, which 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.

2.0-liter engine

116 km/h (72 mph)

2.5-liter engine

104 km/h (65 mph)

2.0-liter engine

63 km/h (39 mph)

2.5-liter engine

60 km/h (38 mph)

WARNING

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.

5-11

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼

▼

▼

▼ 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:

To turn it on, push the button again.

Shift patterns with overdrive:

O/D OFF indicator light

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

D

1st, 2nd, 3rd

2

Without Traction
Control System

2nd

With Traction
Control System

1st, 2nd

1

1st

Overdrive button

D

1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th

2

Without Traction
Control System

2nd

With Traction
Control System

1st, 2nd

1

1st

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

5-12

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼

▼

▼

▼ 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.

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

5-13

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, push the CRUISE
MAIN switch.

To deactivate the system, push the OFF
end.

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.

WARNING

5-14

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼

▼

▼

▼ To Set Speed

1. Turn on the CRUISE MAIN switch.

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.

5-15

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 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.

NOTE

With an automatic transaxle vehicle,
the gear is automatically selected when
going uphill.

5-16

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼

▼

▼

▼ To Cancel

To turn off the system, use one of these
methods:
• Push the OFF end of the CRUISE

MAIN switch.

• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
• (Manual transaxle)

Depress the clutch pedal.

The system is off when the ignition is off.

The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by regulating
engine torque. When the TCS detects
driving wheel slippage, it lowers engine
torque to prevent loss of traction.

This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels
without causing them to spin and lose
traction.

NOTE

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

Traction Control System
(TCS)

TCS and Unsafe Driving:
The traction control system (TCS)
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 the traction
control system as a substitute for safe
driving.

TCS and Snow and Ice:
Driving without proper traction
devices on snow and ice-covered
roads is dangerous. The traction
control system (TCS) alone cannot
provide adequate traction and you
could still have an accident. Use snow
tires or tires chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are
covered with ice and snow.

WARNING

5-17

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼

▼

▼

▼ TCS Warning Light

This warning light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. It flashes when the
system regulates engine torque.

If the light stays on, take your vehicle to
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The traction
control system may have a malfunction.

▼

▼

▼

▼ TCS OFF Indicator Light

This light comes on when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position.
It goes off when the engine is started. It
also comes on when you switch off the
traction control system or when the
system has a malfunction.

▼

▼

▼

▼ TCS OFF Switch

Push this switch once to turn off the TCS.
Push it again to turn the TCS back on.

NOTE

• In addition to the TCS warning light

flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This
indicates that the traction control
system is operating properly.

• On slippery surfaces, such as fresh

snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the traction
control system is on.

NOTE

After starting the engine on very cold
days, the TCS OFF indicator will
remain on and TCS will not operate
until the engine is warm.

5-18

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

NOTE

• If the TCS is off when the engine is

turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition switch is turned
on.

• Leaving the TCS on will provide

the best traction.

5-19

Driving Your Mazda

Instrument Cluster and Indicators

1 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20

2 Odometer and Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5-20

3 Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...5-21

4 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21

5 Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22

Meters and Gauges

5-20

Driving Your Mazda

Instrument Cluster and Indicators

▼

▼

▼

▼ Speedometer

The speedometer indicates the speed of
the vehicle.

▼

▼

▼

▼ Odometer and Trip Meter

The ignition switch must be in the ON
position.
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. 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.

When trip meter A is selected, TRIP A
will be displayed. When 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 in to compute fuel
consumption.

Selector

Odometer

Trip meter A

Press the selector

Press the selector

Press the selector

Trip meter B

5-21

Driving Your Mazda

Instrument Cluster and Indicators

▼

▼

▼

▼ 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).

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

0

Red zone

2.0-liter engine
2.5-liter engine

CAUTION

Driving with an overheated engine can
cause serious engine damage (page 7-
10).

Normal range

CAUTION