Mazda 3 Hatchback (2018 year). Manual — part 10

▼ Recommendations for Shifting

Upshifting

For normal acceleration, Mazda
recommends these shift points:
(U.S.A. and Canada)

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

24 km/h (15 mph)

2 to 3

42 km/h (26 mph)

3 to 4

60 km/h (37 mph)

4 to 5

75 km/h (46 mph)

5 to 6

79 km/h (49 mph)

For cruising, Mazda recommends these
shift points:
(U.S.A. and Canada)

Gear

Vehicle speed

1 to 2

13 km/h (8 mph)

2 to 3

29 km/h (18 mph)

3 to 4

49 km/h (30 mph)

4 to 5

63 km/h (39 mph)

5 to 6

70 km/h (43 mph)

Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy
traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift
before the engine starts to overwork. This
reduces the chance of stalling and gives
better acceleration when you need more
speed.
On a steep downgrade, downshifting
helps maintain safe speed and prolongs
brake life.

When Driving

Manual Transaxle Operation

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Automatic Transaxle Controls

Lock-release button

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

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

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

Various Lockouts:

NOTE
The Sport AT has an option that is not included in the traditional automatic transaxle that
gives the driver the option of selecting each gear instead of leaving it to the transaxle to
shift gears. Even if you intend to use the automatic transaxle functions as a traditional
automatic, you should also be aware that you can inadvertently shift into manual shift mode
and an inappropriate gear may be retained as the vehicle speed increases. If you notice the
engine speed going higher or hear the engine racing, confirm you have not accidentally
slipped into manual shift mode (page 4-35).

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

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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. Press and hold the lock-release button.
4. Move the selector lever.

NOTE



When the ignition is switched to ACC or
the ignition is switched off, the selector
lever cannot be shifted from P.



The ignition cannot be switched to OFF
if the selector lever is not in P.

▼ Shift-Lock Override

If the selector lever will not move from P
using the proper shift procedure, continue
to hold down the brake pedal.
1. Remove the shift-lock override cover

using a cloth-wrapped flat head
screwdriver.

2. Insert a screwdriver and push it down.

Cover

3. Press and hold the lock-release button.
4. Move the selector lever.
Take the vehicle to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer to have the system checked.

Transaxle Ranges



The shift position indication in the
instrument cluster illuminates. Refer to
Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-23.



The selector lever must be in P or N to
operate the starter.

P (Park)

P locks the transaxle and prevents the
front wheels from rotating.

WARNING

Always set the selector lever to P and set
the parking brake:
Only setting the selector 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.

CAUTION

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.

R (Reverse)

In position R, the vehicle moves only
backward. You must be at a complete stop
before shifting to or from R, except under
rare circumstances as explained in
Rocking the Vehicle (page 3-47).

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

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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.

WARNING

If the engine is running faster than idle, do
not shift from N or P into a driving gear:
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.

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

CAUTION

Do not shift into N when driving the
vehicle. Doing so can cause transaxle
damage.

NOTE
Apply the parking brake or depress the
brake pedal before moving the selector
lever from N to prevent the vehicle from
moving unexpectedly.

D (Drive)

D is the normal driving position. From a
stop, the transaxle will automatically shift
through a 6-gear sequence.

M (Manual)

M is the manual shift mode position.
Gears can be shifted up or down by
operating the selector lever. Refer to
Manual Shift Mode on page 4-35.

▼ Shift Position Indication

The selector position is indicated when the
ignition is switched ON.

Gear position indication

In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift
position indication illuminates and the
numeral for the selected gear is displayed.

▼ Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)

Active Adaptive Shift (AAS)
automatically controls the transaxle shift
points to best suit the road conditions and
driver input. This improves driving feel.
The transaxle may switch to AAS mode
when driving up and down slopes,
cornering, driving at high elevations, or
depressing the accelerator pedal quickly
while the selector lever is in the D
position. Depending on the road and
driving conditions/vehicle operations, gear
shifting could be delayed or not occur,
however, this does not indicate a problem
because the AAS mode will maintain the
optimum gear position.

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

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Manual Shift Mode

The manual shift mode gives you the feel
of driving a manual transaxle vehicle by
allowing you to operate the selector lever
manually. This allows you to control
engine rpm and torque to the drive wheels
much like a manual transaxle when more
control is desired.
To change to manual shift mode, shift the
lever from D to M.

NOTE
Changing to manual shift mode while
driving will not damage the transaxle.

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

NOTE



If you change to manual shift mode
when the vehicle is stopped, the gear
will shift to M1.



If you change to manual shift mode
without depressing the accelerator pedal
when driving in D range, 5th gear/6th
gear, the gear will shift to M4/M5.

▼ Indicators

Manual shift mode indication

In manual shift mode, the “M” of the shift
position indication in the instrument panel
illuminates.

Gear position indication

The numeral for the selected gear
illuminates.

Type A

Manual shift mode indication

Gear position indication

Type B

Gear position indication

Manual shift mode indication

Type C

Manual shift mode indication

Gear position indication

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

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NOTE



If the gears cannot be shifted down
when driving at higher speeds, the gear
position indication will flash twice to
signal that the gears cannot be shifted
down (to protect the transaxle).



If the automatic transaxle fluid (ATF)
temperature becomes too high, there is
the possibility that the transaxle will
switch to automatic shift mode,
canceling manual shift mode and
turning off the gear position indication
illumination. This is a normal function
to protect the AT. After the ATF
temperature has decreased, the gear
position indication illumination turns
back on and driving in manual shift
mode is restored.

▼ Manually Shifting Up

You can shift gears up by operating the
selector lever or the steering shift
switches

*

.

M1 → M2 → M3 → M4 → M5 → M6

Using selector lever

To shift up to a higher gear, tap the
selector lever back once.

Using steering shift switch

*

To shift up to a higher gear with the
steering shift switches, pull the UP switch
(

) toward you once with your

fingers.

UP switch

WARNING

Keep your hands on the steering wheel rim
when using fingers on the steering shift
switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of the
steering wheel when using the steering
shift switches is dangerous. If the driver's air
bag were to deploy in a collision, your
hands could be impacted causing injury.

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

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NOTE



When driving slowly, the gears may not
shift up.



Do not drive the vehicle with the
tachometer needle in the RED ZONE
while in manual shift mode. In addition,
manual shift mode switches to automatic
shift mode while the accelerator pedal is
completely depressed.
This function is canceled while the DSC
is turned off. However, if the vehicle is
continuously driven at a high rpm, the
gears may automatically shift up to
protect the engine.



The steering shift switch can be used
temporarily even if the selector lever is
in the D position while driving. In
addition, it returns to automatic shift
mode when the UP switch (

) is

pulled rearward for a sufficient amount
of time.

▼ Manually Shifting Down

You can shift gears down by operating the
selector lever or the steering shift
switches

*

.

M6 → M5 → M4 → M3 → M2→ M1

Using selector lever

To shift down to a lower gear, tap the
selector lever forward once.

Using steering shift switch

*

To shift down to a lower gear with the
steering shift switches, pull the DOWN
switch toward you once with your
fingers.

DOWN switch

WARNING

Do not use engine braking on slippery road
surfaces or at high speeds:
Shifting down while driving on wet, snowy,
or frozen roads, or while 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.

Keep your hands on the steering wheel rim
when using fingers on the steering shift
switches:
Putting your hands inside the rim of the
steering wheel when using the steering
shift switches is dangerous. If the driver's air
bag were to deploy in a collision, your
hands could be impacted causing injury.

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

*Some models.

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NOTE



When driving at high speeds, the gear
may not shift down.



During deceleration, the gear may
automatically shift down depending on
vehicle speed.



When depressing the accelerator fully,
the transaxle will shift to a lower gear,
depending on vehicle speed. However,
the gears do not kickdown while the
DSC is turned off.

▼ Second Gear Fixed Mode

When the selector lever is moved back
while the vehicle speed is about 10 km/h
(6.2 mph) or less, the transaxle is set in the
second gear fixed mode. The gear is fixed
in second while in this mode for easier
acceleration from a stop and driving on
slippery roads such as snow-covered
roads.
If the selector lever is moved back or
forward while in the second gear fixed
mode, the mode will be canceled.

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

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▼ Shift Gear (Shifting) Speed Limit

For each gear position while in the manual mode, the speed limit is set as follows: When the
selector lever is operated within the range of the speed limit, the gear is shifted.

Shift up

The gear does not shift up while the vehicle speed is lower than the speed limit.

Shift down

The gear does not shift down while the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit.
If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit and the gear does not shift down, the gear
position indication flashes 2 times to notify the driver that the gear cannot be shifted.

Kickdown

When the accelerator pedal is depressed fully while driving, the gear shifts down.
However, the gears do not kickdown while the DSC is turned off.

NOTE
The gear also shifts down using kickdown while in the second gear fixed mode.

Auto-shift down

The gear shifts down automatically depending on the vehicle speed during deceleration.

NOTE
If the vehicle comes to a stop while in the second gear fixed mode, the gear remains in
second.

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

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▼ Recommendations for Shifting

Upshifting

For normal acceleration and cruising, Mazda recommends these shift points:
(U.S.A. and Canada)

Gear

Vehicle speed

*1

M1 to M2

24 km/h (15 mph)

M2 to M3

40 km/h (25 mph)

M3 to M4

65 km/h (40 mph)

M4 to M5

73 km/h (45 mph)

M5 to M6

81 km/h (50 mph)

*

1 Always observe local speed limit regulations.

Downshifting

When you must slow down in heavy traffic or on a steep upgrade, downshift before the
engine starts to overwork. This gives better acceleration when you need more speed.

On a steep downgrade, downshifting helps maintain safe speed and prolongs brake life.

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

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Direct Mode

*

Direct mode can be used for temporarily
switching gears by operating the steering
shift switch while the vehicle is being
driven with the selector lever in the D
range.
While in direct mode, the D and M
indication illuminate and the gear position
in use is illuminated.
Direct mode is canceled (released) under
the following conditions.



The UP switch (

) is pulled

rearward for a certain amount of time or
longer.



The vehicle is driven for a certain
amount of time or longer (time differs
depending on the driving conditions
while operating).



The vehicle is stopped or moving at a
slow speed.

Type A

Gear position indication

Direct mode indication

Type B

Gear position indication

Direct mode indication

Type C

Gear position indication

Direct mode indication

NOTE
Shifting up and down while in direct mode
may not be possible depending on the
vehicle speed. In addition, because direct
mode is canceled (released) depending on
the rate of acceleration or if the
accelerator is fully depressed, use of the
manual shift mode is recommended if you
need to drive the vehicle in a particular
gear for long periods.

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

*Some models.

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Driving Tips

WARNING

Do not let the vehicle move in a direction
opposite to the direction selected by the
selector lever:
Do not let the vehicle move backward with
the selector lever in a forward position, or
do not let the vehicle move forward with
the selector lever in the reverse position.
Otherwise, the engine may stop, causing
the loss of the power brake and power
steering functions, and make it difficult to
control the vehicle which could result in an
accident.

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.

NOTE



(Some models)
The accelerator pedal may initially feel
heavy as it is being depressed, then feel
lighter as it is depressed further. This
change in pedal force aids the engine
control system in determining how much
the accelerator pedal has been
depressed for performing kickdown, and
functions to control whether or not
kickdown should be performed.



While the selector lever is in the M
position and the DSC is turned off,
manual shift mode does not switch to
automatic shift mode even if the
accelerator pedal is completely
depressed. Operate the selector lever.

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 the brake pedal 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.

When Driving

Automatic Transaxle

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Lighting Control

▼ Headlights

Turn the headlight switch to turn the headlights and other exterior lights on or off.
When the lights are turned on, the lights-on indicator light in the instrument cluster turns on.

NOTE



If the light switch is left on, the lights will automatically switch off approximately 30
seconds after switching the ignition off.
The time setting can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-12.



To prevent discharging the battery, do not leave the lights on while the engine is off unless
safety requires them.

Without auto-light control

Switch Position

Ignition Position

ON

ACC or

OFF

ON

ACC or

OFF

ON

ACC or

OFF

Headlights

Off

Off

Off

Off

On

On

*2

Daytime running lights

On

*1

Off

On

*1

Off

Off

Off

Taillights
Parking lights
License plate lights
Side-marker lights

Off

Off

On

On

*2

On

On

*2

*

1 The lights are turned on while the vehicle is driven.

*

2 The lights are turned on for the specified period by the auto headlight off function.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

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With auto-light control

Switch Position

Ignition Position

ON

ACC or

OFF

ON

ACC or

OFF

ON

ACC or

OFF

ON

ACC or

OFF

Headlights

Off

Off

Auto

*2

Auto

*4

Off

Off

On

On

*5

Daytime running lights

On

*1

Off

On

*3

Off

On

*1

Off

Off

Off

Taillights
Parking lights
License plate lights
Side-marker lights

Off

Off

Auto

*2

Auto

*4

On

On

*5

On

On

*5

*

1 The lights are turned on while the vehicle is driven.

*

2 The lights are turned on by the auto light function.

*

3 The lights are turned on while the vehicle is driven, and turned off when the headlights are turned on by the

auto light function.

*

4 The lights are turned on continuously if the ignition is switched from ON to any other position with the lights

turned on. The lights are turned on for the specified period by the auto headlight off function.

*

5 The lights are turned on for the specified period by the auto headlight off function.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

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Auto-light control

*

When the headlight switch is in the

position and the ignition is switched ON, the light

sensor senses the surrounding lightness or darkness and automatically turns the headlights
and other exterior lights on or off.

CAUTION

Do not shade the light sensor by adhering a sticker or a label on the windshield. Otherwise

the light sensor will not operate correctly.

The light sensor also works as a rain sensor for the auto-wiper control. Keep hands and

scrapers clear of the windshield when the wiper lever is in the

position and the ignition

is switched ON as fingers could be pinched or the wipers and wiper blades could be
damaged when the wipers activate automatically. If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off completely when it is particularly tempting to leave the
engine running. This is particularly important when clearing ice and snow.

NOTE



The headlights and other exterior lights may not turn off immediately even if the
surrounding area becomes well-lit because the light sensor determines that it is night time
if the surrounding area is continuously dark for several minutes such as inside long
tunnels, traffic jams inside tunnels, or in indoor parking lots.
In this case, the lights turn off if the light switch is turned to the

position.



The sensitivity of the auto-light control may be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-12.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

*Some models.

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▼ Headlight High-Low Beam

The headlights switch between high and
low beams by moving the lever forward or
backward.

High beam

Low beam

When the headlight high-beams are on, the
headlight high-beam indicator light is
turned on.

▼ Flashing the Headlights

To flash the headlights, pull the lever fully
towards you (the headlight switch does not
need to be on).

OFF

Headlight
flashing

The headlight high-beam indicator light in
the instrument cluster illuminates
simultaneously. The lever will return to
the normal position when released.

▼ Coming Home Light

The coming home light turns on the
headlights (low beams) when the lever is
operated.

To turn on the lights

When the lever is pulled with the ignition
switched to ACC or OFF, the low beam
headlights turn on.
The headlights turn off after a certain
period of time has elapsed after the doors
are closed.

NOTE



The time until the headlights turn off
after all of the doors are closed can be
changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-12.



If no operations are done for 3 minutes
after the lever is pulled, the headlights
turn off.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

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