Mazda CX-5 (2022 year). Manual in english — page 14



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 TCS
is turned off or the Off-Road Traction
Assist is operating.

▼

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

4-66

▼

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 TCS is turned off or the Off-Road Traction
Assist is operating.

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

4-67

▼

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

4-68

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
position.
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.

Direct mode
indication

Gear position
indication

Direct mode
indication

Gear position
indication

Instrument Cluster (Type A)

Instrument Cluster (Type B)

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.

4-69

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



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 TCS 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

4-70

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 the Settings section in the Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.



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

OFF

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

4-71

With auto-light control
(Except Canada)

Switch Position

OFF

AUTO

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

*4

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

*4

On

On

*4

*

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 for the specified period by the auto headlight off function.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

4-72

(Canada)

Ignition Position

ACC or OFF

ON

Switch Position

OFF

*1

AUTO

OFF

*1

AUTO

Headlights

Off

Off

Off

Off

Auto

*2*4

Auto

*3*4

On

Daytime running
lights

Off

Off

Off

Off

Off

Taillights
Parking lights
License plate lights
Side-marker lights

Off

On

*5

On

On

*5

On

*

1 The light switch returns to the AUTO position automatically.

*

2 During the daytime, the daytime running lights turn on automatically. During the nighttime, the headlights,

parking lights, taillights, and the license plate lights turn on automatically.

*

3 During the daytime, the daytime running lights, parking lights, taillights, and the license plate lights turn on

automatically. During the nighttime, the headlights, parking lights, taillights, and the license plate lights turn
on automatically.

*

4 When the light switch is switched to the OFF position while the vehicle is stopped, all of the lights that are

turned on turn off. When the light switch is switched from a position other than

to the

position

while the vehicle is stopped, the daytime running lights or the headlights turn off. When starting to drive the
vehicle, the lights that are turned off turn on again.

*

5 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 off when the driver's door is opened or 30 seconds have elapsed since the
lights turned on.

Auto-light control

*

(Except Canada)

When the headlight switch is in the AUTO 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.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

*Some models.

4-73

(Canada)

When the headlight switch is in a position other than 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 AUTO 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 OFF position.



If the headlight switch and the windshield wiper switch are in AUTO, and the wipers are
operated at low or high speed by the auto wiper control for several seconds, bad weather
conditions are determined and the headlights may be turned on.



The sensitivity of the auto-light control may be changed.
Refer to the Settings section in the Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

4-74

▼

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

Can be used when the ignition is switched
ON.
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 all of the
doors are closed.

NOTE



The time until the headlights turn off
after all of the doors are closed can be
changed.
Refer to the Settings section in the
Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.



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



The headlights turn off if the lever is
pulled again while the headlights are
illuminated.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

4-75

▼

Leaving Home Light

The leaving home light turns on the lights
when the transmitter unlock button is
pressed while away from the vehicle.
The following lights turn on when the
leaving home light is operated.
Low beams, Parking lights, Taillights,
License plate lights.

To turn on the lights

When the ignition switch and the headlight
switch are in the following conditions, the
headlights will illuminate when the
transmitter unlock button is pressed and
the vehicle receives the transmitter signal.
The headlights turn off after a certain
period of time has elapsed (30 seconds).



Ignition switch: off



Headlight switch: AUTO,

, or

Unlock
button

Lock button

NOTE



Operation of the leaving home light can
be turned on or off.
Refer to the Settings section in the
Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.



When the transmitter lock button is
pressed and the vehicle receives the
transmitter signal, the headlights turn
off.



When the headlight switch is turned to
the OFF position, the headlights turn
off.

▼

Headlight Leveling

The number of passengers and weight of
cargo in the luggage compartment change
the angle of the headlights.

Auto type

The angle of the headlights will be
automatically adjusted when turning on
the headlights.

A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Contact Mazda Dealer and Have
Vehicle Inspected on page 7-25.

Manual type

The headlight leveling switch is used to
adjust the angle of the headlights
manually.

Select the proper headlight angle from the
following chart.

Front seat

Rear

seat

Load

Switch

Posi

‐

tion

Driver

Passenger

×

―

―

―

0

When Driving

Switches and Controls

4-76

Front seat

Rear

seat

Load

Switch

Posi

‐

tion

Driver

Passenger

×

×

―

―

0

×

×

×

―

1

×

×

×

×

1

×

―

―

×

1.5

×: Yes

―

: No

▼

Daytime Running Lights

Some countries require moving vehicles to
have their lights on (daytime running
lights) during the daytime.

Except Canada

The daytime running lights turn on when
the vehicle is driven and turn off when the
parking brake is operated or the selector
lever is shifted to the P position.

NOTE

The daytime running lights can be
deactivated.
Refer to the Settings section in the Mazda
Connect Owner's Manual.

Canada

The daytime running lights continuously
turn on when the ignition is switched ON.
When the light switch is switched to the
OFF or

position while the vehicle is

stopped, the daytime running lights turns
off. When you start driving the vehicle,
they turn on again.

NOTE

When the light switch is switched to the
position, the daytime running lights turn
off. If you want to drive the vehicle with
the daytime running lights turned on,
switch the light switch to a position other
than .

When Driving

Switches and Controls

4-77

Fog Lights

*

The fog lights can be turned on with the
ignition switched ON and the headlights
turned on.
Use this switch to turn on the fog lights.
The fog lights will improve visibility at
night and during foggy conditions.
The fog lights turn on when the fog light
switch is turned to the position and turn
off when the switch is turned to the
position.

Fog light switch

NOTE



The fog lights will turn off when the
headlights are set at high beams.

Turn and Lane-Change

Signals

The ignition must be switched ON to use
the turn and lane-change signals.

▼

Turn Signals

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.

Right turn

Left turn

Right lane change

Left lane change

OFF

The turn signal indicators in the
instrument cluster flash according to the
operation of the turn signal lever to show
which signal is working.

NOTE



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



A personalized function is available to
change the turn indicator sound volume.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

4-78

*Some models.

Refer to the Settings section in the
Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.

▼

Lane-Change Signals

Move the lever halfway toward the
direction of the lane change

―

until the

indicator flashes

―

and hold it there. It

will return to the off position when
released.

▼

Three-Flash Turn Signal

After releasing the turn signal lever, the
turn signal indicator flashes 3 times. The
operation can be canceled by moving the
lever in the direction opposite to which it
was operated.

NOTE

The three-flash turn signal function can be
switched to operable/inoperable using the
personalization function.
Refer to the Settings section in the Mazda
Connect Owner's Manual.

Windshield Wipers and

Washer

The ignition must be switched ON to use
the wipers.

WARNING

Use only windshield washer fluid or plain
water in the reservoir:

Using radiator antifreeze as washer fluid is
dangerous. If sprayed on the windshield, it
will dirty the windshield, affect your
visibility, and could result in an accident.

Only use windshield washer fluid mixed
with anti-freeze protection in freezing
weather conditions:

Using windshield washer fluid without
anti-freeze protection in freezing weather
conditions is dangerous as it could freeze
on the windshield and block your vision
which could cause an accident. In addition,
make sure the windshield is sufficiently
warmed using the defroster before
spraying the washer fluid.

CAUTION



When the wipers are not used during
freezing temperatures or for a long time,
the wiper rubber may adhere to the
glass. If the wipers are operated while
adhered to the glass, it could damage
the wiper rubber and motor.



If the wipers are operated while the glass
is dry, the glass could be scratched and
the wiper rubber damaged. When the
glass is dry, spray washer fluid before
operating the wipers.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

4-79



If the amount of washer fluid spray is
insufficient, do not use the washer
switch. If the washer switch continues to
be operated with no washer fluid being
sprayed, it could lead to pump damage.

NOTE

If the windshield wipers are operated
under cold weather conditions or during
snowfall, they could stop due to
accumulated snow on the windshield. If
the windshield wipers stop due to
accumulated snow on the windshield, park
the vehicle in a safe place, turn the wiper
switch off, and then remove the
accumulated snow. If the wiper switch is
turned to another position other than OFF,
the wipers will operate. If the wipers do
not operate even though the wiper switch
is turned to a position other than OFF,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.

▼

Windshield Wipers

Turn the wipers on by pressing the lever
up or down.

With intermittent wiper

Switch Posi

‐

tion

Wiper operation

MIST

Operation while pulling up lever

Switch Posi

‐

tion

Wiper operation

OFF

Stop

INT

Intermittent

LO

Low speed

HI

High speed

Variable-speed intermittent wipers

Set the lever to the intermittent position
and choose the interval timing by rotating
the ring.

INT ring

With auto-wiper control

Switch Posi

‐

tion

Wiper operation

MIST

Operation while pulling up lever

OFF

Stop

AUTO

Auto control

LO

Low speed

HI

High speed

When Driving

Switches and Controls

4-80

Auto-wiper control

*

When the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position, the rain sensor senses the amount
of rainfall on the windshield and turns the
wipers on or off automatically
(off

―

intermittent

―

low speed

―

high

speed).

The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be
adjusted by turning the switch on the
wiper lever.
From the center position (normal), rotate
the switch upward for higher sensitivity
(faster response) or rotate it downward for
less sensitivity (slower response).

Higher sensitivity

Less sensitivity

Switch

Center
position

CAUTION



Do not shade the rain sensor by adhering
a sticker or a label on the windshield.
Otherwise the rain sensor will not
operate correctly.



When the ignition is switched ON and
the wiper lever is in the AUTO position,
the windshield wipers may operate
automatically in the following cases:



The area of the windshield above the
rain sensor is touched or wiped with a
cloth.



The windshield or the rain sensor area
in the cabin is hit.

When the ignition is switched ON and
the wiper lever is in the AUTO position,
do not touch the windshield or the
windshield wipers Otherwise, the
windshield wipers will operate
automatically which could catch your
fingers or damage the windshield wipers.
When removing ice or snow, or cleaning
the windshield, always make sure the
wiper lever is in the OFF position.

When Driving

Switches and Controls

*Some models.

4-81