Mazda MPV (2006 year). Instruction

Black plate (120,1)

Push the lever forward for day driving.
Pull it back to reduce glare from
headlights.

Night

Day

Day/Night lever

WARNING

Blocked View:
Cargo stacked higher than the
seatbacks is dangerous. It can block
your view in the rearview mirror,
which might cause you to hit another
car when changing lanes. Don't stack
things higher than the seatbacks.

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Knowing Your Mazda

Steering Wheel and Mirrors

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Fuel Requirements

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

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

Fuel

Octane Rating

(Anti-knock index)

Regular unleaded fuel

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

* U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.

Fuel with a rating lower than 87 octane (91 RON) could cause the emission control system
to lose effectiveness. It could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.

Ecuador, Venezuela

Use only premium unleaded fuel:91 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (96 RON or above)

CAUTION

USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter or the oxygen sensor. 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.

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.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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Emission Control System

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.

WARNING

Parking Over Flammable Objects:
Parking over or near anything flammable, 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 flammable.

CAUTION

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 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.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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NOTE

After driving some distance and turning off the engine, the sound of a valve opening and
closing can be heard near the lower left part of the driver's seat or below the driver-side
door from the outside, however this does not indicate an abnormality. Your vehicle has a
self-checking device and it operates after turning off the engine.

4-4

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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Engine Exhaust (Carbon Monoxide)

WARNING

Carbon Monoxide:
Engine exhaust gas 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 even 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,
particularly the tail pipe, before starting the engine.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

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Before Getting In

Be sure the windows, outside mirrors,
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 is in your way.

NOTE

Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid,
washer fluid, and other fluid levels
should be inspected. See Maintenance,
Section 8.

After Getting In

Are all doors closed and locked?

Is the seat adjusted properly?

Are the inside and outside mirrors
adjusted?

Is everyone's seat belt fastened?

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.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Before Starting the Engine

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Break-In Period

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,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.

Don't drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.

Avoid unnecessary hard stops.

Avoid full-throttle starts.

Don't tow a trailer.

Money-Saving Suggestions

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.

WARNING

Coasting:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident. Never stop the engine when
going down a hill.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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Hazardous Driving

WARNING

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.

ABS:
The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, 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.

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, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Don't spin the front
wheels.

For more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the front wheels.

NOTE

Use snow chains only on the front
wheels.

4-8

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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Rocking the Vehicle

WARNING

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.

CAUTION

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

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.

Winter Driving

Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.

Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:

Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page 8-14.

Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.

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

qSnow Tires

Use snow tires on all four wheels

Don't go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm

, 4.3 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.
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.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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WARNING

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.

CAUTION

Check local regulations before using
studded tires.

qTire Chains

Check local regulations before using tire
chains.

CAUTION

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 a temporary
spare 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.

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).

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

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Driving In Flooded Area

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 returns to normal.

CAUTION

Make sure water does not enter the
vehicle interior or the engine area.
Interior materials could get moldy, and
many electronic devices in the cabin
and the engine could be damaged.

Overloading

WARNING

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.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Driving Tips

4-11

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Trailer Towing

Your Mazda was designed and built primarily to carry passengers and cargo.
If you must tow a trailer, follow these instructions because driver and passenger safety
depends on proper equipment and safe driving habits. Towing a trailer will affect handling,
braking, durability, performance, and economy.
Never overload vehicle or trailer. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer if you need further
details.

CAUTION

Don't tow a trailer during the first 1,000 km (600 miles) of your new Mazda. If you do,
you may damage the engine, transaxle, differential, wheel bearings, and other power
train components.

qWeight Limits

TTW and GCWR

The total trailer weight (TTW), gross combined weight rating (GCWR), gross axle
weight rating (GAWR), trailer load, and trailer tongue load must be within the
prescribed limits.

The total trailer weight (TTW) is the sum of the weights of the trailer load (trailer
weight plus cargo), trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and vehicle load. Never allow
the total trailer weight (TTW) to exceed specifications in the Trailer Towing-Load
Table.

The maximum GCWR is the combined weight of the trailer and load plus the
towing vehicle (including trailer hitch, vehicle passengers, and load). It must not
exceed specifications in the load table.

GAWR and GVWR

Don't exceed front and rear GAWR (gross axle weight rating) and GVWR (gross vehicle
weight rating). If you do, vehicle handling, braking, and performance will be affected.
These values are also on the Motor Vehicle Safety Certification Label posted on the driver's
door.

High-altitude operation

In a high-altitude operating environment, a gasoline engine loses power at a rate of 3% to
4% per 304 m (1,000 ft) of elevation. In these conditions, a reduction in gross vehicle
weight and gross combined weight is recommended.

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Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

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TRAILER TOWING-LOAD TABLE

Because vehicle weights vary, adjustments must be made to meet the requirements in this
table.

Item

Model

With 4-Seasons

Package

Without 4-Seasons

Package

MAX. FRONTAL
AREA

2.97 m

(32 ft

)

MAX. TTW

Add trailer's weight, load and hitch; vehicle
passengers and vehicle load

* i.e. baggage, food, camp gear

1,361 kg (3,000 lb)

907 kg (2,000 lb)

MAX. GCWR

3,324 kg (7,328 lb)

2,871 kg (6,329 lb)

MAX. GAWR

Front

1,189 kg (2,621 lb)

Rear

1,218 kg (2,685 lb)

MAX. GVWR

2,386 kg (5,260 lb)

TRAILER-TON-
GUE LOAD

Tongue load

Tongue load/

Trailer load × 100 = 10% to 15%

Trailer load

DISTRIBUTION
OF TRAILER
LOAD

Front

60%

Rear

40%

The optional 4-Seasons Package: Including among others, automatic transaxle oil cooler. Vehicles with the 4-
Seasons Package can tow a heavier trailer and carry more cargo weight than standard-equipped vehicles.
GCWR: Gross Combined Weight Rating (sum of TTW, vehicle weights and 2 passengers)
GAWR: Gross Axle Weight Rating
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating

Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

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WARNING

Tow Loads:
Attempting to tow loads greater than those specified is dangerous as it may cause
serious handling and performance problems that could result in personal injury or
vehicle damage, or both. Always keep tow loads within specified limits in the Trailer
Towing-Load Table.

Trailer Loading:
Loading the trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front is dangerous. Doing
so could cause you to lose control. The trailer tongue load must be 10%

―15% of the

total trailer load (sum of the weights of the trailer and cargo). Try to load the trailer
with the weight about 60% toward the front and 40% toward the rear.

Determining Total Trailer Weight and Tongue Load:
Attempting to tow loads without determining the total trailer weight and tongue load is
dangerous. Trailer sway from crosswinds, rough roads or other causes could result in
loss of control and a serious accident. Always have the total trailer weight and tongue
load determined prior to departure.

CAUTION

The total trailer weight and tongue load can be determined by weighing the trailer on
platform scales at a highway weight station or a trucking company.

qTrailer Hitch

Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer that conforms to the gross
trailer weight requirement.
When not towing a trailer, remove the trailer hitch (if detachable) to reduce the possibility
of damage as a result of the vehicle being rear-ended.
When the trailer load is more than 907 kg (2,000 lb), use a frame-mounted weight-
distributing hitch.

4-14

Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

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WARNING

Unsecured Hitch:
An unsecured trailer hitch is dangerous as it causes greater trailer sway from
crosswinds, rough roads or other causes, resulting in loss of control and a serious
accident.
Examine all trailer-hitch mounting bolts regularly and tighten any that are loose. If
the hitch is removed, seal any open mounting holes to prevent exhaust, dust, water,
dirt and other foreign elements from filtering in, possibly endangering personal safety
and damaging your vehicle.
Don't install a hitch that stiffens the bumper as it will reduce the bumper's
performance. Always make sure the hitch is securely attached before departure.

Exhaust System Modifications:
Modifying your vehicle exhaust system is dangerous. Exhaust gas entering the vehicle
could kill you.
When mounting the trailer hitch, make no modifications to the vehicle exhaust system.
Make sure there are no exhaust gas leaks into the passenger compartment if any
mounting bolts are connected to the body.

CAUTION

Make all hitch adjustments with actual loads. Don't load and unload vehicle while
adjusting hitch. This action will change the vehicle height.

Don't use an axle-mounted hitch. This may damage the axle and related parts.

qTires

When towing a trailer, make sure all tires are inflated to the recommended cold-tire
pressure, as indicated on the tire pressure chart on the driver's door. Trailer tire size, load
rating, and inflation pressures should conform to tire manufacturer specifications.

WARNING

Using a Temporary Spare Tire when Towing:
Using a temporary spare tire on your vehicle when towing a trailer is dangerous as it
could result in tire failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants. Never use a
temporary spare when towing.

Before Driving Your Mazda

Towing

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Mazda MPV (2006 year). Instruction - part 8