Mazda Millenia (2002 year). Manual

5-12

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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.

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.

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

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

5-13

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ Activation/Deactivation

To activate the system, push the CRUISE
MAIN switch.

To deactivate the system, push the OFF
switch.

▼ 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.

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

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.

5-14

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ 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.

▼ 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.

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.

5-15

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ 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.

▼ To Cancel

To turn off the system, use one of these
methods:
• Press the CRUISE MAIN switch.
• Slightly depress the brake pedal.
• Press the CANCEL button.

The system is off when the ignition is off.

NOTE

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

NOTE

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

5-16

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

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.

▼ TCS Indicator Light

This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position. If the TCS is
operating, the indicator light flashes.

If the light stays on, the TCS may have a
malfunction and it may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

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

NOTE

• In addition to the indicator light

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

• On slippery surfaces, such as fresh

snow, it will be impossible to
achieve high rpm when the TCS is
on.

5-17

Driving Your Mazda

Starting and Driving

▼ 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

Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the
TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light will
illuminate.

Press the switch again to turn the TCS
back on. The TCS OFF indicator light
will go out.

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.

NOTE

• When TCS is on and you attempt to

free the vehicle when it is stuck, or
drive it out of freshly fallen snow,
the TCS will activate. Depressing
the accelerator will not increase
engine power and freeing the
vehicle may be difficult.When this
happen, turn off the TCS.

• 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.

5-18

Driving Your Mazda

Instrument Cluster and Indicators

When the engine switch is in the ON position, the dashboard gauges illuminate.

1 Speedometer .............................................................................................................5-19

2 Odometer and Trip Meter .........................................................................................5-19

3 Tachometer ...............................................................................................................5-20

4 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ........................................................................5-20

5 Fuel Gauge ...............................................................................................................5-20

Meters and Gauges

5-19

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
between trip meter A and trip meter B by
pressing the selector. The selected mode
will be displayed.

Odometer

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 trip 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 to compute fuel
consumption.

Selector

Odometer

Trip meter A

Press the selector

Trip meter B

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).

5-20

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.

▼ Fuel Gauge

The fuel gauge shows approximately how
much fuel is in the tank. We recommend
keeping the tank over 1/4 full. When the
low fuel warning light illuminates or
when the needle is near E, refuel as soon
as possible.

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

2.5 liter V6 DOHC

Miller Cycle Engine V6 DOHC

Red zone

CAUTION

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

CAUTION

Low fuel
warning light

5-22

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

Warning/Indicator Lights

Signal

Warning/Indicator Lights

Page

Brake System Warning Light

5-24

Charging System Warning Light

5-25

Engine Oil Pressure Warning Light

5-26

Check Engine Light

5-26

ABS Warning Light

5-27

Air Bag System Warning Light

5-27

Low Fuel Warning Light

5-28

Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areas

5-23

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

Seat Belt Warning Light

5-28

Door-Ajar Warning Light

5-28

Low Washer Fluid Level Warning Light

5-28

Headlight High-Beam Indicator Light

5-28

Hold Indicator Light

5-28

TCS Indicator Light

5-29

TCS OFF Indicator Light

5-29

Cruise Set Indicator Light

5-29

Light-On Indicator Light

5-29

Signal

Warning/Indicator Lights

Page

5-24

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ 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.

Low brake fluid level warning/
Electronic brake force distribution
system 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.

Low brake fluid level warning

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.

Electronic brake force distribution
system warning

If the electronic brake force distribution
control unit determines that some
components are operating incorrectly, the
control unit may turn the brake system
warning light on.
In this case, the ABS warning light comes
on at the same time (page 5-27).

5-25

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ Charging System Warning Light

This warning light comes on when the
ignition switch is turned to the ON
position and goes off when the engine is
started.

If the warning light comes on while
driving, it indicates a malfunction of the
alternator or of the charging system.
Drive to the side of the road and park off
the right-of-way. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.

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.

ABS Warning Light and Brake
Warning Light on at the Same Time:
Driving when the brake system
warning light and ABS warning light
are on at the same time is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear
wheels could lock more quickly in an
emergency stop than under normal
circumstances.
Don’t drive with both lights on, and
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer
to have the brakes inspected as soon
as possible.

WARNING

Don't continue driving when the
charging system warning light is
illuminated.

CAUTION

5-26

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ Engine Oil Pressure Warning

Light

This warning light indicates low engine
oil pressure.

If the light comes on while driving:

1. Drive to the side of the road and park

off the right-of-way.

2. Turn off the engine and inspect the

engine oil level (page 8-10). If it’s low,
add oil.

3. Check the light.

If the light remains on even after you add
oil, have your vehicle towed to the nearest
service station or to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.

▼ Check Engine Light

If this light comes on while driving, the
vehicle may have a problem. It is
important to note the driving conditions
when the light came on and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

The check engine light may come on in
the following cases:
• The fuel tank level being very low or

approaching empty.

• The engine’s electrical system has a

problem.

• The emission control system has a

problem.

• The fuel-filler cap is missing or not

tightened securely.

If the check engine light flashes
continuously, decrease your speed and
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.

Don’t run the engine if oil pressure is
low. It could result in extensive engine
damage.

CAUTION

5-27

Driving Your Mazda

Warning/Indicator Lights and Beeps

▼ 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.

▼ Air Bag System Warning Light

If the air bag system is OK, the warning
light comes on when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position or after the
engine is cranked. After about 6 seconds it
goes out.

A system malfunction is indicated when
the warning light constantly flashes, stays
on or doesn’t come on at all. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system
may not work in an accident.

WARNING

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.

Self-Servicing the Air Bag Systems:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag
could accidentally activate or become
disabled. This could cause serious
injuries. Never tamper with the
systems and always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer perform all
servicing and repairs.

WARNING

Mazda Millenia (2002 year). Manual - part 6