Get In Case of an Emergency Guide for Mazda 3 4 Door First Generation (2004-2009)

In Case of an Emergency

7

Helpful information on what to do in an emergency.

Parking in an Emergency ............................................................. 7-2

Parking in an Emergency .......................................................... 7-2

Flat Tire ......................................................................................... 7-3

Spare Tire and Tool Storage ...................................................... 7-3

Changing a Flat Tire ................................................................. 7-6

Overheating ................................................................................. 7-12

Overheating ............................................................................. 7-12

Emergency Starting .................................................................... 7-14

Starting a Flooded Engine ....................................................... 7-14

Jump-Starting .......................................................................... 7-15

Push-Starting ........................................................................... 7-18

Emergency Towing ..................................................................... 7-19

Towing Description ................................................................. 7-19

Tiedown Hook ........................................................................ 7-20

Recreational Towing ............................................................... 7-22

7-1

In Case of an Emergency

Parking in an Emergency

The hazard warning lights should always

be used when you stop on or near a

roadway.

The hazard warning lights warn other

drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard

and that they must take extreme caution

when near it.

Depress the hazard warning flasher and all

four turn signals will flash.

NOTE

l

The turn signals don't work when the

hazard warning lights are on.

l

Check local regulations about the use

of hazard warning lights while the

vehicle is being towed. They may

forbid it.

7-2

In Case of an Emergency

Flat Tire

Spare Tire and Tool Storage

Spare tire and tools are stored in the locations illustrated in the diagram.

4 Door

Spare tire

Jack

Tiedown eyelet

Lug wrench

Jack handle

5 Door

Tiedown eyelet

Lug wrench

Jack

Spare tire

Jack handle

7-3

In Case of an Emergency

Flat Tire

qJack

WARNING

To remove the jack

Driving with a Temporary Spare Tire

on Ice or Snow:

1. Turn the knob and remove the cover.

Driving with a spare tire on the front

(driving) wheels on ice or snow is

dangerous. Handling will be affected.

You could lose control of the vehicle

and have an accident. Put the spare

tire on the rear axle and move a

regular tire to the front.

CAUTION

l

When using the temporary spare tire,

2. Turn the wing bolt counterclockwise.

driving stability may decrease

compared to when using only the

conventional tire.

Drive carefully.

l

To avoid damage to the temporary

spare or to the vehicle, observe the

following precautions:

l

Don't exceed 80 km/h (50 mph).

Avoid driving over obstacles.

l

Also, don't drive through an

automatic car wash. This tire's

diameter is smaller than a

conventional tire's, so the ground

clearance is reduced about 25 mm

(1 in).

To secure the jack

Perform the removal procedure in reverse.

l

Don't use a tire chain on this tire

because it won't fit properly.

Don't use your temporary spare

qSpare Tire

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Your Mazda has a temporary spare tire.

The temporary spare tire is lighter and

smaller than a conventional tire, and is

designed only for emergency use and

should be used only for VERY short

periods. Temporary spares should

NEVER be used for long drives or

extended periods.

on any other vehicle; it has been

designed only for your Mazda.

Use only one temporary spare tire

l

on your vehicle at the same time.

7-4

In Case of an Emergency

Flat Tire

(5 Door)

NOTE

1. Remove the trunk mat, trunk board and

cargo sub-compartment.

(With Tire Pressure Monitoring

System)

A tire pressure sensor is not installed to

the temporary spare tire. The warning

light will flash continuously while the

temporary spare tire is being used (page

5-23).

To remove the spare tire

(4 Door)

1. Remove the trunk mat and trunk board.

2. Turn the tire hold-down bolt

counterclockwise with the lug wrench.

2. Turn the tire hold-down bolt

counterclockwise with the lug wrench.

7-5

In Case of an Emergency

Flat Tire

Changing a Flat Tire

CAUTION

(With Tire Pressure Monitoring

System)

NOTE

If the following occurs while driving, it

could indicate a flat tire.

The wheels equipped on your Mazda

are specially designed for installation of

the tire pressure sensors. Do not use

non-genuine wheels, otherwise it may

not be possible to install the tire

pressure sensors.

l

Steering becomes difficult.

l

The vehicle begins to vibrate

excessively.

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The vehicle pulls in one direction.

NOTE

If you have a flat tire, drive slowly to a

level spot that is well off the road and out

of the way of traffic to change the tire.

Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a

busy road is dangerous.

l

Make sure the jack is well lubricated

before using it.

(With Tire Pressure Monitoring

System)

l

Be sure to register the tire pressure

sensor ID signal code whenever tires

or wheels are changed (page 5-25).

WARNING

Jacking a Vehicle:

Changing a tire is dangerous if not

done properly. The vehicle can slip off

the jack and seriously injure someone.

Be sure to follow the directions for

changing a tire, and never get under a

vehicle that is supported only by a

jack.

1. Park on a level surface off the right-of-

way and firmly set the parking brake.

2. Put a vehicle with an automatic

transaxle in Park (P), a manual

transaxle in Reverse (R) or 1, and turn

off the engine.

3. Turn on the hazard warning flasher.

Passenger in Vehicle Supported by a

Jack:

4. Have everyone get out of the vehicle

and away from the vehicle and traffic.

Allowing someone to remain in a

vehicle supported by a jack is

dangerous. The occupant could cause

the vehicle to fall resulting in serious

injury. Never allow anyone inside a

vehicle supported by a jack.

5. Remove the jack, tool, and spare tire

(page 7-3).

7-6

In Case of an Emergency

Flat Tire

6. Block the wheel diagonally opposite

the flat tire. When blocking a wheel,

place a tire block both in front and

behind the tire.

NOTE

Force the end of the lug wrench firmly

between wheel and cover, or removal

will be difficult.

CAUTION

There is a valve-stem mark inside the

wheel cap. When installing the wheel

cap, align this mark with the tire's valve

stem.

Damage could occur during installation

if the wheel cover is not properly

aligned.

NOTE

2. Loosen the lug nuts by turning them

counterclockwise one turn each, but

don't remove any lug nuts until the tire

has been raised off the ground.

When blocking a tire, use rocks or

wood blocks of sufficient size to hold

the tire in place.

qRemoving a Flat Tire

1. If your vehicle is equipped with a

wheel cover, pry off the wheel cover

with the beveled end of the lug wrench.

7-7

In Case of an Emergency

Flat Tire

3. Place the jack under the jacking

position closest to the tire being

changed.

4. Insert the jack handle into the jack.

5. Turn the jack handle clockwise and

raise the vehicle high enough so that

the spare tire can be installed. Before

removing the lug nuts, make sure your

Mazda is firmly in position and that it

cannot slip or move.

Jacking position

WARNING

Incorrect Jacking Position:

Attempting to jack the vehicle in

positions other than those

recommended in this manual is

dangerous. The vehicle could slip off

the jack and seriously injure or even

kill someone. Use only the front and

rear jacking positions recommended

in this manual.

6. Remove the lug nuts by turning them

counterclockwise; then remove the

wheel and center cap.

Improper Jack:

Using a jack that isn't designed for

your Mazda is dangerous. The vehicle

could slip off the jack and seriously

injure someone. Use only the jack

provided with your Mazda.

Placing Objects Under the Jack:

Jacking the vehicle with an object

under the jack is dangerous. The jack

could slip and someone could be

seriously injured by the jack or the

falling vehicle. Never place objects

under the jack.

7-8

In Case of an Emergency

Flat Tire

qLocking Lug Nuts^í

qMounting the Spare Tire

If your vehicle has optional antitheft

wheel lug nuts, one on each wheel will

lock the tires and you must use a special

key to unlock them. This key is attached

to the lug wrench and is stored with the

spare tire. Register them with the lock

manufacturer by filling out the card

provided in the glove box and mailing it

in the accompanying envelope. If you lose

this key, consult an Authorized Mazda

Dealer or use the lock manufacturer's

order form, which is with the registration

card.

1. Remove dirt and grime from the

mounting surfaces of the wheel and

hub, including the hub bolts, with a

cloth.

Antitheft lug nut

Special key

WARNING

Removing Dirt and Grime from

Wheels, Hubs and Hub Bolts:

When changing or replacing a tire,

not removing dirt and grime from the

mounting surfaces of the wheel, hub

and hub bolts is dangerous. The lug

nuts could loosen while driving and

cause the tire to come off, resulting in

an accident. Make sure the mounting

surfaces of the wheel, hub and lug

nuts are clean before changing or

replacing tires.

To remove an antitheft lug nut

1. Obtain the key for the antitheft lug nut.

2. Place it on top of the nut, and be sure

to hold the key square to it. If you hold

the key at an angle, you may damage

both key and nut. Don't use a power

impact wrench.

2. Mount the spare tire.

3. Place the lug wrench on top of the key

and apply pressure. Turn the wrench

counterclockwise.

To install the nut

1. Place the key on top of the nut.

2. Place the lug wrench on top of the key,

apply pressure, and turn it clockwise.

^íSome models.

7-9

In Case of an Emergency

Flat Tire

3. Install the lug nuts with the beveled

edge inward; tighten them by hand.

4. Turn the jack handle counterclockwise

and lower the vehicle. Use the lug

wrench to tighten the nuts in the order

shown.

WARNING

If you're unsure of how tight the nuts

should be, have them inspected at an

Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Don't Apply Oil or Grease to Lug

Nuts, Bolts:

Nut tightening torque

Applying oil or grease to lug nuts and

bolts is dangerous. The lug nuts could

loosen while driving and cause the tire

to come off, resulting in an accident.

In addition, lug nuts and bolts could

be damaged if tightened more than

necessary. Do not apply oil or grease

to lug nuts and bolts and do not

tighten the lug nuts beyond the

recommended tightening torque.

N·m (kgf·m, ft·lbf)

88―117 (9―11, 65―93)

7-10

In Case of an Emergency

Flat Tire

WARNING

Loose Lug Nuts:

Incorrect Tire Air Pressure:

Improperly or loosely tightened lug

nuts are dangerous. The wheel could

wobble or come off. This could result

in loss of vehicle control and cause a

serious accident. Always securely and

correctly tighten the lug nuts.

Driving on tires with incorrect air

pressure is dangerous. Tires with

incorrect pressure could affect

handling and result in an accident.

Don't drive with any tires that have

incorrect air pressure. When you

check the regular tires' air pressure,

check the spare tire, too.

Metric Studs and Lug Nuts:

Because the wheel studs and lug nuts

on your Mazda have metric threads,

using a non-metric nut is dangerous.

On a metric stud, it would not secure

the wheel and would damage the stud,

which could cause the wheel to slip off

and cause an accident. Be sure to

reinstall the same nuts you removed or

replace them with metric nuts of the

same configuration.

NOTE

(With Tire Pressure Monitoring

System)

A tire pressure sensor is not installed to

the temporary spare tire. The warning

light will flash continuously while the

temporary spare tire is being used (page

5-23).

5. Store the damaged tire, using the tire

hold-down bolt to hold it in place.

NOTE

To prevent the jack and tool from

rattling, store them properly.

Tire hold-down bolt

Tire clamp

6. Check the inflation pressure. Refer to

the specification charts on page 10-7.

7. Have the flat tire repaired or replaced

as soon as possible.

7-11

In Case of an Emergency

Overheating

If the temperature gauge indicates

overheating:

Overheating

If the temperature gauge indicates

overheating, the vehicle loses power, or

you hear a loud knocking or pinging

noise, the engine is probably too hot.

1. Drive safely to the side of the road and

park off the right-of-way.

2. Put a vehicle with an automatic

transaxle in park (P), a manual

transaxle in neutral.

WARNING

Apply the parking brake.

3. Turn off the air conditioner.

4. Check whether coolant or steam is

escaping from under the hood or from

the engine compartment.

Cooling Fan and Engine

Inspection:

Inspecting the engine with the ignition

switch in the ON position is

dangerous. The cooling fan could turn

on unexpectedly even when the engine

isn't running. You could be seriously

injured by the fan. Turn the ignition

switch off and remove the key from the

ignition switch when you inspect the

engine.

If steam is coming from the engine

compartment:

Don't go near the front of the vehicle.

Stop the engine.

Wait until the steam dissipates, then

open the hood and start the engine.

If neither coolant nor steam is

escaping:

Open the hood and idle the engine until

it cools.

Cooling System Cap:

When the engine and radiator are hot,

scalding coolant and steam may shoot

out under pressure and cause serious

injury. Don't remove the cooling

system cap when the engine and

radiator are hot.

CAUTION

If the cooling fan does not operate

while the engine is running, the engine

temperature will increase. Stop the

engine and call an Authorized Mazda

Dealer.

Steam from Overheated Engine:

Steam from an overheated engine is

dangerous. The escaping steam could

seriously burn you. Open the hood

ONLY after steam is no longer

escaping from the engine.

5. Make sure the cooling fan is operating,

then turn off the engine after the

temperature has decreased.

6. When cool, check the coolant level.

If it's low, look for coolant leaks from

the radiator and hoses.

7-12

In Case of an Emergency

Overheating

If you find a leak or other damage, or if

coolant is still leaking:

Stop the engine and call an Authorized

Mazda Dealer.

If you find no problems, the engine is

cool, and no leaks are obvious:

Carefully add coolant as required (page

8-17).

CAUTION

If the engine continues to overheat or

frequently overheats, have the cooling

system inspected. The engine could be

seriously damaged unless repairs are

made. Consult an Authorized Mazda

Dealer.

7-13

In Case of an Emergency

Emergency Starting

Starting a Flooded Engine

If the engine fails to start, it may be

flooded (excessive fuel in the engine).

Follow this procedure:

1. Depress the accelerator all the way and

hold it there.

2. Turn the ignition switch to the START

position and hold it there―for up to 10

seconds. If the engine starts, release the

key and accelerator immediately

because the engine will suddenly rev

up.

3. If the engine fails to start, crank it

without depressing the accelerator―for

up to 10 seconds.

7-14

In Case of an Emergency

Emergency Starting

Jump-Starting

Jump-starting is dangerous if done incorrectly. So follow the procedure carefully. If you

feel unsure about jump-starting, we strongly recommend that you have a competent service

technician do the work.

WARNING

Follow These Precautions Carefully:

To ensure safe and correct handling of the battery, read the following precautions

carefully before using the battery or inspecting it.

Eye Protection:

Working without eye protection is dangerous. Battery fluid contains SULFURIC

ACID which could cause blindness if splashed into your eyes. Also, hydrogen gas

produced during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to

explode. Always wear eye protection when working near the battery.

Spilled Battery Fluid:

Spilled battery fluid is dangerous.

Battery fluid contains SULFURIC ACID which could cause serious injuries if it gets

in eyes, skin or clothing. If this happens, immediately flush your eyes with water for

15 minutes or wash your skin thoroughly and get medical attention. Wear eye

protection and protective gloves to prevent contact with battery fluid.

Children and Batteries:

Allowing children to play near batteries is dangerous. Battery fluid could cause

serious injuries if it gets in the eyes or on the skin. Always keep batteries out of the

reach of children.

7-15

In Case of an Emergency

Emergency Starting

WARNING

Keep Flames Away:

Flames and sparks near open battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced

during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode. An

exploding battery can cause serious burns and injuries. Keep all flames including

cigarettes and sparks away from open battery cells. When working near a battery, do

not allow metal tools to contact the positive ( ) or negative ( ) terminal of the

battery. Do not allow the positive ( ) terminal to contact the vehicle body.

Battery-Related Explosion:

Flames and sparks near open battery cells are dangerous. Hydrogen gas, produced

during normal battery operation, could ignite and cause the battery to explode. An

exploding battery can cause serious burns and injuries. Keep all flames, including

cigarettes, and sparks away from open battery cells.

Low Fluid Level or Frozen Battery:

Jump-starting a frozen battery or one with a low fluid level is dangerous. It may

rupture or explode, causing serious injury.

Don't jump-start a frozen battery or one with a low fluid level.

Connecting to Negative Terminal:

Connecting the end of the second cable to the negative ( ) terminal of the discharged

battery is dangerous.

A spark could cause the gas around the battery to explode and injure someone.

Connect the negative cable to a good ground point away from the battery.

Connecting Jumper Cable to Moving Parts:

Connecting a jumper cable near or to moving parts (cooling fans, belts) is dangerous.

The cable could get caught when the engine starts and cause serious injury. Never

connect a jumper cable to or near any part that moves.

CAUTION

Use only a 12 V booster system. You can damage a 12 V starter, ignition system, and

other electrical parts beyond repair with a 24 V power supply (two 12 V batteries in

series or a 24 V motor generator set).

7-16

In Case of an Emergency

Emergency Starting

Connect cables in numerical order and disconnect in reverse order.

Jumper cables

Discharged

battery

Booster battery

1. For vehicles equipped with an engine

cover, remove the engine cover.

2. Remove the battery cover from its front

side.

Battery cover

3. Make sure the booster battery is 12 V

and that its negative terminal is

grounded.

4. If the booster battery is in another

vehicle, don't allow both vehicles to

touch. Turn off the engine of the

vehicle with the booster battery and all

unnecessary electrical loads in both

vehicles.

7-17

In Case of an Emergency

Emergency Starting

5. Connect the jumper cables in the exact

sequence as in the illustration.

Push-Starting

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Connect one end of a cable to the

positive terminal on the discharged

battery (1).

WARNING

Towing a Vehicle to Start It:

Towing a vehicle to start it is

l

Attach the other end to the positive

terminal on the booster battery (2).

dangerous. The vehicle being towed

could surge forward when its engine

starts, causing the two vehicles to

collide. The occupants could be

injured. Never tow a vehicle to start it.

l

Connect one end of the other cable

to the negative terminal of the

booster battery (3).

l

Connect the other end to a solid,

stationary, exposed metallic point

(for example, the right hand side

engine mounting bolt) away from

the discharged battery (4).

You can't start a vehicle with an automatic

transaxle by pushing it.

CAUTION

6. Start the engine of the booster vehicle

and run it a few minutes. Then start the

engine of the other vehicle.

Do not push-start a vehicle that has a

manual transaxle. It can damage the

emission control system.

7. When finished, carefully disconnect the

cables in the reverse order described in

the illustration.

NOTE

Verify that the covers are securely

installed.

7-18

In Case of an Emergency

Emergency Towing

Towing Description

CAUTION

We recommend that towing be done only

by an Authorized Mazda Dealer or a

commercial tow-truck service.

Don't tow the vehicle pointed backward

with driving wheels on the ground. This

may cause internal damage to the

transaxle.

Proper lifting and towing are necessary to

prevent damage to the vehicle.

Government and local laws must be

followed.

A towed vehicle usually should have its

front wheels off the ground. If excessive

damage or other conditions prevent this,

use wheel dollies.

CAUTION

Don't tow with sling-type equipment.

This could damage your vehicle. Use

wheel-lift or flatbed equipment.

Wheel dollies

When towing with the rear wheels on the

ground, release the parking brake.

7-19

In Case of an Emergency

Emergency Towing

Tiedown Hook

CAUTION

Do not use the hooks under the rear

bumper for towing and tying down, as

they cannot hold the load and it will

damage the bumper.

Don't use the tiedown hook under the

rear for towing.

It is designed ONLY for tying down the

vehicle when it's being transported.

Using it for towing will damage the

bumper.

NOTE

When towing with chain or cable, wrap

the chain or cable with a soft cloth near

the bumper to prevent damage to the

bumper.

Hooks

qTiedown Hook-Front

1. Remove the tiedown eyelet and the lug

wrench from the trunk (page 7-3).

2. Wrap a flathead screwdriver or similar

tool with a soft cloth to prevent

damage to the bumper and open the

cap located on the front bumper.

7-20

In Case of an Emergency

Emergency Towing

CAUTION

The cap cannot be completely removed.

Do not use excessive force as it may

damage the cap or scratch the painted

bumper surface.

If the tiedown eyelet is not securely

tightened, it may loosen or disengage

from the bumper when tying down the

vehicle. Make sure that the tiedown

eyelet is securely tightened to the

bumper.

3. Securely install the tiedown eyelet

using the lug wrench.

4. Hook the tying rope to the tiedown

eyelet.

7-21

In Case of an Emergency

Emergency Towing

Recreational Towing

An example of “recreational towing” is

towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.

The transaxle is not designed for towing

this vehicle on all 4 wheels.

When doing recreational towing refer to

“Towing Description” (page 7-19) and

“Tiedown Hook” (page 7-20) and

carefully follow the instructions.

7-22

In Case of an Emergency for Your Mazda 3 4 Door First Generation (2004-2009)

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