Mazda 3 Hatchback (2018 year). Manual

Operation from outside

To lock the rear and front passenger doors
with the door-lock knob from the outside,
press the door-lock knob to the lock
position and close the door (holding the
door handle in the open position is not
required).
This does not operate the other door locks.

Door-lock knob

NOTE
When locking the door this way:



Be careful not to leave the key inside the
vehicle.



The driver's door lock knob cannot be
used while the driver's door is open.

▼ Rear Door Child Safety Locks

These locks are intended to help prevent
children from accidentally opening the
rear doors. Use them on both rear doors
whenever a child rides in the rear seat of
the vehicle.

If you slide the child safety lock to the
lock position before closing that door, the
door cannot be opened from the inside.
The door can only be opened by pulling
the outside handle.

Lock

Unlock

Before Driving

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Liftgate/Trunk Lid

WARNING

Never allow a person to ride in the luggage
compartment/trunk:
Allowing a person to ride in the luggage
compartment/trunk is dangerous. The
person in the luggage compartment/trunk
could be seriously injured or killed during
sudden braking or a collision.

Do not drive with the liftgate/trunk lid
open:
Exhaust gas in the cabin of a vehicle is
dangerous. An open liftgate/trunk lid in a
moving vehicle will cause exhaust gas to be
drawn into the cabin. This gas contains CO
(carbon monoxide), which is colorless,
odorless, and highly poisonous, and it can
cause loss of consciousness and death.
Moreover, an open liftgate/trunk lid could
cause occupants to fall out in an accident.

Do not stack or leave loaded luggage
unsecured in the luggage compartment:
Otherwise, the luggage may move or
collapse, resulting in injury or an accident.
In addition, do not load luggage higher
than the seatbacks. It may affect the side or
rear field of view.

CAUTION

Before opening the liftgate/trunk lid,

remove any snow and ice accumulation
on it. Otherwise, the liftgate/trunk lid
could close under the weight of the snow
and ice resulting in injury.

Be careful when opening/closing the

liftgate/trunk lid during strong winds. If a
strong gust blows against the liftgate/
trunk lid, it could close suddenly resulting
in injury.

Fully open the liftgate/trunk lid and

make sure that it stays open. If the
liftgate/trunk lid is only opened partially,
it could slam shut by vibration or wind
gusts resulting in injury.

When loading or unloading luggage in

the luggage compartment/trunk, turn off
the engine. Otherwise, you could get
burned by the heat of the exhaust gas.

Be careful not to apply excessive force to

the damper stay on the liftgate such as
by putting your hand on the stay.
Otherwise, the damper stay may bend
and affect the liftgate operation.

Damper stay

Do not modify or replace the liftgate

damper stay. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer if a liftgate damper stay is
deformed or damaged for reasons such
as a collision or if there is some other
problem.

Before Driving

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▼ Opening and Closing the Liftgate/

Trunk Lid

Opening the liftgate (5–door)

Using the electric liftgate opener

Unlock the doors and liftgate, then press
the electric liftgate opener on the liftgate
and raise it when the latch releases.

Electric liftgate
opener

NOTE
(With the advanced keyless function)



A locked liftgate can also be opened
while the key is being carried.



When opening the liftgate with the doors
and the liftgate locked, it may require a
few seconds for the liftgate latch to
release after the electric liftgate opener
is pressed.



The liftgate can be closed when the
doors are locked with the key left in the
vehicle. However, to prevent locking the
key in the vehicle, the liftgate can be
opened by pressing the electric liftgate
opener. If the liftgate cannot be opened
despite doing this procedure, first push
the liftgate/trunk lid completely closed,
then press the electric liftgate opener to
fully open the liftgate.



When the liftgate latch is released by
pressing the electric liftgate opener, the
liftgate raises slightly. If the liftgate is
not operated for a certain period of
time, the liftgate cannot be raised.
To open
Press the electric liftgate/trunk lid
opener again.
To close
To close the liftgate/trunk lid from its
slightly raised position, open it first by
pressing the electric liftgate/trunk lid
opener, then close it after waiting at
least 1 second.



If the liftgate is not fully closed, the
driver is notified by a warning indicated
in the instrument cluster.



If the vehicle battery is dead or there is
a malfunction in the electrical system
and the liftgate cannot be unlocked, the
liftgate can be opened by performing the
emergency procedure.
Refer to When Liftgate/Trunk Lid
Cannot be Opened on page 7-43.

Opening the trunk lid (4–door)

Using the remote release button

Push the release button.

Before Driving

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Using the electric trunk lid opener
(With the advanced keyless function)

A trunk lid can also be opened while the
key is being carried.
Press the electric trunk lid opener on the
trunk lid, then raise the trunk lid when the
latch releases.

Electric trunk lid
opener

NOTE



When opening the trunk lid with the
doors locked, it may require a few
seconds for the trunk lid latch to release
after the electric trunk lid opener is
pressed.



The trunk lid can be closed when the
doors are locked with the key left in the
vehicle. However, to prevent locking the
key in the vehicle, the trunk lid can be
opened by pressing the electric trunk lid
opener. If the trunk lid cannot be opened
despite doing this procedure, press the
electric trunk lid opener to fully open
the trunk lid after pushing the trunk lid
completely closed.



If the vehicle battery is dead or there is
a malfunction in the electrical system
and the trunk lid cannot be unlocked,
the trunk lid can be opened by
performing the emergency procedure.
Refer to When Liftgate/Trunk Lid
Cannot be Opened on page 7-43.

Closing the liftgate/trunk lid

Lower the liftgate/trunk lid slowly using
the liftgate/trunk lid grip recess, then push
the liftgate/trunk lid closed using both
hands.
Do not slam it. Pull up on the liftgate/
trunk lid to make sure it is secure.
(5–door)

Liftgate grip
recess

(4–door)

Trunk lid grip recess

Before Driving

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▼ Luggage Compartment

Luggage compartment cover (5-door)

WARNING

Do not place anything on top of the cover:
Placing luggage or other cargo on top of
the luggage compartment cover is
dangerous. During sudden braking or a
collision, the cargo could become a
projectile that could hit and injure
someone. The vehicle has a light weight
luggage compartment cover to keep the
contents of your luggage area out of sight;
it will not retain heavy objects that are not
tied down in an accident such as a rollover.
Tie down all heavy objects, whether
luggage or cargo, using the tie down
hooks.

Make sure luggage and cargo are secured
before driving:
Not securing cargo while driving is
dangerous as it could move or be crushed
during sudden braking or a collision and
cause injury.

CAUTION

Make sure the luggage compartment

cover is firmly secured. If it is not firmly
secured, it could unexpectedly disengage
resulting in injury.

The luggage compartment can be accessed
by opening the liftgate when the straps are
attached to the sides of the liftgate.

Strap

Removing the cover

This cover can be removed for more room.
1. Remove the straps from the hooks.
2. Lift the end of the luggage

compartment cover a little, pull it
outward, and remove it from the pins.

3. Lift the front end of the luggage

compartment cover and remove it.

Before Driving

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Inside Trunk Release

Lever (4-Door)

Your vehicle is equipped with an inside
trunk release lever that provides a means
of escape for children and adults in the
event they become locked inside the trunk.

No matter how careful adults might be
with keys and locking their cars, parents
should be aware that children may be
tempted to play around vehicles and use
the trunk as a hiding place.

Adults are advised to familiarize
themselves with the operation and location
of the inside trunk release lever so that all
children can be told about it in an
appropriate way, keeping in mind that
most vehicles do not have such levers.

WARNING

Close the trunk lid, be sure the seat backs
are latched and do not allow children to
play inside the vehicle:
Leaving the trunk lid open or leaving
children in the vehicle with the keys is
dangerous. Children could open the trunk
lid and climb inside resulting in possible
injury or death from heat exposure.

Always keep the car from being a tempting
place to play by latching the rear seats,
doors and the trunk, and keeping the keys
where children can not play with them:
Leaving children or animals unattended in
a parked vehicle is dangerous. Babies left
sleeping and children who lock themselves
in cars or trunks can die very quickly from
heat prostration. Do not leave your
children or pets alone in a car at any time.
Do not leave the car, the rear folding seats
or the trunk unlocked.

▼ Opening the Trunk Lid from the

Inside

Slide the inside trunk release lever in the
direction of the arrow. The lever is made
of material that will glow for hours in the
darkness of the trunk following a brief
exposure to ambient light.

The inside trunk release lever is located on
the inside of the trunk lid.

Before Driving

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*Some models.

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Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions

▼ 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.

This vehicle 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) will negatively affect the emission control
system performance and could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.

CAUTION

USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.

Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter and oxygen sensors and will lead to
deterioration of the emission control system and or failures.

This vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10 % ethanol by

volume. Damage to the 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, otherwise the emission control system could be damaged.

Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer for details.

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 warranty.



Gasohol containing more than 10 % ethanol.



Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.



Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.

Before Driving

Fuel and Emission

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▼ Emission Control System

This vehicle is equipped with an emission control system (the catalytic converter is part of
this system) that enables the vehicle to comply with existing exhaust emissions
requirements.

WARNING

Never park over or near anything flammable:
Parking over or near anything flammable, such as dry grass, is dangerous. Even with the
engine turned off, the exhaust system remains very hot after normal use and could ignite
anything flammable. A resulting fire could cause serious injury or death.

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.
Do not drive your Mazda with any sign of engine malfunction.
Do not coast with the ignition switched off.
Do not descend steep grades in gear with the ignition switched off.
Do not operate the engine at high idle for more than 2 minutes.
Do not tamper with the emission control system. All inspections and adjustments must be

made by a qualified technician.

Do not push-start or pull-start this 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.



While the engine is off, the sound of a valve opening and closing can be heard at the rear
of the vehicle, however this does not indicate an abnormality. The vehicle has a
self-checking device and it operates while the engine is off.

Before Driving

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▼ Engine Exhaust (Carbon monoxide)

WARNING

Do not drive your vehicle if you smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle:
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 the vehicle, keep all windows fully open and contact an Authorized
Mazda Dealer immediately.

Do not run the engine when inside an 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.

Open the windows or adjust the heating or cooling system to draw fresh air when idling the
engine:
Exhaust gas is dangerous. When the 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.

Clear snow from underneath and around your vehicle, particularly the tail pipe, before
starting the engine:
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, it could cause loss of consciousness or even death to
occupants in the cabin.

Before Driving

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Fuel-Filler Lid and Cap

WARNING

When removing the fuel-filler cap, loosen
the cap slightly and wait for any hissing to
stop, then remove it:
Fuel spray is dangerous. Fuel can burn skin
and eyes and cause illness if ingested. Fuel
spray is released when there is pressure in
the fuel tank and the fuel-filler cap is
removed too quickly.

Before refueling, stop the engine, and
always keep sparks and flames away from
the filler neck:
Fuel vapor is dangerous. It could be ignited
by sparks or flames causing serious burns
and injuries.
Additionally, use of the incorrect fuel-filler
cap or not using a fuel-filler cap may result
in a fuel leak, which could result in serious
burns or death in an accident.

Do not continue refueling after the fuel
pump nozzle shuts off automatically:
Continuing to add fuel after the fuel pump
nozzle has shut off automatically is
dangerous because overfilling the fuel tank
may cause fuel overflow or leakage. Fuel
overflow and leakage could damage the
vehicle and if the fuel ignites it could cause
a fire and explosion resulting in serious
injury or death.

CAUTION

(U.S.A. and Canada)
Always use only a genuine Mazda fuel-filler
cap or an approved equivalent, available at
an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The wrong
cap can result in a serious malfunction of
the fuel and emission control systems. It
may also cause the check engine light in
the instrument cluster to illuminate.

▼ Fuel-Filler Lid

To open, pull the remote fuel-filler lid
release.
To close, press the fuel-filler lid until it
locks securely.

Remote fuel-filler
lid release

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▼ Fuel-Filler Cap

To remove the fuel-filler cap, turn it
counterclockwise.
Attach the removed cap to the inner side
of the fuel lid.

To close the fuel-filler cap, turn it
clockwise until a click is heard.

Open

CAUTION

(U.S.A. and Canada)
If the check fuel cap warning light
illuminates, the fuel-filler cap may not be
properly installed. If the warning light
illuminates, park your vehicle safely off the
right-of-way, remove the fuel-filler cap and
reinstall it correctly. After the cap has been
correctly installed, the fuel cap warning
light may continue to illuminate until a
number of driving cycles have been
completed. A drive cycle consists of starting
the engine (after four or more hours with
the engine off) and driving the vehicle on
city and highway roads.
Continuing to drive with the check fuel cap
warning light illuminated could cause the
check engine light to illuminate as well.

Before Driving

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Steering Wheel

WARNING

Never adjust the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving:
Adjusting the steering wheel while the
vehicle is moving is dangerous. Moving it
can very easily cause the driver to abruptly
turn to the left or right. This can lead to loss
of control or an accident.

▼ Steering Wheel Adjustment

To change the angle or length of the
steering wheel:
1. Stop the vehicle, and then pull down

the lock release lever under the
steering column.

Lock release lever

2. Tilt the steering wheel and/or adjust

the steering column length to the
desired positions, then push the lever
up to lock the column.

3. Attempt to push the steering wheel up

and down to make sure it's locked
before driving.

▼ Heated Steering Wheel

The grips on the left and right of the
steering wheel can be warmed up.

Heating area

Heated steering
wheel switch

The ignition must be switched ON.

Press the switch to turn on the heated
steering wheel. The heated steering wheel
operates for about 30 minutes and then
turns off automatically.
The indicator light illuminates when the
heater is operating.

To turn off the heated steering wheel
before the 30 minutes has elapsed, press
the switch again.

CAUTION

The following types of persons should be
careful not to touch the steering wheel.
Otherwise, it could cause a
low-temperature burn.

Infants, small children, elderly people,

and physically challenged people

People with delicate skin
People who are excessively fatigued
People who are intoxicated

Before Driving

Steering Wheel

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*Some models.

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Mirrors

Before driving, adjust the inside and
outside mirrors.

▼ Outside Mirrors

WARNING

Be sure to look over your shoulder before
changing lanes:
Changing lanes without taking into
account the actual distance of the vehicle
in the convex mirror is dangerous. You
could have a serious accident. What you
see in the convex mirror is closer than it
appears.

Mirror type

Flat type (driver's side)
Flat surface mirror.
Convex type (front passenger side)
The mirror has single curvature on its
surface.

Power mirror adjustment

The ignition must be switched to ACC or
ON position.

To adjust:
1. Rotate the mirror switch to the left or

right to choose the left or right side
mirror.

2. Press the mirror switch in the

appropriate direction.

Center position

Mirror switch

After adjusting the mirror, lock the control
by rotating the switch in the center
position.

Folding mirror

WARNING

Always return the outside mirrors to the
driving position before you start driving:
Driving with the outside mirrors folded in is
dangerous. Your rear view will be restricted,
and you could have an accident.

Manually fold the outside mirror rearward
until it is flush with the vehicle.

Before Driving

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▼ Rearview Mirror

WARNING

Do not stack cargo or objects higher than
the seatbacks:
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.

Rearview mirror adjustment

Before driving, adjust the rearview mirror
to center on the scene through the rear
window.

NOTE
For the manual day/night mirror, perform
the adjustment with the day/night lever in
the day position.

Reducing glare from headlights

Manual day/night mirror

Push the day/night lever forward for day
driving. Pull it back to reduce glare of
headlights from vehicles at the rear.

Night

Day

Day/Night lever

Auto-dimming mirror

The auto-dimming mirror automatically
reduces the glare of headlights from
vehicles at the rear when the ignition is
switched ON.

(With Homelink wireless control
system)
Press the OFF button ( ) to cancel the
automatic dimming function. The
indicator light will turn off.
To reactivate the automatic dimming
function, press the ON button ( ). The
indicator light will illuminate.

Indicator light

OFF button

ON button

Before Driving

Mirrors

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(Without Homelink wireless control
system)
Press the ON/OFF button to cancel the
auto-dimming function. The indicator light
will turn off.
To reactivate the auto-dimming function,
press the ON/OFF button . The indicator
light will illuminate.

ON/OFF button

Indicator light

NOTE



Do not use glass cleaner or suspend
objects on or around the light sensor.
Otherwise, light sensor sensitivity will
be affected and may not operate
normally.
(With Homelink wireless control
system)

Light sensor

(Without Homelink wireless control
system)

Light sensor



(With Homelink wireless control
system)
For information regarding the 3 buttons
(

) on the auto-dimming

mirror.
Refer to HomeLink Wireless Control
System on page 4-56.



The auto-dimming function is canceled
when the ignition is switched ON and
the shift lever is in reverse (R).

Before Driving

Mirrors

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Mazda 3 Hatchback (2018 year). Manual - part 6