Fig. 1.59. Light indicators and signaling devices of the Mazda 3 instrument cluster
The instrument cluster has various alarms and indicators built into it (see fig. 1.59), performing the functions of alerting and/or warning the driver about the serviceability and condition of one of the vehicle's working units or systems.
Light and sound indicator of malfunction of the airbag system and seat belt pretensioners.
If the air bag system and front seat belt pretensioners are in good condition, the malfunction indicator should come on when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position (ignition on) or when the starter is turned on. Then, after some time, the indicator should go out.
If the indicator light is constantly on or does not turn on at all when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position (ignition on), - this indicates a malfunction of the airbag system or seat belt pretensioners. If the indicator indicates a malfunction, the airbags or seat belt pretensioners may not deploy in a traffic accident.
Warning! It is strictly forbidden to interfere with the design of the airbag system or seat belt pretensioners on your own. All maintenance and repair work on these systems must be carried out at an authorized Mazda dealer. Self-repair, maintenance or interference with the design of the system is dangerous. The airbag or seat belt pretensioner may accidentally deploy or fail. This may lead to serious personal injury.
Brake system malfunction indicator/parking brake indicator light.
Parking brake indicator.
The indicator comes on when the parking brake is applied if the ignition switch is in the "START" (starter) or "ON" position (ignition on). The indicator goes out when the parking brake is completely released.
Brake fluid level drop indicator.
If the indicator continues to light after the parking brake has been completely released, the possible cause is a malfunction of the brake system.
Taking precautions, immediately pull over to the side of the road or to the edge of the roadway and stop.
You may notice that the brake pedal effort or brake pedal travel has increased (the pedal dropped closer to the floor). In both cases, the braking distance of the car will increase.
Check the brake fluid level. If necessary, top up the brake fluid and bring it up to the normal level. After topping up the brake fluid, check whether the indicator continues to light.
If the indicator continues to light or there are signs of a brake system malfunction, further driving of the vehicle is prohibited.
Note: The need to top up the brake fluid may sometimes be due to a leak, so contact an authorized Mazda dealer immediately to have the brake system checked, even if the indicator light is no longer on.
Warning! It is dangerous to operate your vehicle when the brake system malfunction indicator is illuminated. This indicates that your vehicle's brake system may not work or may fail at any time. If the indicator remains illuminated, after checking that the parking brake is released, you should immediately check the brake system.
Low battery indicator.
The indicator lights up when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position (ignition on) and goes out after the engine starts.
If the indicator lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indicates a malfunction of the electric generator or power supply system. Taking precautions, immediately pull over to the side of the road or to the edge of the roadway and stop.
Warning! If the low battery indicator is on, further driving of the vehicle is prohibited, as the engine may suddenly stall.
Engine oil pressure drop indicator.
This indicator warns the driver about low pressure in the engine lubrication system.
The indicator lights up when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position (ignition on) and goes out after the engine starts.
Warning! Do not operate the engine with the oil pressure drop indicator on. This may cause engine failure.
It is necessary to check the serviceability of the engine oil pressure drop indicator every time the ignition is turned on. If the indicator fails, you will not receive a timely signal about the drop in oil pressure, and the engine may be damaged. If the indicator does not light up when the ignition is turned on, do not start the engine. Contact the service station of the authorized Mazda dealer to check and repair the indicator.
If the indicator lights up while the vehicle is moving, follow these steps:
- 1. Taking precautions, immediately pull over to the side of the road or to the edge of the roadway and stop on a level surface.
- 2. Turn off the engine and wait 5 minutes for the engine oil to drain into the engine sump.
- 3. Check the engine oil level. If it is below normal, add oil and bring the level up to normal.
Engine system malfunction indicator.
The indicator lights up when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position (ignition on) and goes out after the engine starts.
If the indicator lights up while the car is moving, this may indicate a malfunction of the engine systems. It is important to notice and record (remember) when and under what driving conditions the indicator lights up, in order to then inform the specialists of the official Mazda dealer service station about this.
The engine system malfunction indicator may light up in the following cases:
- very low fuel level in the tank or the tank is almost empty;
- the engine electrical system is faulty;
- the exhaust gas neutralization system is faulty.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) malfunction indicator.
The indicator lights up for a few seconds after turning the ignition switch to the "ON" position (ignition on).
If the ABS malfunction indicator lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indicates that the ABS control unit has detected a malfunction of the ABS system. In this case, your vehicle's braking system remains fully functional and will function as if the vehicle did not have ABS. If the ABS malfunction indicator lights up, you should immediately contact an authorized Mazda dealer service station.
If the car battery is discharged and the engine is started from the battery of another car, the ABS malfunction indicator may light up due to uneven rotation of the engine crankshaft. This is due to low battery voltage and does not indicate a malfunction of the ABS. Charge the battery.
Electronic brake force regulator malfunction signal.
If the electronic brake force regulator control unit detects a malfunction of one of the system components, the brake system malfunction indicator and the ABS malfunction indicator may light up simultaneously. The most likely reason for both indicators to light up is a malfunction of the electronic brake force regulator.
It is dangerous to drive a car if the brake system malfunction indicator and the ABS indicator are on at the same time. In this case, the rear wheels may lock prematurely during emergency braking.
Light and sound warning lights to alert you that your seat belt is not fastened.
The full text is on the website: MAZBOOK
The seat belt indicator comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the "ON" position (ignition on) and the driver's seat belt is not fastened.