Indicators/warning lights
Type A
The display indication and the main indicator on the instrument panel come on at the same time
This indicates a malfunction in the vehicle system. Check the message shown on the display and consult an authorized Mazda dealer. For details, refer to the explanations for the indicators/warning lights in the indicators/warning lights section that correspond to the symbol in the upper part of the display. If no message is shown on the display, use the INFO switch to display the "Warning" screen.
Multi-information display
A message such as the operating status of the system, a malfunction or an abnormality is displayed.
- (When a symbol and a message are displayed) For details on the symbols shown in the upper part of the display, check the indication and the corrective action list.
- (When only a message is displayed) Follow the instructions shown on the display.
If one of the indications shown in the following illustrations is displayed, there may be a malfunction in the vehicle. The corrective action depends on the indication.
Check the illustrations below.
Corrective action: Park the vehicle immediately, check the symbol shown in the upper part of the display, then refer to "Indication and Corrective Action List" containing the symbol to see what actions should be taken.
Corrective action: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer. Check the symbol shown in the upper part of the display, then refer to "Indication and Corrective Action List" containing the symbol to see what action should be taken.
Corrective action: Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer.
Indication and Corrective Action List
Type B
Master warning light
This light stays
on for a few seconds after the ignition switch is turned to ON.
Type A
Displayed when notification of a system malfunction is required.
Check the message shown on the display and consult an authorized Mazda dealer.
Type B
The light comes on continuously in any of the following cases. Have it checked by an authorized Mazda dealer.
- There is a malfunction in the battery management system.
- There is a malfunction in the brake switch.
Brake system warning light
This warning light has
the following functions:
Parking brake warning light
The light comes on when the parking brake is applied while the ignition switch is in START or ON. It turns off when the parking brake is fully released.
Brake fluid level low warning light
If the light stays on after the parking brake is fully released, this may indicate a problem with the brakes.
Park the vehicle carefully at the side of the road.
The brake pedal may be harder or have a longer travel than normal.
In either of these cases, the vehicle will take longer to stop.
- With the engine off, open the hood and immediately check the brake fluid level, then add fluid if necessary (page 6-26).
- After adding fluid, check the warning light again.
If the light stays on, or if the brakes do not work properly, do not drive the vehicle. Have it towed to an authorized Mazda dealer.
Even if the light turns off, have the brake system checked by an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
Having to add brake fluid may sometimes indicate a leak. Have it checked by an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible, even if the brake warning light is off.
WARNING
Do not drive with the brake system warning light on. Have the brakes inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible:
Driving with the brake system warning light on is dangerous. It indicates that the brakes may not function.
If the light stays on after making sure the parking brake is fully released, have the brake system checked immediately.
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) warning light
The light stays
on for a few seconds when the ignition switch is turned to ON.
If the ABS warning light stays on while driving, it indicates that the ABS unit has detected a malfunction in the system.
In this case, the brakes operate normally as if the vehicle did not have ABS.
If this occurs, consult an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible.
NOTE
- When the engine is started using a booster battery, the engine speed may be irregular and the ABS warning light may come on. If this happens, the battery is low. This does not, however, indicate a malfunction of the ABS system.
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) system warning light
If the EBD control unit determines that some system components are not functioning properly, the control unit may turn on the brake system warning light and the ABS warning light at the same time.
The problem is most likely due to the Electronic Brake-force Distribution system.
WARNING
Do not drive when the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on. Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible for a brake inspection:
Driving the vehicle when both the ABS warning light and the brake system warning light are on is dangerous.
When both lights are on, the rear wheels may lock up more quickly than normal during sudden braking.
Charging system warning light/indicator
Type B
This warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to ON and goes off when the engine starts.
Type A/Type B
If the warning light/indicator comes on while driving, it indicates a malfunction of the alternator or charging system.
Park the vehicle carefully at the side of the road. Consult an authorized Mazda dealer.
WARNING
Do not continue driving the vehicle when the charging system warning light is on, as the engine may stop unexpectedly.
Engine oil warning light/indicator
Type B
This warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to ON and goes off when the engine starts.
Type A/Type B
This warning light/warning indicator indicates that the engine oil pressure is low.
If the warning light comes on or the warning indicator appears while driving:
- Park the vehicle carefully at the side of the road on level ground.
- Stop the engine and wait 5 minutes to allow the oil to return to the oil pan.
- Check the engine oil level (page 6-22). If it is low, add the appropriate amount of engine oil (take care not to add too much).
- Start the engine and check the warning light/indicator.
If the warning light/indicator remains on after adding oil, stop the engine immediately and have the vehicle towed to an authorized Mazda dealer.
WARNING
Do not run the engine if the engine oil pressure is low.
This may cause serious engine damage.
Malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
This light comes on
when the ignition switch is turned to ON and goes off when the engine starts.
If this light comes on while driving, it may indicate a vehicle problem. It is important to note the driving conditions when the light came on and consult an authorized Mazda dealer.
The malfunction indicator lamp may come on under the following conditions:
- The fuel level in the fuel tank is very low or the tank is nearly empty.
- There is a malfunction in the engine electrical system.
- There is a malfunction in the emission control system.
- The fuel tank cap is missing or not tightened enough.
If the malfunction indicator lamp stays on or flashes continuously, do not drive at high speed and consult an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible.
Engine coolant high temperature warning light (red)
When the
ignition switch is turned to ON, the light comes on momentarily, then goes off.
The light flashes when the engine coolant temperature is extremely high and comes on steadily when the coolant temperature rises further.
Corrective action
Flashing light
Drive slowly to reduce engine load until you find a safe place to stop the vehicle, then wait for the engine to cool.
Light on
This indicates possible overheating.
Immediately park the vehicle in a safe location and stop the engine.
Refer to Overheating (page 7-25).
WARNING
Do not drive the vehicle when the engine coolant high temperature warning light is on. Otherwise, the engine may be damaged.
LDWS warning light (amber)/LDWS indicator light (green)
LDWS warning light (amber)
When illuminated
- When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the light comes on.
- The light goes off when the LDWS is cancelled.
- The light comes on when the LDWS is on standby.
Under the following conditions, the LDWS (amber) warning light stays on continuously.
- The windshield glass in front of the forward sensing camera (FSC) is fogged or there is an obstruction.
- When the vehicle is driven at less than 60 km/h.
- The white (yellow) lines are not detected.
When flashing
- The light flashes when the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer.
- The LDWS does not operate when the warning light is flashing.
WARNING
- If any of the following occurs, there may be a malfunction in the system.
- The warning light flashes while the vehicle is being driven.
- The light does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to ON.
- Always use tires of the specified size and of the same manufacturer, brand and tread design on all wheels. Also, do not use tires with significantly different tread wear on the same vehicle. If such improper tires are used, the LDWS may not operate normally.
- When an emergency spare tire is used. The system may not operate normally.
LDWS indicator light (green)
When illuminated
- The LDWS indicator light comes on from standby when the following conditions are met.
- The vehicle speed is at least 65 km/h.
- The white (yellow) lines are detected.
- The light goes off when the LDWS switch is pressed.
When flashing
The light flashes when the system determines that the vehicle may be drifting out of its lane.
Automatic transmission warning light/indicator
Type B
This warning light stays on for a few seconds after the ignition switch is turned to ON.
Type A/Type B
The light/indicator comes on to indicate a transmission problem.
WARNING
If the automatic transmission warning light/indicator flashes, it indicates an electrical problem in the transmission. Continuing to drive under these conditions may damage the transmission. Consult an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible.
Power steering malfunction indicator/warning light
Type B
This warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to ON and goes off when the engine starts.
Type A/Type B
The power steering malfunction warning light/indicator comes on if there is a malfunction in the power steering while the engine is running.
If it comes on, immediately park the vehicle in a safe location and stop the engine.
If the warning light/indicator does not turn off even after the engine is restarted, consult an authorized Mazda dealer.
NOTE
- If the warning light/indicator comes on, the power steering will not function normally. In this case, the steering wheel can still be turned, but turning it may feel heavier than normal and the steering wheel may vibrate when turned.
- If the steering wheel is shaken alternately left and right while the vehicle is stationary or moving very slowly, the power steering system will enter protection mode, making the steering wheel harder to turn. This does not indicate a malfunction. If this occurs, park the vehicle in a safe place and wait a few minutes for the system to return to normal.
- Front Airbag/Front Seat Belt Pretensioner Warning Light
If the front airbag/front seat belt pretensioner system is normal, the light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to ON or after the engine is started. The light turns off after a specified period of time.
A system malfunction is indicated if the light flashes, stays on, or does not come on at all when the ignition switch is turned to ON. In any of these cases, have the system checked by an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible. The system may not function in the event of an accident.
WARNING
Never touch the airbag/pretensioner systems, and always have all maintenance and repair work performed by an authorized Mazda dealer:
Performing maintenance yourself or touching the system is dangerous. The airbags/pretensioners may deploy accidentally or be disabled, causing serious or fatal injury.
Low Fuel Warning Light
This light indicates
that the fuel tank will soon be empty.
Refuel as soon as possible.
Fuel Filler Cap Warning Light
Type B
This light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition switch is turned to ON.
Type A/Type B
If the fuel filler cap warning light/indicator comes on while driving, the fuel filler cap may not be installed correctly. Stop the engine and reinstall the fuel filler cap.
Refer to Fuel Filler Cap on page 3-28.
Seat Belt Warning Light
Driver's Seat
Front Passenger Seat
With Front Passenger Seat Warning Light
The seat belt warning light comes on if the driver's or front passenger's seat is occupied and the seat belt is not fastened when the ignition switch is turned to ON.
Without Front Passenger Seat Warning Light
The seat belt warning light comes on if the driver's seat is occupied and the seat belt is not fastened when the ignition switch is turned to ON.
Seat Belt Reminder
NOTE
Consult an authorized Mazda dealer to disable or re-enable the seat belt reminder. Although the seat belt reminder can be disabled, doing so goes against the purpose of the system, which is to warn the driver and front passenger that their seat belts are not fastened. Mazda recommends not disabling the seat belt reminder so as not to endanger the driver and front passenger.
Front seat
If the vehicle is driven while the driver's or front passenger's seat belt is not fastened, the seat belt warning light comes on and an audible alarm sounds.
NOTE
Some models do not have the seat belt reminder function for the front passenger seat.
If the driver's or front passenger's seat belt is not fastened (front passenger seat reminder only when the front passenger seat is occupied) and the vehicle is driven at a speed above approximately 20 km/h, the light will flash and a beep will sound. After a short time, the light stops flashing and stays on, and the beep stops.
While a seat belt remains unfastened, or until a set period of time has elapsed, the beeping will not stop even if the vehicle speed drops below 20 km/h.
NOTE
- The light flashes and a warning chime sounds for about 6 seconds if the driver's seat belt is not fastened when the ignition switch is turned to ON.
- If the driver's or front passenger's seat belt is still not fastened after the chime has stopped (the light stays on) and the vehicle speed exceeds 20 km/h, the light flashes and the beep sounds again.
- If heavy objects are placed on the front passenger seat, the front passenger seat belt warning light/beep function may activate, depending on the weight of the objects.
- To allow the front passenger seat load sensor to operate correctly, do not use an additional cushion on the seat. The sensor may not operate correctly because the additional cushion will interfere with it.
- When a small child sits on the front passenger seat, the warning light may not activate.
Door Open Warning Light/Indicator
Type A
This warning indicator comes on when one of the doors is not properly closed.
Make sure the door is fully closed before driving the vehicle.
Type B
This light comes on when one of the doors, the trunk lid, or the liftgate is not properly closed.
Make sure the door, trunk lid, or liftgate is fully closed before driving the vehicle.
Trunk Open Warning Light/Indicator (Type A Instrument Panel)
This warning light comes on when the trunk lid or liftgate is not fully closed.
Make sure the trunk lid or liftgate is fully closed before driving the vehicle.
Washer fluid low warning light/indicator
This warning light/indicator shows that there is very little washer fluid left. Add washer fluid (page 6-27).
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) warning light
This light comes on
for a few seconds when the ignition switch is turned to ON.
The light comes on and a chime sounds when the tire pressure of one or more of the tires is too low. It flashes when there is a system malfunction.
WARNING
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light comes on or flashes, or the tire pressure warning chime sounds, slow down immediately and avoid steering or braking abruptly:
If the tire pressure monitoring system warning light comes on or flashes, or the tire pressure warning chime sounds, it is dangerous to drive at high speeds or to steer or brake abruptly. Vehicle control may be affected, which may cause an accident.
To determine whether there is a gradual air leak or a flat tire, park in a safe place where you can visually check the condition of the tire, and determine whether there is still enough air to drive to a location where the tire can be inflated and the system rechecked, at an authorized Mazda dealer or a tire repair shop.
Do not ignore the TPMS warning light:
Ignoring the TPMS warning light is dangerous, even if you know why it is on. Correct any problem as soon as possible before it becomes a dangerous situation that may cause tire failure and a serious accident.
Warning light on/chime sounds
When the tire pressure monitoring system warning light comes on or the tire pressure warning chime sounds (about 3 seconds), the inflation pressure is too low in one or more of the tires.
Adjust the tire pressure to the correct value and initialize TPMS. Refer to the tire inflation table (page 9-7).
NOTE
- Adjust tire pressure when the tires are cold. Tire inflation pressure varies with tire temperature, so leave the vehicle parked for one hour or do not drive it more than 1.6 km (1 mile) before adjusting tire inflation pressure. If pressure is adjusted on hot tires to the cold inflation pressure, the TPMS warning light/chime may come on after the tires have cooled and the pressure has dropped below specification.
Warning light flashes
If the tire pressure monitoring system has a malfunction, the tire pressure warning light flashes for about 1 minute when the ignition switch is turned to ON, and then stays on. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible.
KEY indicator/KEY light (red)/KEY light (green)
Type A
"Advanced Smart System inspection required" is displayed
This message is displayed when the advanced keyless entry and push-button start system has a problem.
See an authorized Mazda dealer.
WARNING
If the message above is displayed or the engine start/stop button indicator light (amber) flashes, the engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try to start it using the emergency engine starting method and have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible.
"Turn ignition off" is displayed
This message is displayed when the driver's door is opened without turning the ignition off.
"Key not detected" is displayed
This message is displayed when one of the following operations is performed with the remote key out of operating range or placed in areas inside the cabin where it is difficult to detect.
- Engine start/stop button is pressed with the ignition off
- The ignition switch is activated
- All doors are closed without turning the ignition off
"Depress brake pedal and press START" (automatic transmission vehicles)/"Depress clutch pedal and press START" (manual transmission vehicles) is displayed
This message is displayed when one of the following operations is performed with the remote key out of operating range or placed in areas inside the cabin where it is difficult to detect.
- Engine start/stop button is pressed with the ignition off
- The brake pedal (automatic transmission vehicles)/clutch pedal (manual transmission vehicles) is depressed with the ignition off
"Key battery low" is displayed
This message is displayed when the remaining battery power of the remote key is insufficient and the ignition switches from ON to off.
NOTE
Because the key uses low-intensity radio waves, the Key Removed from Vehicle warning may be activated if the key is carried together with a metal object or if it is in an area where signal reception is poor.
Type B
This warning light has two colors.
KEY warning light (red)
When illuminated
If there is a malfunction in the remote keyless entry system, it stays on continuously.
WARNING
If the KEY warning light comes on or the engine start button indicator (amber) flashes, the engine may not start. If the engine cannot be started, try to start it using the emergency engine starting procedure and have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer as soon as possible.
When flashing
Under the following conditions, the KEY warning light (red) flashes to inform the driver that the ignition switch cannot be turned on from the OFF position.
- The key battery is completely discharged.
- The key is not within the operating range.
- The key is in an area where the system has difficulty detecting the signal (page 3-7).
- A key from another manufacturer that is similar to the key is within the operating range.
Under the following conditions, the KEY warning light (red) flashes continuously if the ignition switch is not in the OFF position to inform the driver that the key has been removed from the vehicle. The KEY warning light (red) stops flashing when the key is returned to the vehicle: The ignition switch is not in the OFF position and all doors and the tailgate are closed after the key is removed from the vehicle.
NOTE
Because the key uses low-intensity radio waves, the Key Removed from Vehicle warning may be activated if the key is carried together with a metal object or if it is in an area where signal reception is poor.
KEY indicator light (green)
When illuminated
When the brake pedal (automatic transmission) or clutch pedal (manual transmission) is depressed, the system checks that the correct key is in the vehicle, the KEY indicator light (green) comes on, and the engine can be started (page 4-4).
When the ignition switch is turned to ON from the OFF position, the KEY indicator light (green) flashes for about 30 seconds to indicate that the remaining battery power is low. Replace the battery with a new one before the key becomes unusable.
Refer to Replacing the Key Battery on page 6-34.
HBC warning light (amber)/HBC indicator light (green)
HBC warning light (amber)
When illuminated
When the ignition switch is turned to ON, the light comes on and goes off after a few seconds. The light comes on if the area of the windshield in front of the forward sensing camera (FSC) is fogged or obstructed.
When flashing
The light flashes if there is a malfunction in the High Beam Control (HBC) system. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer.
HBC indicator light (green)
This indicator light comes on when the system is activated and goes off when the system is deactivated.
Key warning message
Type A
Perform maintenance as indicated by the message.
TCS/DSC indicator light
This indicator light comes on
for a few seconds when the ignition switch is turned to ON. If the traction control system or dynamic stability control system is operating, the indicator light flashes.
If the indicator light stays on, it may indicate a malfunction in the traction control system, dynamic stability control system, or brake assist system, and they may not operate properly.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer.
NOTE
- The indicator light flashes and a slight pulsing sound is heard from the engine. This indicates that the TCS/DSC is operating normally.
- On slippery surfaces, such as snow, it is not possible to increase engine speed while the traction control system is operating.
DSC OFF indicator light
This indicator light
comes on for a few seconds when the ignition switch is turned to ON.
It also comes on when the DSC OFF switch is pressed and the traction control system/dynamic stability control system is turned off.
Refer to DSC OFF Switch on page 4-101.
If the indicator light stays on and the traction control system/dynamic stability control system is not turned off, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer. This may indicate a malfunction in the dynamic stability control system.
AFS OFF indicator light
When illuminated
This indicator light comes on briefly when the ignition switch is turned to ON, then goes off.
Pressing the AFS OFF switch cancels the AFS function and turns on the indicator light.
When flashing
The indicator light flashes continuously if the system is malfunctioning. Contact an authorized Mazda dealer.
NOTE
The headlights operate even if the Adaptive Front-lighting System is not functioning due to a malfunction.
If the automatic headlight leveling function malfunctions, the indicator light flashes.
Low engine coolant temperature indicator light (blue)
The light comes on
continuously when the engine coolant temperature is low and goes off once the engine is warm.
If the low engine coolant temperature indicator light stays on after the engine has warmed up sufficiently, the temperature sensor may not be operating properly. Contact an authorized Mazda dealer.
Shift position indicator
This shows the
selected shift position.
Gear position indicator
In manual mode, the "M" letter on the shift position indicator comes on and the selected gear number is displayed.
High beam indicator light
This indicator light shows
one of the following two conditions:
- The headlights are on in the high beam position.
- The turn signal lever is in the headlight flash position.
Turn signal and hazard warning indicator lights
When the
turn signals are used, the left or right turn signal indicator light flashes to show which turn signal is operating (page 4-73).
When the hazard warning lights are used, both turn signal indicators flash (page 4-80).
If an indicator stays on (does not flash) or flashes abnormally, one of the turn signal bulbs may be burned out. Contact an authorized Mazda dealer.
Immobilizer Indicator
This indicator starts
flashing at two-second intervals when the ignition switch is turned from ON to OFF and the immobilizer system is armed.
The indicator stops flashing when the ignition switch is turned to ON using the correct key.
The immobilizer system is then disarmed, and the indicator stays on for about 3 seconds, then turns off.
If the engine does not start with the correct key and the security indicator stays on or flashes, there may be a malfunction in the system.
See an authorized Mazda dealer.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) Indicator (Amber)/Indicator (Green)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
Indicator (Amber)
Lit
When the ignition switch is on, the indicator comes on and turns off after a few seconds.
Headlamp flasher
The indicator flashes if there is a malfunction in the system while the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) is on. Have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Mazda dealer.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) Indicator (Green)
Lit
Lit when a speed is set for the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system.
Cruise Control Main Indicator (Amber)/ Cruise Control Set Indicator (Green)
This indicator has two
colors.
Cruise Control Main Indicator (Amber)
This indicator lights amber when the ON switch is pressed and the cruise control system is activated.
Cruise Control Set Indicator (Green)
This indicator lights green when a cruise control speed is set.
- BSM OFF Indicator
This light comes on
for a few seconds when the ignition switch is turned to ON.
The BSM OFF indicator comes on when the BSM system is turned off using the BSM OFF switch.
If the BSM system malfunctions, the indicator flashes.
See an authorized Mazda dealer.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven on a road with light traffic and few vehicles that can be detected by the radar sensors, system operation may be interrupted (the BSM OFF indicator on the instrument panel flashes). This does not indicate a malfunction.
Headlight Indicator
This indicator comes on
when the exterior lights and instrument panel lights are on.
If the lighting system malfunctions, the indicator continues to flash. Contact an authorized Mazda dealer.
Test yourself
A quick Mazda 6 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.