Start/Stop Engine
Ignition Switch
Push Button Start Positions
The system operates only when the key is within operational range.
Each time the push button start is pressed, the ignition switches in the order of off, ACC, and ON. Pressing the push button start again from ON switches the ignition off.

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Indicator light
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Push button start
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The engine starts by pressing the push button start while depressing the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or the brake pedal (automatic transmission). To switch the ignition position, press the push button start without depressing the pedal.
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Do not leave the ignition switched ON while the engine is not running. Doing so could result in the battery going dead. If the ignition is left in ACC (For automatic transmission, the selector lever is in the P position, and the ignition is in ACC), the ignition switches off automatically after about 25 minutes.
Off
The power supply to electrical devices turns off and the indicator light (amber) also turns off.
In this position the steering wheel is locked.
Before leaving the driver's seat, always switch the ignition off, set the parking brake, and make sure the selector lever is in P (automatic transmission) position or in 1st gear or R (manual transmission):
Leaving the driver's seat without switching the ignition off, setting the parking brake, and shifting the selector lever to P (automatic transmission) position or to 1st gear or R (manual transmission) is dangerous. Unexpected vehicle movement could occur which could result in an accident.
In addition, if your intention is to leave the vehicle for even a short period, it is important to switch the ignition off, as leaving it in another position will disable some of the vehicle's security systems and run the battery down.
(Locked steering wheel)
If the push button start indicator light (green) is flashing, a message is displayed on the multi-information, and the beep sound is heard, this indicates that the steering wheel is not unlocked. To unlock the steering wheel, press the push button start while moving the steering wheel left and right.
ACC (Accessory)
Some electrical accessories will operate and the indicator light (amber) illuminates.
In this position the steering wheel is unlocked.
The keyless entry system does not function while the push button start has been pressed to ACC, and the doors will not lock/unlock even if they have been locked manually.
ON
This is the normal running position after the engine is started. The indicator light (amber) turns off. (The indicator light (amber) illuminates when the ignition is switched ON and the engine is not running.)
Some indicator lights/warning lights should be inspected before the engine is started.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights (Search).
Refer to Indication/Indicator Lights (Search).
(SKYACTIV-G 1.5, SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-X 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5)
When the push button start is pressed to ON, the sound of the fuel pump motor operating near the fuel tank can be heard. This does not indicate an abnormality.
Starting the Engine
Starting the Engine
Radio waves from the key may affect medical devices such as pacemakers:
Before using the key near people who use medical devices, ask the medical device manufacturer or your physician if radio waves from the key will affect the device.
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The key must be carried because the key carries an immobilizer chip that must communicate with the engine controls at short range.
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The engine can be started when the push button start is pressed from off, ACC, or ON.
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The push button start system functions (function which can start the engine by only carrying the key) can be deactivated to prevent any possible adverse effect on a user wearing a pacemaker or other medical device. If the system is deactivated, you will be unable to start the engine by carrying the key. Consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer for details. If the push button start system functions have been deactivated, you can start the engine by following the procedure indicated when the key battery goes dead.
Refer to Engine Start Function When Key Battery is Dead (Search).
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After starting a cold engine, the engine speed increases and a whining sound from the engine compartment can be heard.
This is for improved exhaust gas purification and does not indicate any parts defect.
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Make sure you are carrying the key.
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Occupants should fasten their seat belts.
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Make sure the parking brake is on.
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Continue to depress the brake pedal firmly until the engine has completely started.
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(Manual transmission)
Continue to depress the clutch pedal firmly until the engine has completely started.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, shift into neutral (N).
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(Manual transmission)
The starter will not operate if the clutch pedal is not depressed sufficiently.
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(Automatic transmission)
The starter will not operate if the selector lever is not in P or N position and the brake pedal is not depressed sufficiently.
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Make sure that the push button start indicator light (green) turns on.
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Indicator light
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Push button start
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If the push button start indicator light (green) flashes, make sure that the key is being carried.
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If the push button start indicator light (green) flashes with the key being carried, touch the key to the push button start and start the engine.
Refer to Engine Start Function When Key Battery is Dead (Search).
If the KEY warning indication (red) is displayed, or the push button start indicator light (amber) flashes, this could indicate a problem with the engine starting system. This may prevent the engine from starting or from switching the ignition to ACC or ON (Search). Have your vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as possible.
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Under the following conditions, the KEY warning indication (red) is displayed after the push button start is pressed. This informs the driver that the push button start will not switch to ACC, even if it is pressed from off (Search).
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The key battery is dead.
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The key is out of operational range.
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The key is placed in areas where it is difficult for the system to detect the signal (Search).
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A key from another manufacturer similar to the key is in the operational range.
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(Forced engine starting method)
If the KEY warning indication (red) is displayed, or the push button start indicator light (amber) flashes, this could indicate that the engine may not start using the usual starting method (Search). Have your vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as possible. If this occurs, the engine can be force-started. Press and hold the push button start until the engine starts. Other procedures necessary for starting the engine, such as having the key in the cabin, and depressing the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or the brake pedal (automatic transmission) are required.
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When the engine is force-started, the KEY warning indication (red) remains displayed and the push button start indicator light (amber) remains flashing.
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(Automatic transmission)
When the selector lever is in the neutral (N) position, the push button start indicator light (green) does not turn on.
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Press the push button start after the push button start indicator light (green) turns on.
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After starting the engine, the push button start indicator light (amber) turns off and the ignition switches to the ON position.
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(SKYACTIV-G 1.5, SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-X 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5)
After pressing the push button start and before the engine starts, the operation sound of the fuel pump motor from near the fuel tank can be heard, however, this does not indicate a malfunction.
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(SKYACTIV-D 1.8)
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The starter does not rotate until the glow indicator light turns off.
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If the ignition is left switched ON for a long period of time without the engine running after the glow plugs are warmed up, the glow plugs may warm up again which will illuminate the glow indicator light.
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When starting the engine, do not release the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or the brake pedal (automatic transmission) until the glow indicator light in the instrument cluster turns off and the engine starts, after pressing the push button start.
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If the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or the brake pedal (automatic transmission) is released before the engine starts, depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or the brake pedal (automatic transmission) again and press the push button start to start the engine.
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After starting the engine, let it idle for about 10 seconds (Prohibited in Germany).
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(Germany)
Drive immediately after starting the engine. However do not use high engine speeds until reaching the operating temperature.
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(SKYACTIV-G 1.5, SKYACTIV-G 2.0, SKYACTIV-X 2.0, SKYACTIV-G 2.5)
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Whether the engine is cold or warm, it should be started without the use of the accelerator.
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If the engine does not start the first time, refer to Starting a Flooded Engine under Emergency Starting. If the engine still does not start, have your vehicle inspected by an Authorised Mazda Repairer (Search).
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(SKYACTIV-D 1.8)
If the ambient temperature is lower than about - 10 °C (14 °F), the maximum engine speed may not be attained for about 3 minutes after the engine starts to protect the engine.
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(Manual transmission vehicle with i-stop function)
If the engine has stopped due to stalling, it can be restarted by depressing the clutch pedal within 3 seconds of the engine stopping.
The engine cannot be restarted even if the clutch pedal is depressed under the following conditions:
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The driver's door is open.
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The driver's seat belt is unfastened.
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The clutch pedal is not released completely after the engine stalled.
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The clutch pedal is depressed with the engine not stopped completely.
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Engine Start Function When Key Battery is Dead
When starting the engine by holding the transmitter over the push button start due to a dead key battery or a malfunctioning key, be careful not to allow the following, otherwise the signal from the key will not be received correctly and the engine may not start.
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Metal parts of other keys or metal objects touch the key.
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Spare keys or keys for other vehicles equipped with an immobilizer system touch or come near the key.
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Devices for electronic purchases, or security passage touch or come near the key.
If the engine cannot be started due to a dead key battery, the engine can be started using the following procedure:
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Continue to depress the brake pedal firmly until the engine has completely started.
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(Manual transmission)
Continue to depress the clutch pedal firmly until the engine has completely started.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, shift into neutral (N).
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Make sure that the push button start indication light (green) flashes.
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Align the centre area of the emblem on the transmitter with the centre area of the push button start while the push button start indicator light (green) flashes.
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Indicator light
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Push button start
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Transmitter
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Emblem
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Make sure that the push button start indicator light (green) turns on.
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Press the push button start to start the engine.
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The engine cannot be started unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed (manual transmission) or the brake pedal is fully depressed (automatic transmission).
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If there is a malfunction with the push button start function, the push button start indicator light (amber) flashes. In this case, the engine may start, however, have the vehicle checked at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as possible.
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If the push button start indicator light (green) does not illuminate, perform the operation from the beginning again. If it does not illuminate, have the vehicle checked at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
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To switch the ignition position without starting the engine, perform the following operations after the push button start indicator light (green) turns on.
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Release the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or brake pedal (automatic transmission).
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Press the push button start to switch the ignition position. The ignition switches in the order of ACC, ON, and off each time the push button start is pressed. To switch the ignition position again, perform the operation from the beginning.
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Emergency Operation for Starting the Engine
If the KEY warning indication (red) is displayed, or the push button start indicator light (amber) flashes, this could indicate that the engine may not start using the usual starting method. Have your vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as possible. If this occurs, the engine can be force-started. Press and hold the push button start until the engine starts. Other procedures necessary for starting the engine such as having the key in the cabin, and depressing the clutch pedal (manual transmission) or the brake pedal (automatic transmission) are required.
Turning the Engine Off
Turning the Engine Off
Do not stop the engine while the vehicle is moving:
Stopping the engine while the vehicle is moving for any reason other than in an emergency is dangerous. Stopping the engine while the vehicle is moving will result in reduced braking ability due to the loss of power braking, which could cause an accident and serious injury.
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Stop the vehicle completely.
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(Manual transmission)
Shift into neutral and set the parking brake.
(Automatic transmission)
Shift the selector lever to the P position and set the parking brake.
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Press the push button start to turn off the engine. The ignition position is off.
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When leaving the vehicle, make sure the push button start is off.
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(SKYACTIV-D 1.8)
If the engine is started and stopped repeatedly before it warms up, the engine may speed up while the vehicle is stopped to clean the engine internally. Do not stop the engine until the engine returns to running at its normal speed.
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The cooling fan in the engine compartment could turn on for a few minutes after the ignition is switched from ON to OFF, whether or not the A/C is on or off, to cool the engine compartment quickly.
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If the system detects that the remaining battery power of the key is low when the ignition is switched from ON to ACC or OFF, the following is indicated.
Replace with a new battery before the key becomes unusable.
Refer to Key Battery Replacement (Search).
A message is indicated in the display of the instrument cluster.
Refer to KEY Warning Indication/Warning Light (Red) (Search).
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(Automatic transmission)
If the engine is turned off while the selector lever is in a position other than P, the ignition switches to ACC.
Emergency Engine Stop
Continuously pressing the push button start or quickly pressing it any number of times while the engine is running or the vehicle is being driven will turn the engine off immediately. The ignition switches to ACC.
i-stop (Some Models)
i-stop
i-stop OFF Switch

By pressing the switch until a beep sounds, the i-stop function is turned off. By pressing the switch again until the beep sounds, the i-stop function becomes operational.
If the engine is stopped with the i-stop function cancelled, the i-stop function becomes operational when the engine is started the next time.
Vehicle Roll Prevention Function (Automatic transmission)
Vehicles with the i-stop function are equipped with a vehicle roll prevention function. This function prevents the vehicle from rolling, such as when releasing the brake pedal while on a slope under the following conditions:
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While engine idling is stopped (prevents the vehicle from rolling back)
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When the engine restarts after releasing the brake pedal (prevents the vehicle's sudden movement due to vehicle creep), sudden movement of the vehicle is prevented by controlling the brakes.
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Release foot from brake pedal
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Vehicle brake force maintained
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Engine restarted
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Acceleration
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Do not rely completely on the vehicle roll prevention function.
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The vehicle roll prevention function is a supplementary function which operates for a maximum of 2 seconds after releasing the brake pedal and accelerating the vehicle from an engine idling stop condition. Over reliance on the system may result in an unexpected accident if the vehicle were to suddenly accelerate. Before starting to drive the vehicle, always confirm the safety of the surroundings and operate the selector lever, brake pedal, and accelerator pedal appropriately. Note that the vehicle may move suddenly depending on the vehicle's load or if it is towing something.
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Note that the vehicle may move suddenly after the vehicle roll prevention function is released while the vehicle is under the following conditions:
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The selector lever is in the N position.
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If the selector lever is shifted to the N position and the brake pedal is released while the i-stop function is operating, the brake force is gradually released. To accelerate the vehicle, release the brake pedal after the engine restarts and shift the selector lever to a position other than the N position.
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When the vehicle is stopped on a steep grade, the vehicle roll prevention function does not operate because engine idling is not stopped.
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The brake pedal response may change, sound may occur from the brakes, or the brake pedal could vibrate from the operation of the vehicle roll prevention function. However, this does not indicate a malfunction.
i-stop Warning Light (Amber)/i-stop Indicator Light (Green)
To ensure safe and comfortable use of the vehicle, the i-stop system constantly monitors the driver's operations, the vehicle's interior and exterior environment, and the operational status of the vehicle, and uses the i-stop warning light (amber) and i-stop indicator light (green) to inform the driver of various cautions and warnings.
On vehicles equipped with the centre display, the i-stop operation status is displayed in the fuel efficiency monitor display.
Refer to the Fuel Efficiency Monitor section in the MZD Connect Owner's Manual.
i-stop warning light (amber)

When the light is turned on
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The light turns on when the ignition is switched ON and turns off when the engine is started.
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(European model)
The light turns on if the following operations are performed while engine idling is stopped. In such cases, the engine does not restart automatically to ensure safety. Start the engine using the normal method.
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The bonnet is opened.
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The driver's seat belt is unfastened and the driver's door is opened.
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(Except European model)
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(Manual transmission)
A sound is activated when the door is opened while the engine idling is stopped with the shift lever in a position other than neutral. In this case, the engine does not restart automatically to ensure safety. Shift the shift lever to neutral and start the engine.
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A problem in the system may be indicated under the following conditions. Have your vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
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The light does not turn on when the ignition is switched ON.
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The light continues to remain on even though the i-stop OFF switch has been pressed while the engine is running.
When the light is flashing
The light continues to flash if the system has a malfunction. Have your vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
i-stop indicator light (green)

When the light is turned on
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The light turns on while engine idling is stopped and turns off when the engine is restarted.
When the light is flashing
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(Manual transmission)
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The light flashes when the shift lever is shifted to a position other than the neutral while engine idling is stopped to notify the driver that engine idling is stopped.
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By depressing the clutch pedal, the engine restarts automatically and the light turns off.
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(European model)
The light flashes when the driver's door is opened while engine idling is stopped to notify the driver that engine idling is stopped. It turns off when the driver's door is closed.
Cylinder Deactivation (Some Models)
Cylinder Deactivation
The cylinder deactivation is a function designed to reduce fuel consumption and improve fuel economy by deactivating 2 out of the 4 cylinders while driving. The function constantly determines which is better for driving; 4 cylinders or 2 cylinders, regardless of the driver's operations, and it performs the switching automatically.
When the cylinder deactivation function does not operate
The cylinder deactivation function does not operate under the following conditions.
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The selector lever is in the P, N, or R position (automatic transmission), or 1st gear (manual transmission).
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The engine oil temperature or engine coolant temperature is low.
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After disconnecting the battery terminals for some reason, such as for battery replacement.