How to start a Mazda CX-5?
4 Answers
Start: Press the brake pedal firmly and push the ignition button. Shut down: After parking the vehicle, press the start button again to turn it off. Start: Press the one-touch start button without stepping on the brake pedal. Shut down: To turn off the ignition, press the button again, and the pointer will move to the OFF position. In an emergency, the engine can be shut off even while the vehicle is moving. One long press or two consecutive short presses can turn off the engine. Engage the handbrake before shifting into P gear, mainly to prevent the vehicle from slightly moving when shifting into P gear first, which could make the transmission lock mechanism tighter and bear greater pressure.
I've developed a fixed routine when starting my CX-5 every morning before work: Approach the car with the key fob, and the side mirrors automatically unfold while the welcome lights illuminate. After settling into the driver's seat and adjusting my position, I firmly press the brake pedal until I feel resistance, then push the circular start button with an arrow icon on the center console. The instrument cluster immediately lights up with a series of self-check indicators, accompanied by the engine's smooth roar. During cold winter starts, I wait an extra 20 seconds for oil circulation, while in summer I directly shift to D and drive off. Once, a friend tried starting without pressing the brake, resulting only in accessory power - a thoughtful safety feature. I remember the dashboard displaying a key icon warning when the fob battery was low; timely replacement prevents being stranded in parking lots.
Over the years of running a repair shop, I've encountered many cases of CX-5 owners making mistakes during startup. Remember three key points: First, ensure the gear is in P position - even slight body movement is dangerous. Press the brake pedal fully with your right foot, about 5cm deep in travel. Finally, press the start button with your middle finger for just 1 second. Common issues include insufficient brake pressure in cold winters causing engine cranking without ignition. Also pay attention to key placement - keeping it in pants pockets may lead to seat interference causing detection failure; it's best placed in the dedicated slot near the cup holder. If the key icon appears on the dashboard during startup, try pressing the key against the start button as an emergency measure. Some owners report rainy-day startup delays - this is actually the rain sensor adjusting the wipers to standby mode, not a malfunction.
Driving my Soul Red CX-5 on weekends is exceptionally smooth: Sitting in the superbly wrapped driver's seat, the soft light of the vanity mirror automatically turns on. While adjusting my posture with my left foot on the dead pedal, I place the key on the wireless charging pad with my right hand. The moment I press the brake, I hear a slight mechanical engagement sound, and the heads-up display immediately projects the speed indicator upon pressing the start button. I love watching the Mazda wing emblem animation pop up on the center screen, while the air conditioning actively blows warm air at my feet. Once, my friend complained that the car wouldn't start when she tried to drive it—turns out she forgot that the CX-5 requires the brake to be fully pressed, unlike her old Toyota that starts by just turning the key. I recommend new owners enable the light touch start button prompt sound function in the steering wheel settings.
