2010 Mazda MAZDA3 Owner's Manual - Page 112

Knowing Your Mazda Doors and Locks When the liftgate cannot be opened If the vehicle battery is dead or there is a malfunction in the electrical system and the liftgate cannot be unlocked, perform the following procedure as an emergency measure to unlock it: 1. Fold down the rear seatbacks. Refer to Split-Folding Rear Seatback on page 2-11. 2. Remove the cap on the interior surface of the liftgate with a flathead screwdriver. Closing the liftgate Use both hands to push the liftgate down until the lock snaps shut. Do not slam it. Pull up on the liftgate to make sure it is securely latched. qLuggage Compartment 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 is 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. Cap 3. Turn the lever to the right to unlock the liftgate. Lever CAUTION Make sure the luggage compartment cover is firmly secured. If it is not firmly secured, it could unexpectedly disengage resulting in injury. After performing this emergency measure, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. 3-36