2014 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK sensor

4–54
When Driving
Switches and Controls
Auto-wiper control
When the wiper lever is in the
position, the rain sensor senses the amount
of rainfall on the windshield and turns the
wipers on or off automatically (off—
intermittent—low speed—high speed).
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be
adjusted by turning the switch on the
wiper lever.
From the center position (normal), rotate
the switch downward for higher sensitivity
(faster response) or rotate it upward for
less sensitivity (slower response).
Higher sensitivity
Less sensitivitySwitch
Center
position
CAUTION
 


¾ Do not shade the rain sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on the
windshield. Otherwise the rain sensor
will not operate correctly.
 




¾ When the wiper lever is in the AUTO
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
 


¾ If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a
cloth.
 


¾ If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
  Keep hands and scrapers clear of the
windshield when the wiper lever is in
the AUTO position and the ignition
is switched ON as fi ngers could be
pinched or the wipers and wiper blades
damaged when the wipers activate
automatically.
  If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off
completely (when it is most likely
that the engine is left running) this is
particularly important when clearing ice
and snow.
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4–55
When Driving
Switches and Controls
NOTE
 


y Switching the auto-wiper lever from the
to the position while driving
activates the windshield wipers once,
after which they operate according to
the rainfall amount.
 


y The auto-wiper control may not operate
when the rain sensor temperature is
about -10 °C (14 °F) or lower, or about
85 °C (185 °F) or higher.
 


y If the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be
able to sense the amount of rainfall
correctly and the auto-wiper control
may not operate properly.
 


y If dirt or foreign matter (such as ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres
to the windshield above the rain sensor,
or if the windshield is iced, it could
cause the wipers to move automatically.
However, if the wipers cannot remove
this ice, dirt or foreign matter, the auto-
wiper control will stop operation. In
this case, set the wiper lever to the low
speed position or high speed position
for manual operation, or remove the
ice, dirt or foreign matter by hand to
restore the auto-wiper operation.
 


y If the auto-wiper lever is left in the
position, the wipers could
operate automatically from the effect of
strong light sources, electromagnetic
waves, or infrared light because the
rain sensor uses an optical sensor. It is
recommended that the auto-wiper lever
be switched to the
position other
than when driving the vehicle under
rainy conditions.
 


y The auto-wiper control functions can
be turned off. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-12 .
Windshield Washer
Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fl uid.
Washer OFF
NOTE
With the wiper lever in the or
intermittent position/
position, the
wipers will operate continuously until the
lever is released.
If the washer does not work, inspect the
fl uid level (page 6-31 ). If the fl uid level
is normal, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
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4–65
When Driving
Radar Sensor
Radar Sensor
Your vehicle is equipped with a radar sensor.
The following systems also use the radar sensor.
 


y Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)



y Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
The radar sensor functions by detecting the radio waves refl ected off a vehicle ahead or an
obstruction sent from the radar sensor.
The radar sensor is mounted behind the front emblem.
Radar Sensor
If the Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) indicator light (amber) is illuminated, the area
around the radar sensor may be dirty. Refer to “Warning Guidance” in the type B audio
display.
Refer to If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes on page 7-24 .
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4–66
When Driving
Radar Sensor
CAUTION
Heed the following precautions to assure correct operation of each system.
 


¾ Do not adhere stickers (including transparent stickers) to the surface of the radiator
grille and front emblem in and around the radar sensor, and do not replace the
radiator grille and front emblem with any product that is not a genuine product
designed for use with the radar sensor.
 


¾ The radar sensor includes a function for detecting soiling of the radar sensor's front
surface and informing the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may
require time to detect or it may not detect plastic shopping bags, ice or snow. If this
occurs, the system may not operate correctly, therefore always keep the radar sensor
clean.
 


¾ Do not install a grille guard.



¾ If the front part of the vehicle has been damaged in a vehicle accident, the position of
the radar sensor may have moved. Stop the system immediately and always have the
vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
 


¾ Do not use the front bumper to push other vehicles or obstructions such as when
pulling out of a parking space. Otherwise, the radar sensor could be hit and its
position deviated.
 


¾ Do not remove, disassemble, or modify the radar sensor.



¾ For repairs, replacement or paint work around the radar sensor, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
 


¾ Do not modify the suspension. If the suspension are modifi ed, the vehicle's posture
could change and the radar sensor may not be able to correctly detect a vehicle
ahead or an obstruction.
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4–67
When Driving
Radar Sensor
NOTE
 


y In the following cases, the radar sensor may not be able to detect vehicles ahead or
obstructions.
 


y The rear surface of a vehicle ahead does not refl ect radio waves effectively, such as
an unloaded trailer or an automobile with a loading platform covered by a soft top,
vehicles with a hard plastic tailgate, and round-shaped vehicles.
 


y Vehicles ahead with low vehicle height and thus less area for refl ecting radio waves.



y Visibility is reduced due to a vehicle ahead casting off water, snow, or sand from its
tires and onto your windshield.
 


y The trunk/luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger
seats are occupied.
 


y Ice, snow, or soiling is on the front surface of the front emblem.



y During inclement weather such as rain, snow, or sand storms.



y When driving near facilities or objects emitting strong radio waves.




y In the following cases, the radar sensor may detect vehicles in the opposite lane or
surrounding obstructions, or it may not be able to detect vehicles ahead or obstructions.
 


y The beginning and end of a curve.



y Roads with continuous curves.



y Narrow lane roads due to road construction or lane closures.



y The vehicle ahead enters the radar sensor's blind spot.



y The vehicle ahead is running abnormally due to accident or vehicle damage. 



y Roads with repeated up and down slopes



y Driving on poor roads or unpaved roads.



y The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead is extremely short.



y A vehicle suddenly comes close such as by cutting into the lane.




y To prevent incorrect operation of the system, use tires of the same specifi ed size,
manufacturer, brand, and tread pattern on all four wheels. In addition, do not use tires
with signifi cantly different wear patterns or tire pressures on the same vehicle. (Including
the temporary spare tire)
 


y If the battery power is weak, the system may not operate correctly.



y When driving on roads with little traffi c and few vehicles ahead or obstructions for the
radar sensor to detect, Forward Obstruction Warning/Smart City Brake Support (FOW/
SCBS) indicator light temporarily illuminates, however, this does not indicate a problem.
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*Some models.4–72
When Driving
Brake
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) *
The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is designed to reduce damage in the
event of a collision by operating the brake control (SCBS brake) when the system's laser
sensor detects a vehicle ahead and determines that a collision with the vehicle ahead is
unavoidable. It may also be possible to avoid a collision if the relative speed between your
vehicle and the vehicle ahead is less than about 15 km/h (9.3 mph).
In addition, when the driver depresses the brake pedal while the system is in the operation
range at about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph), the brakes are applied fi rmly and quickly to
assist. (Brake Assist (SCBS brake assist))
Laser sensor
WARNING
Do not rely on the Smart City Brake Support System (SCBS) as a substitute for safe
driving:
The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system cannot compensate for unsafe and reckless
driving, excessive speed, tailgating (following another vehicle too closely), and driving on
slippery roads such as wet, snowy, and icy roads (reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface). You can still have an accident.

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4–73
When Driving
Brake
Do not rely completely on the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system:
 


¾ The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is only designed to reduce damage in the
event of a collision. Over reliance on the system leading to the accelerator pedal or
brake pedal being mistakenly operated could result in an accident.
 


¾ The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) is a system which operates in response to a
vehicle ahead. The system may not be able to detect or react to 2-wheeled vehicles or
pedestrians.
 


¾ The laser sensor for the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is installed near the
rearview mirror. To assure the correct operation of the Smart City Brake Support
(SCBS), heed the following cautions.
 

¾
 Do not apply stickers to the surface of the windshield near the laser sensor
(including transparent stickers). Otherwise, the laser sensor may not be able to
detect vehicles or obstructions ahead which could result in an accident.
 

¾
 Do not disassemble the laser sensor.


¾
 If cracks or damage caused by fl ying gravel or debris is visible near the laser sensor,
stop using the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system immediately and have your
vehicle inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer. If the vehicle continues to be
driven with cracks or scratch marks left on the windshield near the laser sensor, the
system may operate unnecessarily and cause an unexpected accident.
  Refer to Stopping The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) System Operation on page
4-78 .
 

¾
 When replacing the windshield wipers or windshield, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.

Do not modify the suspension:
If the vehicle height or inclination is changed, the system will not be able to correctly
detect vehicles or obstructions ahead. This will result in the Smart City Brake Support
(SCBS) system not operating normally or mistakenly operating, which could cause a
serious accident.

Turn off the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) when the vehicle is running on a chassis
roller or being towed:
Turn off the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system to prevent mistaken operation when
the vehicle is running on a chassis roller or being towed. See the next page on how to turn
off the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).
Refer to Stopping The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) System Operation on page 4-78 .
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4–74
When Driving
Brake
CAUTION
 


¾ When driving off -road in areas where there is grass or forage, it is recommended that the
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system be turned off .




¾ Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specifi ed size, and the same manufacturer,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with signifi cantly diff erent wear
patterns on the same vehicle as the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system may not
operate normally.
 


¾ The laser sensor includes a function for detecting a soiled windshield and informing the
driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may not detect plastic shopping bags, ice
or snow on the windshield. In such cases, the system cannot accurately determine a vehicle
or obstruction ahead and may not be able to operate normally. Always drive carefully and
pay attention to the road ahead.
NOTE
 


y The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will operate under the following
conditions.
 


y The engine is running.



y The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) indicator light does not illuminate.



y The vehicle speed is between about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph).



y The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is not turned off.



y The DSC operation is not turned off using the DSC OFF switch.



y The DSC is not malfunctioning.



y The driver is not deliberately performing driving operations (accelerator pedal,
steering wheel, and braking operations).
 


y The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) detects a vehicle ahead by emitting a near-infrared
laser beam and receiving the beam refl ected off the refl ector of the vehicle ahead, and
then using it for the measurement. Consequently, the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
may not operate under the following conditions:
 


y Refl ection of the laser is poor due to the shape of the vehicle ahead.



y The vehicle ahead is signifi cantly dirty.



y Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow.



y The window washer is being used or the windshield wipers are not used when it's
raining.
 


y The windshield is dirty.



y The steering wheel is turned completely left or right, or the vehicle is accelerated
rapidly and comes close to the vehicle ahead.
 


y Trucks with low loading platforms, vehicles traveling at extremely low speeds, and
vehicles with a high profi le.
 


y Vehicles with certain shapes such as a vehicle carrier.
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