2014 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK warning lights

4–80
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Traction Control System
(TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS)
enhances traction and safety by controlling
engine torque and braking. When the TCS
detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers
engine torque and operates the brakes to
prevent loss of traction.
This means that on a slick surface, the
engine adjusts automatically to provide
optimum power to the drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-22 .
WARNING
Do not rely on the Traction Control
System (TCS) as a substitute for safe
driving:
The Traction Control System ( TCS)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.

Use snow tires or tire chains and drive at
reduced speeds when roads are covered
with ice and/or snow:
Driving without proper traction devices
on snow and/or ice-covered roads
is dangerous. The Traction Control
System ( TCS) alone cannot provide
adequate traction and you could still
have an accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-82 ).
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light fl ashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC
or the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
 


y In addition to the indicator light
fl ashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
 


y On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
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4–81
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
automatically controls braking and engine
torque in conjunction with systems such
as ABS and TCS to help control side slip
when driving on slippery surfaces, or
during sudden or evasive maneuvering,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 4-79 ) and TCS (page
4-80 ).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-22 .
WARNING
Do not rely on the Dynamic Stability
Control as a substitute for safe driving:
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
cannot compensate for unsafe and
reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle
too closely), and hydroplaning
(reduced tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.
CAUTION
 


¾ The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
 


¾ Use tires of the correct size specifi ed
for your Mazda on all four wheels.
 


¾ Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
 


¾ Do not mix worn tires.




¾ The DSC may not operate correctly when
tire chains are used or a temporary
spare tire is installed because the tire
diameter changes.
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light fl ashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC
or the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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4–90
When Driving
Power Steering
Power Steering
 












y Power steering is only operable when
the engine is running. If the engine is
off or if the power steering system is
inoperable, you can still steer, but it
requires more physical effort.
  If the steering feels stiffer than usual
during normal driving or the steering
vibrates, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
 


y The warning light notifi es the driver
of system abnormalities and operation
conditions.
  In addition, the buzzer may also activate
depending on the system abnormality or
operation condition.
  Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-22 .
 Refer to Power Steering Warning Buzzer
on page 7-39 .
CAUTION
Never hold the steering wheel to the
extreme left or right for more than 5
seconds with the engine running. This
could damage the power steering
system.
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4–93
When Driving
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
 


y In the following cases, the warnings may not activate even if your vehicle starts closing
in on the vehicle ahead.
 


y You are driving at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.



y Directly after the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system has been set.



y When the accelerator pedal is depressed or directly after the accelerator pedal is
released.
 


y Another vehicle cuts into the driving lane.




y The following are not detected as physical objects.




y Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction



y Pedestrians



y Stationary objects (stopped vehicles, obstructions)




y If a vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely low speed, the system may not detect it
correctly.
 


y During headway control travel, do not set the system on two-wheeled vehicles such as
motorcycles and bicycles.
 


y Do not use the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system under conditions in which
the close proximity warnings are frequently activated.
 


y During headway control travel, the system accelerates and decelerates your vehicle in
conjunction with the speed of the vehicle ahead. However, if it is necessary to accelerate
for a lane change or if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly causing you to close in on the
vehicle rapidly, accelerate using the accelerator pedal or decelerate using the brake
pedal depending on the conditions.
 


y While the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is in use, it does not cancel even
if the selector lever (automatic transaxle)/shift lever (manual transaxle) is operated and
any intended engine braking will not occur. If deceleration is required, lower the vehicle
speed setting or depress the brake pedal.
 


y The brake lights are illuminated while the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
automatic braking is operating, however, they may not be illuminated while the vehicle is
on a down slope at the set vehicle speed or traveling at a constant speed and following a
vehicle ahead.
 


y The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) warning light (amber) fl ashes when the
system has a malfunction.
  Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-22 .
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*Some models.4–104
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Tire Pressure Monitoring System *
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the air pressure of all four tires. If
the air pressure of one or more tires is too low, the system warns the driver by indicating the
tire pressure monitoring system warning light in the instrument cluster and operating a beep
sound. The system monitors the tire pressures indirectly using the data sent from the ABS
wheel speed sensors.
To allow the system to operate correctly, the system needs to be initialized with the specifi ed
tire pressure (value on the tire pressure label). Follow the procedure and perform the
initialization.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System Initialization on page 4-107 .
The warning light fl ashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-22 .
ABS wheel speed sensor
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4–109
When Driving
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
 


y The following conditions may affect the visibility of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
warning lights on the outside mirror, making it diffi cult to confi rm the illumination of the
lights:
 


y Ice or snow adheres to the surface of the outside mirrors.



y The door window glass is tinted.




y The radar sensors are equipped inside the rear bumper (page 4-114 ).



y Have the radar sensors inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer if any shock is applied
to the rear bumper, even in a minor accident. If the vehicle is driven with a damaged
radar sensor, the system may not operate properly resulting in an accident.
 


y For repairs or paintwork around the radar sensors, or replacement of the bumper,
consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
 


y The radar sensors of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system may be regulated under
the radio wave related laws of the country where the vehicle is driven. The sensors in this
system are approved for use in the U.S.A. (including territories), Canada, and Mexico.
If a vehicle with a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is driven in a country other
than the U.S.A., Canada, or Mexico, the system has to be turned off using the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) OFF switch.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system monitors the detection areas on both sides of
the vehicle to the rear and when there are vehicles in the detection area it notifi es the driver
by illuminating the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light while the vehicle speed is
about 10 km/h (6.2 mph) or faster and driving forward.
If the turn signal lever is operated to the side the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
light is illuminated, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light fl ashes and the system
warns the driver of the vehicle in the detection area using a BSM warning beep sound.
Detection areas
Your vehicle
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4–113
When Driving
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
BSM Warning Light
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system alerts the driver to the presence of another
vehicle in an adjacent lane using the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights and the
warning beep while the system is operational.
The warning light is equipped on the left and right door mirrors.
This warning light illuminates for a few seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
Driving forward
If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system detects a vehicle in the detection area while the
vehicle is driven at a speed of about 10 km/h (6.2mph) or more, the Blind Spot Monitoring
(BSM) warning light illuminates on the side of the vehicle where the rear on-coming vehicle
is detected. A warning indicator light fl ashes when the turn signal lever is operated to the
side where the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights is illuminated to alert the
driver.
Reversing
If vehicles approach from the rear on the left and right, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
warning lights on both sides fl ash.
NOTE




y If ice or snow adhere to the outer mirror surface, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
warning light may not be visible.
 


y If the door window glass is tinted, it may affect the visibility of the Blind Spot Monitoring
(BSM) warning light, making it diffi cult to confi rm the illumination of the light.
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*Some models.4–119
When Driving
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) *
The LDWS notifi es the driver that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane.
The system detects the white or yellow lines on the traffi c lane using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC). If it determines that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane, it notifi es
the driver by fl ashing the LDWS indicator light (green) and operating the LDWS warning
sound.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera on page 4-63 .
Use the LDWS when you drive the vehicle on roads with white or yellow lines.
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
LDWS warning light (Amber)/
LDWS indicator light (Green)
The warning light fl ashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-22 .
WARNING
Do not use the LDWS under the following conditions:
The system may not operate adequately according to the actual driving conditions,
resulting in an accident.
 


¾ Driving on roads with tight curves.



¾ Driving under bad weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow).

The functions of the LDWS have limitations:
Always stay on course using the steering wheel and drive with care. The system is not
designed to compensate for a driver’s lack of cautions and if you rely too much on the
LDWS it could lead to an accident. The driver is responsible for assuring lane changes and
other maneuvers. Always pay attention to the direction in which the vehicle is traveling
and the vehicle’s surroundings.
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