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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.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-23.
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 4-94).
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-93
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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 4-92) and TCS (page
4-93).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-23.
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
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
ØUse tires of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
ØUse tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
ØDo not mix worn tires.
ØThe DSC may not operate correctly
when tire chains are used or a
temporary spare tire is installed
because the tire diameter changes.
qDSC OFF Switch
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will turn off.
4-94
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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NOTElWhen DSC is on and you attempt to free the
vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it out of
freshly fallen snow, the TCS (part of the
DSC system) will activate. Depressing the
accelerator will not increase engine power
and freeing the vehicle may be difficult.
When this happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.
lIf the TCS/DSC is off when the engine is
turned off, it automatically activates when
the ignition is switched ON.
lLeaving the TCS/DSC on will provide the
best traction.
lIf the DSC OFF switch is pressed and held
for 10 seconds or more, the DSC OFF
switch malfunction detection function
operates and the DSC system activates
automatically. The DSC OFF indicator
light turns off while the DSC system is
operative.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-95
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i-ELOOPí
On conventional vehicles, the kinetic energy that is generated when the vehicle is
decelerated by applying the brakes or during engine braking ends up being discarded as
heat. By utilizing this discarded kinetic energy to generate electricity and use it to power
the vehicle's electrical devices and accessories such as the A/C and audio, fuel
consumption can be reduced. Mazda's system for generating electricity from this kinetic
energy is called the Regenerative Braking System (i-ELOOP).
Electric components
Engine Components
Vehicle Systems:
Air-conditioning
Audio
Head-lights, etc
Accelerator OFF
Accelerator ONEnergy
regeneration
ChargeBattery
Battery Power
Power
Electric components
Engine Components
Vehicle Systems:
Air-conditioning
Audio
Head-lights, etc
Engine
Variable
Voltage
alternator
Variable
Voltage
alternator Engine
Tire TireCapacitor
CapacitorDC-DC converter
DC-DC converter
Kinetic energy
Electrical
4-96
When Driving
íSome models.
i-ELOOP
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A capacitor is incorporated as the device for storing the generated electricity, which can
store and use large amounts of electricity instantly.
Variable
Voltage
alternator
CapacitorDC-DC Converter
CAUTION
High-current electricity flows through the following areas, therefore do not touch
them.
ØVariable Voltage alternator
ØDC-DC converter
ØCapacitor
NOTE
lWhen installing high power consumption devices such high-output speakers, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
lA difference in the fuel economy may occur depending on use conditions such as with the A/C and
headlights.
lIf the capacitor is to be disposed of, always consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
For details, go to the following URL.
http://www.mazda.com/csr/environment/recycling
qi-ELOOP Display
Displays the power generating status.
The status is displayed when the ignition is switched ON and the INFO button is pressed.
When Driving
i-ELOOP
4-97
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There are two types of displays which can be switched from one to the next.
Refer to Trip Computer and INFO Switch on page 4-18.
Screen 1 Screen 2
Displays the level of electricity generated by regenerative braking.
Displays the status of the generated electricity flowing to the capacitor.
Displays the amount of the electricity stored in the capacitor.
Displays the status of the stored electricity being supplied to the electrical devices
(Screen 2 only).
qi-ELOOP Charging Display
If the engine is started after the vehicle
has not been driven for a long period of
time, an“i-ELOOP charging”message
may be indicated in the display.
Leave the engine idling and wait until the
message disappears.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven while the message is
displayed, a beep sound is heard.
If you turn the steering wheel while the
message is displayed, it will feel heavier than
normal, but this does not indicate an
abnormality. Stop the vehicle in a safe location
with the engine running and do not attempt to
turn the steering wheel. The steering operation
will return to normal after the message is no
longer displayed.
4-98
When Driving
i-ELOOP
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Drive Selectioní
Mazda Drive Selection provides an opportunity to select a different driving characteristic
when SPORT mode is activated. By selecting SPORT mode, greater vehicle response is
achieved through automatic adjustments in transaxle shift control and engine throttle
control. This provides additional quick acceleration which may be needed to safely make
maneuvers such as lane changes, merging onto freeways, or passing other vehicles.
WARNING
Do not turn SPORT mode on while driving on slippery roads such as wet or snow-
covered roads:
Otherwise, the tires will slip which could lead to an accident.
NOTE
If driving long distances in SPORT mode, the fuel economy will decrease due to the frequency of
driving in lower gears. Driving in SPORT mode all of the time is not recommended. SPORT mode is
best used only in situations requiring quick, responsive driving.
When Driving
Drive Selection
4-99íSome models. Mazda6_8DQ8-EA-13L_Edition3 Page223
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qDrive Selection Switch
The SPORT mode indicator light in the
instrument cluster is illuminated while in
SPORT mode.
NOTElIf the SET/SETswitch of the Mazda
Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system/
cruise control is pressed while in SPORT
mode, SPORT mode is automatically
switched off.
lWhen the ignition is switched off, SPORT
mode is also switch off.
lWhen SPORT mode is selected, the
transaxle may automatically shift down or
the vehicle speed may accelerate depending
on the vehicle speed.
qSPORT Mode Indicator Light
The light is illuminated while in SPORT
mode.
NOTE
The indicator light flashes a few times to
indicate that the mode cannot be switched to
SPORT mode even if the drive select switch is
pressed under the following conditions:
lABS/TCS/DSC is operating.lThe Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
system/cruise control is operating.
lThe vehicle is making a turn or driving on a
curved road.
4-100
When Driving
Drive Selection
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