2015 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK Owners Manual (in English)

4–99
When Driving
Power Steering
Power Steering
 












 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 expert repairer,
we recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer.
 


 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 4-41 .
 Refer to Power Steering Warning Buzzer
on page 7-53 .
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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*Some models.4–10 0
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
i-ACTIVSENSE *
i-ACTIVSENSE is a collective term covering a series of advanced safety and driver support
systems which make use of a Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) and radar sensors. These
systems consist of active safety and pre-crash safety systems.
These systems are designed to assist the driver in safer driving by reducing the load on the
driver and helping to avert collisions or reduce their severity. However, because each system
has its limitations, always drive carefully and do not rely solely on the systems.
Active Safety Technology
Active Safety Technology supports safer driving by helping the driver to recognise potential
hazards and avert accidents.
Driver awareness support systems
Nighttime visibility
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) ............................................................................ 4-103
High Beam Control System (HBC) .................................................................................. 4-104
Forward/rear detection
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) ....................................................................... 4-107
Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM) system .......................................................................... 4-114
Inter-vehicle distance recognition
Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) ................................................................ 4-120
Driver Support System
Inter-vehicle distance
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) ............................................................................. 4-123
Speed control
Adjustable Speed Limiter ................................................................................................. 4-133
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4–101
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Pre-Crash Safety Technology
Pre-crash safety technology is designed to assist the driver in averting collisions or reduce
their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided.
Collision damage reduction in low vehicle speed range
Forward driving
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) ................................................................................... 4-139
Collision damage reduction in medium/high speed range
Smart Brake Support (SBS) .............................................................................................. 4-145
Camera and Sensors
Forward sensing camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahead of the vehicle while
travelling at night and detects traffi c lanes. The following systems also use the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
 


 High Beam Control system (HBC)



 Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installed at the top of the windscreen near the
rearview mirror.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-148 .
Radar sensor (front)
The radar sensor (front) functions by detecting the radio waves refl ected off a vehicle ahead
sent from the radar sensor. The following systems also use the radar sensor (front).
 


 Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)



 Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)



 Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The radar sensor (front) is mounted behind the radiator grille.
Refer to Radar Sensor (Front) on page 4-150 .
Laser sensor (front)
The laser sensor (front) emits a near-infrared laser beam and receives the beam refl ected
off the refl ective surface of a vehicle in front, and the detected beam is then used for
measurement. The following systems also use the laser sensor (front).
 


 Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
The laser sensor (front) is installed at the top of the windscreen near the rearview mirror.
Refer to Laser Sensor (Front) on page 4-153 .
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4–102
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Radar sensors (rear)
The radar sensors (rear) function by detecting the radio waves refl ected off a vehicle
approaching from the rear or an obstruction sent from the radar sensors. The following
systems also use the radar sensors (rear).
 


 Rear Vehicle Monitoring (RVM) system
The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Refer to Radar Sensors (Rear) on page 4-155 .
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*Some models.4–103
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Adaptive Front Lighting
System (AFS)
*
The adaptive front lighting system (AFS)
automatically adjusts the headlight beams
to the left or right in conjunction with the
operation of the steering wheel after the
headlights have been turned on.
AFS OFF Indicator Light
When illuminated
This indicator light illuminates briefl y
when the ignition is switched ON, and
then turns off. Pressing the AFS OFF
switch cancels the AFS function and
illuminates the indicator light.
When fl ashing
The indicator light fl ashes continuously
if the system is malfunctioning. Consult
an expert repairer, we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer.
NOTE
  Even if the AFS is not operating due
to some malfunction, the normal
headlight function is still operable.
  If there is a malfunction with the
headlight auto-levelling function, the
indicator light fl ashes.
AFS OFF switch
Pressing the AFS OFF switch turns off the
AFS. The AFS OFF indicator light in the
instrument cluster illuminates.
Pressing the AFS OFF switch again turns
off the switch illumination and turns on
the AFS operation. The AFS OFF indicator
light turns off.
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*Some models.4–104
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
High Beam Control System (HBC) *
The High Beam Control System (HBC) determines the conditions in front of the vehicle
using the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) while driving in darkness to automatically switch
the headlights between high and low beams.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-40 .
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (18 mph), the headlights are switched
to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching in the opposite direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the following occurs:
 


 The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle approaching in the
opposite direction.
 


 The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads in well-lit cities and
towns.
 


 The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).
Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) The recognition distance of the
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
varies according to the
surrounding conditions.
The warning light fl ashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-41 .
CAUTION
  Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera,
otherwise the system will not operate normally.
 



 Do not rely excessively on the High Beam Control System (HBC) and drive the
vehicle while paying suffi cient attention to safety. Switch the headlights between the
high beams and low beams manually if necessary.
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4–105
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
NOTE
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the following
conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch
between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffi c
conditions.
 
 When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated
signboards, and traffi c signals.

 When there are refl ective objects in the surrounding area such as refl ective plates and
signs.
  When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions. 
 When driving on roads with sharp curves or hilly terrain. 
 When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are
dim or not illuminated.
  When there is suffi cient darkness such as at dawn or dusk. 
 When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger
seats are occupied.
  When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tyres
onto your windscreen.
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4–106
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
To Operate the System
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
operates to switch the headlights
automatically between high and low
beams after the ignition is switched ON
and the headlight switch is in the AUTO
and high beam position. At the same time,
the High Beam Control System (HBC)
indicator light (green) in the instrument
cluster illuminates.
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
determines that it is dark based on the
brightness of the surrounding area.
NOTE
  When the vehicle speed is 30 km/h
(18 mph) or higher, the headlights
automatically switch to high beams
when there are no vehicles ahead
or approaching in the opposite
direction.
 When the vehicle speed is less
than about 20 km/h (12 mph), the
High Beam Control System (HBC)
switches the headlights to low
beams.
  The low beams may not switch to
high beams when cornering.
  Operation of the High Beam Control
System (HBC) function can be
disabled. Refer to Personalisation
Features on page 9-16 .
Manual Switching
Switching to low beams
Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
indicator light (Green) turns off.
Switching to high beams
Turn the headlight switch to the
position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
indicator light (Green) turns off and the
is illuminated.
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