Black plate (185,1)
Auto-light control
When the headlight switch is in the
position and the ignition is switched ON, the
light sensor senses the surrounding lightness or darkness and automatically turns the
headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination on or off (see chart above).
CAUTION
Ø Do not shade the light sensor by adhering a sticker or a label on the windshield.
Otherwise the light sensor will not operate correctly.
ØThe light sensor also works as a rain sensor for the auto-wiper control. Keep
hands and scrapers clear of the windshield when the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is switched ON as fingers 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 ―this
is particularly important when clearing ice and snow ―when it is particularly
tempting to leave the engine running.
NOTE
lThe headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination may not turn off immediately
even if the surrounding area becomes well-lit because the light sensor determines that it is
nighttime if the surrounding area is continuously dark for several minutes such as inside long
tunnels, traffic jams inside tunnels, or in indoor parking lots.
In this case, the lights turn off if the light switch is turned to the
position.lWhen the headlight switch is in theposition and the ignition is switched to ACC or the
ignition is switched off, the headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination will turn
off.
lThe dashboard illumination can be adjusted by rotating the knob in the instrument cluster. Also,
the day/night mode can be changed by rotating the knob until a beep sound is heard. To adjust the
brightness of the dashboard illumination:
Refer to Dashboard Illumination on page 4-13.
lThe sensitivity of the AUTO lights may be changed by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-10.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8DR2-EA-14A
Black plate (192,1)
ØWhen the wiper lever is in the
AUTO position and the ignition is
switched ON, the wipers may
move automatically in the
following cases:
ØIf the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with
a cloth.
ØIf 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
fingers 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 ―this is
particularly important when
clearing ice and snow ―when it is
most likely that the engine is left
running. NOTE
lSwitching the auto-wiper lever from the
to theposition while driving
activates the windshield wipers once, after
which they operate according to the rainfall
amount.
lThe 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.
lIf the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be able to
sense the amount of rainfall correctly and
auto-wiper control may not operate
properly.
lIf 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.
lIf 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.
lThe auto-wiper control functions can be
turned off.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-10.
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When Driving
Switches and Controls
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Form No.8DR2-EA-14A
Black plate (199,1)
Brake System
qFoot Brake
Your Mazda has power-assisted brakes
that adjust automatically through normal
use.
Should power-assist fail, you can stop by
applying greater force than normal to the
brake pedal. But the distance required to
stop will be greater than usual.
WARNING
Do not coast with the engine stalled or
turned off, find a safe place to stop:
Coasting with the engine stalled or
turned off is dangerous. Braking will
require more effort, and the brake's
power-assist could be depleted if you
pump the brake. This will cause
longer stopping distances or even an
accident.
Shift to a lower gear when going down
steep hills: Driving with your foot continuously
on the brake pedal or steadily
applying the brakes for long
distances is dangerous. This causes
overheated brakes, resulting in
longer stopping distances or even
total brake failure. This could cause
loss of vehicle control and a serious
accident. Avoid continuous
application of the brakes.
Dry off brakes that have become wet
by driving slowly, releasing the
accelerator pedal and lightly applying
the brakes several times until the brake
performance returns to normal: Driving with wet brakes is
dangerous. Increased stopping
distance or the vehicle pulling to one
side when braking could result in a
serious accident. Light braking will
indicate whether the brakes have
been affected.
When Driving
Brake
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Form No.8DR2-EA-14A
Black plate (206,1)
CAUTION
ØWhen 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.
Ø Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same
manufacture, brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with
significantly different wear patterns on the same vehicle. Do not use tires with
significantly different wear patterns on the same vehicle as the Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS) system may not operate normally.
Ø 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
lThe Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system will operate under the following conditions.lThe engine is running.lThe display in the instrument cluster does not indicate that the system requires inspection or it
cannot be used.
lThe vehicle speed is between about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph).lThe Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system is not turned off.lThe TCS operation is not turned off using the TCS OFF switch.lThe DSC is not malfunctioning.lThe driver is not deliberately performing driving operations (accelerator pedal, steering
wheel, and braking operations).
lThe Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) detects a vehicle ahead by emitting a near-infrared laser
beam and receiving the beam reflected off the reflector 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:
lReflection of the laser is poor due to the shape of the vehicle ahead.lThe vehicle ahead is significantly dirty.lUnder bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow.lThe window washer is being used or the windshield wipers are not used when it's raining.lThe windshield is dirty.lThe steering wheel is turned completely left or right, or the vehicle is accelerated rapidly and
comes close to the vehicle ahead.
lTrucks with low loading platforms, vehicles traveling at extremely low speeds, and vehicles
with a high profile.
lVehicles with certain shapes such as a vehicle carrier.
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When Driving
Brake
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Form No.8DR2-EA-14A
Black plate (209,1)
qStopping The Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS) System Operation
The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
system can be deactivated. Refer to
Personalization Features on page 9-10.
When the engine is restarted, the system
becomes operational.
With Smart City Brake Support
(SCBS) OFF Indicator Light
When the Smart City Brake Support
(SCBS) system is turned off, the Smart
City Brake Support (SCBS) OFF indicator
light turns on.
NOTE
When the TCS OFF switch is pressed to stop
the TCS operation, the Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS) system operation also stops
and the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
OFF indicator light turns on.
When Driving
Brake
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Form No.8DR2-EA-14A
Black plate (210,1)
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of each wheel. If one
wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing and
reapplying that wheel's brake.
The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal ABS system operation. Continue
to depress the brake pedal without
pumping the brakes.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-22.
WARNING
Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for
safe driving:The ABS cannot compensate for
unsafe and reckless driving, excessive
speed, tailgating (following another
vehicle too closely), driving on ice and
snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire
friction and road contact because of
water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident. NOTE
lBraking distances may be longer on loose
surfaces (snow or gravel, for example)
which usually have a hard foundation. A
vehicle with a normal braking system may
require less distance to stop under these
conditions because the tires will build up a
wedge of surface layer when the wheels
skid.
lThe sound of the ABS operating may be
heard when starting the engine or
immediately after starting the vehicle,
however, it does not indicate a malfunction.
4-82
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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Form No.8DR2-EA-14A
Black plate (211,1)
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
4-22.
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 TCS OFF switch
(page 4-84).
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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Form No.8DR2-EA-14A
Black plate (212,1)
qTCS OFF Switch
Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the
TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS
back on. The TCS OFF indicator light
will turn off.
NOTE
lWhen TCS is on and you attempt to free the
vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it out of
freshly fallen snow, the TCS will activate.
Depressing the accelerator will not
increase engine power and freeing the
vehicle may be difficult. When this happens,
turn off the TCS.
lIf the TCS is off when the engine is turned
off, it automatically activates when the
ignition is switched ON.
lLeaving the TCS on will provide the best
traction.
lIf the TCS OFF switch is pressed and held
for 10 seconds or more, the TCS OFF
switch malfunction detection function
operates and the TCS system activates
automatically. The TCS OFF indicator light
turns off while the TCS system is operative.
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 4-82) and TCS (page
4-83).
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
4-22.
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.
4-84
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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Form No.8DR2-EA-14A