2016 MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR light

4–91
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
BSM OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light illuminates for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
The BSM OFF indicator light illuminates
when the BSM system is turned off by
pressing the BSM OFF switch.
The indicator light flashes if the BSM
system has a malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven on a road with less
traffic and few vehicles that the radar
sensors can detect, the system may pause
(The BSM OFF indicator light in the
instrument cluster flashes). However, it
does not indicate a malfunction.
BSM OFF Switch
When the BSM OFF switch is pressed, the
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear
Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are
turned off and the BSM OFF Indicator
Light in the instrument cluster turns on.
If the switch is pressed again, the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross
Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems become
operable and the BSM OFF Indicator
Light turns off.
NOTE
 When the ignition is switched off, the
condition before the system was turned
off is maintained. For example, if the
ignition is switched OFF while the
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear
Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are
operational, the Blind Spot Monitoring
(BSM) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) systems remain operational the
next time the ignition is switched ON.
 The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems
are turned off when the battery is
disconnected such as when the battery
terminals or fuses have been removed
and re-installed. To turn the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross
Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems back on,
press the BSM OFF switch.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 912015/05/11 14:01:04

4–92
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system is designed to assist the driver in checking the
area to the rear of the vehicle on both sides while the vehicle is rever\
sing by alerting the
driver to the presence of vehicles approaching the rear of the vehicle.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system detects vehicles approaching from the left and
right sides of the vehicle while the vehicle is being reversed out of a \
parking space, and
notifies the driver of possible danger using the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights
and the warning buzzer.
Detection areas
Your vehicle
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) operation
1. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system operates when the shift lever (manual
transaxle) or the selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to the reverse (R) position.
2. If there is the possibility of a collision with an approaching vehicle, the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light flashes and the warning beep is activated
simultaneously.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 922015/05/11 14:01:04

4–93
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
WARNING
Always check the surrounding area visually before actually putting the vehicle in
reverse:The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at the rear when putting
the vehicle in reverse. Due to certain limitations with the operation of this system, the
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light may not flash or it might be delayed even
though a vehicle is behind your vehicle. Always make it your responsibility as a driver to
check the rear.
NOTE
 In the following cases, the BSM OFF Indicator Light turns on and operati\
on of the
system is stopped. If the BSM OFF Indicator Light remains illuminated, have the vehicle
inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
 Some problem with the system including the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warnin\
g
lights has occurred. A large deviation in the installation position of a radar sensor (rear) on the vehicle has
occurred. There is a large accumulation of snow or ice on the rear bumper near a radar sensor
(rear). Driving on snow-cover ed roads for long periods. The temperature near the radar sensors becomes extremely hot due to driving for long
periods on slopes during the summer. The battery voltage has decr eased.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 932015/05/11 14:01:04

4–94
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
 Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.
 The vehicle speed when reversing is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster. The radar sensor (rear) detection area is obstructed by a nearby wall or parked
vehicle. (Reverse the vehicle to a position where the radar sensor detection area is no
longer obstructed.)
Your vehicle
 A vehicle is approaching directly from the rear of your vehicle.
Your vehicle
 The vehicle is parked on a slant.
Your vehicle
 Directly after pressing the BSM OFF switch and the system becomes operable.
 In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumina tion/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.
 Snow or ice adheres to the door mirrors. The front door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
 Turn off the Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system while pulling a trailer or while an
accessory such as a bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise,
the radio waves emitted by the radar will be blocked causing the system \
to not operate
normally.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition3.indb 942015/12/04 19:23:19

4–96
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
 Although the objects which activate the system are 4-wheeled vehicles, the radar sensor
could detect the following objects, determine them to be an obstruction,\
and operate the
Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system.
 Objects on the road at the entrance to a curve (including guardrails and snow banks). A vehicle appears in the opposite lane while cornering or rounding a curve. When crossing a narrow bridge. When passing under a low gate or thr ough a tunnel or narrow gate. When entering an underground parking area. Metal objects, bumps, or pr otruding objects on the road. If you suddenly come close to a vehicle ahead. When driving in areas where there is high grass or forage. Two-wheeled vehicles such as motorbikes or bicycles. Pedestrians or non-metallic objects such as standing tr ees.
 When the system operates, the user is notified by the flashing Fo rward Obstruction
Warning (FOW) indicator light (red) and the active driving display. The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) warning light (amber) turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
(page 4-21)
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 962015/05/11 14:01:05

4–97
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Forward Obstruction Warning
(FOW) Indicator Light (Red)
If the Forward Obstruction Warning
(FOW) is operating, the indicator light
(red) flashes.
Collision Warning
If there is the possibility of a collision
with a vehicle or obstruction ahead, the
beep sounds continuously and a warning is
indicated in the display.
Stopping The Forward
Obstruction Warning (FOW)
System Operation
The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW)
system can be deactivated.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-12.
When the Forward Obstruction Warning
(FOW) system is turned off, the Forward
Obstruction Warning (FOW) OFF
indicator light turns on.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 972015/05/11 14:01:05

4–99
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
For the purposes of safety, switch the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system off
when it is not being used.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is towed or you are towing something, switch the Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) system off to prevent an incorrect operation.
NOTE
 The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system operates when all of the following
conditions are met.
 The vehicle speed is about 30 km/h (19 mph) to 145 km/h (90 mph). The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is turned on. The parking brake is not applied. The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) warning light (amber) does not illuminate. The Dynamic Stability Contr ol (DSC) is operating normally.
(Manual transaxle) The shift lever is in a position other than r everse (R) or neutral (N). The clutch pedal is not depressed.
(Automatic transaxle) The selector lever is in the drive (D) position or manual (M) positi\
on (manual mode).
 In the following cases, the warnings may not activate even if your vehic\
le starts closing in
on the vehicle ahead.
 You are driving at the same speed as the vehicle ahead. Directly after the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system has been set. When the accelerator pedal is depr essed or directly after the accelerator pedal is
released. Another vehicle cuts into the driving lane.
 The following are not detected as physical objects.
 Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction Pedestrians Stationary objects (stopped vehicles, obstructions)
 If a vehicle ahead is traveling at an extr emely low speed, the system may not detect it
correctly. During headway control travel, do not set the system on two-wheeled vehicles such as
motorcycles and bicycles. Do not use the Mazda Radar Cruise Contr ol (MRCC) system under conditions in which
the close proximity warnings are frequently activated.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 992015/05/11 14:01:05

4–10 0
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
 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.
 While the Mazda Radar Cruise Contr ol (MRCC) system is in use, it does not cancel even
if the selector lever (automatic transaxle)/shift lever (manual trans\
axle) is operated and
any intended engine braking will not occur. If deceleration is required, lower the vehicle
speed setting or depress the brake pedal.
 The brake lights are illuminated while the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
automatic braking is operating. The Mazda Radar Cruise Contr ol (MRCC) warning light (amber) turns on when the
system has a malfunction. Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-20.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) Display Indication
The setting status and operation conditions of the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
system are indicated in the active driving display.
Vehicle ahead display
MRCC Distance between vehicle display
MRCC Set vehicle
speed
Close Proximity Warning
If your vehicle rapidly closes in on the vehicle ahead because the vehic\
le applies the brakes
suddenly while you are traveling in headway control, the warning sound a\
ctivates and
the brake warning is indicated in the display. Always verify the safety of the surrounding
area and depress the brake pedal while keeping a safer distance from the\
vehicle ahead.
Additionally, always keep a safer distance from the vehicles behind you.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 1002015/05/11 14:01:06