4–65
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
DSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off.
Refer to DSC OFF Switch on page 4-65.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched off, take your
vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The DSC may have a malfunction.
DSC 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.
NOTE
When 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.
If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine
is turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide
the best traction. If 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.
Mazda3_8FA4-EA-15G_Edition1.indb 652015/05/11 14:00:56
4–66
When Driving
i-ELOOP
*Some models.
i-ELOOP *
i-ELOOP is a regenerative braking system. When you depress the brake pedal or use
engine braking, the kinetic energy that occurs is converted to electrical energy by the power
generator and the converted electrical energy is stored in the rechargeable battery (capacitor
and battery). The stored electricity is used as power to charge the battery and the vehicle's
electrical devices.
y A variable voltage alternator is incorporated in the power generator whic\
h converts
the kinetic energy to electricity and can generate electricity ef ¿ ciently according to the
vehicle conditions.
y A capacitor is used to store large amounts of electricity instantly which can be utilized
quickly.
y A DC-DC converter is incorporated which steps down the stored electricity\
to voltage
useable by the vehicle's electrical devices.
Electric components
Engine Components
Vehicle Systems:
Air-conditioning
Audio
Head-lights, etc
Accelerator OFF
Accelerator ON Energy
regeneration
Charge Battery
Battery
Power
Power
Electric componentsEngine Components
Vehicle Systems:
Air-conditioning
Audio
Head-lights, etc
Engine Variable
Voltage
alternator
Variable
Voltage
alternator
Engine
Tire Tire Capacitor
CapacitorDC-DC converter
DC-DC converter
Kinetic energy
Electrical
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