Page 201 of 614

Black plate (201,1)
Electric parking brake manual release
Securely depress the brake pedal and
press the electric parking brake switch.
Electric parking brake automatic
release
If the accelerator pedal is depressed with
the electric parking brake applied and all
of the following conditions met, the
parking brake is released automatically.
lThe engine is running.lThe driver's door is closed.lThe driver's seat belt is fastened.
(Manual transaxle)
lThe change lever is in a position other
than neutral.
lThe clutch pedal is depressed halfway
(Automatic transaxle)
lSelector lever is in the D, M, or R
position
NOTE
If something such as the driver's foot contacts
the accelerator pedal with the engine running
and the electric parking brake applied, the
parking brake may be released automatically.
If you do not intend to drive immediately, shift
the change lever (manual transmission) to the
neutral position, or shift the selector lever
(automatic transmission) to the P or N
position.
qDisplay Indication
For vehicles with the type A instrument
cluster, check the vehicle condition or
have the vehicle inspected at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer according to
the indication.
qWarning Light
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-22.
qBrake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become worn,
the built-in wear indicators contact the
disc plates. This causes a screeching noise
to warn that the pads should be replaced.
When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING
Do not drive with worn disc pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is
dangerous. The brakes could fail and
cause a serious accident. As soon as
you hear a screeching noise consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
When Driving
Brake
4-77
Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page201
Saturday, January 10 2015 3:25 PM
Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Page 202 of 614

Black plate (202,1)
qBrake Assist
During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the brake
pedal with greater force, the brake assist
system provides braking assistance, thus
enhancing braking performance.
When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, the brakes apply
more firmly.
NOTE
lWhen the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, the pedal will feel
softer but the brakes will apply more firmly.
This is a normal effect of the brake assist
operation and does not indicate a
malfunction.
lWhen the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, a motor/pump
operation noise may be heard. This is a
normal effect of the brake assist and does
not indicate a malfunction.
lThe brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the vehicle's
main braking system.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is a function
which assists the driver in accelerating
from a stop while on a slope. When the
driver releases the brake pedal and
depresses the accelerator pedal while on a
slope, the function prevents the vehicle
from rolling.
The braking force is maintained
automatically after the brake pedal is
released on a steep grade.
For vehicles with a manual transaxle, Hill
Launch Assist (HLA) operates on a
downward slope when the shift lever is in
the reverse (R) position, and on an
upward slope when the shift lever is in a
position other than the reverse (R)
position.
For vehicles with an automatic transaxle,
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) operates on a
downward slope when the shift lever is in
the reverse (R) position, and on an
upward slope when the shift lever is in a
forward gear.
4-78
When Driving
Brake
Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page202
Saturday, January 10 2015 3:25 PM
Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Page 203 of 614

Black plate (203,1)
WARNING
Do not rely completely on Hill Launch
Assist (HLA):
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is an
auxiliary device for accelerating from
a stop on a slope. The system only
operates for about two seconds and
therefore, relying only on the system,
when accelerating from a stop is
dangerous because the vehicle may
move (roll) unexpectedly and cause
an accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on
the vehicle's load or if it is towing
something. In addition, for vehicles
with a manual transaxle, the vehicle
could still roll depending on how the
clutch pedal or the accelerator pedal
is operated.
Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the
vehicle.NOTE
lHill Launch Assist (HLA) does not operate
on a gentle slope. In addition, the gradient
of the slope on which the system will
operate changes depending on the vehicle's
load.
lHill Launch Assist (HLA) does not operate
if the parking brake is applied, the vehicle
has not stopped completely, or the clutch
pedal is released.
lWhile Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is
operating, the brake pedal may feel stiff
and vibrate, however, this does not indicate
a malfunction.
lHill Launch Assist (HLA) does not operate
while the TCS/DSC indicator light is
illuminated.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-22.
lHill Launch Assist (HLA) does not turn off
even if the DSC OFF switch is pressed to
turn off the TCS/DSC.
When Driving
Brake
4-79
Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page203
Saturday, January 10 2015 3:25 PM
Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Page 204 of 614

Black plate (204,1)
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.
4-80
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page204
Saturday, January 10 2015 3:25 PM
Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Page 205 of 614

Black plate (205,1)
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 DSC OFF switch
(page 4-82).
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-81
Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page205
Saturday, January 10 2015 3:25 PM
Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Page 206 of 614

Black plate (206,1)
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 4-80) and TCS (page
4-81).
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.
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.
4-82
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page206
Saturday, January 10 2015 3:25 PM
Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Page 207 of 614
Black plate (207,1)
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
4-83
Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page207
Saturday, January 10 2015 3:25 PM
Form No.8EA2-EA-14K
Page 208 of 614

Black plate (208,1)
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
4-84
When Driving
íSome models.
i-ELOOP
Mazda6_8EA2-EA-14K_Edition2 Page208
Saturday, January 10 2015 3:25 PM
Form No.8EA2-EA-14K