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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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qi-ELOOP Charging Display
If the engine is started after the vehicle
has not been driven for a long period of
time, an“i-ELOOP charging”message
may be indicated in the display.
Leave the engine idling and wait until the
message disappears.
NOTE
If the vehicle is driven while the message is
displayed, a beep sound is heard.
If you turn the steering wheel while the
message is displayed, it will feel heavier than
normal, but this does not indicate an
abnormality. Stop the vehicle in a safe location
with the engine running and do not attempt to
turn the steering wheel. The steering operation
will return to normal after the message is no
longer displayed.
4-86
When Driving
i-ELOOP
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Drive Selectioní
Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle's drive mode. When the sport mode is
selected, vehicle's response against accelerator operation is enhanced. This provides
additional quick acceleration which may be needed to safely make maneuvers such as lane
changes, merging onto freeways, or passing other vehicles.
CAUTION
Do not use the sport mode when driving on slippery roads such as wet or snow-
covered roads. It may cause tire slipping.
NOTE
lWhen the sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds increases and it may increase
fuel consumption. Mazda recommends to cancel the sport mode on normal driving.
lDrive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions:lABS/TCS/DSC is operatinglThe Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system/cruise control is operating.lSteering wheel is being operated abruptly
qDrive Selection Switch
Press the drive selection switch to the
side (forward) to select the sport
mode.
Pull the drive selection switch to the
side (backward) to cancel the sport mode.
NOTElWhen the ignition is switched off, the sport
mode is canceled.
lDepending on the driving conditions when
sport mode is selected, the vehicle may
perform shift-down or slightly accelerate.
qSelect Mode Indication
When the sport mode is selected, the
select mode indication turns on in the
instrument cluster.
NOTE
If the mode cannot be switched to drive mode,
the select mode indication flashes to notify the
driver.
4-90
When Driving
íSome models.
Drive Selection
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Power Steering
lPower 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 Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
lFor 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.
lA system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
In addition, the buzzer may also
activate depending on the system
abnormality or operation condition.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-22.
Refer to Warning Sound is Activated
on page 7-33.
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.
When Driving
Power Steering
4-91
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