Black plate (131,1)
The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.
Before driving
lHave your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.lBefore starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all vehicle-
to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving a short
distance.
Driving
lYour Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing,
and stopping in a traffic-free area.
lTake time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.lAllow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance
increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.
lAvoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.lAvoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially
so on wet or slippery roads.
lShift the shift lever to the D position when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.
The D position will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.
Lane changes and turning
Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to
avoid the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that
are larger than normal.
Passing
Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes.
Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads
will affect handling.
If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but
gradually.
Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or braking is made, the
combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability.
Backing up
Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a
helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.
To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or
prolonged turning.
Before Driving
Towing
3-53
CX-5_8DV2-EA-14K_Edition3 Page131
Thursday, February 26 2015 5:32 PM
Form No.8DV2-EA-14K
Black plate (200,1)
Auto-wiper control
When the wiper lever is in the
position, the rain sensor senses the
amount of rainfall on the windshield and
turns the wipers on or off automatically
(off―intermittent―low speed―high
speed).
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be
adjusted by turning the switch on the
wiper lever.
From the center position (normal), rotate
the switch downward for higher
sensitivity (faster response) or rotate it
upward for less sensitivity (slower
response).
Higher sensitivity
Less sensitivitySwitch
Center
position
CAUTION
ØDo not shade the rain sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on
the windshield. Otherwise the rain
sensor will not operate correctly.
4-66
When Driving
Switches and Controls
CX-5_8DV2-EA-14K_Edition3 Page200
Thursday, February 26 2015 5:32 PM
Form No.8DV2-EA-14K
Black plate (214,1)
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
4-20.
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
CX-5_8DV2-EA-14K_Edition3 Page214
Thursday, February 26 2015 5:32 PM
Form No.8DV2-EA-14K
Black plate (220,1)
Drive Selection (Automatic Transaxle)
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.
4-86
When Driving
Drive Selection
CX-5_8DV2-EA-14K_Edition3 Page220
Thursday, February 26 2015 5:32 PM
Form No.8DV2-EA-14K
Black plate (231,1)
WARNING
Do not use the LDWS under the following conditions:
The system may not operate adequately according to the actual driving conditions,
resulting in an accident.
ØDriving on roads with tight curves.
ØDriving under bad weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow).
The functions of the LDWS have limitations:
Always stay on course using the steering wheel and drive with care. The system is
not designed to compensate for a driver's lack of caution and if you rely too much on
the LDWS it could lead to an accident. The driver is responsible for assuring lane
changes and other maneuvers. Always pay attention to the direction in which the
vehicle is traveling and the vehicle's surroundings.
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension. If the vehicle height or the damping force of the
suspensions is changed, the LDWS may not operate correctly.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-97
CX-5_8DV2-EA-14K_Edition3 Page231
Thursday, February 26 2015 5:33 PM
Form No.8DV2-EA-14K
Black plate (236,1)
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Systemí
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is designed to assist the driver in checking the
area to the rear of the vehicle on both sides during lane changes by alerting the driver to the
presence of vehicles approaching from the rear in an adjacent lane.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system detects vehicles approaching from the rear while
traveling in the forward direction at a speed of 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster and turns on the
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors depending on
the conditions. If the turn signal lever is operated to signal a lane change in the direction in
which the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light is illuminated, the system warns the
driver of a vehicle in the detection area by flashing the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
warning light and activating a beep sound.
The detection area on this system covers the driving lanes on both sides of the vehicle and
from the rear part of the front doors to about 50 m (164 ft) behind the vehicle.
Detection areas
Your vehicle
WARNING
Always check the surrounding area visually before making an actual lane change:
The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at your rear when
making a lane change. 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 in an adjacent driving lane. Always make it your
responsibility as a driver to check the rear.
4-102
When Driving
íSome models.
i-ACTIVSENSE
CX-5_8DV2-EA-14K_Edition3 Page236
Thursday, February 26 2015 5:33 PM
Form No.8DV2-EA-14K
Black plate (237,1)
NOTElThe system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at your rear when making a lane
change. 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 in an adjacent
driving lane. Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the rear.
lThe ignition is switched ON.lThe Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) switch is pressed and the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF
indication/indicator light in the instrument cluster is turned off.
lThe vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.lThe Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system will not operate under the following circumstances.lThe vehicle speed falls below about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) even though the Blind Spot Monitoring
(BSM) OFF indicator light is turned off.
lThe shift lever (manual transaxle)/selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to reverse (R)
and the vehicle is reversing.
lIn the following cases, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light turns on and
operation of the system is stopped. If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light
remains illuminated, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
lSome problem with the system including the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights is
detected.
lA large deviation in the installation position of a radar sensor (rear) on the vehicle has
occurred.
lThere is a large accumulation of snow or ice on the rear bumper near a radar sensor (rear).
Remove any snow, ice or mud on the rear bumper.
lDriving on snow-covered roads for long periods.lThe temperature near the radar sensors (rear) becomes extremely hot due to driving for long
periods on slopes during the summer.
lThe battery voltage has decreased.lUnder the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it may be
difficult to detect them.
lA vehicle is in the detection area at the rear in an adjacent driving lane but it does not
approach. The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system determines the condition based on radar
detection data.
lA vehicle is traveling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed for an extended period of
time.
lVehicles approaching in the opposite direction.lA vehicle in an adjacent driving lane is attempting to pass your vehicle.lA vehicle is in an adjacent lane on a road with extremely wide driving lanes. The detection
area of the radar sensors (rear) is set at the road width of expressways.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-103
CX-5_8DV2-EA-14K_Edition3 Page237
Thursday, February 26 2015 5:33 PM
Form No.8DV2-EA-14K
Black plate (246,1)
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.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) warning indication in the rearview monitor also
synchronizes with the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light on the door mirrors.
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.
4-112
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
CX-5_8DV2-EA-14K_Edition3 Page246
Thursday, February 26 2015 5:33 PM
Form No.8DV2-EA-14K