2016 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 warning

4–56
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-16.
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 4-58).
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC
or the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
 In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly. On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
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4–57
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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 4-55) and TCS
(page 4-56).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-16.
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
 The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
 Use tires of the correct size specified
for your Mazda on all four wheels. Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels. Do not mix worn tires.
 The DSC may not operate correctly when
tire chains are used or a temporary spare
tire is installed because the tire diameter
changes.
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light flashes.
If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC
or the brake assist system may have a
malfunction and they may not operate
correctly. Take your vehicle to an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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4–63
When Driving
Power Steering
Power Steering
 Power 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. The warning light notifies the driver
of system abnormalities and operation
conditions.
Refer to Warning Lights on page
4-16.
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.
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4–64
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.
i-ACTIVSENSE*
i-ACTIVSENSE is a collective term covering a series of advanced safety and driver support
systems which make use of a Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) and radar sen\
sors.
Because each system has its limitations, always drive carefully and do not rely solely on the
systems.
Driver awareness support systems
Nighttime visibility
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) ........................................................................\
......4-65
High Beam Control System (HBC) ........................................................................\
............4-66
Left/right side and rear side detection
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) ........................................................................\
.4-69
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System ........................................................................\
.......4-74
Rear obstruction detection when leaving a parking space
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) ........................................................................\
................4-81
Camera and Sensors
Forward sensing camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahead of th\
e vehicle while
traveling at night and detects traffic lanes. The following systems also use the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
 High Beam Control system (HBC) Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installed at the top of the windsh\
ield near the
rearview mirror.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-84.
Radar sensors (rear)
The radar sensors (rear) function by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle
approaching from the rear or an obstruction sent from the radar sensors.\
The following
systems also use the radar sensors (rear).
 Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Refer to Radar Sensors (Rear) on page 4-87.
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4–65
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)*
The adaptive front lighting system (AFS) automatically adjusts the hea\
dlight beams to the
left or right in conjunction with the operation of the steering wheel af\
ter the headlights have
been turned on.
A system malfunction or operation conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-16.
NOTE
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) function can be switched to operable/inopera\
ble
using the personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-9.
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4–66
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.
High Beam Control System (HBC)*
The High Beam Control System (HBC) determines the conditions in front of the vehicle
using the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) while driving in darkness to au\
tomatically switch
the headlights between high and low beams.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-16.
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (18 mph), the he\
adlights are switched
to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching in the opp\
osite direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the followin\
g occurs:
 The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle appro\
aching in the
opposite direction. The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads in wel\
l-lit cities and
towns. The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).
F orward Sensing
Camera (FSC)
The recognition distance of the
F
orward Sensing Camera (FSC)
v aries according to the
surrounding conditions.
The warning light flashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-16.
CAUTION
 Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera,
otherwise the system will not operate normally. Do not rely excessively on the High Beam Control System (HBC) and drive the vehicle while
paying sufficient attention to safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and
low beams manually if necessary.
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4–69
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)*
The LDWS system notifies the driver that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane.
The system detects the white or yellow lines on the traffic lane using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) and if it determines that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane, it notifies
the driver by flashing the LDWS warning light and activating the LDWS warning beep.
Use the LDWS when you drive the vehicle on roads with white or yellow li\
nes.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera on page 4-84.
Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC)
LD WS warning light
The warning light illuminates when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-16.
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.
 Driving on roads with tight curves. Driving 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.
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4–70
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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.
NOTE
 If your vehicle deviates from its traffic lane, the LDWS operates (warning sound and
indicator light). Steer the vehicle adequately to drive the vehicle to \
the center of the lane. When the turn signal lever is operated for a lane change, the LDWS warni\
ng is
automatically canceled. The LDWS warning becomes operable when the turn \
signal lever
is returned and the system detects the white or yellow lines. If the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal is operated abr\
uptly and the
vehicle moves close to a white or yellow line, the system determines tha\
t the driver is
making a lane change and the LDWS warning is automatically canceled. The LDWS may not operate during the period immediately after the vehicle\
has deviated
from its lane and the LDWS has operated, or the vehicle deviates from its lane repeatedly
within a short period of time. The LDWS does not operate if it does not detect the white or yellow lines of the traffic
lane.
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