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When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-33.
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
Braking 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.
The 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.
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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 Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-33.
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 4-79).
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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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 4-76) and TCS
(page 4-77).
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 Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-33.
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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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
NOTE
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the\
following
conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch
between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffic
conditions.
When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traffic signals.
When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and
signs.
When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions. When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain. When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated.
When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk. When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats
are occupied.
When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
NOTE
The Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) does not operate if there is a malfunction in
the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
Under the following conditions, the Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) may not
operate normally.
An object placed on the dashboard is reflected in the windshield and picked up by the
camera.
Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat and the
vehicle is tilted.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure. Tires other than standard tires are equipped. The vehicle is driven on the ramp and surrounding area to or from a rest area or a
tollgate on a highway.
When surrounding brightness suddenly changes such as when entering or exiting a
tunnel.
The illumination of the headlights is weakened because of dirt or the op\
tical axis is
deviated.
The windshield is dirty or foggy. The windshield and camera are fogged (water droplets). Strong light is directed at the front of the vehicle (such as backlight or high-beam
headlights of on-coming vehicles).
The vehicle is making a sharp turn. Strong light reflects off the road. A traffic sign is in a position which makes it difficult to reflect the light from the
vehicle's headlights, such as when the vehicle is driven at night or in \
a tunnel.
The vehicle is driven under weather conditions such as rain, fog, or sno\
w. The stored map data for the navigation system is not current. The camera cannot capture a traffic sign's image. A traffic sign is obscured by mud or snow. A traffic sign is concealed by trees or a vehicle. A traffic sign is partially shaded. A traffic sign is bent or warped. A traffic sign is too low or too high. A traffic sign is too bright or too dark (including electronic traffic signs). A traffic sign is too big or too small. There is an object similar to the traffic sign being read (such as another traffic sign or
other signs resembling it).
The Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) does not operate if the active driving display
is set to non-display.
The Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) can be set to inoperable.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-10.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)*
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is designed to maintain headway control*1
according to the vehicle speed using a radar sensor (front) to detect \
the distance to a vehicle
ahead, and by presetting the vehicle speed between 30 km/h (19 mph) an\
d 145 km/h (90
mph), the driver is freed from having to constantly use the accelerator\
or brake pedals.
*1 Headway Control: Control of the distance between your vehicle and the ve\
hicle ahead
detected by the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system.
Additionally, if your vehicle starts closing in on the vehicle ahead because, for ex\
ample, the
vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, a warning sound and a warning indication in the display are
activated simultaneously to alert you to maintain a sufficient distance between the vehicles.
Use the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system on expressways and other highways
which do not require a lot of repeated acceleration and deceleration.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system and always
drive carefully:
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is designed to reduce load on the driver,
and although it maintains a constant vehicle speed, or specifically, it maintains a constant
distance between your vehicle and the detected vehicle ahead according to the vehicle
speed, the system has detection limitations depending on the type of vehicle ahead and its
conditions, the weather conditions, and the road conditions. Additionally, the system may
be unable to decelerate sufficiently to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead if the vehicle ahead
applies the brakes suddenly or another vehicle cuts into the driving lane, which could result in
an accident. Always verify the safety of the surrounding area and depress the brake pedal or
accelerator pedal while keeping a safer distance from vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.
Do not use the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system in the following locations.
Otherwise, it could lead to an accident:
Roads with sharp curves and where vehicle traffic is heavy and there is insufficient
space between vehicles. Roads where frequent and repetitive acceleration and
deceleration occur (Driving under these conditions using the Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) system is not possible).
When entering and exiting interchanges, service areas, and parking areas of highways
(If you exit a highway while headway control is in use, the vehicle ahead will no longer
be tracked and your vehicle may accelerate to the set speed).
Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads (The tires could spin causing you to
lose vehicle control).
Long descending slopes (to maintain distance between vehicles, the system automatically
and continuously applies the brakes which could result in the loss of brake power).
For the purposes of safety, switch the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system off
when it is not being used.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Cruise Control Function
While this function is operating, the
headway control operation is canceled and
only the cruise control function operates.
The vehicle speed can be set more than
about 25 km/h (16 mph).
Use the cruise control function on
expressways and other highways which do
not require a lot of repeated acceleration
and deceleration.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control function in
the following locations:
Otherwise, it could lead to an accident.
Roads with sharp curves and where
vehicle traffic is heavy and there is
insufficient space between vehicles.
(Driving under these conditions
using the cruise control function is
not possible)
Steep down slopes (Set speed may
be exceeded because sufficient
engine braking cannot be applied)
Slippery roads such as ice or snow-
bound roads (Tires could spin
causing you to lose vehicle control)
Always drive carefully: The warnings and brake control
will not operate after the headway
control function is canceled and the
system is switched to only the cruise
control function. Depress the brake
pedal to decelerate according to the
surrounding conditions while keeping
a safer distance from the vehicle ahead
and always driving carefully.
Switching to cruise control function
When the MODE switch is pressed while
the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
system is turned on, the system switches to
the cruise control function.
When the system switches to the cruise
control function, the indicator and multi-
information display notify the driver as
follows:
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control
(MRCC) set indication (green) or the
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
main indication (white) is turned off,
and the cruise main indication (white) is
turned on.
A message is displayed in the multi-
information display.
WARNING
Always turn off the cruise control
function when it is not in use:
Leaving the cruise control function
turned on when it is not in use
is dangerous as it could operate
unexpectedly, resulting in an accident.
How to set the speed
Adjust the system to the desired vehicle
speed using the accelerator pedal.
When the SET
or SET switch is
pressed, the cruise set indication (green) is
turned on and headway control begins.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure
Warning System (LDWS):
The Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) is not an
automatic driving system. In addition, the system is not designed to compensate for a
driver's lack of caution, and over-reliance on the system could lead to an accident.
The detection ability of the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning
System (LDWS) is limited. Always stay on course using the steering wheel and drive
with care.
Do not use the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System
(LDWS) in the following cases: 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). Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads. Roads with heavy traffic and insufficient distance between vehicles. Roads with no white (yellow) lane lines. Narrow roads resulting from road construction or lane closures. The vehicle is driven on a temporary lane or section with a closed lane resulting from
road construction where there may be multiple white (yellow) lane lines or they are
interrupted.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure. Tires of a different specified size are used, such as an emergency spare tire.
CAUTION
Heed the following cautions so that the Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure
Warning System (LDWS) can operate normally.
Do not modify the suspensions. Always use wheels of the specified type and size for the front and rear wheels. Consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer for tire replacement.
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