4–74
When Driving
Brake
NOTE
When 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.
When 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.
The 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 selector lever
is in the reverse (R) position, and on an
upward slope when the selector lever is in
a forward gear.
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When Driving
Brake
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
Hill 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.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate if the parking brake is applied,
the vehicle has not stopped completely,
or the clutch pedal is released.
While Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is
operating, the brake pedal may feel
stiff and vibrate, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate while the TCS/DSC indicator
light is illuminated.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-32.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
turn off even if the DSC OFF switch is
pressed to turn off the TCS/DSC.
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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
ABS/TCS/DSC
DSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off.
Refer to DSC OFF Switch on page 4-79.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched off, take your
vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The DSC may have a malfunction.
DSC 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.
NOTE
When 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.
If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine
is turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide
the best traction.
If 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.
If the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
operates with the TCS/DSC turned off,
the TCS/DSC becomes operational
automatically.
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When Driving
i-ELOOP
*Some models.
i-ELOOP*
i-ELOOP is a regenerative braking system. When you depress the brake pedal or use
engine braking, the kinetic energy that occurs is converted to electrical energy by the power
generator and the converted electrical energy is stored in the rechargeable battery (capacitor
and battery). The stored electricity is used as power to charge the battery and the vehicle's
electrical devices.
A variable voltage alternator is incorporated in the power generator whic\
h converts
the kinetic energy to electricity and can generate electricity efficiently according to the
vehicle conditions.
A capacitor is used to store large amounts of electricity instantly which can be utilized
quickly.
A DC-DC converter is incorporated which steps down the stored electricity\
to voltage
useable by the vehicle's electrical devices.
Electric components
Engine Components
V ehicle Systems:
Air -conditioning
Audio
Head-lights, etc
Accelerator OFF
Accelerator ON Ener
gy
regeneration Charge Battery
Battery
Po
wer
Po wer
Electric componentsEngine Components
V ehicle Systems:
Air -conditioning
Audio
Head-lights, etc
Engine Variable
V oltage
alternator
V ariable
V oltage
alternator
Engine
T ire
T
ire Capacitor
CapacitorDC-DC con
verter
DC-DC con verter
Kinetic ener gy
Electrical po wer
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Collision damage reduction in low vehicle speed range
Forward driving
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) ........................................................................\
...........4-138
Collision damage reduction in medium/high speed range
Smart Brake Support (SBS) ........................................................................\
...................... 4-143
Camera and Sensors
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects lane indications and recogniz\
es headlights,
taillights and city lights during nighttime driving. In addition, it als\
o detects the vehicle
ahead, pedestrians, or obstructions. The following systems also use the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC).
High Beam Control system (HBC) Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR) Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) Smart Brake Support (SBS)
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 4-146.
Radar sensor (front)
The radar sensor (front) functions by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle ahead
sent from the radar sensor. The following systems also use the radar sensor (front).
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS) Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The radar sensor (front) is mounted behind the radiator grille.
Refer to Radar Sensor (Front) on page 4-150.
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) 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 4-153.
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