4–87
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 indication/warning
light notifies the driver of system
abnormalities and operation conditions.
In addition, the buzzer may also activate
depending on the system abnormality or
operation condition.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-33.
Refer to Power Steering Warning Buzzer
on page 7-39.
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.
Mazda6_8FH2-EA-16F_Edition2.indb 872016/07/07 13:45:04
4–89
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.
Mazda6_8FH2-EA-16F_Edition2.indb 892016/07/07 13:45:04
4–90
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 and the vehicle speed is about 2 km/h (2 mph) or higher\
.
A system malfunction or operation conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-32.
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 9-10.
Mazda6_8FH2-EA-16F_Edition2.indb 902016/07/07 13:45:04
4–91
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 4-32.
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (19 mph) or more\
, the headlights are
switched to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching i\
n the opposite
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 turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning Lights on page 4-33.
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.
Mazda6_8FH2-EA-16F_Edition2.indb 912016/07/07 13:45:05
4–92
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.
Mazda6_8FH2-EA-16F_Edition2.indb 922016/07/07 13:45:05
4–93
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
To Operate the System
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
operates to switch the headlights
automatically between high and low
beams after the ignition is switched ON
and the headlight switch is in the AUTO
and high beam position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
determines that it is dark based on the
brightness of the surrounding area. At the
same time, the High Beam Control System
(HBC) indicator light (green) in the
instrument cluster illuminates.
NOTE
When the vehicle speed is about 30
km/h (19 mph) or more, the headlights
automatically switch to high beams
when there are no vehicles ahead or
approaching in the opposite direction.
When the vehicle speed is less than
about 20 km/h (12 mph), the High Beam
Control System (HBC) switches the
headlights to low beams.
The low beams may not switch to high
beams when cornering.
Operation of the High Beam Control
System (HBC) function can be disabled.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-10.
Manual Switching
Switching to low beams
Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
indicator light (green) turns off.
Switching to high beams
Turn the headlight switch to the
position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
indicator light (green) turns off and the
is illuminated.
Mazda6_8FH2-EA-16F_Edition2.indb 932016/07/07 13:45:05
4–95
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
NOTE
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) will operate when all of the following\
conditions are
met:
The ignition is switched ON. The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light in the instrument \
cluster is
turned off.
The vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) will not operate under the following c\
ircumstances.
The vehicle speed falls below about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) even though the \
Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light is turned off.
The shift lever (manual transaxle)/selector lever (automatic transaxl\
e) is shifted to
reverse (R) and the vehicle is reversing.
In 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.
Some problem with the system including the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warnin\
g
indicator lights is detected.
A large deviation in the installation position of a radar sensor (rear) on the vehicle has
occurred.
There 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.
Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods. The temperature near the radar sensors (rear) becomes extremely hot due to driving
for long periods on slopes during the summer.
The battery voltage has decreased.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.
A vehicle is in the detection area at the rear in an adjacent driving lane but it does not
approach. The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) determines the condition based o\
n radar
detection data.
A vehicle is traveling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed fo\
r an extended
period of time.
Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction. A vehicle in an adjacent driving lane is attempting to pass your vehicle.\
A 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.
Mazda6_8FH2-EA-16F_Edition2.indb 952016/07/07 13:45:05
4–96
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
In the following case, the flashing of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator
light, and the activation of the warning sound and the warning screen indicator display
may not occur or they may be delayed.
A vehicle makes a lane change from a driving lane two lanes over to an adjacent lane. Driving on steep slopes. Crossing the summit of a hill or mountain pass. The turning radius is small (making a sharp turn, turning at intersecti\
ons). When there is a difference in the height between your driving lane and the adjacent
lane.
Directly after the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system becomes operable by\
changing
the setting.
If the road width is extremely narrow, vehicles two lanes over may be detected.
The detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set according to the road width of
expressways.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator light may turn on an\
d the vehicle
detection screen may be displayed in the display in reaction to stationary objects
(guardrails, tunnels, sidewalls, and parked vehicles) on the road or the roadside.
Objects such as guardrails and concrete walls
running alongside the v ehicle.Places where the width between guardrails or
walls on each side of the v ehicle narrows.
The walls at the entrance and e xits of tunnels, turnouts.
A Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator light may flash or the warning beep
may be activated several times when making a turn at a city intersection\
.
Turn off the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) while pulling a trailer or whi\
le an accessory
such as a bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radar’s
radio waves will be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator lights equipped on the door mi\
rrors.
Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors. The front door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
Mazda6_8FH2-EA-16F_Edition2.indb 962016/07/07 13:45:06