Page 225 of 723

4–85
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 4-36 .
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
tyre friction and road contact because
of water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
Use snow tyres or tyre 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 TCS OFF
switch (page 4-86 ).
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 À ashes.
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 expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer.
NOTE
In addition to the indicator light
À ashing, a slight labouring 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.
Page 226 of 723

4–86
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
TCS OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
It also illuminates when the TCS OFF
switch is pressed and TCS is switched off.
Refer to TCS OFF Switch on page 4-86 .
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS is not switched off, take your vehicle
to an expert repairer, we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer. The DSC may
have a malfunction.
TCS OFF Switch
Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the
TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS
back on. The TCS OFF indicator light will
turn off.
NOTE
When TCS 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 dif ¿ cult.
When this happens, turn off the TCS.
If the TCS is off when the engine is
turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
Leaving the TCS on will provide the
best traction.
If the TCS OFF switch is pressed and
held for 10 seconds or more, the TCS
OFF switch malfunction detection
function operates and the TCS
system activates automatically. The
TCS OFF indicator light turns off
while the TCS system is operative.
Page 227 of 723

4–87
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 manoeuvring,
enhancing vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 4-84 ) and TCS
(page 4-85 ).
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 4-36 .
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
tyre 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 tyres of the correct size
speci ¿ ed for your Mazda on all
four wheels.
Use tyres of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all four wheels.
Do not mix worn tyres.
The DSC may not operate correctly
when tyre chains are used or a
temporary spare tyre is installed
because the tyre 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 À ashes.
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 expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer.
Page 228 of 723

4–88
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 which converts
the kinetic energy to electricity and can generate electricity ef ¿ ciently 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.
Vehicle electric
devices
Vehicle electric
devices
Accelerator OFF
Accelerator ONEnergy
regeneration
ChargeBattery
Battery Power
Power Engine
Variable
voltage
alternator
Variable
voltage
alternator Engine
Tyre TyreCapacitor
CapacitorDC-DC converter
DC-DC converter
Kinetic energy
Electrical power
Page 229 of 723