Page 169 of 582

4–49
When Driving
Switches and Controls
Auto-wiper control
When the wiper lever is in the
position, the rain sensor senses the amount
of rainfall on the windshield and turns the
wipers on or off automatically (off—
intermittent—low speed—high speed).
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be
adjusted by turning the switch on the
wiper lever.
From the center position (normal), rotate
the switch upward for higher sensitivity
(faster response) or rotate it downward for
less sensitivity (slower response).
Higher sensitivity
Less sensitivitySwitch
Center
position
CAUTION
¾ Do not shade the rain sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on the
windshield. Otherwise the rain sensor
will not operate correctly.
¾ When the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
¾ If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a
cloth.
¾ If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of the
windshield when the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is
switched ON as fi ngers could be pinched
or the wipers and wiper blades damaged
when the wipers activate automatically.
If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off
completely (when it is most likely
that the engine is left running) this is
particularly important when clearing ice
and snow.
% : A ( * ' # ' A ' F K V K Q P K P F D % : A ( * ' # ' A ' F K V K Q P K P F D
Page 178 of 582

4–58
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 Lights on page 4-25 .
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.
N O T E
y 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.
y 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.
% : A ( * ' # ' A ' F K V K Q P K P F D % : A ( * ' # ' A ' F K V K Q P K P F D
Page 184 of 582

4–64
When Driving
Drive Selection
Drive Selection
Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle's drive mode. When the sport mode
is selected, vehicle's response against accelerator operation is enhanced. This provides
additional quick acceleration which may be needed to safely make maneuvers such as lane
changes, merging onto freeways, or passing other vehicles.
CAUTION
Do not use the sport mode when driving on slippery roads such as wet or snow-covered
roads. It may cause tire slipping.
N O T E
y When the sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds increases and it may
increase fuel consumption. Mazda recommends that you cancel the sport mode on normal
driving.
y Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions:
y ABS/TCS/DSC is operating
y The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system/cruise control is operating.
y Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive selection switch forward
(“
”) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(“
”) to cancel the sport mode.
N O T E
y When the ignition is switched off, the
sport mode is canceled.
y Depending on the driving conditions
when sport mode is selected, the vehicle
may perform shift-down or slightly
accelerate.
Select Mode Indicator Light
When the sport mode is selected, the
select mode indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster.
N O T E
If the mode cannot be switched to drive
mode, the select mode indicator light
À ashes to notify the driver.
% : A ( * ' # ' A ' F K V K Q P K P F D % : A ( * ' # ' A ' F K V K Q P K P F D
Page 194 of 582