
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-42.
When releasing the EPB
The EPB can be released while the
ignition is switched ON or the engine is
running. When the EPB is released, the
EPB indicator light and the EPB switch
indicator light turn off.
EPB manual release
Firmly depress the brake pedal and press
the EPB switch.
If the EPB switch is pressed without
depressing the brake pedal, the display or
indicator light in the instrument cluster
notifies the driver t hat the brake is not
depressed.
(Type A instrument cluster)
A message is displayed on the
multi-information display in the
instrument cluster.
Refer to Message Indicated in
Multi-information Display on page 7-59.
(Type B instrument cluster)
The brake pedal operation demand
indicator light (green) in the instrument
cluster turns on.
(Green)
EPB automatic release
If the accelerator pedal is depressed with
the EPB applied and all of the following
conditions met, the parking brake is
released automatically.
•The engine is running.
•The driver's door is closed.
•The driver's seat belt is fastened.
(Manual transaxle)
•The change lever is in a position other
than neutral.
•The clutch pedal is depressed halfway
(Automatic transaxle)
•Selector lever is in the D, M, or R
position
When Driving
Brake
4-82
2017-6-7 7:51:19 Form No. CX-5 8FY4-EE-17E+L_Edition2

NOTE
If something such as the driver's foot
contacts the accelerator pedal with the
engine running and the EPB applied, the
parking brake may be released
automatically. If you do not intend to drive
immediately, shift the change lever
(manual transaxle) to the neutral position,
or shift the selector lever (automatic
transaxle) to the P or N position.
▼Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-42.
▼Brake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become worn,
the built-in wear indicators contact the
disc plates. This causes a screeching noise
to warn that the pads should be replaced.
When you hear this noise, consult an
expert repairer, we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Re
pairer as soon as
possible.
WA R N I N G
Do not drive with worn disc pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is dangerous.
The brakes could fail and cause a serious
accident. As soon as you hear a screeching
noise consult an expert repairer, we
recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer.
▼ Brake Assist
During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the brake
pedal with greater force, the brake assist
system provides braking assistance, thus
enhancing braking performance.
When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, the brakes apply
more firmly.
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.
When Driving
Brake
4-83
2017-6-7 7:51:19 Form No. CX-5 8FY4-EE-17E+L_Edition2

Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
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,
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,
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.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on HLA:
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
•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.
•HLA does not operate if the parking
brake is applied, the vehicle has not
stopped completely, or the clutch pedal
is released.
•While HLA is operating, the brake pedal
may feel stiff and vibrate, however, this
does not indicate a malfunction.
•HLA does not operate while the
TCS/DSC indicator li ght is illuminated.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-42.
•HLA does not turn off even if the TCS
OFF switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS.
•(Automatic Transaxle)
Although the HLA does not operate
during idling stop, the vehicle roll
prevention function operates to prevent
vehicle roll.
When Driving
Brake
4-89
2017-6-7 7:51:19 Form No. CX-5 8FY4-EE-17E+L_Edition2

Antilock Brake System(ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed o f 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 brak e pedal without
pumping the brakes.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-42.
WA R N I N G
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 tyre 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 tyres 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.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-90
2017-6-7 7:51:19 Form No. CX-5 8FY4-EE-17E+L_Edition2

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 4-42.
WA R N I N G
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 co uld still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the TCS OFF
switch (page 4-92).
▼ 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 expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer.
NOTE
•In addition to the indicator light
flashing, 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.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-91
2017-6-7 7:51:19 Form No. CX-5 8FY4-EE-17E+L_Edition2

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 -90) and TCS (page
4-91).
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 4-42.
WA R N I N G
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
specified
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 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 expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-93
2017-6-7 7:51:19 Form No. CX-5 8FY4-EE-17E+L_Edition2

i-ACTIV AWD Operation*
4WD provides excellent drivability on
snow-covered and ice-packed roads, sand
and mud, as well as on steep slopes and
other slippery surfaces.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-42.
WA R N I N G
Never spin a wheel that is off the ground:
Spinning a wheel that is off the ground as a
result of the vehicle being stuck or in a
ditch is dangerous. The drive assembly
could be seriously damaged which could
lead to an accident or could even lead to
overheating, oil leakage, and a fire.
▼ 4WD Driving
This vehicle has not been designed for the
purpose of off-road driving or rallies. Do
not attempt to drive over uneven or rocky
surfaces, or across rivers.
Although this vehicle is equipped with
4WD, acceleration, steering and braking
operations should be conducted in the
same manner as with a non-4WD vehicle,
with the emphasis placed on safe driving.
▼Tyres and Tyre Chains
The condition of the tyres plays a large
role in the performance of the vehicle.
Moreover, to prevent adverse effects to the
drive assembly, please note the following:
Ty r e s
•When replacing tyres, always replace all
front and rear tyres
at the same time.
•All tyres must be of the same size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern.
Pay particular attention when equipping
snow or other types of winter tyres.
•Do not mix tread-worn tyres with
normal tyres.
•Inspect tyre inflation pressures at the
specified periods adjust to the specified
pressures.
NOTE
Check the tyre inflation pressure label
attached to driver's door frame for the
correct tyre inflation pressure.
•Make sure to equip the vehicle with
genuine wheels of the specified size, on
all wheels. With 4WD, the system is
calibrated for all four wheels being of
the same dimensions.
Ty r e c h a i n s
•Install tyre chains to the front tyres.
•Do not use tyre chains on the rear
wheels.
•Do not drive the vehicle faster than 30
km/h (19 mph) with the tyre chains
installed.
•Do not drive the vehicle with tyre chains
on road conditions other than snow or
ice.
▼ To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing, have it
towed with all four wheels completely off
the ground.
Refer to Towing Description on page 7-
39.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
*Some models.4-103
2017-6-7 7:51:19 Form No. CX-5 8FY4-EE-17E+L_Edition2

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 expert repairer, we
recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer.
•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 4-42.
Refer to Power Steering Warning
Buzzer on page 7-66.
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.
When Driving
Power Steering
4-104
2017-6-7 7:51:19 Form No. CX-5 8FY4-EE-17E+L_Edition2