2017 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 light

4–67
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 4-65 ) and TCS
(page 4-66 ).

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 4-26 .
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
 


¾ The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
 


¾ Use tires of the correct size specifi ed
for your Mazda on all four wheels.
 


¾ Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
 


¾ Do not mix worn tires. 



¾ 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 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
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
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4–68
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 4-68 .

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.
N O T E
 


y 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 dif¿ cult. When this
happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.
 


y If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine
is turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
 


y Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide
the best traction.
 


y 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.

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4–72
When Driving
Drive Selection
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 Indication
When the sport mode is selected, the select
mode indication turns on in the instrument
cluster.


N O T E
If the drive selection cannot be switched
to sport mode, the select mode indication
À ashes to notify the driver.

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4–73
When Driving
Power Steering
Power Steering
 












y 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.
 


y The warning light noti¿ es the driver
of system abnormalities and operation
conditions.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26 .

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.

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4–74
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.
i-ACTIVSENSE *
i-ACTIVSENSE is a collective term covering a series of advanced safety and driver support
systems which make use of a Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) and radar sensors.
Because each system has its limitations, always drive carefully and do not rely solely on the
systems.
Driver awareness support systems
Nighttime visibility
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) .............................................................................. 4-75
High Beam Control System (HBC) .................................................................................... 4-76
Left/right side and rear side detection
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) ......................................................................... 4-79
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System ............................................................................... 4-85
Rear obstruction detection when leaving a parking space
R e a r C r o s s T r a f¿ c Alert (RCTA) ........................................................................................ 4-92
Camera and Sensors
F o r w a r d s e n s i n g c a m e r a ( F S C )
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahead of the vehicle while
traveling at night and detects traf¿ c lanes. The following systems also use the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
 


y High Beam Control system (HBC)



y Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installed at the top of the windshield near the
rearview mirror.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-95 .
Radar sensors (rear)
The radar sensors (rear) function by detecting the radio waves reÀ ected off a vehicle
approaching from the rear or an obstruction sent from the radar sensors. The following
systems also use the radar sensors (rear).
 


y Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System



y Rear Cross Traf¿ c 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 4-98 .
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4–75
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) *
The adaptive front lighting system (AFS) automatically adjusts the headlight beams to the
left or right in conjunction with the operation of the steering wheel after the headlights have
been turned on.
A system malfunction or operation conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-26 .
N O T E
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) function can be switched to operable/inoperable
using the personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-9 .

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4–76
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 automatically switch
the headlights between high and low beams.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-18 .
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 in the opposite
direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the following occurs:
 


y The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle approaching in the
opposite direction.
 


y The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads in well-lit cities and
towns.
 


y The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).

Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) The recognition distance of the
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
varies according to the
surrounding conditions.

The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning Lights on page 4-26 .
CAUTION
 


¾ Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera,
otherwise the system will not operate normally.
 


¾ Do not rely excessively on the High Beam Control System (HBC) and drive the vehicle while
paying suffi cient attention to safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and
low beams manually if necessary.

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4–77
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
N O T E
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 traf¿ c
conditions.
 


y When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traf¿ c signals.




y When there are reÀ ective objects in the surrounding area such as reÀ ective plates and
signs.
 


y When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.



y When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain.



y When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated.
 


y When there is suf¿ cient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.



y When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects.



y When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.

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