2017 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 Owners Manual (in English)

4–63
When Driving
Brake
*Some models.
WARNING
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
Authorized Mazda Dealer.

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 ¿ rmly.
N O T E




y When the brake pedal is depressed hard
or depressed more quickly, the pedal
will feel softer but the brakes will apply
more ¿ rmly. This is a normal effect of
the brake assist operation and does not
indicate a malfunction.
 


y 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.
 


y The brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the
vehicle's main braking system.

Hill Launch Assist (HLA) *
Hill Launch Assist (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 transmission,
Hill Launch Assist (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
transmission, Hill Launch Assist (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.
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4–64
When Driving
Brake
WARNING
Do not rely completely on Hill Launch
Assist (HLA):
Hill Launch Assist (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 transmission, the
vehicle could still roll depending on
how the clutch pedal or the accelerator
pedal is operated.
Always confi rm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the
vehicle.

N O T E
 


y Hill Launch Assist (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.
 


y Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate if the parking brake is applied,
the vehicle has not stopped completely,
or the clutch pedal is released.
 


y While Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is
operating, the brake pedal may feel
stiff and vibrate, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction.
 


y Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate while the TCS/DSC indicator
light is illuminated.
  Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-26 .
 


y Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
turn off even if the DSC OFF switch is
pressed to turn off the TCS/DSC.

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4–65
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 Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26 .
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.

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4–66
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 Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26 .
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 tire friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.

Use snow tires or tire 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.

N O T E
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-68 ).

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.
N O T E
 


y In addition to the indicator light
À ashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
 


y On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.

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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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4–69
When Driving
Fuel Economy Monitor
*Some models.
Fuel Economy Monitor *
For vehicles with type B audio, the Fuel Consumption information is displayed by operating
each icon in the display.
In addition, after completing a trip, the total energy ef¿ ciency to date is displayed in the
ending display when the ending display is turned on.

1. Select the icon on the home screen to display the applications screen.
2. Select the “Fuel Economy Monitor”.
3. Operate the commander switch or touch the screen and display the menu.
N O T E
When the menu is displayed by touching the screen, the display is hidden automatically after
6 seconds.

4. Select the icon in the menu and perform the operation. Each icon operates as follows:

Indication on display Control status


Hides the menu display.

Displays the application screen.

Resets the fuel economy data.

Displays the following setting screen.
y Ending display on/off switching
y On/off switching for function which synchronizes
reset fuel economy data to trip meter (Trip A)

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4–70
When Driving
Fuel Economy Monitor
Fuel Consumption Display
Information regarding the fuel economy is displayed.

Indication on display Control status


Displays the fuel economy for the past 60 minutes.
y Displays the fuel economy every minute for the
past 1 to 10 minutes.

y Displays the fuel economy every 10 minutes for the
past 10 to 60 minutes.

Displays the average fuel economy over the past 5
resets and after the current reset.

Calculates the average fuel economy every minute
after vehicle travel begins, and displays it.

N O T E
 


y The fuel economy data can be reset by doing the following operation: 



y Press the reset switch from the menu screen.



y When the function which synchronizes the fuel economy monitor and the trip meter is
on, reset trip A of the trip meter.
 


y Delete the average fuel economy information displayed in the trip computer. 



y After resetting the fuel economy data, “-- -” is displayed while the average fuel economy
is calculated.

Ending Screen Display
If the ending display on the fuel economy monitor is on when the ignition is switched from
ON to OFF, the information regarding the fuel economy is displayed.
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