2017 MAZDA MX5 MIATA Owners Manual

4 –71 When Driving
Drive Selection
*Some models.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 mak e 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.
NOTE 
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. 
Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions: 
ABS/TCS/DSC is operating 
Cruise control is operating. 
Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
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4 –72 When Driving
Drive Selection Drive Selection SwitchPress the drive selection switch forward
(“
”) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(“
”) to cancel the sport mode.
NOTE 
When the ignition is switched off, the
sport mode is canceled. 
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.
NOTE
If the drive selection cannot be switched
to sport mode, the select mode indication
flashes to notify the driver.
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4 –73 When Driving
Power Steering
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 Authorized Mazda
Dealer. 
The warning light notifies 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 ra dar 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
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) ........................................................................................ 4-92
Camera and SensorsForward sensing camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahea d of the vehicle while
traveling at night and detects traffic lanes. The following systems also use the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC). 
High Beam Control system (HBC) 
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 reflected off a vehicle
approaching from the rear or an obstruction sent from the radar sensors. The following
systems also use the radar sensors (rear). 
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System 
Rear Cross Traffic 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 .
NOTE
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 darknes s 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: 
The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle approaching in the
opposite direction. 
The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads in well-lit cities and
towns. 
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 
Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera,
otherwise the system will not operate normally. 
Do not rely excessively on the High Beam Control System (HBC) and drive the vehicle while
paying sufficient 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-ACTIVSENSENOTE
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 traffic
conditions. 
When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traffic signals. 
When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and
signs. 
When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions. 
When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain. 
When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated. 
When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk. 
When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects. 
When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.
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4 –78 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE To Operate the SystemThe High Beam Control System (HBC)
operates to switch the headlights
automatically between high and low
beams after the ignition is switched ON
and the headlight switch is in the AUTO
and high beam position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
determines that it is dark based on the
brightness of the surrounding area. At the
same time, the High Beam Control System
(HBC) indicator light (green) in the
instrument cluster illuminates.
NOTE 
When the vehicle speed is about 30
km/h (19 mph) or more, the headlights
automatically switch to high beams
when there are no vehicles ahead or
approaching in the opposite direction.
When the vehicle speed is less than
about 20 km/h (12 mph), the High Beam
Control System (HBC) switches the
headlights to low beams. 
The low beams may not switch to high
beams when cornering. 
Operation of the High Beam Control
System (HBC) function can be disabled.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9 . Manual Switching Switching to low beams
Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
indicator light (green) turns off.
Switching to high beams
Turn the headlight switch to the

position.
The High Beam Control System (HBC)
indicator light (green) turns off and the

is illuminated.
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