Page 201 of 624

▼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 4-69.
If the light remains i lluminated 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 sw
itch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch a gain to turn the
TCS/DSC back on. The DSC OFF
indicator light will turn off.
NOTE
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 difficult. When this
happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.
If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine is
turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide
the best traction.
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 turn s off while the DSC
system is operative.
(Vehicles with Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS))
If the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
operates with the TCS/DSC turned off,
the TCS/DSC becomes operational
automatically.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-69
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
Page 202 of 624

i-ELOOP*
The i-ELOOP system suppresses engine load used for generating power and improves
driveability and fuel economy by generating electricity with th e kinetic energy that is
generated when the vehicle slows down by applying the brakes or during engine braking.
Stores large amounts of electricity instantly and efficiently u ses the electricity for electrical
devices and accessories.
Variable
voltage
alternator
CapacitorDC-DC converter
CAUTION
High-current electricity
flows through the following parts, therefore do not touch them.
Variable voltage alternator
DC-DC converter
Capacitor
If the capacitor is to be disposed of, al ways consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
For details, go to the following URL.
http://www.mazda.com/csr /environment/recycling
▼i-ELOOP Indicator Light/Control
Status Display
The driver is noti
fied of the i-ELOOP
power generating status and the vehicle
conditions by the i-ELOOP indicator light
and the control status display.
i-ELOOP Indicator Light
Illuminated (vehicle without type B
audio)
The light turns on during power
generation.
When Driving
i-ELOOP
4-70*Some models.
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
Page 203 of 624

Flashing
If the engine is started after the vehicle has
not been driven for a long period of time,
the i-ELOOP indicator light may flash.
Leave the engine idling and wait until the
indicator light turns off.
NOTE
The beep will sound if the vehicle is
driven while the i-ELOOP indicator
light is flashing. In addition, if you turn
the steering wheel while the light is
flashing, it will feel heavier than
normal, but this does not indicate an
abnormality. Stop the vehicle in a safe
location with the engine running and do
not attempt to turn the steering wheel.
The steering operation will return to
normal after the i-ELOOP indicator
light stops flashing.
(Vehicles with type B audio)
A notification is displayed in the center
display and the i-ELOOP indicator light
flashes at the same time.
Refer to Warning Message Indicated on
Display on page 7-36.
Control status display (vehicles with
type B audio)
The i-ELOOP power generating status is
displayed in the center display.
Refer to Control Sta tus Display on page
4-73.
When Driving
i-ELOOP
4-71
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
Page 206 of 624

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 e nhanced. 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 sli ppery 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
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system/cruise control is operating.
Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
▼ Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive sele
ction switch forward
(“
”) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(“
”) to cancel the sport mode.
With Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
Without Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
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.
When Driving
Drive Selection
4-74*Some models.
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
Page 208 of 624
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 not ifies 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 Lights on page 4-24.
Refer to Power Steering Warning
Buzzer on page 7-41.
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
4-76
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
Page 235 of 624

Slopes with a steep gradient ( The vehicle ahea d may not be detected correctly, your vehicle
may slide while stopped by the stop hold cont rol, and it may accelerate suddenly after it
starts moving.)
For safety purposes, switch the MRCC system off when it is not being used.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is towed or you are towing something, switch the MRCC system off to prevent a
miss-operation.
NOTE
The MRCC system does not detect the following as physical objects.
Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction
Pedestrians
Stationary objects (stopped vehicles, obstructions)
If a vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely low speed, the system may not detect it
correctly.
During headway control travel, do not set the system for detection of two-wheeled
vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles.
Do not use the MRCC system under conditions in which close proximity warnings are
frequently activated.
During headway control travel, the system accelerates and decelerates your vehicle in
conjunction with the speed of the vehicle ahead. However, if it is necessary to accelerate
for a lane change or if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly causing you to close in on the
vehicle rapidly, accelerate using the accelerator pedal or decelerate using the brake
pedal depending on the conditions.
While the MRCC system is in use, it does not cancel even if the selector lever (automatic
transaxle)/shift lever (manual transaxle) is operated and any intended engine braking will
not occur. If deceleration is required, lower the vehicle speed setting or depress the brake
pedal.
The sound of the automatic brakes operating may be heard, however, it does not indicate
a problem.
The brake lights turn on while the MRCC automatic braking is operating.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-103
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1
2017-4-7 11:59:21
Page 239 of 624
How to set the distance-between-vehicles during headway control
The distance-between-vehicles is set to a shorter distance by pressing the switch. The
distance-between-vehicles is set to a longer distance by pressi ng the
switch. The
distance-between-vehicles can be set to 4 levels; Long, medium, short, and extremely short
distance.
Distance-between-vehicles guideline
(at 80 km/h (50 mph) vehicle speed) Display
Long (about 50 m (164 ft))
Medium (about 40 m (131 ft))
Short (about 30 m (98 ft))
Extremely short (about 25 m (82 ft))
NOTE
The distance-between-vehicles differs depending on the vehicle speed, and the slower the
vehicle speed, the shorter the distance.
When the ignition is switched to ACC or OFF and then the engine is started again, the
system automatically sets the distance-between-vehicles to the previous setting.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-107
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
Page 241 of 624

The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
has operated.
When traveling on a downslope for a
long period of time.
There is a problem with the system.
The radar sensor (front) cannot detect
target objects (during rain, fog, snow or
other inclement weather conditions, or
when the radiator grille is dirty).
The vehicle speed decreases to less than
25 km (16 mph).
(Manual transaxle)
The shift lever is shifted to neutral (N)
for a certain period of time.
The clutch is depressed for a certain
period of time.
The engine stalls.
Resuming control
If the MRCC system is canceled, you can
resume control at the previously set speed
by pressing the RES switch and after all of
the operation conditions have been met.
NOTE
If the set speed is not indicated in the
display, the control does not resume even
if the RES switch is pressed.
Turning off the system
Press the OFF/CAN switch two times
while the MRCC system is operating to
switch off the system.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-109
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21