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 Lights on page 4-24.
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 tire 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 tires wi ll 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
4-66
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
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 Lights on page 4-24.
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 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.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-69).
▼ 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
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging 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
4-67
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
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
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)*
The MRCC system is designed to maintain headway control*1 with a vehicle ahead
according to your vehicle's speed using a radar sensor (front) to detect the distance to the
vehicle ahead and a preset vehicle speed without you having to use the accelerator or brake
pedals.
*1 Headway Control: Control of the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead
detected by the MRCC system.
Additionally, if your vehicle starts closing in on the vehicle ahead such as if the vehicle
ahead brakes suddenly, a warning sound and a warning indication in the display are
activated simultaneously to alert you to maintain a sufficient distance between the vehicles.
Also refer to the following before using the MRCC.
Radar sensor (front) (page 4-136)
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on the MRCC:
The MRCC system has detection limitations depending on the type of vehicle ahead and its
conditions, the weather conditions, and the road conditions. Additionally, the system may be
unable to decelerate sufficiently to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead if the vehicle ahead applies
the brakes suddenly or another vehicle cuts into the driving lane, which could result in an
accident.
Always drive carefully and verify the surrounding conditions and depress the brake pedal or
accelerator pedal while keeping a safer distance from vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.
Do not use the MRCC system in the following locations, using the MRCC system at the
following locations may result in an unexpected accident:
General roads other than highways (Driving under these conditions using the MRCC system
is not possible.)
Roads with sharp curves and where vehicle tr affic is heavy and there is insufficient space
between vehicles.
Roads where frequent and repeti tive acceleration and deceleration occur (Driving under
these conditions using the MRCC system is not possible).
When entering and exiting interchanges, servic e areas, and parking areas of highways (If
you exit a highway while headway control is in use, the vehicle ahead will no longer be
tracked and your vehicle may accelerate to the set speed).
Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads (Tires could sp in causing you to lose vehicle
control, or the stop hold control may not operate.)
Long, descending slopes (to maintain distan ce between vehicles, the system automatically
and continuously applies the brakes which could result in the loss of brake power.)
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-102*Some models.
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
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
▼Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) Display Indication
The MRCC setting status and operation conditions are indicated
on the active driving
display.
Vehicle ahead display
MRCC Distance
between vehicle
display
MRCC Set vehicle speed
▼ Close Proximity Warning
If your vehicle rapidly closes in
on the vehicle ahead because the vehicle ahead applies the
brakes suddenly while you are traveling in headway control, the warning sound activates
and the brake warning is indicated in the display. Always verif y the safety of the
surrounding area and depress the brake pedal while keeping a sa fer distance from the
vehicle ahead. Additionally, keep a safer distance from the veh icles behind you.
NOTE
In the following cases, the warnings and brakes may not operate even if your vehicle starts
closing in on the vehicle ahead.
You are driving your vehicle at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
Directly after the MRCC system has been set.
Directly after the accelerator pedal is released.
Another vehicle cuts into the driving lane.
▼Setting the System
The MRCC system operates when all of the following conditions a
re met.
Vehicle speed is 30 km/h (19 mph) to 145 km/h (90 mph)
The MRCC is turned on.
The brake pedal is not depressed.
The parking brake is released (parking brake indicator light is turned off).
There is no problem with the DSC.
All the doors are closed.
The driver's seat belt is fastened.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-104
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)*
The SCBS system alerts the driver of a possible collision using an indication in the display
and a warning sound when the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detec ts a vehicle ahead and
determines that a collision with a vehicle ahead is unavoidable while the vehicle is being
driven at a vehicle speed of about 4 to 80 km/h (2 to 50 mph). In addition, the system
reduces damage in the event of a collision by operating the bra ke control (Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS) brake) when the system determines that a collisi on is unavoidable while the
vehicle is being driven at a vehicle speed of about 4 to 30 km/ h (2 to 18 mph). It may also
be possible to avoid a collision if the relative speed between your vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you is less than about 20 km/h (12 mph). In addition, when the driver depresses the
brake pedal while the system is i n the operation range at about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph),
the brakes are applied firmly and quickly to assist. (Brake Ass ist (Smart City Brake Support
(SCBS) brake assist))
Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC)
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on the SCBS system:
The SCBS system is only designed to reduce damage in the event of a collision. Over reliance
on the system leading to the accelerator pedal or brake pedal being mistakenly operated
could result in an accident.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-124*Some models.
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
The SCBS is a system which operates in response to a vehicle ahead. The system may not be
able to detect or react to 2- wheeled vehicles or pedestrians.
CAUTION
In the following cases, turn the system
off to prevent a mis-operation:
The vehicle is being towed or when towing another vehicle.
The vehicle is on a chassis roller.
When driving on rough roads such as in areas of dense grass or off-road.
Refer to Stopping the Smart City Brake Suppor t (SCBS) system Operation on page 4-127 on
how to turn off the SCBS system.
NOTE
The SCBS system will operate under the following conditions.
The engine is running.
The Smart Brake Support/Smart City Brake Support (SBS/SCBS) system warning light
(amber) does not illuminate.
(Rear-end collision warning)
The vehicle speed is about 4 to 80 km/h (2 to 50 mph).
(Brake control (Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) brake))
The vehicle speed is about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph).
The SCBS system is not turned off.
Under the following conditions, the SCBS system may not operate normally:
The SCBS system will not operate if the dr iver is deliberately performing driving
operations (accelerator pedal and steering wheel).
If there is the possibility of partial contact with a vehicle ahead.
The vehicle is driven on a slippery road surface such as wet roads or icy or snow-bound
roads.
The braking performance is adversely affected due to cold temperatures or wet brakes.
The vehicle is driven at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
The accelerator pedal is depressed.
The brake pedal is depressed.
The steering wheel is being operated.
The selector lever is being operated.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-125
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21