2018 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK warning lights

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
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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 4-66) and TCS (page
4-67).

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 Lights on page 4-24.
WA R N I N G
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
 The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
 Use tires of the correct size specified for
your Mazda on all four wheels.
Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
 Do not mix worn tires.
 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 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.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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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
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▼Pre-Crash Safety Technology
Pre-crash safety technology is designed to assist the driver in
averting collisions or reduce
their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided.
Collision damage reduction in low vehicle speed range
Forward driving
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS).......................................................................... page 4-124
Collision damage reduction in medium/high speed range
Smart Brake Support (SBS)..................................................................................... page 4-128
▼Camera and Sensors
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects lane indications and r
ecognizes headlights,
taillights and city lights during nighttime driving. In addition, it also detects the vehicle
ahead, pedestrians, or obstructions. The following systems also use the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC).
High Beam Control system (HBC)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System ( LDWS)
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
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 4-131.
Radar sensor (front)
The radar sensor (front) function s by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle ahead
sent from the radar sensor. The following systems also use the radar sensor (front).
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)
Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The radar sensor (front) is moun ted behind the radiator grille.
Refer to Radar S ensor (Front) on page 4-136.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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High Beam Control System (HBC)*
The 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 4-23.
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 appr oaching 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 lin ed 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 Lights on page 4-24.
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 HBC and drive the vehicle while paying sufficient attention to
safety. Switch the headlight s between the high beams and low beams manually if
necessary.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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NOTE
The BSM will operate when all of the following conditions are met:
The ignition is switched ON.
The BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster is turned off.
The vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.
The BSM will not operate under the following circumstances.
The vehicle speed falls below about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) even though the BSM OFF
switch indicator light is turned off.
The shift lever (manual transa xle)/selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to
reverse (R) and the vehicle is reversing.
The turning radius is small (making a sharp turn, turning at intersections).
In the following cases, the BSM warning indication/warning light turns on and operation
of the system is stopped. If the BSM warning indication/warning light remains
illuminated, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
Some problem with the system including the BSM warning indicator lights is detected.
A large deviation in the installation position of a radar sensor (rear) on the vehicle has
occurred.
There is a large accumulation of snow or ice on the rear bumper near a radar sensor
(rear). Remove any snow, ice or mud on the rear bumper.
Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods.
The temperature near the radar sensors (rear) becomes extremely hot due to driving for
long periods on slopes during the summer.
The battery voltage has decreased.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.
A vehicle is in the detection area at the rear in an adjacent driving lane but it does not
approach. The BSM determines the condition based on radar detection data.
A vehicle is traveling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed for an extended
period of time.
Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.
A vehicle in an adjacent driving lane is attempting to pass your vehicle.
A vehicle is in an adjacent lane on a road with extremely wide driving lanes. The
detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set at the road width of expressways.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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In the following case, the flashing of the BSM warning indicator light, and the activation
of the warning sound and the warning screen indicator display may not occur or they may
be delayed.
A vehicle makes a lane change from a driving lane two lanes over to an adjacent lane.
Driving on steep slopes.
Crossing the summit of a hill or mountain pass.
When there is a difference in the height between your driving lane and the adjacent
lane.
Directly after the BSM system becomes operable by changing the setting.
If the road width is extremely narrow, vehicles two lanes over may be detected. The
detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set according to the road width of
expressways.
The BSM warning indicator light may turn on and the vehicle detection screen may be
displayed in the display in reaction to stationary objects (guardrails, tunnels, sidewalls,
and parked vehicles) on the road or the roadside.
The walls at the entrance and exits of tunnels,
turnouts.
Objects such as guardrails and concrete walls
running alongside the vehicle. Places where the width between guardrails or
walls on each side of the vehicle narrows.
A BSM warning indicator ligh
t may flash or the warning beep and the warning screen
indicator display may be activated several times when making a turn at a city
intersection.
Turn off the BSM while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle carrier is
installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwis e, the radar’s radio waves will be blocked
causing the system to not operate normally.
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the BSM
warning indicator lights equipped on the door mirrors.
Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors.
The front door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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The radar sensors (rear) of the BSM may be regulated under the radio wave related laws
of the country where the vehicle is driven. The sensors in this system are approved for use
in the U.S.A. (including territories), Canada, and Mexico. If a vehicle with a BSM is
driven in a country other than the U.S.A., Canada, or Mexico, the system has to be turned
off using the BSM OFF switch.
The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function when the shift lever (manual
transaxle) or the selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to the reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on page 4-98.
▼ Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Warning Indicator Lights/Blind Spot
Monitoring
(BSM) Warning Beep
The BSM or Rear Cross Traffic Ale rt (RCTA) system notifies the driver of the presence of
vehicles in adjacent lanes or at the rear of the vehicle using the BSM warning indicator
light, the warning sound and the display indicator (vehicles wi th active driving display)
(BSM) while the systems are operational.
BSM warning indicator lights
The BSM warning indicator lights are equipped on the left and r ight door mirrors. The
warning indicator lights turn on when a vehicle approaching from the rear in an adjacent
lane is detected.
When the ignition is switched O N, the warning indicator light turns on momentarily and
then turns off after a few seconds.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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