Forward driving (BSM operation)
The BSM detects vehicles approaching from the rear and turns on the BSM warning
indicator lights equipped on the door mirrors according to the conditions. Additionally,
while a BSM warning i ndicator light is illuminated, if the turn signal lever is operated to
signal a turn in the direction in which the BSM warning indicat or light is illuminated, the
BSM warning indicator light flashes.
Reverse driving (Rear Cross Traf fic Alert (RCTA) system operation)
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system detects vehicles app roaching from the left and
right of your vehicle and flashes the BSM warning indicator lig hts.
Function for cancelling illumination dimmer
If the BSM warning indicator lights turn on when the parking li ghts are turned on, the
brightness of the BSM warning indicator lights is dimmed.
If the BSM warning indicator lights are difficult to see due to glare from surrounding
brightness when traveling on snow-covered roads or under foggy conditions, press the
dimmer cancellation button to can cel the dimmer and increase the brightness of BSM
warning indicator lights when they turn on.
Refer to Dashboard Illumination on page 4-16.
Display indicator (Vehicles with active driving display)
The detected approaching vehicle and warning are displayed in t he active driving display
when the vehicle is moving forward (BSM operational).
The detected direction is displayed with a detection indicator (white) when an approaching
vehicle is detected. In addition , if the turn signal lever is o perated to signal a lane change
while the vehicle is detected, the display changes the color (a mber) of the warning indicator.
BSM warning beep
The BSM warning beep is activated simultaneously with the flash ing of a BSM warning
indicator light.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-88
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
▼Indication on Display
The DRSS operation status is indi
cated in the active driving display. Regarding
malfunctions, check the vehicle c onditions or have it inspected by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer according to the conte nt of the displayed message.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-23.
NOTE
When the ignition is sw itched off, the operation status be fore the system was turned off is
maintained. For example, if the ignition is switched off with the DRSS operable, the
system will be operable when the ignition is switched ON the next time.
The DRSS can be turned on/off and the system's sensitivity can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-12.
Vehicle ahead
display
Distance-between-veh icles guidelines*1
Display Distance between vehicles guide-
lines
(During travel at about 40 km/h (25 mph) Distance between vehicles guide-
lines
(During travel at about 80 km/h (50 mph)
Illuminated in
amber
About 10 m (32 ft) or less About 20 m (65 ft) or less
*1 The distance between vehicles differs depending on vehicle spe ed.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-97
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)*
The RCTA system is designed to assist the driver in checking the area to the rear of the
vehicle on both sides while the vehicle is reversing by alertin g the driver to the presence of
vehicles approaching the rear of the vehicle.
The RCTA system detects vehicles approaching from the left and right sides of the vehicle,
and the rear of the vehicle while the vehicle is being reversed out of a parking space, and
notifies the driver of possible d anger using the Blind Spot Mon itoring (BSM) warning
indicator lights and the warning buzzer.
Detection areas
Your vehicle
RCTA operation
1. The RCTA system operates when the shift lever (manual transax le) or the selector lever
(automatic transaxle) is shifted to the reverse (R) position.
2. If there is the possibility of a collision with an approaching vehicle, the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) warning indicato r lights flashes and the warning beep is activated
simultaneously.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-98*Some models.
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
(With rear view monitor)
The RCTA warning indication in the rearview monitor also synchronizes with the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator light on the door mirro rs.
WA R N I N G
Always check the surrounding area visually before actually putting the vehicle in reverse:
The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at the rear when putting the
vehicle in reverse. Due to certain limitations with the operation of this system, the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator lights may not flash or it might be delayed even though a
vehicle is behind your vehicle. Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the rear.
NOTE
In the following cases, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF Indicator Light turns on
and operation of the system is stopped. If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF Indicator
Light remains illuminated, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
Some problem with the system including the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
indicator lights has occurred.
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).
Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-99
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator lights equipped on the door mirrors.
Snow or ice adheres to the door mirrors.
The front door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
Turn off the RCTA system while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle
carrier is installed to the rear of the vehic le. Otherwise, the radio waves emitted by the
radar will be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-101
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
The SBS system may not operate under the following conditions:
If the vehicle is accelerated rapidly and it comes cl ose to a vehicle ahead.
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.
The turn signal is being used.
When the vehicle ahead is not equipped with taillights or the taillights are turned off.
When warnings and messages, such as a dirty windshield, related to the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC) are being di splayed in the center display.
Although the objects which activate the syst em are four-wheeled vehicles, the radar
sensor (front) could detect the following objects, determine them to be an obstruction, and
operate the SBS system.
Objects on the road at the entrance to a curve (including guardrails and snow banks).
A vehicle appears in the opposite lane while cornering or rounding a curve.
When crossing a narrow bridge.
When passing under a low gate or through a tunnel or narrow gate.
When entering an underground parking area.
Metal objects, bumps, or protruding objects on the road.
If you suddenly come close to a vehicle ahead.
When driving in areas where there is high grass or forage.
Two-wheeled vehicles such as motorbikes or bicycles.
Pedestrians or non-metallic objects such as standing trees.
When the system operates, the user is notified by the active driving display.
The SBS warning indication (amber) turn s on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-24.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-129
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21
The surroundings are dark such as during the night, early evening, or early morning, or
in a tunnel or indoor parking lot.
The illumination brightness of the headlights is reduced or the headlight illumination is
weakened due to dirt or a deviated optical axis.
The target object enters the blind spot of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
A person or object bursts onto the road from the shoulder or cuts right in front of you.
You change lanes and approach a vehicle ahead.
When driving extremely close to the target object.
Tire chains or a temporary spare tire is installed.
The vehicle ahead has a special shape. For example, a vehicle towing a trailer house or
a boat, or a vehicle carrier carrying a vehicle with its front pointed rearward.
If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot operate normally due to backlight or fog,
the system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily
stopped and the following warn ing lights turn on. However, this does not indicate a
malfunction.
High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) warning
light
Smart Brake Support/Smart City Brake Support (SBS/SCBS) warning light (amber)
If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot operate normally due to high temperatures,
the system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily
stopped and the following warn ing lights turn on. However, this does not indicate a
malfunction. Cool down the area around the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) such as by
turning on the air conditioner.
High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) warning
light
Smart Brake Support/Smart City Brake Support (SBS/SCBS) warning light (amber)
If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects that the windshield is dirty or foggy, the
system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily stopped
and the following warning lights turn on. Ho wever, this does not indicate a problem.
Remove the dirt from the windshield or press the defroster switch and defog the
windshield.
High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) warning
light
Smart Brake Support/Smart City Brake Support (SBS/SCBS) warning light (amber)
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-134
Mazda3_8GE4-EA-17F_Edition1 2017-4-7 11:59:21