2018 MAZDA MODEL CX-9 warning lights

Horn
To sound the horn, press the mark on
the steering wheel.
Hazard Warning Flasher
The hazard warning lights should always
be used when you stop on or near a
roadway in an emergency.

The hazard warning lights warn other
drivers that your vehicle is a traffic hazard
and that they must take extreme caution
when near it.

Depress the hazard warning flasher and all
the turn signals will flash. The hazard
warning indicator lights in the instrument
cluster flash simultaneously.
NOTE
•The turn signals do not work when the
hazard warning lights are on.
•Check local regulations about the use of
hazard warning lights while the vehicle
is being towed to verify that it is not in
violation of the law.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
4-61
CX-9_8GC3-EA-17G_Edition1 2017-5-29 10:13:38

•When running the vehicle through an
automatic car wash, it may be necessary
to switch the ignition off with the
parking brake released depending on
the type of automatic car wash.
When applying the EPB
The EPB can be applied regardless of the
ignition switch position.
Securely depress the brake pedal and pull
up the EPB switch.
The EPB is applied and the brake system
warning light and the EPB switch
indicator light turn on.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page
4-31.
When releasing the EPB
The EPB can be released while the
ignition is switched ON or the engine is
running. When the EPB is released, the
brake system warning light and the EPB
switch indicator light turn off.
EPB manual release
Firmly depress the brake pedal and press
the EPB switch.
If the EPB switch is pressed without
depressing the brake pedal, the display or
indicator light in the instrument cluster
notifies the driver that the brake is not
depressed.
(Type A instrument cluster)
A message is displayed on the
multi-information display in the
instrument cluster.
Refer to Message Indicated in
Multi-information Display on page 7-46.
(Type B instrument cluster)
The brake pedal operation demand
indicator light in the instrument cluster
turns on.
When Driving
Brake
4-68
CX-9_8GC3-EA-17G_Edition1 2017-5-29 10:13:38

EPB automatic release
If the accelerator pedal is depressed with
the EPB applied and all of the following
conditions met, the parking brake is
released automatically.
•The engine is running.
•The driver's door is closed.
•The driver's seat belt is fastened.
•Selector lever is in the D, M, or R
position
NOTE
If something such as the driver's foot
contacts the accelerator pedal with the
engine running and the EPB applied, the
parking brake may be released
automatically. If you do not intend to drive
immediately, shift the selector lever to the
P or N position.
▼ Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-32.
▼Brake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become worn,
the built-in wear indicators contact the
disc plates. This caus
es a screeching noise
to warn that the pads should be replaced.
When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
WA R N I N G
Do not drive with worn disc pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is dangerous.
The brakes could fail and cause a serious
accident. As soon as you hear a screeching
noise consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
▼ Brake Assist
During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the brake
pedal with greater force, the brake assist
system provides braking assistance, thus
enhancing braking performance.

When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, the brakes apply
more firmly.
When Driving
Brake
4-69
CX-9_8GC3-EA-17G_Edition1
2017-5-29 10:13:38

•HLA does not operate while the
TCS/DSC indicator light is illuminated.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-31.
•HLA does not turn off even if the TCS
OFF switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS.
When Driving
Brake
4-71
CX-9_8GC3-EA-17G_Edition1 2017-5-29 10:13:38

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 Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-32.
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/Trailer St ability Assist (TSA)
4-72
CX-9_8GC3-EA-17G_Edition1 2017-5-29 10:13:38

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 Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-32.
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 co uld still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the TCS OFF
switch (page 4-74).
▼ TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
If the TCS, DSC or the Trailer Stability
Assist (TSA)
* 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/Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
*Some models.4-73
CX-9_8GC3-EA-17G_Edition1 2017-5-29 10:13:38

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 -72) and TCS (page
4-73).

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 Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-32.
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, DSC or the Trailer Stability
Assist (TSA)
* 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/Trailer Stability Assist (TSA)
*Some models.4-75
CX-9_8GC3-EA-17G_Edition1 2017-5-29 10:13:38

i-ACTIV AWD Operation*
AWD provides excellent drivability on
snow-covered and ice-packed roads, sand
and mud, as well as on steep slopes and
other slippery surfaces.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-32.
WA R N I N G
Never spin a wheel that is off the ground:
Spinning a wheel that is off the ground as a
result of the vehicle being stuck or in a
ditch is dangerous. The drive assembly
could be seriously damaged which could
lead to an accident or could even lead to
overheating, oil leakage, and a fire.
▼ AW D D r i v i n g
WA R N I N G
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvers when driving this
vehicle:
Sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvering of this
vehicle is dangerous
as it could result in the increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle roll-over,
personal injury or death.
This vehicle has a higher center of gravity.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity
such as utility and AWD vehicles handle
differently than vehicles with a lower center
of gravity.
Utility and AWD vehicles are not designed
for cornering at high speeds any more than
low profile sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. In addition, utility vehicles have
a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Drive carefully when the vehicle is loaded
by lowering vehicle speed and applying the
brakes earlier:
Abrupt maneuvering and sudden braking
when driving a loaded vehicle is dangerous
as the driving behavior of a vehicle with a
high center of gravity is different when it is
loaded compared to when it is not, and
could result in the loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
*Some models.4-81
CX-9_8GC3-EA-17G_Edition1 2017-5-29 10:13:38