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NOTE
•HLA does not operate on a gentle slope.
In addition, the gradient of the slope on
which the system will operate changes
depending on the vehicle's load.
•HLA does not operate if the parking
brake is applied, the vehicle has not
stopped completely, or the clutch pedal
is released.
•While HLA is operating, the brake pedal
may feel stiff and vibrate, however, this
does not indicate a malfunction.
•HLA does not operate while the
TCS/DSC indicator light is illuminated.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-30.
•HLA does not turn of f even if the TCS
OFF switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS.
When Driving
Brake
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Antilock Brake System(ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of 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 brake pedal without
pumping the brakes.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-30.
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 will 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
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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 autom atically to provide
optimum power to th e drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin a nd loss of traction.
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-30.
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 TCS 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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▼TCS OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light
stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
It also illuminates when the TCS OFF
switch is pressed and TCS is switched off.
Refer to TCS OFF Sw itch on page 4-69.
If the light remains i lluminated and the
TCS is not switched of f, take your vehicle
to an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The DSC
may have a malfunction.
▼ TCS OFF Switch
Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the
TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light in the
instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch aga
in to turn the TCS
back on. The TCS OFF indicator light will
turn off.
NOTE
•When TCS 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.
•If the TCS is off when the engine is
turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
•Leaving the TCS on will provide the best
traction.
•If the TCS OFF switch is pressed and
held for 10 seconds or more, the TCS
OFF switch malfunction detection
function operates and the TCS system
activates automatically. The TCS OFF
indicator light turn s off while the TCS
system is operative.
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 4-67) and TCS (page
4-68).
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 Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-30.
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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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 enhanced. 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 slip pery 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 with St op & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go
function) System/cruise control is operating.
•Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
▼ Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive selection switch forward
(“
”) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(“
”) to cancel the sport mode.
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.
▼ Select Mode Indicator Light
When the sport mode is selected, the select
mode indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster.
When Driving
Drive Selection
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NOTE
If the drive selection cannot be switched to
sport mode, the select mode indicator light
flashes to notify the driver.
When Driving
Drive Selection
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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 Stop Vehicle in Safe Place
Immediately on page 7-27.
Refer to Power Steering Warning
Buzzer on page 7-46.
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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