Traction Control System
(TCS)
▼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 TCS/DSC Indication/
Indicator Light (Turns on) on page
7-55.
WARNING
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 tyre friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.
Use snow tyres or tyre 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 4-82).
▼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
expert repairer (we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer).
NOTE
xIn addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight labouring sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating
properly.
xOn slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Off-Road Traction Assist
4-81
▼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 Switch on page
4-82.
If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS is not switched off, take your
vehicle to an expert repairer (we
recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer). 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 and the TCS OFF
switch indicator light will illuminate.
1. TCS OFF switch indicator light
Press the switch again to turn the TCS
back on. The TCS OFF indicator light
and the TCS OFF switch indicator light
will turn
off.
NOTE
xWhen 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.
xIf the TCS is off when the engine is
turned
off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
xLeaving the TCS on will provide the
best traction.
xIf 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 turns off
while the TCS system is operative.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Off-Road Traction Assist
4-82*Some models.
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC)
▼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 manoeuvring, enhancing
vehicle safety.
Refer to ABS (page 4-80) and TCS
(page 4-81).
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 TCS/DSC Indication/
Indicator Light (Turns on) on page
7-55.
WARNING
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 tyre friction and road contact
because of water on the road surface).
You can still have an accident.
CAUTION
¾The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
¾Use tyres of the correct size
specified for your Mazda on all 4
wheels.
¾Use tyres of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all 4 wheels.
¾Do not mix worn tyres.
¾The DSC may not operate correctly
when tyre chains are used or a
temporary spare tyre is installed
because the tyre diameter changes.
NOTE
If there is a problem with the DSC, the
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) may not
operate.
Refer to Hill Launch Assist (HLA) on
page 4-79.
▼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
expert repairer (we recommend an
Authorised Mazda Repairer).
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Off-Road Traction Assist
4-83
Off-Road Traction Assist*
▼Off-Road Traction Assist
When the vehicle tyres become
embedded in mud, sand, or deep
snow, the
Off-Road Traction Assist
functions to prevent drive-wheel
spinning and to assist in freeing tyres
that are stuck.
This is not a function made for
off-road
driving. Do not drive over rough rocky
roads and river beds.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the
Off-Road Traction Assist.
The
Off-Road Traction Assist has
limitations. Always drive the vehicle
safely according to the road
conditions. Do not drive the vehicle
recklessly, otherwise it may result in an
accident. In addition, do not drive the
vehicle under the following conditions
while the
Off-Road Traction Assist is
operating. Otherwise, it could
negatively affect the drivetrain parts
which could result in an accident.
¾Vehicle is driven on paved roads.
¾Temporary spare tyre of a different
specified size is used.
¾Tyre chains are used.
Do not drive the vehicle
off road.
The Off-Road Traction Assist is a
function to assist in freeing tyres that
are stuck. Also, avoid continuous use
of this function on muddy, sandy,
deep-snowy, or uneven roads.
If this function is used continuously,
the AWD warning light may
flash.
Refer to If a Warning Light Turns On or
Flashes on page 7-49.
NOTE
The vehicle may vibrate or you might
hear an operation sound while the
Off-Road Traction Assist is operating or
is operational, however, this does not
indicate a problem.
▼Off-Road Traction Assist Indicator
Light
xWhen the ignition is switched ON,
the indicator light turns on and then
turns off after a few seconds.
xWhen pressing the Off-Road Traction
Assist switch to operate the Off-Road
Traction Assist, the indicator light
turns on.
xA problem in the system might be
indicated under the following
conditions. Have your vehicle
inspected by an expert repairer (we
recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer).
xThe indicator light does not turn on
when the ignition is switched ON
or it remains on.
xThe indicator light turns on even
though the Off-Road Traction
Assist was not operated.
▼Off-Road Traction Assist Switch
When the switch is pressed after
stopping the vehicle, the
Off-Road
Traction Assist becomes operational.
The Off-Road Traction Assist indicator
light in the instrument cluster and the
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Off-Road Traction Assist
4-84*Some models.
Off-Road Traction Assist switch
indicator light turn on.
1. Off-Road Traction Assist switch
indicator light
If the switch is pressed again, the
Off-Road Traction Assist is stopped
and the Off-Road Traction Assist
indicator light and the Off-Road
Traction Assist switch indicator light
turn off.
NOTE
If the engine is stopped with the
Off-Road Traction Assist operational,
the
Off-Road Traction Assist is stopped
when the engine is started the next
time.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Off-Road Traction Assist
4-85
recommend an Authorised Mazda
Repairer).
WARNING
Never touch the areas where high
current is flowing:
Never touch a M Hybrid related part.
Otherwise, it could lead to an
electrical shock or burns causing
serious injury.
Never touch electrical wiring that may
be protruding into or outside of the
cabin:
Otherwise, it could lead to an
electrical shock or burns causing
serious injury.
Never touch any area where
electrolyte is visible or electrolyte is
leaking from the area:
If any electrolyte from the M Hybrid
battery gets in the eyes or on the skin,
it could cause loss of vision or skin
reactions. In the unlikely event that
electrolyte comes into contact with the
eyes or skin, flush with large quantities
of water immediately and seek
immediate medical attention.
Do not come near the vehicle if
electrolyte is leaking from the M
Hybrid battery:
Even if the M Hybrid battery is
damaged, large quantities of
electrolyte will not flow out due to the
internal structure of the battery,
however, in the unlikely event that it
does, it will produce steam. The steam
contains properties that can irritate the
eyes and skin, and could cause acute
poisoning if absorbed.
Never approach objects that are on
fire or extremely hot:
Electrolyte in the M Hybrid battery may
cause a fire.
If the vehicle catches fire, extinguish
the fire using an ABC fire
extinguisher:
Only extinguish a fire with water when
large amounts of water is available
such as from a fire hydrant.
When Driving
M Hybrid
4-89
Drive Selection*
▼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 make manoeuvres
such as lane changes, merging onto
freeways, or passing other vehicles.
CAUTION
Do not use the sport mode when
driving on slippery roads such as wet
or snow-covered roads. It may cause
tyre slipping.
NOTE
xWhen 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.
xDrive mode cannot be switched in
the following conditions:
xABS/TCS/DSC is operating xCruise control* is operating. xThe Mazda Radar Cruise Control
(MRCC) system* is operating. xThe Mazda Radar Cruise Control
with Stop & Go function (MRCC
with Stop & Go function) System
*
is operating. xCruising & Traffic Support (CTS)* is
operating.
xSteering wheel is being operated
abruptly
▼Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive selection switch forward
(SPORT) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(OFF) to cancel the sport mode.
NOTE
xIn the following cases, the drive
selection is cancelled.
xThe ignition is switched OFF. xCruise Control is set. xMazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with
Stop & Go function) is set.
xCruising &
Tra ffi c Support (CTS) is
set.
xDepending on the driving conditions
when sport mode is selected, the
vehicle may perform shift-down or
slightly accelerate.
When Driving
Drive Selection
4-90*Some models.