2020 MAZDA MODEL 3-SEDAN Owners Manual

If the AUTOHOLD switch is pressed
without depressing the brake pedal
while AUTOHOLD is operating
(AUTOHOLD active indicator light in
instrument cluster is turned on), the
message “Depress Brake Pedal and
Operate Switch to Release” is indicated
on the multi-information display to
notify the driver to depress the brake
pedal.
If any of the follow ing conditions occurs
while the AUTOHOLD function is
operating (AUTOHOLD active indicator
light is turned on), the parking brake is
applied automatically and the
AUTOHOLD function turns off. For the
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
operation, refer to the Electric Parking
Brake (EPB) on page 4-64.
The ignition is switched OFF.
There is a problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
▼ Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
The HLA functions to assist in
accelerating the vehicle from a stop on
slopes. When releasing the brake pedal
and depressing the accelerator pedal to
accelerate the vehicle from a stop while on
a slope, the function prevents the vehicle
from rolling. The HLA also operates when
reversing on a slope.
The braking force is maintained
automatically after releasing the brake
pedal on a steep slope.
For manual transmission vehicles, the
HLA operates when the vehicle is tilted
rearward with the shift lever in a forward
gear, and operates when the vehicle is
tilted forward with th
e shift lever in the R
position.
For automatic transmi ssion vehicles, the
HLA operates when the vehicle is tilted
rearward with the s elector lever in a
forward gear, and operates when the
vehicle is tilted forward with the selector
lever in the R position.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on HLA:
HLA is an auxiliary device for accelerating
from a stop on a slope. The system only
operates for about 2 seconds and
therefore, relying only on the system, when
accelerating from a stop is dangerous
because the vehicle may move (roll)
unexpectedly and cause an accident.
When Driving
Brake
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The vehicle could roll depending on the
vehicle's load or if it is towing something. In
addition, for vehicles with a manual
transmission, the vehicle could still roll
depending on how the clutch pedal or the
accelerator pedal is operated.
Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the vehicle.
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 TCS/DSC Indication/Indicator
Light (Turns on) on page 7-32.
HLA does not turn of f even if the DSC
OFF switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS/DSC.
When Driving
Brake
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Antilock Brake System(ABS)
▼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 ABS Warning
Indication/Warning
Light 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)
▼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 TCS/DSC I ndication/Indicator
Light (Turns on) on page 7-32.
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 could still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-78).
▼ 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)
▼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
-75) and TCS (page
4-76).

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 7-32.
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 4 wheels.
 Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all 4
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.
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
4-73.
▼ 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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▼DSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light
stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off.
Refer to DSC OFF Switch on page 4-78.

If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched off, take your
vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The DSC may have a malfunction.
▼ DSC OFF Switch
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
in the instrument cluster and the DSC OFF
switch indicator lig
ht will illuminate.
1. DSC OFF switch indicator light

Press the switch again to turn the
TCS/DSC back on. The DSC OFF
indicator light and the DSC OFF switch
indicator light will turn off.
NOTE
When DSC 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/DSC.
If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine is
turned off, it aut omatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide
the best traction.
If the DSC OFF switch is pressed and
held for 10 seconds or more, the DSC
OFF switch malfunction detection
function operates and the DSC system
activates automatically. The DSC OFF
indicator light turns off while the DSC
system is operative.
(Vehicles with Smart Brake Support
(SBS))
If the Smart Brake Support (SBS)
operates with the TCS/DSC turned off,
the TCS/DSC becomes operational
automatically.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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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 maneuvers 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 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
Cruise control* is operating.
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop
& Go function) System
* is operating.
Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)* is operating.
Steering wheel is being operated
abruptly
▼Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive sele
ction switch forward
(SPORT) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selecti on switch back (OFF)
to cancel the sport mode.

NOTE
In the following cases, the drive
selection is canceled.
The ignition is switched OFF.
Cruise Control is set.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop
& Go function) is set.
Traffic Jam Assist (TJA) is set.
Depending on the driving conditions
when sport mode is selected, the vehicle
may perform shift-down or slightly
accelerate.
When Driving
Drive Selection
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▼Select Mode Indicator Light
When the sport mode is selected, the select
mode indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster.
1. Select mode indicator light
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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