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 7-28.
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 7-28.
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 4-112).
▼ 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)
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 4-109) and TCS (page
4-110).
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 7-28.
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.
▼ 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.
▼ 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.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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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 Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-28.
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.
▼ AWD Driving
This vehicle has not been designed for the
purpose of off-road driving or rallies. Do
not attempt to drive over uneven or rocky
surfaces, or across rivers.
Although this vehicle is equipped with
AWD, acceleration, steering and braking
operations should be conducted in the
same manner as with a non-AWD vehicle,
with the emphasis placed on safe driving.
▼Tires and Tire Chains
The condition of the tires plays a large role
in the performance of the vehicle.
Moreover, to prevent adverse effects to the
drive assembly, please note the following:
Tires
When replacing tires, always replace all
front and rear tires
at the same time.
All tires must be of the same size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern.
Pay particular attention when equipping
snow or other types of winter tires.
Do not mix tread-worn tires with normal
tires.
Inspect tire inflation pressures at the
specified periods adjust to the specified
pressures.
NOTE
Check the tire inflation pressure label
attached to driver's door frame for the
correct tire inflation pressure.
Make sure to equip the vehicle with
genuine tires of the specified size, on all
wheels. With AWD, the system is
calibrated for all 4 wheels being of the
same dimensions.
Tire chains
Install tire chains to the front tires.
Do not use tire chains on the rear
wheels.
Do not drive the veh icle faster than 30
km/h (19 mph) with the tire chains
installed.
Do not drive the vehicle with tire chains
on road conditions other than snow or
ice.
▼ To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing, have it
towed with all 4 wheels completely off the
ground.
Refer to Towing Description on page
7-22.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
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NOTE
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the following
conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch
between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffic
conditions.
When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traffic signals.
When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and
signs.
When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.
When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain.
When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated.
When there is insufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.
When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats
are occupied.
When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.
▼ To Operate the System
The HBC operates to s
witch the headlights
automatically between high and low
beams after the igni tion is switched ON
and the headlight sw itch is in the AUTO
and high beam position.
The HBC determines that it is dark based
on the brightness of the surrounding area.
At the same time, the HBC indicator light
(green) in the instrument cluster
illuminates.
NOTE
When the vehicle speed is about 30 km/h
(19 mph) or more, the headlights
automatically switch to high beams
when there are no vehicles ahead or
approaching in the opposite direction.
When the vehicle speed is less than
about 20 km/h (12 mph), the HBC
switches the headlights to low beams.
The low beams may not switch to high
beams when cornering.
Operation of the HBC function can be
disabled. Refer to Vehicle Equipment on
page 9-14.
When Driving
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WA R N I N G
Always check the traffic signs visually while driving.
The TSR helps prevent the driver from overlookin g traffic signs and provides support for safer
driving. Depending on the weather conditions or problems with traffic signs, a
traffic sign
may not be recognized or a traffic sign different from the actual traffic sign may be displayed.
Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the actual traffic signs. Otherwise, it
could result in an accident.
NOTE
The TSR does not operate if there is a malfunction in the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
Under the following conditions, the TSR may not operate normally.
An object placed on the dashboard is reflected in the windshield and picked up by the
camera.
Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat and the
vehicle is tilted.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure.
Tires other than standard tires are equipped.
The vehicle is driven on the ramp and surrounding area to or from a rest area or a
tollgate on a highway.
When surrounding brightness suddenly changes such as when entering or exiting a
tunnel.
The illumination of the headlights is weakened because of dirt or the optical axis is
deviated.
The windshield is dirty or foggy.
The windshield and camera are fogged (water droplets).
Strong light is directed at the front of the vehicle (such as backlight or high-beam
headlights of on-coming vehicles).
The vehicle is making a sharp turn.
Strong light reflects off the road.
A traffic sign is in a position which makes it difficult to reflect the light from the
vehicle's headlights, such as when the vehicle is driven at night or in a tunnel.
The vehicle is driven under weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow.
The stored map data for the navigation system is not current.
A traffic sign is obscured by mud or snow.
A traffic sign is concealed by trees or a vehicle.
A traffic sign is partially shaded.
A traffic sign is bent or warped.
A traffic sign is too low or too high.
When Driving
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Roads where frequent and repetitive accelerati on and deceleration occur (Driving under
these conditions using the MRCC with Stop & Go function system is not possible).
When entering and exiting interchanges, servic e areas, and parking areas of highways (If
you exit a highway while headway control is in use, the vehicle ahead will no longer be
tracked and your vehicle may accelerate to the set speed).
Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads (Tires could spin causing you to lose vehicle
control, or the stop hold control may not operate.)
Long, descending slopes (to maintain distance between vehicles, the system automatically
and continuously applies the brakes which could result in the loss of brake power.)
Slopes with a steep gradient (The vehicle ahea d may not be detected correctly, your vehicle
may slide while stopped by the stop hold control, and it may accelerate suddenly after it
starts moving.)
For safety purposes, switch the MRCC with Stop & Go function system off when it is not being
used.
Do not get out of the vehicle while the stop hold control is operating:
Getting out of the vehicle while the stop hold co ntrol is operating is dangerous as the vehicle
may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. Before getting out of the vehicle, switch the
MRCC with Stop & Go function system off, shift the selector lever to the P position, and apply
the parking brake.
CAUTION
If your vehicle is towed or you are towing something, switch the MRCC with Stop & Go
function system off to prevent a mis-operation.
NOTE
The MRCC with Stop & Go function 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 with Stop & Go function system under conditions in which close
proximity warnings are frequently activated.
When Driving
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Resume driving information
If you do not resume driving within a few seconds after the vehicle ahead starts moving, the
multi-information display vehicl e-ahead indication flashes to urge the driver to resume
driving.
▼ Cruise Control Function
While this function is operating, the
headway control operation is canceled and
only the cruise control function operates.
The vehicle speed can be set more than
about 25 km/h (16 mph).
Use the cruise c
ontrol function on
expressways and other highways which do
not require a lot of repeated acceleration
and deceleration.
WA R N I N G
Do not use the cruise control function in
the following locations:
Otherwise, it could lead to an accident.
Roads with sharp curves and where
vehicle traffic is heavy and there is
insufficient space between vehicles.
(Driving under these conditions using the
cruise control function is not possible)
Steep down slopes (Set speed may be
exceeded because sufficient engine
braking cannot be applied)
Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound
roads (Tires could spin causing you to
lose vehicle control)
Always drive carefully:
The warnings and brake control will not
operate after the headway control function
is canceled and the system is switched to
only the cruise control function. Depress
the brake pedal to decelerate according to
the surrounding conditions while keeping a
safer distance from the vehicle ahead and
always driving carefully.
Switching to cruise control function
When the MODE switc h is pressed until
the system switches to the cruise main
indication (white) wh ile the MRCC with
Stop & Go function system is turned on,
the system switches to the cruise control
function.
When the system switches to the cruise
control function, the indicator and
multi-information disp lay notify the driver
as follows:
The MRCC with Stop & Go function set
indication (green) or the MRCC with
Stop & Go function main indication
(white) is turned off, and the cruise main
indication (white) is turned on.
A message is displayed in the
multi-information display.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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