2020 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA RF Owners Manual

Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)*
Your vehicle is equipped with a Forward Sensing Camera (FSC). The Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) is positioned near t he rearview mirror and used by the following systems.
High Beam Control System (HBC)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahead of the vehicle while
traveling at night and detects traffic lanes. The distance in w hich the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) can detect objects varies depending on the surroun ding conditions.
WA R N I N G
Do not modify the suspension:
If the vehicle height or inclination is changed, the system will not be able to correctly detect
vehicles ahead. This will result in the system not operating normally or mistakenly operating,
which could cause a serious accident.
CAUTION
 Do not apply accessories, stickers or film to the windshield near the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC).
If the area in front of the Forward Sensing Came ra (FSC) lens is obstructed, it will cause the
system to not operate correctly. Consequently, each system may not operate normally
which could lead to an unexpected accident.
 Do not disassemble or modify th e Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
Disassembly or modification of the Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC) will cause a malfunction
or mistaken operation. Consequently, each sy stem may not operate normally which could
lead to an unexpected accident.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.4-105
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Heed the following cautions to assure the correct operation of the Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC).
 Be careful not to scratch the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) lens or allow it to get dirty.
 Do not remove the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cover.
 Do not place objects on the dashboard which reflect light.
 Always keep the windshield glass around the camera clean by removing dirt or fogging.
Use the windshield defroster to remove fogging on the windshield.
 Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regardi ng cleaning the interior side of the
windshield around the Forw ard Sensing Camera (FSC).
 Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer before performing repairs around the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
 The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installe d to the windshield. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer for windshield repair and replacement.
 When cleaning the wind shield, do not allow glass cleaners or similar cleaning fluids to
get on the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) le ns. In addition, do not touch the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC) lens.
 When performing repairs around the rearv iew mirror, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
 Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding cleaning of the camera lens.
 Do not hit or apply strong force to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or the area around
it. If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is severely hit or if there are cracks or damage
caused by flying gravel or debris in the area around it, stop using the following systems
and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
 High Beam Control System (HBC)
 Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
 Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
 Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
 The direction in which the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is pointed has been finely
adjusted. Do not change the installation posi tion of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or
remove it. Otherwise, it could result in damage or malfunction.
 Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacturer,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do no t use tires with significantly different wear
patterns on the same vehicle as the system may not operate normally.
 The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) includes a function for detecting a soiled windshield
and informing the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may not detect plastic
shopping bags, ice or snow on the windshield. In such cases, the system cannot accurately
determine a vehicle ahead and may not be able to operate normally. Always drive carefully
and pay attention to the road ahead.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-106
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

NOTE
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot detect target objects
correctly, and each system may be unable to operate normally.
The height of the vehicle ahead is low.
You drive your vehicle at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
Headlights are not turned on during the night or when going through a tunnel.
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) may not be able to detect
target objects correctly.
Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow.
The window washer is being used or the windshield wipers are not used when it's
raining.
Ice, fog, snow, frost, rainfall, dirt, or foreign matter such as a plastic bag is stuck on the
windshield.
Trucks with low loading platforms and vehicl es with an extremely low or high profile.
When driving next to walls with no patterning (including fences and longitudinally
striped walls).
The taillights of the vehicle ahead are turned off.
A vehicle is outside the illumi nation range of the headlights.
The vehicle is making a sharp turn, or ascending or descending a steep slope.
Entering or exiting a tunnel.
Heavy luggage is loaded causing the vehicle to tilt.
Strong light is shone at the front of the vehicle (back light or high-beam light from
on-coming vehicles).
There are many light emitters on the vehicle ahead.
When the vehicle ahead is not equipped with taillights or the taillights are turned off at
nighttime.
Elongated luggage or cargo is loaded onto installed roof rails and covers the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
Exhaust gas from the vehicle in front, sand, snow, and water vapor rising from
manholes and grating, and water splashed into the air.
When towing a malfunctioning vehicle.
The vehicle is driven with tires having significantly different wear.
The vehicle is driven on down slopes or bumpy roads.
There are water puddles on the road.
The surroundings are dark such as during the night, early evening, or early morning, or
in a tunnel or indoor parking lot.
The illumination brightness of the headlights is reduced or the headlight illumination is
weakened due to dirt or a deviated optical axis.
The target object enters the blind spot of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
A person or object bursts onto the road from the shoulder or cuts right in front of you.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-107
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

You change lanes and approach a vehicle ahead.
When driving extremely close to the target object.
Tire chains or a temporary spare tire is installed.
The vehicle ahead has a special shape. For example, a vehicle towing a trailer house or
a boat, or a vehicle carrier carrying a vehicle with its front pointed rearward.
If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot operate normally due to backlight or fog,
the system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily
stopped and the following warning lights turn on. However, this does not indicate a
malfunction.
High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDW S) warning indication/warning light
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warn ing indication/warning light (amber)
If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot operate normally due to high temperatures,
the system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily
stopped and the following warn ing lights turn on. However, this does not indicate a
malfunction. Cool down the area around the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) such as by
turning on the air conditioner.
High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDW S) warning indication/warning light
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warn ing indication/warning light (amber)
If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects that the windshield is dirty or foggy, the
system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily stopped
and the following warning lights turn on. Ho wever, this does not indicate a problem.
Remove the dirt from the windshield or press the defroster switch and defog the
windshield.
High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDW S) warning indication/warning light
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) warn ing indication/warning light (amber)
If there are recognizable cracks or damage caused by flying gravel or debris on the
windshield, always have the windshield replaced. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer
for replacement.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-108
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Radar Sensors (Rear)*
Your vehicle is equipped with radar sensors (rear). The following systems also use the radar
sensors (rear).
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The radar sensors (rear) function by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle
approaching from the rear or an obstruction sent from the radar sensor.
Radar sensors (rear)
The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Always keep the surface of the rear bumper near the radar senso rs (rear) clean so that the
radar sensors (rear) operate normally. Also, do not apply items such as stickers.
Refer to Exterior Care on page 6-57.
CAUTION
If the rear bumper receives a severe impact, the system may no longer operate normally. Stop
the system immediately and have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
The detection ability of the radar sensors (rear) has limitations. In the following cases,
the detection ability may lower and the system may not operate normally.
The rear bumper near the radar sensors (rear) has become deformed.
Snow, ice or mud adheres to the radar sensors (rear) on the rear bumper.
Under bad weather conditions such as rain, snow and fog.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.
Stationary objects on a road or a road side such as small, two-wheeled vehicles,
bicycles, pedestrians, animals, and shopping carts.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.4-109
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Vehicle shapes which do not reflect radar waves well such as empty trailers with a low
vehicle height and sports cars.
Vehicles are shipped with the direction of the radar sensors (rear) adjusted for each
vehicle to a loaded vehicle condition so that the radar sensors (rear) detect approaching
vehicles correctly. If the direction of the radar sensors (rear) has deviated for some
reason, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
For repairs or replacement of the radar sensors (rear), or bumper repairs, paintwork, and
replacement near the radar sensors, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Turn off the system while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle carrier
is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radio waves emitted by the radar will
be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.
The radar sensors are regulated by the relevant radio wave laws of the country in which
the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is driven abroad, authorization from the country in
which the vehicle is driven may be required.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-110
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Cruise Control*
With cruise control, you can set and automatically maintain any speed of more than about
25 km/h (16 mph).
WA R N I N G
Do not use the cruise control under the following conditions:
Using the cruise control under the following conditions is dangerous and could result in loss
of vehicle control.
 Hilly terrain
 Steep inclines
 Heavy or unsteady
traffic
 Slippery or winding roads
 Similar restrictions that require inconsistent speed
▼ Cruise Control Switch
ON switch RESUME/+ switch
SET/- switch
OFF/CANCEL switch
▼ Cruise Main Indication, Cruise Set
Indication/Cruise Set Indicator
LightType A instrument cluster
(Cruise main indication (white))
The indication turns on (white) when the
cruise control system is activated.
(Cruise set indication (green))
The indication turns on (green) when a
cruising speed has been set.

Type B instrument cluster
(Cruise main indication (white))
The indication turns on (white) when the
cruise control system is activated.
When Driving
Cruise Control
*Some models.4 - 111
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old
2019-8-29 16:18:06

(Cruise set indication (white)/indicator
light (green))
The cruise set indication (white) is
displayed in the instrument cluster and the
cruise set indicator light (green) turns on
when a cruising sp eed has been set.
▼Activation/Deactivation
To activate the system, press the ON
switch. The cruise main indication (white)
turns on.
To deactivate the system, press the OFF/
CANCEL switch.
The cruise main indi
cation (white) turns
off.
WA R N I N G
Always turn off the cruise control system
when it is not in use:
Leaving the cruise control system in an
activation-ready state while the cruise
control is not in use is dangerous as the
cruise control could unexpectedly activate
if the activation button is accidentally
pressed, and result in loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
NOTE
When the ignition is switched OFF, the
system status before it was turned off is
maintained. For exampl e, if the ignition is
switched OFF with the cruise control
system operable, the system will be
operable when the ignition is switched ON
the next time.
▼ To S e t S p e e d
1. Activate the cruise control system by
pressing the ON switch. The cruise
main indication (white) turns on.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which
must be more than 25 km/h (16 mph).
3. Type A instrument cluster
Set the cruise control by pressing the
SET/
switch at t he desired speed. The
cruise control is set at the moment the
SET/
switch is pressed. Release the
accelerator pedal simultaneously. The
cruise set indication (green) turns on.
Type B instrument cluster
Set the cruise control by pressing the
SET/
switch at t he desired speed. The
cruise control is set at the moment the
SET/
switch is pressed. Release the
accelerator pedal simultaneously. The
cruise set indication (white) is
displayed and the cr uise set indicator
light (green) turns on.
NOTE
The cruise control speed setting cannot
be performed under the following
conditions:
(Automatic transmission)
The selector lever is in the P or N
position.
(Manual transmission)
The shift lever is in the neutral
position.
The parking brake is applied.
When Driving
Cruise Control
4-112
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06