2020 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA RF warning

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 7-36.
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 4-68).
▼ 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 -65) and TCS (page
4-66).

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 7-36.
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.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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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.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-27.
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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▼Camera and Sensors
Forward sensing camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahea
d of the vehicle while
traveling at night and detects traffic lanes. The following systems also use the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
High Beam Control system (HBC)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installed at the top of the windshield near the
rearview mirror.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-105.
Radar sensors (rear)
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 sensors. The following
systems also use the radar sensors (rear).
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The radar sensors (rear) are inst alled inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Refer to Radar S ensors (Rear) on page 4-109.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)*
The adaptive front lighting system (AFS) automatically adjusts the headlight beams to the
left or right in conjunction with the operation of the steering wheel after the headlights have
been turned on.
A system malfunction or operation conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspe cted on page 7-36.
NOTE
Headlights do not blind drivers approaching in the opposite direction no matter what side
of the road you must drive your vehicle (left-hand or right-hand traffic). Therefore, it is
not necessary to adjust the optical axis of the headlights when switching temporarily to
driving on the opposite side of the road (left-hand or right-hand traffic).
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) function can be switched to operable/
inoperable using the personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-9.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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High Beam Control System (HBC)*
The HBC determines the conditions in front of the vehicle using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) while driving in darkness to automatically switch the headlights between
high and low beams.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-105.
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (19 mph) or more, the headlights are
switched to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or appr oaching in the opposite
direction.
The system switches the headlight s to low beams when one of the following occurs:
The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehi cle approaching in the
opposite direction.
The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roa ds in well-lit cities and
towns.
The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).
Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC)
The recognition distance of the
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
varies according to the
surrounding conditions.
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on page 7-36.
CAUTION
Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify th e headlight units, or remove the camera,
otherwise the system will not operate normally.
 Do not rely excessively on the HBC and drive the vehicle while paying sufficient attention to
safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and low beams manually if
necessary.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)*
The LDWS notifies the driver that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane.
The system detects the white or yellow lines on the traffic lane using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) and if it determines that the vehicle may be devia ting from its lane, it notifies
the driver by flashing the LDWS warning light and activating th e LDWS warning beep, and
by the multi-info rmation display (vehicles with multi-informati on display).
Use the LDWS when you drive the vehicle on roads with white or yellow lines.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera on page 4-105.

Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC)
The warning light illuminates when the system has a malfunction .
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning Lights on page 4-27.
WA R N I N G
Do not use the LDWS under the following conditions:
The system may not operate adequately accordin g to the actual driving conditions, resulting
in an accident.
 Driving on roads with tight curves.
 Driving under bad weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow).
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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The functions of the LDWS have limitations:
Always stay on course using the steering wheel and drive with care. The system is not
designed to compensate for a driver’s lack of caution and if you rely too much on the LDWS it
could lead to an accident. The driver is res ponsible for assuring lane changes and other
maneuvers. Always pay attention to the direction in which the vehicle is traveling and the
vehicle’s surroundings.
CAUTION
Do not modify the suspension. If the vehicle height or the damping force of the suspensions is
changed, the LDWS may not operate correctly.
NOTE
If your vehicle deviates from its traffi c lane, the LDWS operates (warning sound and
indicator light). Steer the vehicle adequately to drive the vehicle to the center of the lane.
When the turn signal lever is operated for a lane change, the LDWS warning is
automatically canceled. The LDWS warning becomes operable when the turn signal lever
is returned and the system detects the white or yellow lines.
If the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal is operated abruptly and the
vehicle moves close to a white or yellow line, the system determines that the driver is
making a lane change and the LDWS warning is automatically canceled.
The LDWS may not operate during the period immediately after the vehicle has deviated
from its lane and the LDWS has operated, or the vehicle deviates from its lane repeatedly
within a short period of time.
The LDWS does not operate if it does not dete ct the white or yellow lines of the traffic
lane.
Under the following conditions, the LDWS may not be able to detect white or yellow lines
correctly and the LDWS may not operate correctly.
If 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 the vehicle is inclined.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure.
When the vehicle is driven on the entry and exit to or from the rest area or tollgate of a
highway.
The white or yellow lines are less visible because of dirt or paint flaking.
The vehicle ahead is running near a white or yellow line and the line is less visible.
A white or yellow line is less visible because of bad weather (rain, fog, or snow).
The vehicle is driven on a temporary lane or section with a closed lane due to
construction.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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