2021 MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK brakes

NOTE
When canceling the parking brake
auto operation and parking the
vehicle, shift the shift lever to the 1st
gear or the R position for a manual
transmission, or shift the selector
lever to the P position for an
automatic transmission, and then
use wheel blocks.
The auto operation may not cancel if
the vehicle is parked on a steep
slope.
When the ignition is switched ON, the
parking brake auto operation is
restored.
▼ Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Brake System Warning
Indication/Warning Light on page
7-27.
▼Brake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become
worn, the built-in wear indicators
contact the disc plates. This causes a
screeching noise to warn that the pads
should be replaced.
When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
WARNING
Do not drive with worn disc pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is
dangerous. The brakes could fail and
cause a serious accident. As soon as
you hear a screeching noise consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
In high humidity weather conditions,
brake noises, such as brake squeak or
brake squeal can be heard. It does not
indicate a malfunction.
▼Brake Assist
During emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the
brake pedal with greater force, the
brake assist system provides braking
assistance, thus
enhancing braking
performance.

When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, the
brakes apply more firmly.
NOTE
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, the
pedal will feel softer but the brakes
will apply more firmly. This is a
normal eff ect of the brake assist
operation and does not indicate a
malfunction.
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, a
motor/pump operation noise may
be heard. This is a normal e ffect of
the brake assist and does not
indicate a malfunction.
The brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the
vehicle's main braking system.
When Driving
Brake
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AUTOHOLD
▼AUTOHOLD
The AUTOHOLD function automatically holds the vehicle stopped, even if you take
your foot
off the brake pedal. This function can be best used while stopped in
traffic
or at a traffic light. The brakes are released when you start driving the vehicle.
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the AUTOHOLD function:
The AUTOHOLD function is only designed to assist the brake operation while the
vehicle is stopped. Neglecting to operate the brakes and relying only on the
AUTOHOLD system is dangerous and could result in an unexpected accident if the
vehicle were to suddenly move. Operate the brakes appropriately in accordance
with the road and surrounding conditions.
Do not release your foot from the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a
steep grade:
Because there is a possibility of the vehicl
e not being held in the stopped position by
the AUTOHOLD function, the vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an
accident.
Do not use the AUTOHOLD function on slippery roads such as icy or
snow-covered roads, or unpaved roads:
Even if the vehicle is held in the stopped position by the AUTOHOLD function, the
vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. Operate the accelerator
pedal, brakes, or steering wheel appropriately as necessary.
Immediately depress the brake pedal in the following cases:
Because the AUTOHOLD function is canceled forcibly, the vehicle may move
unexpectedly and result in an accident.
 “Depress Brake Pedal. Brake Hold Disabled” is displayed in the multi-information
display and the warning sound is activated at the same time.
Always apply the parking brake when parking the vehicle:
Not applying the parking brake when parking the vehicle is dangerous as the vehicle
may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. When parking the vehicle, shift
the selector lever to the P position (automatic transmission vehicle) and apply the
parking brake.
When Driving
Brake
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▼To Turn On AUTOHOLD System
Press the AUTOHOLD switch and
when the AUTOHOLD standby
indicator light turns on, the
AUTOHOLD function turns on.
1. AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
NOTE
When all of the following conditions
are met, the AUTOHOLD standby
indicator light turns on when the
AUTOHOLD switch is pressed and the
AUTOHOLD function turns on.
The ignition is switched ON (engine
is running).
The driver's seat belt is fastened.The driver's door is closed.There is no problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
To operate AUTOHOLD and hold the
brakes
1. Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
2. The AUTOHOLD active indicator light in the instrument cluster turns
on and the brakes are held.
3. The vehicle is held in its stopped
position even with the brake pedal
released.
NOTE
When all of the following conditions
are met, the AUTOHOLD operates and
the brakes are held.
The ignition is switched ON (engine
is running).
The vehicle is stopped.The brake pedal is being depressed.The AUTOHOLD active indicator
light turns on.
The accelerator pedal is not
depressed.
The driver's seat belt is fastened.The driver's door is closed.There is no problem with the
AUTOHOLD function.
The parking brake is released.There is no problem with the Electric
Parking Brake (EPB) function.
(Automatic transmission vehicle)
The selector lever is in a position
other than R position or the vehicle
tilts forward with the selector lever in
the R position.
To release AUTOHOLD and start
driving the vehicle
If you try to resume driving the vehicle,
the brakes will be released
automatically and the AUTOHOLD
active indicator light turns o ff.
When Driving
Brake
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NOTE
If the Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
switch is pulled while the
AUTOHOLD is operating, the
parking brake is applied and the
AUTOHOLD is released. In addition,
if the parking brake is released under
this condition, the AUTOHOLD
operates to hold the brakes.
Under the following conditions, the
parking brake is automatically
applied and the AUTOHOLD is
released. The AUTOHOLD is
re-enabled when the conditions
before the AUTOHOLD is released
are restored.
The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.The driver’s door is opened.When about 10 minutes or longer
have passed since the AUTOHOLD
operation started, the parking brake
is automatically applied. Because the
AUTOHOLD is restored when
releasing the parking brake, the hold
on the brakes by AUTOHOLD
function resumes.
(Manual transmission vehicle)
When starting to drive the vehicle
forward or in reverse on a down
slope, depress the clutch pedal and
shift the shift lever to the appropriate
position for driving in the desired
direction, and then depress the
accelerator pedal to release the
AUTOHOLD.
The AUTOHOLD can be canceled
forcibly by fully depressing the
accelerator pedal for 1 second or
longer while the AUTOHOLD is
operating. Forcibly cancel the
AUTOHOLD only when the
AUTOHOLD cannot be canceled due
to a system malfunction or it is
necessary to cancel the AUTOHOLD
in an emergency.
▼To Tu r n O
ff AUTOHOLD System
Depress the brake pedal and press the
AUTOHOLD switch. The AUTOHOLD
is turned o ff and the AUTOHOLD
standby indicator light turns o ff.
1. AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
NOTE
When the brakes are not held such
as while driving the vehicle, the
AUTOHOLD can be turned
off only
by pressing the AUTOHOLD switch.
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.
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.
WARNING
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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Tra c t i o n C o n t r o l Sy s te m(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
7-32.
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 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 t u r n o
ff the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-80).
▼ 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 fl ashing , 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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Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) (Manual
Tra n s m i s s i o n )
*
▼Mazda Radar Cruise Control
(MRCC)
The MRCC system is designed to
maintain headway control*1 with a
vehicle ahead according to your
vehicle's speed using a front radar
sensor to detect the distance to the
vehicle ahead and a preset vehicle
speed without you having to use the
accelerator or brake pedals.
*1 Headway Control: Control of the distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle ahead detected by the
MRCC system.
Additionally, if your vehicle starts
closing in on the vehicle ahead such as
if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly, a
warning sound and a warning
indication in the display are activated
simultaneously to alert you to maintain
a su fficient distance between the
vehicles.
Also refer to the fo llowing before using
the MRCC.
Front radar sensor (page 4-207)
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the MRCC :
The MRCC system has detection
limitations depending on the type of
vehicle ahead and its conditions, the
weather conditions, and the road
conditions. Additionally, the system
may be unable to decelerate
su fficiently to avoid hitting the vehicle
ahead if the vehicle ahead applies the
brakes suddenly or another vehicle
cuts into the driving lane, which could
result in an accident.
Always drive carefully and verify the
surrounding conditions and depress
the brake pedal or accelerator pedal
while keeping a safe distance from
vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.
Do not use the MRCC system in the
following locations. Using the MRCC
system at the following locations may
result in an unexpected accident:
 General roads other than highways
(Driving under these conditions
using the MRCC system is not
possible.)
 Roads with sharp curves and where
vehicle tra ffic is heavy with
insu fficient space between vehicles,
or roads where frequent and
repetitive acceleration and
deceleration occur (Driving under
these conditions using the MRCC is
not possible.)
 When entering and exiting
interchanges, service 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.)
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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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 ahead may not be detected
correctly.)
 Two-wheeled vehicles such as
motorcycles or bicycles are ahead.
For safety purposes, switch the MRCC
system o ff when it is not being used.
Leaving the MRCC system turned on
when it is not in use is dangerous as it
could operate unexpectedly, resulting
in an accident.
CAUTION
 Turn the system
off when the vehicle
is running on a chassis roller.
 If your vehicle is towed or you are
towing something , switch the MRCC
system o ff to prevent an unexpected
operation.
NOTE
The MRCC system does not detect
the following as physical objects.
Vehicles approaching in the
opposite direction
Pe d e s t r i a n sStationary objects (stopped
vehicles, obstructions)
If a vehicle ahead is traveling at an
extremely low speed, the system
may not detect it correctly.
If there is a structure on the road or
an object (such as a monorail) at a
low height o ff the ground in front of
the vehicle, the system may operate.
Therefore, do not use the MRCC.
Do not use the MRCC system under
conditions in which close proximity
warnings are frequently activated.
During headway control travel, the
system accelerates and decelerates
your vehicle in conjunction with the
speed of the vehicle ahead.
However, if it is necessary to
accelerate for a lane change or if the
vehicle ahead brakes suddenly
causing you to close in on the vehicle
rapidly, accelerate using the
accelerator pedal or decelerate using
the brake pedal depending on the
conditions.
While the MRCC system is in use, it
does not cancel even if the shift lever
is operated and any intended engine
braking will not occur. If deceleration
is required, lower the vehicle speed
setting or depress the brake pedal.
While braking by the MRCC control
is operating, you might hear an
operation sound, however, this does
not indicate a problem.
The brake lights turn on while
braking by the MRCC control is
operating , however, they may not
turn on while the vehicle is on a
down slope at the set vehicle speed
or traveling at a constant speed and
following a vehicle ahead.
Stop the headway control function to
switch the system to the cruise
control function.
Refer to the Settings section in the
Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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