2021 MAZDA MODEL CX-5 wheel

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 7-26.
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 wi ll 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/Off-Road Traction Assist
4-108
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

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 automa tically 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 Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-26.
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 co uld still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the TCS OFF
switch (page 4-110).
▼ 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.
▼
TCS OFF Indicator Light*
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Off-Road
Traction Assist
*Some models.4-109
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

Dynamic Stability Control(DSC)
The Dynamic Stabil ity 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 4-108) and TCS (page
4-109).

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 7-26.
WARNING
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/Off-Road
Traction Assist
4 - 111
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

Off-Road Traction Assist*
When the vehicle tires become embedded
in mud, sand, or deep snow, the Off-Road
Traction Assist functions to prevent
drive-wheel spinning and to assist in
freeing tires that are stuck.
Do not drive over rough rocky roads and
river beds.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on the Off-Road
Traction Assist.
The Off-Road Traction Assist has
limitations. Always drive the vehicle safely
according to the road conditions. Do not
drive the vehicle recklessly, otherwise it
may result in an accident. In addition, do
not drive the vehicle under the following
conditions while the Off-Road Traction
Assist is operating. Otherwise, it could
negatively affect the drivetrain parts which
could result in an accident.
 Vehicle is driven on paved roads.
 Temporary spare tire or tires of a
different specified size are used.
 Tire chains are used.
CAUTION
The Off-Road Traction Assist is a function
to assist in freeing tires that are stuck.
When it is not necessary to use this
function, avoid driving the vehicle
continuously with the Off-Road Traction
Assist on.
(Vehicle equipped with Type A/B
instrument cluster)
When the ignition is switched ON, the
indicator light turns on and then turns
off after a few seconds.
When pressing the Off-Road Traction
Assist switch to operate the Off-Road
Traction Assist, the indicator light turns
on.
A problem in the system might be
indicated under the following
conditions. Have your vehicle inspected
by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The indicator light does not turn on
when the ignition is switched ON or it
remains on.
The indicator light turns on even
though the Off-Road Traction Assist
was not operated.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Off-Road Traction Assist
4-112*Some models.
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

Drive Selection*
Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle's drive mode. When the sport mode is
selected, the 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 slip pery roads such as wet or snow-covered roads.
It may cause tire slipping.
NOTE
When sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds may increase fuel
consumption. Mazda recommends that you cancel sport mode for normal driving.
Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions:
ABS/TCS/DSC is operating
The Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go
function) System/cruise control is operating.
Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
▼ Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive selection switch forward
(“
”) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(“
”) to cancel the sport mode.

NOTE
In the following cases, the drive
selection is canceled.
The ignition is switched OFF.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop
& Go function) System/cruise control
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
4-114*Some models.
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

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 7-26.
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
WA R N I N G
Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvers when driving this
vehicle:
Sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvering of this
vehicle is dangerous
as it could result in the increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle roll-over,
personal injury or death.
This vehicle has a higher center of gravity.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity
such as utility and AWD vehicles handle
differently than vehicles with a lower center
of gravity.
Utility and AWD vehicles are not designed
for cornering at high speeds any more than
low profile sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. In addition, utility vehicles have
a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.
Drive carefully when the vehicle is loaded
by lowering vehicle speed and applying the
brakes earlier:
Abrupt maneuvering and sudden braking
when driving a loaded vehicle is dangerous
as the driving behavior of a vehicle with a
high center of gravity is different when it is
loaded compared to when it is not, and
could result in the loss of vehicle control
and an accident.
▼ 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 adju
st to the specified
pressures.
NOTE
Check the tire inflation pressure label
attached to driver's door frame for the
correct tire inflation pressure.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
4-116*Some models.
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

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 vehicle 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
7-20.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
4-117
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old 2021-12-9 11:43:53

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 indication/warning light
notifies the driver of system
abnormalities and operation conditions.
In addition, the buzzer may also activate
depending on the system abnormality or
operation condition.
Refer to Stop Vehicle in Safe Place
Immediately on page 7-23.
Refer to Power Steering Warning
Buzzer on page 7-46.
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
4-118
CX-5_8JM9-EA-20G_Edition6_old2021-12-9 11:43:53