Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)*
The RCTA system is designed to assist the driver in checking the area to the rear of the
vehicle on both sides while the vehicle is reversing by alertin g the driver to the presence of
vehicles approaching the rear of the vehicle.
The RCTA system detects vehicles approaching from the rear left and right sides of the
vehicle, and the rear of the vehicle while the vehicle is being reversed out of a parking
space, and notifies the driver of possible danger using the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
warning indicator lights and the warning buzzer.
Detection areas
Your vehicle
RCTA operation
1. The RCTA system operates when the shift lever (manual transmi ssion) or the selector
lever (automatic transmission) i s shifted to the reverse (R) po sition.
2. If there is the possibility of a collision with an approachin g vehicle, the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) warning indicato r lights flashes and the warning beep is activated
simultaneously.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-96*Some models.
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01
(With rear view monitor)
The RCTA warning indication in the rearview monitor also synchronizes with the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator light on the door mirro rs.
(With rear view monitor)
WARNING
Always check the surrounding area visually before actually putting the vehicle in reverse:
The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at the rear when putting the
vehicle in reverse. Due to certain limitations with the operation of this system, the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator lights may not flash or it might be delayed even though
a vehicle is behind your vehicl e. Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the
rear.
NOTE
In the following cases, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF Indicator Light turns on
and operation of the system is stopped. If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF Indicator
Light remains illuminated, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
Some problem with the system including the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
indicator lights has occurred.
A large deviation in the installation position of a radar sensor (rear) on the vehicle has
occurred.
There is a large accumulation of snow or ice on the rear bumper near a radar sensor
(rear).
Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods.
The temperature near the radar sensors becomes extremely hot due to driving for long
periods on slopes during the summer.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-97
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01
The battery voltage has decreased.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.
The vehicle speed when reversing is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.
The radar sensor (rear) detection area is obstructed by a nearby wall or parked vehicle.
(Reverse the vehicle to a position where the radar sensor detection area is no longer
obstructed.)
Your vehicle
A vehicle is approaching directly from the rear of your vehicle.
Your vehicle
The vehicle is parked at an angle.
Your vehicle
Directly after the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system becomes operable using the
personalization feature.
Radio wave interference from a radar sensor equipped on a nearby parked vehicle.
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator lights equipped on the door mirrors.
Snow or ice adheres to the door mirrors.
The door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
Turn off the RCTA system while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle
carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicl e. Otherwise, the radio waves emitted by the
radar will be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-98
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01
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
4-105
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01
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
4-106
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01
5Interior Features
Use of various features for ride comfort, including air-conditioning and
audio system.
Climate Control System.................... 5-2 Operating Tips.............................. 5-2
Vent Operation.............................. 5-3
Manual Type................................. 5-5
Fully Automatic Type................. 5-10
Mazda Connect................................ 5-14 What is Mazda Connect ?........... 5-14
Mazda Connect Basic
Operations...................................5-17
Interior Equipment......................... 5-35
Sunvisors.................................... 5-35
Interior Lights............................. 5-35
Accessory Socket........................5-36
Cup Holder................................. 5-38
Storage Compartments............... 5-42
Windblocker........... .................... 5-44
5-1
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01
Sunvisors
When you need a sunvisor, lower it for use
in front.
▼Va n i t y M i r r o r s
To use the vanity mirror, lower the
sunvisor.
Interior Lights
NOTE
Do not leave the lights on for long periods
while the engine is turned off. Otherwise
the battery power could be depleted.
Overhead Light
Switch Posi‐
tion Overhead Light
Light off
Light is on when any door is openLight is on or off when the illumi‐
nated entry system is on
Light on
Trunk Light
The trunk light is on when the lid is open
and off when it's closed.
Interior Features
Interior Equipment
5-35
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old
2020-8-28 13:50:01
NOTE
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the trunk open
for a long period when the engine is not
running.
▼Illuminated Entry System
The overhead lights turn on when any of
the following operations is done with the
overhead light switch in the DOOR
position.
The driver's door i
s unlocked with the
ignition is switched OFF.
The ignition is switched OFF with all
doors closed.
NOTE
The illumination time differs depending
on the operation.
Battery saver
If an interior light is left on with the
ignition switched OFF, the light is
turned off automatically after about 30
minutes to prevent battery depletion.
The operation of the illuminated entry
system can be changed.
Refer to the Settings section in the
Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.
Accessory Socket
The accessory socket is located deep in the
back of the footwell on the passenger side.
Only use genuine Mazda accessories or
the equivalent requiring no greater than
120 W (DC 12 V, 10 A).
The ignition must be switched to ACC or
ON.
CAUTION
To prevent accessory socket damage or
electrical failure, pay attention to the
following:
Do not use accessories that require
more than 120 W (DC 12 V, 10 A).
Do not use accessories that are not
genuine Mazda accessories or the
equivalent.
Close the cover when the accessory
socket is not in use to prevent foreign
objects and liquids from getting into
the accessory socket.
Correctly insert the plug into the
accessory socket.
Do not insert the cigarette lighter into
the accessory socket.
Interior Features
Interior Equipment
5-36
MX-5_8JS9-EA-20K_Edition1_old 2020-8-28 13:50:01