Page 194 of 503

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.
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer and
Have Vehicle Inspected on page 7-36.
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 DSC OFF
switch (page 4-69).
▼ 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
4-67
MX-5_8KH8-EA-21K_Edition3_old
2021-11-10 13:10:56
Page 195 of 503

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 4-66) and TCS (page
4-67).
DSC operation is possible at speeds
greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).
The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Contact an 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
4-68
MX-5_8KH8-EA-21K_Edition3_old
2021-11-10 13:10:56
Page 199 of 503
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 notifies 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
4-72
MX-5_8KH8-EA-21K_Edition3_old2021-11-10 13:10:56
Page 200 of 503

i-ACTIVSENSE*
i-ACTIVSENSE is a collective term covering a series of advanced safety and driver support
systems which make use of a Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) and radar sensors. These
systems consist of active safety and pre-crash safety systems.
These systems are designed to assist the driver in safer driving by reducing the load on the
driver and helping to avert collisions or reduce their severity. However, because each system
has its limitations, always drive carefull y and do not rely solely on the systems.
▼Active Safety Technology
Active Safety Technology supports safer driving
by helping the driver to recognize potential
hazards and avert accidents.
Driver awareness support systems
Nighttime visibility
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)..................................................................... page 4-75
High Beam Control System (HBC)............................................................................ page 4-76
Left/right side and rear side detection
Lane Departure Warning Syst em (LDWS).................................................................page 4-79
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)................................................................................... page 4-85
Road sign recognition
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR). ................................................................... page 4-90
Rear obstruction detection when leaving a parking space
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)............................................................................... page 4-96
▼ Pre-Crash Safety Technology
Pre-crash safety technology is designed to assi
st the driver in averting collisions or reduce
their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided.
Collision damage reduction in low vehicle speed range
Forward driving
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)............................................................................. page 4-99
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.4-73
MX-5_8KH8-EA-21K_Edition3_old 2021-11-10 13:10:56
Page 201 of 503

▼Camera and Sensors
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 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 installe d at the top of the windshield near the
rearview mirror.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-103.
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 installed inside th e rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Refer to Radar Sensors (Rear) on page 4-107.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-74
MX-5_8KH8-EA-21K_Edition3_old 2021-11-10 13:10:56
Page 202 of 503
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 Inspected on page 7-36.
NOTE
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) func tion can be switched to operable/inoperable
using the personalization function.
Refer to the Settings section in the Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.4-75
MX-5_8KH8-EA-21K_Edition3_old 2021-11-10 13:10:56
Page 203 of 503

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 4-103.
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 approaching in the opposite
direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the following occurs:
The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle approaching in the
opposite direction.
The vehicle is driven on roads lined with st reetlamps or on roads 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
4-76*Some models.
MX-5_8KH8-EA-21K_Edition3_old 2021-11-10 13:10:56
Page 206 of 503

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 vehi cle may be deviating from its lane, it notifies
the driver by flashing the LDWS warning light and activating the LDWS warning beep, and
by the multi-information display (vehic les with multi-information display).
Use the LDWS when you drive the vehicle on roads with white or yellow lines.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera on page 4-103.
Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC)
The warning light illuminates when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning Lights on page 4-27.
WARNING
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
*Some models.4-79
MX-5_8KH8-EA-21K_Edition3_old 2021-11-10 13:10:56