2023 MAZDA CX9 traction control

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.
Contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer and
Have Vehicle Inspected on page 7-31.
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 TCS OFF
switch (page 4-106).
▼ TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
If the TCS, DSC or the Trailer Stability
Control (TSC) is ope
rating, 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/Trailer Stability Control (TSC)/Off-Road Traction A ssist
4-105
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

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 4-104) and TCS (page
4-105).

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 7-31.
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, DSC or the Trailer Stability
Control (TSC) is ope
rating, 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/Trailer Stability Control (TSC)/Off-Road Traction A ssist
4-107
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

Trailer Stability Control(TSC)
If the vehicle sways while being driven
and towing a trailer, the Trailer Stability
Control (TSC) automatically controls
braking and engine torque to suppress the
swaying and enhance vehicle stability.
The Trailer Stabili ty Control (TSC) is
operable at a vehicle speed of about 65
km/h (40 mph) or more.
When the Trailer Sta bility Control (TSC)
operates while driving the vehicle, the
TCS/DSC indicator light flashes.
Refer to TCS/DSC Indicator Light on page
4-107.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely solely on the Trailer Stability
Control (TSC)
Assured vehicle stability is limited even if
the Trailer Stability Control (TSC) is
operating. Drive carefully to prevent
accidents.
In particular, if the TCS/DSC indicator light
is flashing, drive the vehicle carefully as it is
in a less stable condition and could sway
more easily. Drive with caution and in
accordance with the road, vehicle and
trailer conditions.
CAUTION
 The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) may
not operate correctly unless the
following are observed:
 Use tires of the correct size specified for
your Mazda on all four wheels.
Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
 Do not mix worn tires.
 The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) may
not operate correctly when tire chains
are used or a temp orary spare tire is
installed because the tire diameter
changes.
NOTE
The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) uses
the TCS/DSC functions. The Trailer
Stability Control (TSC) does not operate
if there is a malfunction in the TCS/DSC
(the TCS/DSC indicator light turns on).
When the Trailer Stability Control (TSC)
is operating, the brake lights may turn
on.
For information regarding trailer
towing, refer to Trailer Towing (U.S.A.
and Canada) on page 3-55.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability Co ntrol (TSC)/Off-Road Traction Assist
4-108
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

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)
If the vehicle is driven continuously with
the Off-Road Traction Assist on, the AWD
warning indication may be displayed.
(Vehicle equipped with Type C instrument
cluster)
If the vehicle is driven continuously with
the Off-Road Traction Assist on, the AWD
warning light may flash.
Refer to If a Warning Light Turns On or
Flashes on page 7-28.
NOTE
The vehicle may vibrate or you might hear
an operation sound while the Off-Road
Traction Assist is operating or is
operational, however, this does not
indicate a problem.
▼ Off-Road Traction Assist Indicator
Light
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/Trailer Stability Control (TSC)/Off-Road Traction A ssist
*Some models.4-109
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

Refer to Scheduled Maintenance on page
6-4.

During rotation, inspect them for correct
balance.

Do not include (TEMPORARY USE ONLY)
spare tire in rotation.Forward
Also, inspect them for uneven wear and
damage. Abnormal wear is usually caused
by one or a combination of the following:

Incorrect tire pressure
Improper wheel alignment
Out-of-balance wheel
Severe braking

After rotation, inflat e all tire pressures to
specification (page 9-7) and inspect the
lug nuts for tightness.
CAUTION
Rotate unidirectional tires and radial tires
that have an asymmetrical tread pattern or
studs only from front to rear, not from side
to side. Tire performance will be reduced if
rotated from side to side.
▼ Replacing a Tire
WA R N I N G
Always use tires that are in good condition:
Driving with worn tires is dangerous.
Reduced braking, steering, and traction
could result in an accident.
Replace all four tires at the same time:
Replacing just one tire is dangerous. It
could cause poor handling and poor
braking resulting in loss of vehicle control.
Mazda strongly recommends that you
replace all four tires at the same time.
If a tire wears evenly, a wear indicator will
appear as a solid band across the tread.
Replace the tire when this happens.
New tread Tread wear indicator
Worn tread
You should replace the tire before the band
crosses the entire tread.
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
6-37
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

Uniform Tire Quality Grading System (UTQGS)
This information relates to the tire grading system developed by the U.S. National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration for grading tires by tread wear, traction, and temperature
performance.
▼ Tr e a d We a r
The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear
rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified government test cour se.
For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one-and-a-half times as well on the government
course as a tire graded 100.

The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi tions of their use, however,
and may depart significantly from the norm because of variation s in driving habits, service
practices and differences in ro ad characteristics and climate.
▼Traction-AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest
to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. These grades represent the
tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under contro lled conditions on specified
government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance.
WA R N I N G
The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and
does not include acceleration cornering (turning), hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
▼ Temperature-A, B, C
The temperature grades A (the hi
ghest), B, and C, represent the tire's resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when teste d under controlled conditions
on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel.
Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire
life, and excessive temperatures can lead to sudden tire failure.

Grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passeng er vehicle tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher
levels of performance on the labo ratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Uniform Tire Quality G rading System (UTQGS)
8-23
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

Letter RatingSpeed Rating
V 149 mph
W 168
* mph
Y 186
* mph
* For tires with a maximum speed capability over 149 mph, tire manufacturers sometimes use the letters ZR. For
tires with a maximum speed cap ability over 186 mph, tire manufa cturers always use the letters ZR.
MS or M/S: Mud and Snow
AT: All Terrain.
AS: All Season. The “M
S” or “M/S” indicates that the tire has some functional use in mud
and snow.
U.S. DOT Tire Identifi cation Number (TIN)
This begins with the letters “DOT” which indicates the tire mee ts all federal standards. The
next two numbers or letters are the plant code where it was man ufactured, and the last four
numbers represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, the numbers
457 means the 45st week of 1997. After 2000 the numbers go to f our digits. For example,
the number 2102 means the 21th week of 2002. The other numbers are marketing codes
used at the manufacturer's discretion. This information is used to contact consumers if a tire
defect requires a recall.
Tire Ply Composition and Materials Used
The number of plies indicates the number of layers of rubber-co ated fabric in the tire. In
general, the greater the number of plies, the more weight a tir e can support. Tire
manufacturers also must indicate the tire materials, which incl ude steel, nylon, polyester,
and other.
Maximum Load Rating
This number indicates the maximum load in kilograms and pounds that can be carried by the
tire.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pressure
This number is the greatest amoun t of air pressure that should ever be put in the tire under
normal driving conditions.
Tread Wear, Traction and Temperature Grades
Tr e a d w e a r : The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled con ditions on a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one-half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded 100.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-27
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old 2022-6-9 13:33:08

Traction: The traction grades, from highe st to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. The grades
represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measure d under controlled conditions
on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have
poor traction performance.
Te m p e r a t u r e : The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, represent ing the tire's
resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipa te heat when tested under
controlled conditions on a spec ified indoor laboratory test whe el.
Snow Tires
In some heavy snow areas, local governments may require true sn ow tires, those with very
deeply cut tread. These tires should only be used in pairs or p laced on all four wheels. Make
sure you purchase snow tires that are the same size and construction type as the other tires
on your vehicle.
SAFETY WARNING
The following safety warning a ppears on the tire's sidewall.
SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT FROM:
EXPLOSION OF TIRE/RIM ASSEMBLY DUE TO IMPROPER MOUNTING-MATCH
TIRE DIAMETER TO RIM D IAMETER; NEVER EXCEED 40 psi (275 kPa) TO SEAT
BEADS-ONLY SPECIALLY TRAINED PERSONS SHOULD MOUNT TIRES.
TIRE FAILURE DUE TO UNDER-INFLATION/OVERLOADING/
DAMAGE-FOLLOW OWNER'S MANUAL AND PLACARD IN
VEHICLE-FREQUENTLY CHECK INFLATION PRESSURE AND INSPECT FOR
DAMAGE.
▼ Information on Temporary Tires
Please refer to the sample below.
Customer Information and Reporting Safety Defects
Tire Information (U.S.A.)
8-28
CX-9_8LJ2-EA-22H_Edition1_old
2022-6-9 13:33:08