light MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA RF 2020 Owners Manual

Wear shoes appropriate for driving in
order to avoid your shoe contacting the
brake pedal when depressing the
accelerator pedal.
â–¼ Parking Brake
CAUTION
Driving with the parking brake on will
cause excessive wear of the brake parts.
NOTE
For parking in snow, refer to Winter
Driving (page 3-53) regarding parking
brake use.
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and then firmly
pull the parking brake lever fully upwards
with sufficient force to hold the vehicle in
a stationary position.
Releasing the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and pull the
parking brake lever upwards, then press
the release button. While holding the
button, lower the parking brake lever all
the way down to the
released position.
Button
â–¼Wa r n i n g L i g h t
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.
When Driving
Brake
4-62
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old
2019-8-29 16:18:06

Hill Launch Assist (HLA)*
HLA is a function which assists the driver
in accelerating from a stop while on a
slope. When the driver releases the brake
pedal and depresses the accelerator pedal
while on a slope, the function prevents the
vehicle from rolling. The braking force is
maintained automatically after the brake
pedal is released on a steep grade.
For vehicles with a manual transmission,
HLA operates on a downward slope when
the shift lever is in the reverse (R)
position, and on an upward slope when the
shift lever is in a position other than the
reverse (R) position.
For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, HLA operates on a
downward slope when the selector lever is
in the reverse (R) position, and on an
upward slope when the selector lever is in
a forward gear.
WA R N I N G
Do not rely completely on HLA:
HLA is an auxiliary device for accelerating
from a stop on a slope. The system only
operates for about 2 seconds and
therefore, relying only on the system, when
accelerating from a stop is dangerous
because the vehicle may move (roll)
unexpectedly and cause an accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on the
vehicle's load or if it is towing something. In
addition, for vehicles with a manual
transmission, the vehicle could still roll
depending on how the clutch pedal or the
accelerator pedal is operated.
Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the vehicle.
NOTE
ï‚·HLA does not operate on a gentle slope.
In addition, the gradient of the slope on
which the system will operate changes
depending on the vehicle's load.
ï‚·HLA does not operate if the parking
brake is applied, the vehicle has not
stopped completely, or the clutch pedal
is released.
ï‚·While HLA is operating, the brake pedal
may feel stiff and vibrate, however, this
does not indicate a malfunction.
ï‚·HLA does not operate while the
TCS/DSC indicator light is illuminated.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-36.
ï‚·HLA does not turn off even if the DSC
OFF switch is pressed to turn off the
TCS/DSC.
When Driving
Brake
4-64*Some models.
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

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 7-36.
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
ï‚·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.
ï‚·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
4-65
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

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 autom atically to provide
optimum power to th e drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin a nd 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 7-36.
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 DSC OFF
switch (page 4-68).
â–¼ 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
ï‚·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.
ï‚·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
4-66
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old
2019-8-29 16:18:06

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 -65) and TCS (page
4-66).

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 7-36.
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.
â–¼ 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
4-67
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

â–¼DSC OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light
stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.
It also illuminates when the DSC OFF
switch is pressed and TCS/DSC is
switched off.
Refer to DSC OFF Switch on page 4-68.

If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched off, take your
vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
The DSC may have a malfunction.
â–¼ DSC OFF Switch
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch ag
ain to turn the
TCS/DSC back on. The DSC OFF
indicator light will turn off.
NOTE
ï‚·When DSC is on and you attempt to free
the vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it
out of freshly fallen snow, the TCS (part
of the DSC system) will activate.
Depressing the accelerator will not
increase engine power and freeing the
vehicle may be difficult. When this
happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.
ï‚·If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine is
turned off, it aut omatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
ï‚·Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide
the best traction.
ï‚·If the DSC OFF switch is pressed and
held for 10 seconds or more, the DSC
OFF switch malfunction detection
function operates and the DSC system
activates automatically. The DSC OFF
indicator light turns off while the DSC
system is operative.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-68
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Drive Selection*
Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle's drive mode. When the sport mode is
selected, vehicle's response against accelerator operation is e nhanced. This provides
additional quick acceleration which may be needed to safely mak e 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
ï‚·When the sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds increases and it may
increase fuel consumption. Mazda recommends that you cancel the sport mode on normal
driving.
ï‚·Drive mode cannot be switched in the following conditions:
ï‚·ABS/TCS/DSC is operating
ï‚·Cruise control is operating.
ï‚·Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
â–¼ Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive sele
ction switch forward
(“
”) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(“
”) to cancel the sport mode.

NOTE
ï‚·In the following cases, the drive
selection is canceled.
ï‚·The ignition is switched OFF.
ï‚·Cruise control is set.
ï‚·Depending on the driving conditions
when sport mode is selected, the vehicle
may perform shift-down or slightly
accelerate.
When Driving
Drive Selection
4-72*Some models.
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

Power Steering
ï‚·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.
ï‚·The warning light not ifies 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
4-74
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

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 drivin g 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 carefully and do not rely sol ely on the systems.
â–¼Active 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 4-77
High Beam Control System (HBC)............................................................................ page 4-78
Left/right side and rear side detection
Lane Departure War ning System (LDWS)........................... ......................................page 4-81
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM).................................... ............................................... page 4-87
Road sign recognition
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR).......................... .......................................... page 4-92
Rear obstruction detection wh en leaving a parking space
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)................................ ............................................... page 4-98
â–¼Pre-Crash Safety Technology
Pre-crash safety technology is de
signed to assist 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 4-101
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.4-75
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06

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 Inspe cted on page 7-36.
NOTE
ï‚·Headlights do not blind drivers approaching in the opposite direction no matter what side
of the road you must drive your vehicle (left-hand or right-hand traffic). Therefore, it is
not necessary to adjust the optical axis of the headlights when switching temporarily to
driving on the opposite side of the road (left-hand or right-hand traffic).
ï‚·The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) function can be switched to operable/
inoperable using the personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-9.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.4-77
MX-5_8JA4-EA-19K_Edition1_old 2019-8-29 16:18:06