sensor MAZDA MX5 MIATA 2017 Owner's Manual

4 –53 When Driving
Switches and ControlsAuto-wiper control
When the wiper lever is in the
position, the rain sensor senses the amount
of rainfall on the windshield and turns the
wipers on or off automatically (off—
intermittent—low speed—high speed).
The sensitivity of the rain sensor can be
adjusted by turning the switch on the
wiper lever.
From the center position (normal), rotate
the switch upward for higher sensitivity
(faster response) or rotate it downward for
less sensitivity (slower response).
Higher sensitivity Less sensitivity
Switch
Center
positionCAUTION 
Do not shade the rain sensor by
adhering a sticker or a label on the
windshield. Otherwise the rain sensor
will not operate correctly.

When the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases: 
If the windshield above the rain
sensor is touched or wiped with a
cloth. 
If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of the
windshield when the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is
switched ON as fingers could be pinched
or the wipers and wiper blades damaged
when the wipers activate automatically.
If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off
completely (when it is most likely
that the engine is left running) this is
particularly important when clearing ice
and snow.
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4 –54 When Driving
Switches and Controls NOTE 
Switching the auto-wiper lever from the
to the position while driving
activates the windshield wipers once,
after which they operate according to
the rainfall amount. 
The auto-wiper control may not operate
when the rain sensor temperature is
about -10 °C (14 °F) or lower, or about
85 °C (185 °F) or higher. 
If the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be
able to sense the amount of rainfall
correctly and the auto-wiper control
may not operate properly. 
If dirt or foreign matter (such as ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres
to the windshield above the rain sensor,
or if the windshield is iced, it could
cause the wipers to move automatically.
However, if the wipers cannot remove
this ice, dirt or foreign matter, the auto-
wiper control will stop operation. In
this case, set the wiper lever to the low
speed position or high speed position
for manual operation, or remove the ice,
dirt or foreign matter by hand to restore
the auto-wiper operation. 
If the auto-wiper lever is left in the
position, the wipers could operate
automatically from the effect of strong
light sources, electromagnetic waves, or
infrared light because the rain sensor
uses an optical sensor. It is
recommended that the auto-wiper lever
be switched to the
position other
than when driving the vehicle under
rainy conditions. 
The auto-wiper control functions can
be turned off. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-9 . Windshield Washer Pull the lever toward you and hold it to
spray washer fluid. WasherOFF
NOTE
If the windshield washer is turned on when
the windshield wipers are not operating,
the windshield wipers operate a few times.
If the washer does not work, inspect the
fluid level (page 6-31 ). If the fluid level
is normal, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
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4 –74 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models. 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 ra dar sensors.
Because each system has its limitations, always drive carefully and do not rely solely on the
systems.
Driver awareness support systems
Nighttime visibility
Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)
.............................................................................. 4-75
High Beam Control System (HBC)
.................................................................................... 4-76
Left/right side and rear side detection
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) ......................................................................... 4-79
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
............................................................................... 4-85
Rear obstruction detection when leaving a parking space
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) ........................................................................................ 4-92
Camera and SensorsForward sensing camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahea d 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)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installed at the top of the windshield near the
rearview mirror.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-95 .
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) System 
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Refer to Radar Sensors (Rear) on page 4-98 .
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4 –86 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE NOTE 
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) will operate when all of the following conditions are
met: 
The ignition is switched ON. 
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) switch is pressed and the Blind Spot Monitoring
(BSM) OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster is turned off. 
The vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster. 
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) will not operate under the following circumstances. 
The vehicle speed falls below about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) even though the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light is turned off. 
The shift lever (manual transmission)/selector lever (automatic transmission) is shifted
to reverse (R) and the vehicle is reversing. 
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
lights is detected. 
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). Remove any snow, ice or mud on the rear bumper. 
Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods. 
The temperature near the radar sensors (rear) becomes extremely hot due to driving
for long periods on slopes during the summer. 
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. 
A vehicle is in the detection area at the rear in an adjacent driving lane but it does not
approach. The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) determines the condition based on radar
detection data. 
A vehicle is traveling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed for an extended
period of time. 
Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction. 
A vehicle in an adjacent driving lane is attempting to pass your vehicle. 
A vehicle is in an adjacent lane on a road with extremely wide driving lanes. The
detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set at the road width of expressways.
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4 –87 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
In the following cases, the activation of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights
and the warning beep may not occur or they may be delayed. 
A vehicle makes a lane change from a driving lane two lanes over to an adjacent lane. 
Driving on steep slopes. 
Crossing the summit of a hill or mountain pass. 
The turning radius is small (making a sharp turn, turning at intersections). 
When there is a difference in the height between your driving lane and the adjacent
lane. 
Directly after pressing the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) switch and the system
becomes operable. 
If the road width is extremely narrow, vehicles two lanes over may be detected.
The detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set according to the road width of
expressways. 
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights may turn on in reaction to stationary
objects on the road or the roadside such as guardrails, tunnels, sidewalls, and parked
vehicles. Objects such as guardrails and concrete walls
running alongside the vehicle. Places where the width between guardrails or
walls on each side of the vehicle narrows.
The walls at the entrance and exits of tunnels,
turnouts.

A Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light may flash or the warning beep may be
activated several times when making a turn at a city intersection. 
Turn off the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) while pulling a trailer or while an accessory
such as a bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radar’s
radio waves will be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.
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4 –93 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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 light may not flash or it might be delayed even
though a vehicle is behind your vehicle. 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
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. 
The battery voltage has decreased.
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4 –94 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE 
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 on a slant.
Your vehicle
Directly after pressing the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) switch and the system
becomes operable. 
In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumina tion/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning 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 Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system while pulling a trailer or while an
accessory such as a bicycle carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise,
the radio waves emitted by the radar will be blocked causing the system to not operate
normally.
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4 –98 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.Radar Sensors (Rear) *
Your vehicle is equipped with radar sensors (rear). The following systems also use the radar
sensors (rear). 
Blind Spot Monitoring system (BSM) 
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
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 sensor. Radar sensors (rear)
The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Always keep the surface of the rear bumper near the radar sensors (rear) clean so that the
radar sensors (rear) operate normally. Also, do not apply items such as stickers.
Refer to Exterior Care on page 6-59 .
CAUTION If the rear bumper receives a severe impact, the system may no longer operate normally.
Stop the system immediately and have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
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4 –99 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSENOTE 
The detection ability of the radar sensors (rear) has limitations. In the following cases,
the detection ability may lower and the system may not operate normally. 
The rear bumper near the radar sensors (rear) has become deformed. 
Snow, ice or mud adheres to the radar sensors (rear) on the rear bumper. 
Under bad weather conditions such as rain, snow and fog. 
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them. 
Stationary objects on a road or a road side such as small, two-wheeled vehicles,
bicycles, pedestrians, animals, and shopping carts. 
Vehicle shapes which do not reflect radar waves well such as empty trailers with a low
vehicle height and sports cars. 
Vehicles are shipped with the direction of the radar sensors (rear) adjusted for each
vehicle to a loaded vehicle condition so that the radar sensors (rear) detect approaching
vehicles correctly. If the direction of the radar sensors (rear) has deviated for some
reason, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. 
For repairs or replacement of the radar sensors (rear), or bumper repairs, paintwork,
and replacement near the radar sensors, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. 
Turn off the system while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle carrier
is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radio waves emitted by the radar will
be blocked causing the system to not operate normally. 
The radar sensors are regulated by the relevant radio wave laws of the country in which
the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is driven abroad, authorization from the country in
which the vehicle is driven may be required.
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4 –105 When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
*Some models.Tire Pressure Monitoring System *
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the air pressure of all four tires. If
the air pressure of one or more tires is too low, the system warns the driver by indicating the
tire pressure monitoring system warning light in the instrument cluster and operating a beep
sound. The system monitors the tire pressures indirectly using the data sent from the ABS
wheel speed sensors.
To allow the system to operate correctly, the system needs to be initialized with the specified
tire pressure (value on the tire pressure label). Follow the pr ocedure and perform the
initialization.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System Initialization on page 4-108 .
The warning light flashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning Lights on page 4-26 .
ABS wheel speed sensor
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