warning lights MAZDA MODEL 3 4-DOOR 2015 Owner's Guide

4–79
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21 .
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 could still
have an accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-81 ).
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 fl ashes.
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
 y  In addition to the indicator light
fl ashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
 y On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
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4–80
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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 4-78 ) and TCS (page
4-79 ).
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 Warning Lights on page 4-21 .
WARNING
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


4–89
When Driving
Power Steering
Power Steering
 y 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.
 y The warning light notifi es the driver
of system abnormalities and operation
conditions.
 In addition, the buzzer may also activate depending on the system abnormality or
operation condition.
 Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21 . Refer to Power Steering Warning Buzzer on page 7-38 .
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.
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4–92
When Driving
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
 y In the following cases, the warnings may not activate even if your vehic\
le starts closing in
on the vehicle ahead.
 y You are driving at the same speed as the vehicle ahead. y Directly after the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system has been set. y When the accelerator pedal is depressed or directly after the accelerator pedal is
released.
 y Another vehicle cuts into the driving lane.
 y The following are not detected as physical objects.
 y Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction y Pedestrians y Stationary objects (stopped vehicles, obstructions)
 y If a vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely low speed, the system may not detect it
correctly.
 y During headway control travel, do not set the system on two-wheeled vehicles such as
motorcycles and bicycles.
 y Do not use the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system under conditions in which
the close proximity warnings are frequently activated.
 y During headway control travel, the system accelerates and decelerates your vehicle in
conjunction with the speed of the vehicle ahead. However, if it is necessary to accelerate
for a lane change or if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly causing you to\
close in on the
vehicle rapidly, accelerate using the accelerator pedal or decelerate using the brake
pedal depending on the conditions.
 y While the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is in use, it does not cancel even
if the selector lever (automatic transaxle)/shift lever (manual trans\
axle) is operated and
any intended engine braking will not occur. If deceleration is required, lower the vehicle
speed setting or depress the brake pedal.
 y The brake lights are illuminated while the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
automatic braking is operating, however, they may not be illuminated while the vehicle is
on a down slope at the set vehicle speed or traveling at a constant spee\
d and following a
vehicle ahead.
 y The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) warning light (amber) fl ashes when the system
has a malfunction.
 Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21 .
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*Some models.4–103
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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 fr\
om the ABS
wheel speed sensors.
To allow the system to operate correctly, the system needs to be initialized with the specifi ed
tire pressure (value on the tire pressure label). Follow the procedure\
and perform the
initialization.
Refer to Tire Pressure Monitoring System Initialization on page 4-106 .
The warning light fl ashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21 .
ABS wheel speed sensor
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4–10 8
When Driving
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
 y The following conditions may affect the visibility of the Blind Spot Mon\
itoring (BSM)
warning lights on the outside mirror, making it diffi cult to confi rm the illumination of the
lights:
 y Ice or snow adheres to the surface of the outside mirrors. y The door window glass is tinted.
 y The radar sensors are equipped inside the rear bumper (page 4-114 ). y Have the radar sensors inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer if any shock is applied
to the rear bumper, even in a minor accident. If the vehicle is driven with a damaged
radar sensor, the system may not operate properly resulting in an accident.
 y For repairs or paintwork around the radar sensors, or replacement of the bumper, consult
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
 y The radar sensors of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system may be regulated under
the radio wave related laws of the country where the vehicle is driven. The sensors in this
system are approved for use in the U.S.A. (including territories), Canada, and Mexico\
.
If a vehicle with a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is driven in a \
country other
than the U.S.A., Canada, or Mexico, the system has to be turned off usin\
g the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) OFF switch.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system monitors the detection areas on\
both sides of
the vehicle to the rear and when there are vehicles in the detection are\
a it notifi es the driver
by illuminating the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light while th\
e vehicle speed is
about 10 km/h (6.2 mph) or faster and driving forward.
If the turn signal lever is operated to the side the Blind Spot Monitori\
ng (BSM) warning
light is illuminated, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light fl\
ashes and the system
warns the driver of the vehicle in the detection area using a BSM warnin\
g beep sound.
Detection areas
Your vehicle
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4–112
When Driving
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
BSM Warning Light
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system alerts the driver to the presen\
ce of another
vehicle in an adjacent lane using the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warn\
ing lights and the
warning beep while the system is operational.
The warning light is equipped on the left and right door mirrors.
This warning light illuminates for a few seconds when the ignition is sw\
itched ON.
Driving forward
If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system detects a vehicle in the det\
ection area while the
vehicle is driven at a speed of about 10 km/h (6.2mph) or more, the Bl\
ind Spot Monitoring
(BSM) warning light illuminates on the side of the vehicle where the r\
ear on-coming vehicle
is detected. A warning indicator light fl ashes when the turn signal lever is operated to the
side where the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights is illuminat\
ed to alert the
driver.
Reversing
If vehicles approach from the rear on the left and right, the Blind Spot\
Monitoring (BSM)
warning lights on both sides fl ash.
NOTE
 y If ice or snow adhere to the outer mirror surface, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
warning light may not be visible.
 y If the door window glass is tinted, it may affect the visibility of the \
Blind Spot Monitoring
(BSM) warning light, making it diffi cult to confi rm the illumination of the light.
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*Some models.4–118
When Driving
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) *
The LDWS notifi es the driver that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane.
The system detects the white or yellow lines on the traffi c lane using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC). If it determines that the vehicle may be deviating from \
its lane, it notifi es
the driver by fl ashing the LDWS indicator light (green) and operating the LDWS warning\

sound.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera on page 4-62 .
Use the LDWS when you drive the vehicle on roads with white or yellow li\
nes.
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
LDWS warning light (Amber)/
LDWS indicator light (Green)
The warning light fl ashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21 .
WARNING
Do not use the LDWS under the following conditions: The system may not operate adequately according to the actual driving conditions,
resulting in an accident.


4–120
When Driving
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
 y Under the following conditions, the LDWS may not be able to detect white\
or yellow lines
correctly and the LDWS may not operate correctly.
 y If an object placed on the dashboard is refl ected in the windshield and picked up by the
camera.
 y Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat and the
vehicle is inclined.
 y The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specifi ed pressure. y When the vehicle is driven on the entry and exit to or from the rest area or tollgate of a
highway.
 y The white or yellow lines are less visible because of dirt or paint fl aking. y The vehicle ahead is running near a white or yellow line and the line is\
less visible. y A white or yellow line is less visible because of bad weather (rain, fog\
, or snow). y The vehicle is driven on a temporary lane or section with a closed lane \
due to
construction.
 y A misleading line is picked up on the road such as a temporary line for construction,
or because of shade, lingering snow, or grooves fi lled with water.
 y The surrounding brightness suddenly changes such as when entering or exiting a
tunnel.
 y The illumination of the headlights is weakened because of dirt or the op\
tical axis is
deviated.
 y The windshield is dirty or foggy. y Back-light is refl ecting from the road surface. y The road surface is wet and shiny after rain, or there are puddles on the road. y The shade of a guardrail parallel to a white or yellow line is on the road. y The width of a lane is excessively narrow or wide. y The road is excessively uneven. y The vehicle is shaken after hitting a road bump. y There are two or more adjacent white or yellow lines. y There are various road markings or lane markings of various shapes near an
intersection.
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6–47
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
WARNING
Do not replace the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself: Replacing the xenon fusion bulbs
yourself is dangerous. Because the
xenon fusion bulbs require high
voltage, you could receive an electric
shock if the bulbs are handled
incorrectly. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer when the replacement is
necessary.

Never touch the glass portion of a
halogen bulb with your bare hands
and always wear eye protection when
handling or working around the bulbs: When a halogen bulb breaks, it is
dangerous. These bulbs contain
pressurized gas. If one is broken, it will
explode and serious injuries could be
caused by the fl ying glass.
If the glass portion is touched with
bare hands, body oil could cause the
bulb to overheat and explode when lit.

Always keep halogen bulbs out of the
reach of children: Playing with a halogen bulb is
dangerous. Serious injuries could be
caused by dropping a halogen bulb or
breaking it some other way.
NOTE
 y To replace the bulb, contact an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
 y If the halogen bulb is accidentally
touched, it should be cleaned with
rubbing alcohol before being used.
 y Use the protective cover and carton for
the replacement bulb to dispose of the
old bulb promptly and out of the reach
of children.
Replacing Exterior Light Bulbs
Headlights (With xenon fusion
headlights)
Low/High beam bulbs
You cannot replace the low/high beam
bulbs by yourself. The bulbs must be
replaced at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Headlights (With halogen headlights)
Low-beam bulbs
1. If you are changing the right bulb, start the engine, turn the steering wheel all
the way to the left, and turn off engine.
If you are changing the left bulb, turn
the steering wheel to the right, and turn
off engine.
2. Make sure the headlight switch is off.
3. Pull the center of each plastic retainer and remove the retainers.
Removal
Installation
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