warning MAZDA MODEL 3 5-DOOR 2014 Owners Manual

4–51
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 4-17 .
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 4-53 ).
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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4–52
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 4-50 ) and TCS (page
4-51 ).
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 4-17 .
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


4–56
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 4-17 . Refer to Power Steering Warning Buzzer on page 7-36 .
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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*Some models.4–57
When Driving
Cruise Control
Cruise Control *
With cruise control, you can set and automatically maintain any speed of \
more than about
25 km/h (16 mph).
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control under the following conditions: Using the cruise control under the following conditions is dangerous and could result in
loss of vehicle control.


4–58
When Driving
Cruise Control
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator
Light (Green)
The indicator light has two colors.
Cruise Main Indicator Light (Amber)
The indicator light illuminates amber
when the cruise control system is
activated.
Cruise Set Indicator Light (Green)
The indicator light illuminates green when
a cruising speed has been set.
Activation/Deactivation
To activate the system, press the ON
switch. The cruise main indicator light
(Amber) illuminates.
To deactivate the system, press the OFF
switch.
The cruise main indicator light (Amber)
turns off.
WARNING
Always turn off the cruise control system
when it is not in use: Leaving the cruise control system in an
activation-ready state while the cruise
control is not in use is dangerous as
the cruise control could unexpectedly
activate if the activation button is
accidentally pressed, and result in loss
of vehicle control and an accident.
To Set Speed
1. Activate the cruise control system by pressing the ON switch. The
cruise main indicator light (Amber)
illuminates.
2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which must be more than 25 km/h (16 mph).
3. Set the cruise control by pressing the SET
or SET switch at the desired
speed. The cruise control is set at the
moment the SET
or SET switch is
pressed. Release the accelerator pedal
simultaneously. The cruise set indicator
light (Green) illuminates.
NOTE
 y  Release the SET or SET switch at
the desired speed, otherwise the speed
will continue increasing while the SET
switch is pressed and held, and
continue decreasing while the SET
switch is pressed and held (except when
the accelerator pedal is depressed).
 y  On a steep grade, the vehicle may
momentarily slow down while
ascending, or speed up while
descending.
 y Cruise control will cancel if the vehicle
speed decreases below 21 km/h (13
mph) when cruise is activated, such as
when climbing a steep grade.
 y Cruise control may cancel at about 15
km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed,
such as when climbing a long, steep
grade.
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*Some models.4–61
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 4-64 .
The warning light fl ashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-17 .
A BS wheel speed sensor
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4–63
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
NOTE
Because this system detects slight changes in tire conditions, the timing of the warning may
be faster or slower in the following cases:
 y The size, manufacturer, or the type of tires is different from the specifi cation. y The size, manufacturer, or the type of a tire is different from the others, or the level of tire
wear is excessively different between them.
 y A run-fl at tire, studless tire, snow tire, or tire chains are used. y An emergency tire is used (The tire pressure monitoring system warning light may fl ash
and then continue illuminating).
 y A tire is repaired using the puncture tire repair kit. y The tire pressure is excessively higher than the specifi ed pressure, or the tire pressure is
suddenly lowered for some reason such as a tire burst during driving.
 y The vehicle speed is lower than about 15 km/h (9.3 mph) (including wh\
en the vehicle is
stopped), or the drive period is shorter than 5 minutes.
 y The vehicle is driven on an extremely rough road or a slippery, icy road. y Hard steering and rapid acceleration/deceleration are repeated such as during aggressive
driving on a winding road.
 y Load on the vehicle is applied to a tire such as by loading heavy luggage to one side of
the vehicle.
 y System initialization has not been implemented with the specifi ed tire pressure.
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4–64
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Initialization
In the following cases, system
initialization must be performed so that the
system operates normally.
 y  A tire pressure is adjusted. y Tire rotation is performed. y A tire or wheel is replaced. y The battery is replaced or completely
drained.
 y  The tire pressure monitoring system
warning light is illuminated.
Initialization method
1. Park the car in a safe place and fi rmly
apply the parking brake.
2. Let the tires cool, then adjust the tire pressure of all four (4) tires to the
specifi ed pressure indicated on the tire
pressure label located on the door jamb
of the driver's door (door open).
Refer to Tires on page 9-9 .
3. Switch the ignition ON.
4. While the vehicle is parked, press and hold the tire pressure monitoring
system set switch and verify that
the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light in the instrument cluster
fl ashes twice and a beep sound is heard
once.
CAUTION
If the system initialization is performed
without adjusting the tire pressure,
the system cannot detect the normal
tire pressure and it may not illuminate
the tire pressure monitoring system
warning light even if a tire pressure is
low, or it may illuminate the light even
if the pressures are normal.
The system initialization will not be
performed if the switch is pressed while
the vehicle is being driven.
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*Some models.4–65
When Driving
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System *
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is designed to assist the drive\
r by monitoring
blind spots on both sides of the vehicle to the rear in certain situatio\
ns such as when
changing lanes on roads and freeways or reversing the vehicle from a par\
king garage.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System consists of the Blind Spot Moni\
toring (BSM)
and Rear Cross Traffi c Alert (RCTA).
WARNING
Do not rely completely on the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system. Always look over
your shoulder before changing lanes or reversing the vehicle from a parking garage:
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can assist the driver in confi rming the safety of
the surroundings but is not a complete substitute. The driver is responsible for assuring
lane changes and other maneuvers. Always pay attention to the direction in which the
vehicle is traveling and the vehicle's surroundings.
NOTE
 y The detectability of the radar sensors has its limitations. The Blind Sp\
ot Monitoring
(BSM) System may not operate properly under the following conditions:
 y Ice, snow, or soil adheres to the rear bumper surface around the radar sensors. y During adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow, or under conditions where
water is sprayed.
 y The rear bumper area around the radar sensors is blocked by foreign material (such as
stickers or a bicycle carrier).
 y The radar sensors do not detect human, animal, shopping cart, bicycle, o\
r static objects
such as fences.
 y The radar sensors may not detect all types of vehicles around your vehicle, especially the
following types of vehicles:
 y Motorcycles y Vehicles with body shapes that radar may not refl ect such as a fl atbed trailer with no
cargo.
 y Vehicles with lower body height such as sports cars.
 y Although the system may detect objects on the road side such as parked vehicles or
guardrails and operate the warning light/beep, it does not indicate a malfun\
ction.
 y If the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffi c and few vehicles that the radar sensors
can detect, the system may pause (the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF\
indicator light
in the instrument cluster fl ashes). However, it does not indicate a malfunction.
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4–66
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 4-71 ). 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.
D etection ar eas
Y our ve hicle
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