warning lights MAZDA MODEL 3 5-DOOR 2016 Owner's Guide

4–64
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 4-62) and TCS
(page 4-63).
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
 The DSC 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 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 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.
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When Driving
Power Steering
Power Steering
 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.
 The warning light notifies 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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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
High Beam Control System (HBC)
The High Beam Control System (HBC) determines the conditions in front of the vehicle
using the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) while driving in darkness to au\
tomatically switch
the headlights between high and low beams.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-20 .
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (19 mph), the he\
adlights are switched
to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching in the opp\
osite direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the followin\
g occurs:
 y  The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle appro\
aching in the
opposite direction.
 y  The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads in wel\
l-lit cities and
towns.
 y  The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).

Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC)
The recognition distance of the
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
varies according to the
surrounding conditions.

The warning light À ashes when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-21 .
CAUTION
 ¾  Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera,
otherwise the system will not operate normally.
 ¾  Do not rely excessively on the High Beam Control System (HBC) and drive the vehicle while
paying suffi cient attention to safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and
low beams manually if necessary.

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4–80
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
The LDWS notifies the driver that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane.
The system detects the white or yellow lines on the traffic lane using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC). If it determines that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane, it notifies
the driver by flashing the LDWS indicator light (green) and operating the LDWS warning
sound.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera on page 4-111.
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 flashes 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.
 Driving on roads with tight curves. Driving under bad weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow).
The functions of the LDWS have limitations:
Always stay on course using the steering wheel and drive with care. The system is not
designed to compensate for a driver’s lack of caution and if you rely too much on the
LDWS it could lead to an accident. 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.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is designed to assist the driver in checking the
area to the rear of the vehicle on both sides during lane changes by ale\
rting the driver to the
presence of vehicles approaching from the rear in an adjacent lane.
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system detects vehicles approaching from the rear while
traveling in the forward direction at a speed of 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or \
faster and turns on the
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors depending on
the conditions. If the turn signal lever is operated to signal a lane ch\
ange in the direction
in which the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light is illuminated, the system warns
the driver of a vehicle in the detection area by flashing the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
warning light and activating a beep sound.
The detection area on this system covers the driving lanes on both sides\
of the vehicle and
from the rear part of the front doors to about 50 m (164 ft) behind th\
e vehicle.
Detection areas
Your vehicle
WARNING
Always check the surrounding area visually before making an actual lane change:
The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at your rear when
making a lane change. 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 in an adjacent driving lane. Always make it your responsibility as a
driver to check the rear.
NOTE
 The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system will operate when all of the fo\
llowing
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 .
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
 The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system will not operate under the foll\
owing
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 transaxle)/selector lever (automatic transaxl\
e) is shifted to
reverse (R) and the vehicle is reversing.
 In the following cases, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light flashes and
operation of the system is stopped. If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)\
OFF indicator
light remains flashing, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon
as possible.
 Some problem with the system including the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warnin\
g
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 decr eased.
 Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (r ear) 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) system determines the condition \
based on
radar detection data.
 A vehicle is traveling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed fo\
r 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.
 In the following cases, the activation of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BS\
M) 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 intersecti\
ons). 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.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
 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.
The walls at the entrance and exits of tunnels, turnouts.
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.
 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) system 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\
.
 In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.
 Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors. The front door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
 The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function when the shift lever (manual
transaxle) or the selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to \
the reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on page 4-92.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Warning Lights/Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Warning Beep
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) or Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system notifies the
driver of the presence of vehicles in adjacent lanes to the rear of your\
vehicle using the
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights and the warning beep while the systems are
operational.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights are equipped on the left and right door
mirrors. The warning lights turn on when a vehicle approaching from the rear in a\
n adjacent
lane is detected.
When the ignition is switched ON, the malfunction warning light turns on momentarily and
then turns off after a few seconds.
Forward driving (Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system operation)
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system detects vehicles approaching from the rear and
turns on the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors
according to the conditions. Additionally, while a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
light is illuminated, if the turn signal lever is operated to signal a t\
urn in the direction
in which the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light is illuminated, the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) warning light flashes.
Reverse driving (Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system operation)
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system detects vehicles approaching from the left and
right of your vehicle and flashes the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Function for cancelling illumination dimmer
When the headlight switch is in the
or position, the brightness of the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) warning lights is dimmed.
If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights are difficult to see due to glare from
surrounding brightness when traveling on snow-covered roads or under fog\
gy conditions,
press the dimmer cancellation button to cancel the dimmer and increase t\
he brightness of
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights when they turn on.
Refer to Dashboard Illumination on page 4-15.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning beep
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning beep is activated simultaneously with the
flashing of a Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light.
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When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system is designed to assist the driver in checking the
area to the rear of the vehicle on both sides while the vehicle is rever\
sing by alerting the
driver to the presence of vehicles approaching the rear of the vehicle.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system detects vehicles approaching from the left and
right sides of the vehicle while the vehicle is being reversed out of a \
parking space, and
notifies the driver of possible danger using the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights
and the warning buzzer.
Detection areas
Your vehicle
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) operation
1. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system operates when the shift lever (manual
transaxle) or the selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to the reverse (R) position.
2. If there is the possibility of a collision with an approaching vehicle, the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light flashes and the warning beep is activated
simultaneously.
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