light MAZDA MODEL 3 HATCHBACK 2014 Owners Manual (in English)

4–80
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 4-22 .
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 4-82 ).
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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4–81
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 4-79 ) and TCS (page
4-80 ).
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 4-22 .
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
 


¾ The DSC may not operate correctly
unless the following are observed:
 


¾ Use tires of the correct size specifi ed
for your Mazda on all four wheels.
 


¾ Use tires of the same manufacturer,
brand and tread pattern on all four
wheels.
 


¾ Do not mix worn tires.




¾ 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 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.
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4–82
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
DSC 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 4-82 .
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.
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 again to turn the TCS/
DSC back on. The DSC OFF indicator
light will turn off.
NOTE
 


y 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 diffi cult. When this
happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.
 


y If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine
is turned off, it automatically activates
when the ignition is switched ON.
 


y Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide
the best traction.
 


y 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.
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*Some models.4–83
When Driving
i-ELOOP
i-ELOOP *
On conventional vehicles, the kinetic energy that is generated when the vehicle is
decelerated by applying the brakes or during engine braking ends up being discarded as
heat. By utilizing this discarded kinetic energy to generate electricity and use it to power the
vehicle's electrical devices and accessories such as the A/C and audio, fuel consumption can
be reduced. Mazda's system for generating electricity from this kinetic energy is called the
Regenerative Braking System (i-ELOOP).
Electric components
Engine Components
Vehicle Systems:
Air-conditioning
Audio
Head-lights, etc
Accelerator OFF
Accelerator ONEnergy
regeneration
ChargeBattery
Battery Power
Power
Electric components
Engine Components
Vehicle Systems:
Air-conditioning
Audio
Head-lights, etc
Engine
Variable
Voltage
alternator
Variable
Voltage
alternator Engine
Tire TireCapacitor
CapacitorDC-DC converter
DC-DC converter
Kinetic energy
Electrical
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4–84
When Driving
i-ELOOP
A capacitor is incorporated as the device for storing the generated electricity, which can
store and use large amounts of electricity instantly.
Variable
Voltage
alternator
CapacitorDC-DC Converter
CAUTION
High-current electricity fl ows through the following areas, therefore do not touch them.
 


¾ Variable Voltage alternator 



¾ DC-DC converter



¾ Capacitor
NOTE




y When installing high power consumption devices such high-output speakers, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
 


y A difference in the fuel economy may occur depending on use conditions such as with the
A/C and headlights.
 


y If the capacitor is to be disposed of, always consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer. For
details, go to the following URL.
  http://www.mazda.com/csr/environment/recycling
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4–85
When Driving
i-ELOOP
i-ELOOP Indicator Light/Control
Status Display
The driver is notifi ed of the i-ELOOP
power generating status and the vehicle
conditions by the i-ELOOP indicator light
and the control status display.
i-ELOOP Indicator Light
Illuminated (vehicle without type B
audio)
The light turns on during power
generation.
Flashing
If the engine is started after the vehicle has
not been driven for a long period of time,
the i-ELOOP indicator light may fl ash.
Leave the engine idling and wait until the
indicator light turns off.
NOTE
 


y The beep will sound if the vehicle is
driven while the i-ELOOP indicator
light is fl ashing. In addition, if you
turn the steering wheel while the light
is fl ashing, it will feel heavier than
normal, but this does not indicate an
abnormality. Stop the vehicle in a safe
location with the engine running and do
not attempt to turn the steering wheel.
The steering operation will return to
normal after the i-ELOOP indicator
light stops fl ashing.
 


y(Vehicles with type B Audio)
 A notifi cation is displayed in the audio
display and the i-ELOOP indicator
light fl ashes at the same time.
  Refer to Warning Message Indicated on
Display on page 7-34 .
Control status display (vehicles with
type B audio)
The i-ELOOP power generating status is
displayed in the audio display.
Refer to Control Status Display on page
4-87 .
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4–89
When Driving
Drive Selection
Drive Selection Switch
The SPORT mode indicator light in the
instrument cluster is illuminated while in
SPORT mode.
NOTE
 


y If the SET/ SET Switch of the
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
system/cruise control is pressed while
in SPORT mode, SPORT mode is
automatically switched off.
 


y When the ignition is switched off,
SPORT mode is also switch off.
 


y When SPORT mode is selected, the
transaxle may automatically shift down
or the vehicle speed may accelerate
depending on the vehicle speed.
SPORT Mode Indicator Light
Type A
Type B
The light is illuminated while in SPORT
mode.
NOTE
The indicator light fl ashes a few times to
indicate that the mode cannot be switched
to SPORT mode even if the drive select
switch is pressed under the following
conditions:
 


y The vehicle is driven on a slippery road
surface such as an icy or snow-bound
road.
 


y The Mazda Radar Cruise Control
(MRCC) system/cruise control is
operating.
 


y The vehicle is making a turn or driving
on a curved road.
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4–90
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 4-22 .
 Refer to Power Steering Warning Buzzer
on page 7-39 .
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)
Do not use the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system in the following locations.
Otherwise, it could lead to an accident:
 


¾ Roads with sharp curves and where vehicle traffi c is heavy and there is insuffi cient
space between vehicles. Roads where frequent and repetitive acceleration and
deceleration occur (Driving under these conditions using the Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) system is not possible).
 


¾ When entering and exiting interchanges, service areas, and parking areas of highways
(If you exit a highway while headway control is in use, the vehicle ahead will no longer
be tracked and your vehicle may accelerate to the set speed).
 


¾ Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads (The tires could spin causing you to
lose vehicle control).
 


¾ Long descending slopes (to maintain distance between vehicles, the system
automatically and continuously applies the brakes which could result in the loss of
brake power).

For the purposes of safety, switch the Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system off
when it is not being used.
CAUTION
If the vehicle is towed or you are towing something, switch the Mazda Radar Cruise
Control (MRCC) system off to prevent an incorrect operation.
NOTE




y The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system operates when all of the following
conditions are met.
 


y The vehicle speed is about 30 km/h (19 mph) to 145 km/h (90 mph).



y The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is turned on.



y The parking brake is not applied.



y The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) indicator light (amber) does not illuminate.



y The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is operating normally.

(Manual transaxle)




y The shift lever is in a position other than reverse (R) or neutral (N).



y The clutch pedal is not depressed.

(Automatic transaxle)




y The selector lever is in the drive (D) position or manual (M) position (manual mode).
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4–93
When Driving
Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
 


y In the following cases, the warnings may not activate even if your vehicle 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 transaxle) 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 speed 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 4-22 .
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