MAZDA MODEL 3 SEDAN 2021 Owners Manual

Dynamic Stability Control(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 4-77) and TCS
(page 4-78).

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 TCS/DSC Indication/
Indicator Light (Turns on) on page
7-32.
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
speci fied for your Mazda on all 4
wheels.
 Use tires of the same
manufacturer, brand and tread
pattern on all 4 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.
NOTE
If there is a problem with the DSC, the
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) may not
operate.
Refer to Hill Launch Assist (HLA) on
page 4-75.
▼ 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.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-79
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

▼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 o
ff.
Refer to DSC OFF Switch on page
4-80.

If the light remains illuminated and the
TCS/DSC is not switched o ff, take your
vehicle to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer. The DSC may have a
malfunction.
▼ DSC OFF Switch
Press the DSC OFF switch to turn o
ff
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
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 di fficult.
When this happens, turn o ff the
TCS/DSC.
If the TCS/DSC is off when the
engine is turned o ff, it automatically
activates when the ignition is
switched ON.
Leaving the TCS/DSC on will provide
the best traction.
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 o ff
while the DSC system is operative.
(Vehicles with Smart Brake Support
(SBS))
If the Smart Brake Support (SBS)
operates with the TCS/DSC turned
o ff, the TCS/DSC becomes
operational automatically.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
4-80
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

Drive Selection*
▼Drive Selection
Drive selection is a system to switch
the vehicle's drive mode. When the
sport mode is selected, vehicle's
response against accelerator operation
is enhanced. This provides additional
quick acceleration which may be
needed to safely make maneuvers such
as lane changes, merging onto
freeways, or passing other vehicles.
CAUTION
Do not use the sport mode when
driving on slippery roads such as wet
or snow-covered roads. It may cause
tire slipping.
NOTE
When the sport mode is selected,
driving at higher engine speeds
increases and it may increase fuel
consumption. Mazda recommends
that you cancel the sport mode on
normal driving.
Drive mode cannot be switched in
the following conditions:
ABS/TCS/DSC is operatingCruise control* is operating.The Mazda Radar Cruise Control
with Stop & Go function (MRCC
with Stop & Go function) System
*
is operating.Tra
ffic Jam Assist (TJA) is operating.Steering wheel is being operated
abruptly
▼ Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive selection switch forward
(SPORT) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(OFF) to cancel the sport mode.

NOTE
In the following cases, the drive
selection is canceled.
The ignition is switched OFF.Mazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with
Stop & Go function) System/cruise
control is set.
Tra
ffic Jam Assist (TJA) is set.Depending on the driving conditions
when sport mode is selected, the
vehicle may perform shift-down or
slightly accelerate.
When Driving
Drive Selection
*Some models.4-81
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

▼Select Mode Indicator Light
When the sport mode is selected, the
select mode indicator light turns on in
the instrument cluster.
1. Select mode indicator light
NOTE
If the drive selection cannot be
switched to sport mode, the select
mode indicator light
flashes to notify
the driver.
When Driving
Drive Selection
4-82
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

i-ACTIV AWD Operation*
▼i-ACTIV AWD Operation
AWD provides excellent drivability on
snow-covered and ice-packed roads,
sand and mud, as well as on steep
slopes and other slippery surfaces.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to AWD Wa
rning Indication/
Warning Light on page 7-31.
WARNING
Never spin a wheel that is o ff the
ground:
Spinning a wheel that is o ff the ground
as a result of the vehicle being stuck or
in a ditch is dangerous. The drive
assembly could be seriously damaged
which could lead to an accident or
could even lead to overheating, oil
leakage, and a fire.
▼AWD Driving
This vehicle has not been designed for
the purpose of o
ff-road driving or
rallies. Do not attempt to drive over
uneven or rocky surfaces, or across
rivers.
Although this vehicle is equipped with
AWD, acceleration, steering and
braking operations should be
conducted in the same manner as with
a non-AWD vehicle, with the emphasis
placed on safe driving.
▼ Tires and Tire Chains
The condition of the tires plays a large
role in the performance of the vehicle.
Moreover, to prevent adverse eff
ects to
the drive assembly, please note the
following:
Tires
When replacing tires, always replace
all front and rear tires at the same
time.
All tires must be of the same size,
manufacture, brand and tread
pattern. Pay particular attention
when equipping snow or other types
of winter tires.
Do not mix tread-worn tires with
normal tires.
Inspect tire inflation pressures at the
speci fied periods adjust to the
speci fied pressures.
NOTE
Check the tire
inflation pressure label
attached to driver's door frame for the
correct tire inflation pressure.
Make sure to equip the vehicle with
genuine tires of the speci
fied size, on
all wheels. With AWD, the system is
calibrated for all 4 wheels being of
the same dimensions.
Tire chains
Install tire chains to the front tires.Do not use tire chains on the rear
wheels.
Do not drive the vehicle faster than
30 km/h (19 mph) with the tire
chains installed.
Do not drive the vehicle with tire
chains on road conditions other than
snow or ice.
▼ To w i n g
If the vehicle requires towing, have it
towed with all 4 wheels completely
off
the ground.
Refer to Towing Description on page
7-23.
When Driving
i-ACTIV AWD
*Some models.4-83
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

Powe r Ste er i n g
▼Power Steering
Power steering is only operable when
the engine is running. If the engine is
o ff or if the power steering system is
inoperable, you can still steer, but it
requires more physical eff ort.
If the steering feels sti ffer than usual
during normal driving or the steering
vibrates, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
The malfunction indication notifies
the driver of system abnormalities
and operation conditions.
Refer to Power Steering Malfunction
Indication/Indicator Light on page
7-29.
When Driving
Powe r Ste er in g
4-84
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

i-ACTIVSENSE*
▼i-ACTIVSENSE
i-ACTIVSENSE is a collective term
covering a series of advanced safety
and driver support systems which
make use of cameras and sensors. The
systems consist of active safety and
pre-crash safety systems.
These systems are designed to assist
the driver in safer driving by reducing
the load on the driver and helping to
avert collisions or reduce their severity.
However, because each system has its
limitations, always drive carefully and
do not rely solely on the systems.
▼Active Safety Technology
Active Safety Technology supports safer
driving by helping the driver to
recognize potential hazards and avert
accidents.
Driver awareness support systems
Nighttime visibility
Adaptive Front Lighting System
(AFS).................................. page 4-90
High Beam Control System
(HBC).................................page 4-90
Left/right side and rear side detection
Lane Departure Warning System
(LDWS).............................. page 4-92
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)...............
.......................................... page 4-96
Road sign recognition
Tra
ffic Sign Recognition System
(TSR)................................ page 4-101
Inter-vehicle distance recognition
Distance & Speed Alert (DSA) .............
........................................ page 4-108
Front obstruction detection when
approaching a crosswalk
Front Cross Tra ffic Alert (FCTA) ............
........................................ page 4-113
Rear obstruction detection when
leaving a parking space
Rear Cross Tra ffic Alert (RCTA) .............
........................................ page 4-116
Full-surround recognition
360°View Monitor............ page 4-168
Driver fatigue detection
Driver Attention Alert (DAA) ...............
........................................ page 4-109
Driver Monitoring (DM).... page 4-111
Driver support systems
Inter-vehicle distance
Mazda Radar Cruise Control
(MRCC)........................... page 4-120
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop
& Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go
function).......................... page 4-128
Lane departure
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) .............
........................................ page 4-154
Inter-vehicle distance and lane
keeping
Tra ffic Jam Assist (TJA)........ page 4-139
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.4-85
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

▼Pre-Crash Safety Technology
Pre-crash safety technology is designed
to assist the driver in averting collisions
or reducing their severity in situations
where they cannot be avoided.
Collision damage reduction
Forward driving
Smart Brake Support (SBS) ..................
........................................ page 4-158
Reverse driving
Smart Brake Support [Rear]
(SBS
-R).............................page 4-160
Smart Brake Support [Rear Crossing] (S
BS -RC)............................. page 4-164
▼ Camera and Sensors
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
detects lane indications and recognizes
headlights, taillights and city lights
during nighttime driving. In addition, it
also detects the vehicle ahead,
pedestrians, or obstructions. The
following systems use the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
High Beam Control system (HBC)Lane Departure Warning System
(LDWS)
Tra
ffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)Distance & Speed Alert (DSA)Driver Attention Alert (DAA)Mazda Radar Cruise Control
(MRCC)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with
Stop & Go function)
Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)Tra
ffic Jam Assist (TJA)Smart Brake Support (SBS)
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 4-203.
Front radar sensor
The front radar sensor detects radio
waves re flected o ff a vehicle ahead
sent from the radar sensor. The
following systems use the front radar
sensor.
Distance & Speed Alert (DSA)Mazda Radar Cruise Control
(MRCC)
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with
Stop & Go function)
Tra ffic Jam Assist (TJA)Smart Brake Support (SBS)
The front radar sensor is mounted
behind the radiator grille.
Refer to Front Radar Sensor on page
4-207.
Front side radar sensor
The front side radar sensors detects
radio waves re flected off a vehicle
ahead sent from the radar sensor. The
following systems use the front side
radar sensor.
Front Cross Tra ffic Alert (FCTA)
The front side radar sensors are
installed inside the front bumper, one
on the left side and one on the right
side.
Refer to Front Side Radar Sensor on
page 4-209.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-86
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

Rear side radar sensor
The rear side radar sensors emit radio
waves and detect the radio waves
reflected off a vehicle approaching
from the rear or an obstruction. The
following systems use the rear side
radar sensor.
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)Rear Cross Tra ffic Alert (RCTA)Smart Brake Support [Rear Crossing]
(SBS -RC)
The rear side radar sensors are installed
inside the rear bumper, one on the left
side and one on the right side.
Refer to Rear Side Radar Sensor on
page 4-211.
Rear/rear corner/rear side ultrasonic
sensor
The ultrasonic sensor detects ultrasonic
waves reflected
o ff obstructions at the
rear sent from the ultrasonic sensors.
The following systems use the
ultrasonic sensor.
Smart Brake Support [Rear] (SBS -R)Smart Brake Support [Rear Crossing]
(SBS -RC)
The ultrasonic sensors are mounted in
the rear bumper.
Refer to Rear/Rear corner/Rear Side
Ultrasonic Sensor on page 4-212.
Front camera/side cameras/rear
camera
The front camera, side cameras, and
rear camera shoot images of the area
surrounding the vehicle. The 360°View
Monitor uses each camera.
Cameras are installed to the front
bumper, door mirrors, and rear
bumper.
Refer to Front Camera/Side Cameras/
Rear Camera on page 4-213.
Driver monitoring camera
The driver monitoring camera detects
changes in the driver's facial features
and estimates the amount of
accumulated fatigue and sleepiness of
the driver. The following systems use
the driver monitoring camera.
Driver Monitoring (DM)
The driver monitoring camera is
mounted in the center display.
Refer to Driver Monitoring Camera on
page 4-214.
▼ i-ACTIVSENSE Status Symbol
(Warning/Risk Avoidance Support
System)
*
The system noti
fies the driver of any of
the following system status using the
color or OFF indication of the
i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol
(Warning/risk avoidance support
system).
Lane Departure Warning System
(LDWS)
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)Distance & Speed Alert (DSA)Front Cross Tra ffic Alert (FCTA)Rear Cross Tra ffic Alert (RCTA)Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)
NOTE
The status of the system turned on
using the personalization feature is
displayed.
i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol
(warning/risk avoidance support
system) (white)
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.4-87
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34

System stand-by status
If none of the systems are activated or
if there is a problem with the system,
the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol
(warning/risk avoidance support
system) (white) is displayed.
NOTE
For example, even when the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) is operating
normally, if the Lane Departure
Warning System (LDWS) has a
problem, the i-ACTIVSENSE status
symbol (warning/risk avoidance
support system) (white) is displayed.
i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol
(warning/risk avoidance support
system) (green)
System activated status
If any one of the systems is activated,
the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol
(warning/risk avoidance support
system) (green) is displayed.
NOTE
Even if the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol
(warning/risk avoidance support
system) (green) is displayed, systems
which do not meet the operation
conditions will not operate.
i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol
(warning/risk avoidance support
system) (amber)
System warning status
If any system warning is activated, the
i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol (warning/
risk avoidance support system)
(amber) is displayed.
i-ACTIVSENSE OFF symbol (warning/
risk avoidance support system)
System OFF status
If all the systems are canceled using the
personalization features or the
i-ACTIVSENSE OFF switch, the
i-ACTIVSENSE OFF symbol (Warning/
risk avoidance support system) is
displayed.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-88
Mazda3_8JM2-EA -20H_Edition1_new 2020-7-10 17:21:34