sensor MAZDA MODEL MX-5 2018 (in English) Owner's Manual

CAUTION
Do not shade the light sensor by adhering a st icker or a label on the windshield. Otherwise
the light sensor will not operate correctly.
 The light sensor also works as a rain sensor for the auto-wiper control. Keep hands and
scrapers clear of the windshield when the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition
is switched ON as fingers could be pinched or the wipers and wiper blades could be
damaged when the wipers activate automaticall y. If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off completely wh en it is particularly tempting to leave the
engine running. This is particularly important when clearing ice and snow.
NOTE
The headlights, other exterior lights and dashboard illumination may not turn off
immediately even if the surrounding area becomes well-lit because the light sensor
determines that it is night time if the surrounding area is continuously dark for several
minutes such as inside long tunnels, traffic jams inside tunnels, or in indoor parking lots.
In this case, the lights turn off if the light switch is turned to the
position.
If the headlight switch and the windshield wiper switch are in , and the wipers are
operated at low or high speed by the auto wiper control for several seconds, bad weather
conditions are determined and the headlights may be turned on.
The sensitivity of the auto-light control may be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-9.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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Variable-speed intermittent wipers
Set the lever to the intermittent position
and choose the interval timing by rotating
the ring.

INT ringFast
Slow
With auto-wiper control

Switch Posi-tion Wiper operation
Operation while pulling up lever
Stop
Auto control
Low speed
High speed
Auto-wiper control
When the wiper lever is in the
position, the rain sensor senses the amount
of rainfall on the windshield and turns the
wipers on or off automatically
(off―intermittent―low speed―high
speed).

The sensitivity of th
e rain sensor can be
adjusted by turning the switch on the
wiper lever.
From the center position (normal), rotate
the switch upward for higher sensitivity
(faster response) or r otate it downward for
less sensitivity (slower response).

Higher sensitivity
Less sensitivitySwitch
Center
position
CAUTION
 Do not shade the rain sensor by adhering
a sticker or a label on the windshield.
Otherwise the rain sensor will not
operate correctly.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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When the wiper lever is in the
position and the ignition is switched ON,
the wipers may move automatically in
the following cases:
 If the windshield above the rain sensor
is touched or wiped with a cloth.
 If the windshield is struck with a hand
or other object from either outside or
inside the vehicle.
Keep hands and scrapers clear of the
windshield when the wi per lever is in the
position and the ignition is
switched ON as fingers could be pinched
or the wipers and wiper blades damaged
when the wipers activate automatically.
If you are going to clean the windshield,
be sure the wipers are turned off
completely (when it is most likely that the
engine is left running) this is particularly
important when clearing ice and snow.
NOTE
Switching the auto-wiper lever from the
to the position while driving
activates the windshield wipers once,
after which they operate according to
the rainfall amount.
The auto-wiper control may not operate
when the rain sensor temperature is
about
－10 °C (14 °F) or lower, or
about 85 °C (185 °F) or higher.
If the windshield is coated with water
repellent, the rain sensor may not be
able to sense the amount of rainfall
correctly and the auto-wiper control
may not operate properly.
If dirt or foreign matter (such as ice or
matter containing salt water) adheres to
the windshield above the rain sensor, or
if the windshield is iced, it could cause
the wipers to move automatically.
However, if the wi pers cannot remove
this ice, dirt or foreign matter, the
auto-wiper control will stop operation.
In this case, set th e wiper lever to the
low speed position or high speed
position for manual operation, or
remove the ice, dirt or foreign matter by
hand to restore the auto-wiper
operation.
If the auto-wiper lever is left in the
position, the wipers could operate
automatically from the effect of strong
light sources, electromagnetic waves, or
infrared light because the rain sensor
uses an optical sensor. It is
recommended that the auto-wiper lever
be switched to the
position other
than when driving the vehicle under
rainy conditions.
If the headlight switch and the
windshield wiper switch are in
,
and the wipers are operated at low or
high speed by the auto wiper control for
several seconds, bad weather conditions
are determined and the headlights may
be turned on.
The auto-wiper control functions can be
turned off. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-9.
When Driving
Switches and Controls
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i-ACTIVSENSE*
i-ACTIVSENSE is a collective term covering a series of advanced safety and driver support
systems which make use of a Forw ard Sensing Camera (FSC) and radar sensors.
Because each system has its limitations, always drive carefully and do not rely solely on the
systems.
Driver awareness support systems
Nighttime visibility
Adaptive Front Lighting Sy stem (AFS)..................................................................... page 4-75
High Beam Control System (HBC)................................. ........................................... page 4-76
Left/right side and rear side detection
Lane Departure Warning Syst em (LDWS).................................................................page 4-79
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System.......................................................................page 4-85
Rear obstruction detection wh en leaving a parking space
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)................................ ............................................... page 4-91
▼Camera and Sensors
Forward sensing camera (FSC)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahea
d of the vehicle while
traveling at night and detects traffic lanes. The following systems also use the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
High Beam Control system (HBC)
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installed at the top of the windshield near the
rearview mirror.
Refer to Forward S ensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-94.
Radar sensors (rear)
The radar sensors (rear) function by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle
approaching from the rear or an obstruction sent from the radar sensors. The following
systems also use the radar sensors (rear).
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The radar sensors (rear) are inst alled inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Refer to Radar Sensors (Rear) on page 4-96.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-74*Some models.
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NOTE
The BSM will operate when all of the following conditions are met:
The ignition is switched ON.
The BSM switch is pressed and the BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster is
turned off.
The vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.
The BSM will not operate under the following circumstances.
The vehicle speed falls below about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) even though the BSM OFF
indicator light is turned off.
The shift lever (manual transmission)/selector lever (automatic transmission) is shifted
to reverse (R) and the vehicle is reversing.
In the following cases, the BSM OFF indicator light turns on and operation of the system
is stopped. If the BSM OFF indicator light re mains illuminated, have the vehicle inspected
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Some problem with the system including the BSM warning 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 decreased.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) 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 BSM determines the condition based on radar detection data.
A vehicle is traveling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed for 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 BSM 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 intersections).
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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When there is a difference in the height between your driving lane and the adjacent
lane.
Directly after pressing the BSM switch and the system becomes operable.
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 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.
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.
The walls at the entrance and exits of tunnels,
turnouts.
A 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 BSM while pulling a trailer or wh
ile 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 BSM
warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.
Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors.
The door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.
The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffi c Alert (RCTA) function when the shift lever
(manual transmission) or the selector lever (automatic transmission) is shifted to the
reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on page 4-91.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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WA R N I N G
Always check the surrounding area visually before actually putting the vehicle in reverse:
The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at the rear when putting the
vehicle in reverse. Due to certain limitations wi th 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
behind your vehicle. Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the rear.
NOTE
In the following cases, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light turns on and
operation of the system is stopped. If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator
light remains illuminated, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible.
Some problem with the system including the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
lights has occurred.
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).
Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods.
The temperature near the radar sensors becomes extremely hot due to driving for long
periods on slopes during the summer.
The battery voltage has decreased.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.
The vehicle speed when reversing is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.
The radar sensor (rear) detection area is obstructed by a nearby wall or parked vehicle.
(Reverse the vehicle to a position where the radar sensor detection area is no longer
obstructed.)
Your vehicle
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Radar Sensors (Rear)*
Your vehicle is equipped with radar sensors (rear). The followi ng systems also use the radar
sensors (rear).
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The radar sensors (rear) function by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle
approaching from the rear or an obstruction sent from the radar sensor.
Radar sensors (rear)
The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Always keep the surface of the rear bumper near the radar sensors (rear) clean so that the
radar sensors (rear) operate normally. Also, do not apply items such as stickers.
Refer to Exterior Care on page 6-54.
CAUTION
If the rear bumper receives a severe impact, the system may no longer operate normally. Stop
the system immediately and have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
NOTE
The detection ability of the radar sensors (rear) has limitations. In the following cases,
the detection ability may lower and the system may not operate normally.
The rear bumper near the radar sensors (rear) has become deformed.
Snow, ice or mud adheres to the radar sensors (rear) on the rear bumper.
Under bad weather conditions such as rain, snow and fog.
Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.
Stationary objects on a road or a road side such as small, two-wheeled vehicles,
bicycles, pedestrians, animals, and shopping carts.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-96*Some models.
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Vehicle shapes which do not reflect radar waves well such as empty trailers with a low
vehicle height and sports cars.
Vehicles are shipped with the direction of the radar sensors (rear) adjusted for each
vehicle to a loaded vehicle condition so that the radar sensors (rear) detect approaching
vehicles correctly. If the direction of the radar sensors (rear) has deviated for some
reason, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
For repairs or replacement of the radar sensors (rear), or bumper repairs, paintwork, and
replacement near the radar sensors, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Turn off the system while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle carrier
is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radio waves emitted by the radar will
be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.
The radar sensors are regulated by the relevant radio wave laws of the country in which
the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is driven abroad, authorization from the country in
which the vehicle is driven may be required.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) monitors the pressure for each tire.
If tire pressure is too low in o ne or more tires, the system wi ll inform the driver via the
warning light in the instrument cluster and by the warning beep sound.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning Lights on page 4-26.
Refer to Tire Inflation Pressu re Warning Beep on page 7-52.

The tire pressure sensors installed on each wheel send tire pre ssure data by radio signal to
the receiver unit in the vehicle.
Tire pressure sensors
NOTE
When the ambient temperature is low due to seasonal changes, tire temperatures are also
lower. When the tire temperature decreases, the air pressure decreases as well. The TPMS
warning light may illuminate more frequently. Vi sually inspect the tires daily before driving,
and check tire pressures monthly with a tire pressure gauge. When checking tire pressures,
use of a digital tire pressure gauge is recommended.

TPMS does not alleviate your need to check the pressure and con dition of all four tires
regularly.
CAUTION
 Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle
placard or tire inflation pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the
size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine
the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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