MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2018 Owners Manual

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 Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26.
WA R N I N G
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 co uld still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-67).
▼ 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.
NOTE
In addition to the indicator light
flashing, a slight lugging sound will
come from the engine. This indicates
that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
On slippery surfaces, such as fresh
snow, it will be impossible to achieve
high rpm when the TCS is on.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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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 4-64) and TCS (page
4-65).

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 Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26.
WA R N I N G
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.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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▼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 4-67.

If the light remains i lluminated 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 sw
itch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch a gain 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 difficult. When this
happens, turn off the TCS/DSC.
If the TCS/DSC is off when the engine is
turned off, 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 turn s off while the DSC
system is operative.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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Fuel Economy Monitor*
For vehicles with type B audio, the Fuel Consumption information is displayed by operating
each icon in the display.
In addition, after completing a trip, the total energy efficiency to date is displayed in the
ending display when the ending display is turned on.
1. Select the
icon on the home screen to display the applications screen.
2. Select the “Fuel Economy Monitor”.
3. Select the
icon at the bot tom left of the screen t o display the menu in t he lower part
of the screen.
4. Select the icon in the menu and perform the operation. Each i con operates as follows:
Indication on displayControl status
Hides the menu display.
Displays the application screen.
Resets the fuel economy data.
Displays the following setting screen.
Ending display on/off switching(Without Multi-information Display)
On/off switching for function which synchronizes
(links) reset of fuel eco nomy data with trip meter
(TRIP A)
When Driving
Fuel Economy Monitor
4-68*Some models.
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▼Fuel Consumption Display
Information regarding the fuel economy is displayed.
Indication on display
Control status
Displays the fuel economy for the past 60 minutes.
Displays the fuel economy every minute for the past 1
to 10 minutes.
Displays the fuel economy every 10 minutes for the
past 10 to 60 minutes.
Displays the average fuel economy over the past 5
resets and after the current reset.
Calculates the average fu el economy every minute
after vehicle travel b egins, and displays it.
NOTE
(With Multi-information Display)
The fuel economy data is synchronized (linked) with the average fuel economy
displayed in the tripmeter (TRIP A).
To reset the fuel economy data, press the icon in the menu. (The average fuel
economy and TRIP A displayed in the trip meter (TRIP A) reset at the same time.)
After resetting the fuel economy data, “-- -” is displayed while the average fuel
economy is being calculated.
(Without Multi-information Display)
The fuel economy data is synchronized (linked) with the average fuel economy
displayed in the trip computer.
To reset the fuel economy data, press the icon in the menu. (The average fuel
economy displayed in the trip com puter resets at the same time.)
After resetting the fuel economy data, “-- -” is displayed while the average fuel
economy is being calculated.
▼Ending Screen Display
If the ending display
on the fuel economy m onitor is on when the ignition is switched from
ON to OFF, the information regarding the fuel economy is displa yed.
When Driving
Fuel Economy Monitor
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▼Fuel Economy Data Reset and Trip
Meter (TRIP A) Synchronization (Linking)
(Without Multi-information Display)
Because the average fuel economy indication on the instrument cluster display is linked
with the “Average Fuel Economy H istory” (Current) indication on the center display, when
one is reset the other is also reset.
In addition, switching between reset and no reset of the averag e fuel economy indication on
the instrument cluster display and the “Average Fuel Economy Hi story” (Current) indication
on the center display when reset ting the trip meter (TRIP A) is possible.
Reset operation item Synchronized (linked) and reset information
Trip meter (TRIP A) Average fuel econo-
my on instrument cluster display “Average Fuel
Economy History” (Current) indica-
tion on the center display
Trip meter (TRIP A) X
X/—
*1X/—*1
Average fuel economy on instrument cluster
display —X X
“Average Fuel Economy History” (Current)
indication on the center display —X X
X: Reset
—: Not reset
*1 Can be personalized.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-9.
When Driving
Fuel Economy Monitor
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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 mak e maneuvers such as lane
changes, merging onto freeways, or passing other vehicles.
CAUTION
Do not use the sport mode when driving on slip pery 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.
Steering wheel is being operated abruptly
▼ Drive Selection Switch
Press the drive selection switch forward
(“
”) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(“
”) to cancel the sport mode.

NOTE
When the ignition is switched off, the
sport mode is canceled.
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.4-71
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▼Select Mode Indication
When the sport mode is selected, the select
mode indication turns on in the instrument
cluster.
NOTE
If the drive selection cannot be switched to
sport mode, the select mode indication
flashes to notify the driver.
When Driving
Drive Selection
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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.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26.
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.
When Driving
Power Steering
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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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