tires MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2020 User Guide

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 autom atically to provide
optimum power to th e drive wheels,
limiting wheel spin a nd loss of traction.

The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-36.
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 could still have an
accident.
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the DSC OFF
switch (page 4-68).
â–¼ 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
ï‚·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.
ï‚·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 -65) and TCS (page
4-66).

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 Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-36.
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 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.
â–¼ 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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NOTE
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the following
conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch
between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffic
conditions.
ï‚·When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traffic signals.
ï‚·When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and
signs.
ï‚·When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.
ï‚·When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain.
ï‚·When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated.
ï‚·When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.
ï‚·When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects.
ï‚·When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.
â–¼ To Operate the System
The HBC operates to s
witch the headlights
automatically between high and low
beams after the igni tion is switched ON
and the headlight sw itch is in the AUTO
and high beam position.
The HBC determines that it is dark based
on the brightness of the surrounding area.
At the same time, the HBC indicator light
(green) in the instrument cluster
illuminates.

NOTE
ï‚·When the vehicle speed is about 30 km/h
(19 mph) or more, the headlights
automatically switch to high beams
when there are no vehicles ahead or
approaching in the opposite direction.
When the vehicle speed is less than
about 20 km/h (12 mph), the HBC
switches the headlights to low beams.
ï‚·The low beams may not switch to high
beams when cornering.
ï‚·Operation of the HBC function can be
disabled. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-9.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Stop sign
Sign recognized and
displayed at same time
Instrument cluster
WA R N I N G
Always check the traffic signs visually while driving.
The TSR helps prevent the driver from overlookin g traffic signs and provides support for safer
driving. Depending on the weather conditions or problems with traffic signs, a traffic sign
may not be recognized or a traffic sign different from the actual traffic sign may be displayed.
Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the actual traffic signs. Otherwise, it
could result in an accident.
NOTE
ï‚·The TSR does not operate if there is a malf unction in the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
ï‚·Under the following conditions, the TSR may not operate normally.
ï‚·An object placed on the dashboard is reflected in the windshield and picked up by the
camera.
ï‚·Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat and the
vehicle is tilted.
ï‚·The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure.
ï‚·Tires other than standard tires are equipped.
ï‚·The vehicle is driven on the ramp and surrounding area to or from a rest area or a
tollgate on a highway.
ï‚·When surrounding brightness suddenly changes such as when entering or exiting a
tunnel.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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ï‚·If you suddenly come close to a vehicle ahead.
ï‚·2-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, animals or standing trees.
ï‚·Vehicle is driven with some of the tires having significant wear.
ï‚·(Manual transmission)
If the vehicle is stopped by the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) operation and the clutch
pedal is not depressed, the engine stops.
â–¼Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
Indicator Light (Red)*
If the Smart City Bra
ke Support (SCBS) is
operating, the indicator light (red) flashes.

â–¼ Collision Warning*
If there is the possibili
ty of a collision with
a vehicle ahead, the beep sounds
continuously and a warning is indicated in
the multi-inform ation display.
NOTE
The operation distance and volume of the
collision warning can be changed. Refer
to Personalization Features on page
9-9.
â–¼Automatic Brake Operation
Display*
The automatic brake operation display is
indicated on the multi-information display
after the SCBS is operated.
NOTE
ï‚·The collision warning beep sounds
intermittently while the SCBS brake or
brake assist (SCBS brake assist) is
operating.
ï‚·If the vehicle is stopped by the SCBS
operation and the brake pedal is not
depressed, the warning beep sounds 1
time after about 2 seconds and the SCBS
brake is automatically released.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.4-103
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Heed the following cautions to assure the correct operation of the Forward Sensing Camera
(FSC).
 Be careful not to scratch the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) lens or allow it to get dirty.
 Do not remove the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cover.
 Do not place objects on the dashboard which reflect light.
 Always keep the windshield glass around the camera clean by removing dirt or fogging.
Use the windshield defroster to remove fogging on the windshield.
 Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regardi ng cleaning the interior side of the
windshield around the Forw ard Sensing Camera (FSC).
 Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer before performing repairs around the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
 The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installe d to the windshield. Consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer for windshield repair and replacement.
 When cleaning the wind shield, do not allow glass cleaners or similar cleaning fluids to
get on the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) le ns. In addition, do not touch the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC) lens.
 When performing repairs around the rearv iew mirror, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer.
 Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding cleaning of the camera lens.
 Do not hit or apply strong force to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or the area around
it. If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is severely hit or if there are cracks or damage
caused by flying gravel or debris in the area around it, stop using the following systems
and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
 High Beam Control System (HBC)
 Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
 Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
 Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
 The direction in which the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is pointed has been finely
adjusted. Do not change the installation posi tion of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or
remove it. Otherwise, it could result in damage or malfunction.
 Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacturer,
brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do no t use tires with significantly different wear
patterns on the same vehicle as the system may not operate normally.
 The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) includes a function for detecting a soiled windshield
and informing the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may not detect plastic
shopping bags, ice or snow on the windshield. In such cases, the system cannot accurately
determine a vehicle ahead and may not be able to operate normally. Always drive carefully
and pay attention to the road ahead.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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NOTE
ï‚·In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot detect target objects
correctly, and each system may be unable to operate normally.
ï‚·The height of the vehicle ahead is low.
ï‚·You drive your vehicle at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
ï‚·Headlights are not turned on during the night or when going through a tunnel.
ï‚·In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) may not be able to detect
target objects correctly.
ï‚·Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow.
ï‚·The window washer is being used or the windshield wipers are not used when it's
raining.
ï‚·Ice, fog, snow, frost, rainfall, dirt, or foreign matter such as a plastic bag is stuck on the
windshield.
ï‚·Trucks with low loading platforms and vehicl es with an extremely low or high profile.
ï‚·When driving next to walls with no patterning (including fences and longitudinally
striped walls).
ï‚·The taillights of the vehicle ahead are turned off.
ï‚·A vehicle is outside the illumi nation range of the headlights.
ï‚·The vehicle is making a sharp turn, or ascending or descending a steep slope.
ï‚·Entering or exiting a tunnel.
ï‚·Heavy luggage is loaded causing the vehicle to tilt.
ï‚·Strong light is shone at the front of the vehicle (back light or high-beam light from
on-coming vehicles).
ï‚·There are many light emitters on the vehicle ahead.
ï‚·When the vehicle ahead is not equipped with taillights or the taillights are turned off at
nighttime.
ï‚·Elongated luggage or cargo is loaded onto installed roof rails and covers the Forward
Sensing Camera (FSC).
ï‚·Exhaust gas from the vehicle in front, sand, snow, and water vapor rising from
manholes and grating, and water splashed into the air.
ï‚·When towing a malfunctioning vehicle.
ï‚·The vehicle is driven with tires having significantly different wear.
ï‚·The vehicle is driven on down slopes or bumpy roads.
ï‚·There are water puddles on the road.
ï‚·The surroundings are dark such as during the night, early evening, or early morning, or
in a tunnel or indoor parking lot.
ï‚·The illumination brightness of the headlights is reduced or the headlight illumination is
weakened due to dirt or a deviated optical axis.
ï‚·The target object enters the blind spot of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
ï‚·A person or object bursts onto the road from the shoulder or cuts right in front of you.
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 to o low in one or more tires, the system will inform the driver via the
warning light in the instrument cluster and by the warning beep sound.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on page 7-36.
Refer to Taking Action on page 7-40.
Refer to Tire Inflation Pressu re Warning Beep on page 7-50.

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 illumina te more frequently. Visually 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.
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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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.)
As an added safety feature, your vehicle ha s been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring
system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pre ssure telltale when one or more of your tires is
significantly
under-inflated. Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you
should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper
pressure. Driving on a significantly under-in flated tire causes the tire to overheat and can
lead to tire failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may
affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance, and it is the
driver's responsibility to maintain correct ti re pressure, even if under-inflation has not
reached the level to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly.
The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale wi ll flash for approximately one minute and then
remain continuously illuminated. This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle
start-ups as long as the malfunction exists. When the malfunction indicator is illuminated,
the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS
malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement
or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle th at prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.
Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to
continue to function properly.
 To avoid false readings, the system samples for a little while before indicating a problem. As
a result it will not instantaneously register a rapid tire
deflation or blow out.
When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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â–¼System Error Activation
When the warning light flashes, there may
be a system malfunction. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
A system error activation may occur in the
following cases:
ï‚·When there is equipment or a device
near the vehicle using the same radio
frequency as that of the tire pressure
sensors.
ï‚·When a metallic device such as a
non-genuine navigation system is
equipped near the center of the
dashboard, which may block radio
signals from the tire pressure sensor to
the receiver unit.
ï‚·When using the following devices in the
vehicle that may cause radio
interference with the receiver unit.
ï‚·A digital device such as a personal
computer.
ï‚·A current converter device such as a
DC-AC converter.
ï‚·When excess snow or ice adheres to the
vehicle, especially around the wheels.
ï‚·When the tire pressu
re sensor batteries
are exhausted.
ï‚·When using a wheel with no tire
pressure sensor installed.
ï‚·When using tires with steel wire
reinforcement in the sidewalls.
ï‚·When using tire chains.
â–¼ Tires and Wheels
CAUTION
When inspecting or adjusting the tire air
pressures, do not apply excessive force to
the stem part of the wheel unit. The stem
part could be damaged.
Changing tires and wheels
The following procedure allows the TPMS
to recognize a tire pressure sensor's unique
ID signal code whenever tires or wheels
are changed, such as changing to and from
winter tires.
NOTE
Each tire pressure sensor has a unique ID
signal code. The signal code must be
registered with the TPMS before it can
work. The easiest way to
do it is to have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer, change your
tire and complete ID signal code
registration.
When having tires changed at an
Authorized Mazda Dealer
When an Authorized Mazda Dealer,
changes your vehicle's tires, they will
complete the tire pressure sensor ID signal
code registration.

When Driving
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
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