engine MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2020 Repair 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 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).
▼ 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 -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.
▼ 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 4-68.

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 ag
ain 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 aut omatically 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 off while the DSC
system is operative.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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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 e nhanced. 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 sele
ction switch forward
(“
”) to select the sport mode.
Pull the drive selection switch back
(“
”) to cancel the sport mode.

NOTE
In the following cases, the drive
selection is canceled.
The ignition is switched OFF.
Cruise control 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
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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 not ifies the driver of
system abnormalities and operation
conditions.
Refer to Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-27.
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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CAUTION
In the following cases, turn the system off to prevent a mis-operation:
The vehicle is being towed or when towing another vehicle.
 The vehicle is on a chassis roller.
 When driving on rough roads such as in areas of dense grass or off-road.
Refer to Stopping the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system Operation on page 4-104 on
how to turn off the SCBS system.
NOTE
The SCBS system will operate under the following conditions.
The engine is running.
The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) system warning indication/warning light (amber)
does not illuminate.
(Rear-end coll ision warning)
The vehicle speed is about 4 to 80 km/h (2 to 50 mph).
(Brake control (Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) brake))
The vehicle speed is about 4 to 30 km/h (2 to 18 mph).
The SCBS system is not turned off.
Under the following conditions, the SCBS system may not operate normally:
The SCBS system will not operate if the driver is deliberately performing driving
operations (accelerator pedal and steering wheel).
If there is the possibility of pa rtial contact with a vehicle ahead.
The vehicle is driven on a slippery road surface such as wet roads or icy or snow-bound
roads.
The braking performance is adversely affected due to cold temperatures or wet brakes.
The vehicle is driven at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
The accelerator pedal is depressed.
The brake pedal is depressed.
The steering wheel is being operated.
The selector lever is being operated.
In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines that there is a
vehicle ahead and the SCBS may operate.
Objects on the road at the entrance to a curve.
Vehicles passing in the opposite lane while making a curve.
Metal objects, bumps, or protruding objects on the road.
When passing through a toll gate.
When passing through low gates, narrow gates, car washing machines, or tunnels.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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If you suddenly come close to a vehicle ahead.
2-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, animals or standing trees.
Vehicle is driven with some of the tires having significant wear.
(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.
▼Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
Indicator Light (Red)*
If the Smart City Bra
ke Support (SCBS) is
operating, the indicator light (red) flashes.

▼ 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.
▼Automatic Brake Operation
Display*
The automatic brake operation display is
indicated on the multi-information display
after the SCBS is operated.
NOTE
The collision warning beep sounds
intermittently while the SCBS brake or
brake assist (SCBS brake assist) is
operating.
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
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▼Stopping the Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS) System Operation
The SCBS system can be temporarily
deactivated.
Refer to Personalizat
ion Features on page
9-9.
When the SCBS system is turned off, the
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) OFF
indicator light turns on.

When the engine is restarted, the system
becomes operational.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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▼To Decrease Cruising Speed
Press the SET/ switch and hold it. The
vehicle will gradually slow.
Release the switch at the desired speed.

Press the SET/
switch and release it
immediately to adjust the preset speed.
Multiple operations will decrease the
preset speed according to the number of
times it is operated.
Decreasing speed with a single SET/
switch operation
Instrument cluster display for vehicle
speed indicated in km/h: 1 km/h (0.6 mph)
Instrument cluster display for vehicle
speed indicated in mph: 1 mph (1.6 km/h)
▼ To Resume Cruising Speed at More
Than 25 km/h (16 mph)
If the cruise contro
l system temporarily
canceled (such as by applying the brake
pedal) and the system is still activated, the
most recent set speed will automatically
resume when the RESUME/
switch is
pressed.
If vehicle speed is below 25 km/h (16
mph), increase the vehicle speed up to 25
km/h (16 mph) or more and press the
RESUME/
switch.
▼ To Temporarily Cancel
To temporarily cancel the system, use one
of these methods:
Slightly depress the brake pedal.
(Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal.
Press the OFF/CANCEL switch.
If the RESUME/
switch is pressed when
the vehicle speed is 25 km/h (16 mph) or
higher, the system reverts to the previously
set speed.
NOTE
If any of the following conditions occur,
the cruise control system is temporarily
canceled.
The parking brake is applied.
(Automatic transmission)
The selector lever is in the P, N, or R
position.
(Manual transmission)
The shift lever is in the neutral
position.
When the cruise control system is
temporarily canceled by even one of the
applicable cancel conditions, the speed
cannot be re-set.
(Automatic transmission)
The cruise control cannot be cancelled
while driving in manual mode (selector
lever shifted from D to M position).
Therefore, engine braking will not be
applied even if the transmission is
shifted down to a lower gear. If
deceleration is required, lower the set
speed or depress the brake pedal.
When Driving
Cruise Control
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Operating Tips
Operate the climate control system with
the engine running.
To prevent the battery from being
discharged, do not leave the fan control
dial on for a long period of time with the
ignition switched ON when the engine is
not running.
Clear all obstructions such as leaves,
snow and ice from the hood and the air
inlet in the cowl grille to improve the
system efficiency.
Use the climate control system to defog
the windows and dehumidify the air.
The recirculate mode should be used
when driving through tunnels or while
in a traffic jam, or when you would like
to shut off outside air for quick cooling
of the interior.
Use the outside air position for
ventilation or windshield defrosting.
If the vehicle has been parked in direct
sunlight during hot weather, open the
windows to let warm air escape, then
run the climate control system.
Run the air cond itioner about 10
minutes at least once a month to keep
internal parts lubricated.
Have the air conditioner checked before
the weather gets hot . Lack of refrigerant
may make the air conditioner less
efficient.
The refrigerant specifications are
indicated on a label attached to the
inside of the engine compartment. If the
wrong type of refrigerant is used, it
could result in a ser ious malfunction of
the air conditioner. Consult a
professional, government certified
repairer for the inspection or repair
because a special device is required for
the air conditi oner maintenance.
For details, consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer.
Label
Interior Features
Climate Control System
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