light MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA 2021 Owners Manual

Antilock Brake System(ABS)
The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed o f each wheel. If one
wheel is about to lock up, the ABS
responds by automatically releasing and
reapplying that wheel's brake.

The driver will feel a slight vibration in
the brake pedal and may hear a chattering
noise from the brake system. This is
normal ABS system operation. Continue
to depress the brak e pedal without
pumping the brakes.

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 ABS as a substitute for safe
driving:
The ABS cannot compensate for unsafe
and reckless driving, excessive speed,
tailgating (following another vehicle too
closely), driving on ice and snow, and
hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and
road contact because of water on the road
surface). You can still have an accident.
NOTE
Braking distances may be longer on
loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for
example) which usually have a hard
foundation. A vehicle with a normal
braking system may require less
distance to stop under these conditions
because the tires wi ll build up a wedge
of surface layer when the wheels skid.
The sound of the ABS operating may be
heard when starting the engine or
immediately after starting the vehicle,
however, it does not indicate a
malfunction.
When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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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 Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-36.
WARNING
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 4-69).
▼ 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 4-66) and TCS (page
4-67).

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 4-69.

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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Drive Selection*
Drive selection is a system to switch the vehicle's drive mode. When the sport mode is
selected, the 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 sport mode is selected, driving at higher engine speeds may increase fuel
consumption. Mazda recommends that you cancel sport mode for 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
4-70*Some models.
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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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i-ACTIVSENSE*
i-ACTIVSENSE is a collective term covering a series of advanced safety and driver support
systems which make use of a Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) and ra dar sensors. These
systems consist of active safety and pre-crash safety systems.
These systems are designed to assist the driver in safer drivin g 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 sol ely 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 4-75
High Beam Control System (HBC)............................................................................ page 4-76
Left/right side and rear side detection
Lane Departure War ning System (LDWS)........................... ......................................page 4-79
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM).................................... ............................................... page 4-85
Road sign recognition
Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR).......................... .......................................... page 4-90
Rear obstruction detection wh en leaving a parking space
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)................................ ............................................... page 4-96
▼Pre-Crash Safety Technology
Pre-crash safety technology is de
signed to assist the driver in averting collisions or reduce
their severity in situations where they cannot be avoided.
Collision damage reduction in low vehicle speed range
Forward driving
Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)............................................................................. page 4-99
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS)*
The adaptive front lighting system (AFS) automatically adjusts the headlight beams to the
left or right in conjunction with the operation of the steering wheel after the headlights have
been turned on.
A system malfunction or operation conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspe cted on page 7-36.
NOTE
Headlights do not blind drivers approaching in the opposite direction no matter what side
of the road you must drive your vehicle (left-hand or right-hand traffic). Therefore, it is
not necessary to adjust the optical axis of the headlights when switching temporarily to
driving on the opposite side of the road (left-hand or right-hand traffic).
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) function can be switched to operable/
inoperable using the personalization function.
Refer to the Settings section in the Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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High Beam Control System (HBC)*
The HBC determines the conditions in front of the vehicle using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) while driving in darkness to automatically switch the headlights between
high and low beams.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-103.
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (19 mph) or more, the headlights are
switched to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or appr oaching in the opposite
direction.
The system switches the headlight s to low beams when one of the following occurs:
The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehi cle approaching in the
opposite direction.
The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roa ds in well-lit cities and
towns.
The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).
Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC)
The recognition distance of the
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)
varies according to the
surrounding conditions.
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.
CAUTION
Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify th e headlight units, or remove the camera,
otherwise the system will not operate normally.
 Do not rely excessively on the HBC and drive the vehicle while paying sufficient attention to
safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and low beams manually if
necessary.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
4-76*Some models.
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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.
When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traffic signals.
When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and
signs.
When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.
When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain.
When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated.
When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.
When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects.
When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.
▼ 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
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.
The low beams may not switch to high
beams when cornering.
Operation of the HBC function can be
disabled. Refer to th e Settings section in
the Mazda Connect Owner's Manual.
When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
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