MAZDA MX5 MIATA 2017 Owners Manual

4 –67 When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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 Warning Indication/Warning
Lights on page 4-26 .
WARNING 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.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 67 2016/08/11 20:28:58

4 –68 When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC 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 SwitchPress the DSC OFF switch to turn off the
TCS/DSC. The DSC OFF indicator light
in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again 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 turns off while the DSC
system is operative.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 68 2016/08/11 20:28:58

4 –69 When Driving
Fuel Economy Monitor
*Some models.Fuel Economy Monitor *
For vehicles with type B audio, the Fuel Consumption informatio n 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. Operate the commander switch or touch the screen and display the menu.
NOTE
When the menu is displayed by touching the screen, the display is hidden automatically after
6 seconds.
4. Select the icon in the menu and perform the operation. Each ico n operates as follows:Indication on display Control status
Hides the menu display.
Displays the application screen.
Resets the fuel economy data.
Displays the following setting screen. 
Ending display on/off switching 
On/off switching for function which synchronizes
reset fuel economy data to trip meter (Trip A)
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 69 2016/08/11 20:28:59

4 –70 When Driving
Fuel Economy Monitor Fuel Consumption DisplayInformation 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 fuel economy every minute
after vehicle travel begins, and displays it.
NOTE 
The fuel economy data can be reset by doing the following operation: 
Press the reset switch from the menu screen. 
When the function which synchronizes the fuel economy monitor and the trip meter is
on, reset trip A of the trip meter. 
Delete the average fuel economy information displayed in the trip computer. 
After resetting the fuel economy data, “-- -” is displayed while the average fuel economy
is calculated.
Ending Screen DisplayIf the ending display on the fuel economy monitor is on when the ignition is switched from
ON to OFF, the information regarding the fuel economy is displayed.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 70 2016/08/11 20:28:59

4 –71 When Driving
Drive Selection
*Some models.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 slippery 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
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 71 2016/08/11 20:28:59

4 –72 When Driving
Drive Selection Drive Selection SwitchPress 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. 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.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 72 2016/08/11 20:28:59

4 –73 When Driving
Power Steering
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.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 73 2016/08/11 20:28:59

4 –74 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models. 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.
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 System (AFS)
.............................................................................. 4-75
High Beam Control System (HBC)
.................................................................................... 4-76
Left/right side and rear side detection
Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) ......................................................................... 4-79
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System
............................................................................... 4-85
Rear obstruction detection when leaving a parking space
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) ........................................................................................ 4-92
Camera and SensorsForward 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 Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-95 .
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) System 
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Refer to Radar Sensors (Rear) on page 4-98 .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 74 2016/08/11 20:29:00

4 –75 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.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 Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-26 .
NOTE
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) function can be switched to operable/inoperable
using the personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-9 .
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 75 2016/08/11 20:29:00

4 –76 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
*Some models.High Beam Control System (HBC) *
The High Beam Control System (HBC) determines the conditions in front of the vehicle
using the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) while driving in darknes s to automatically switch
the headlights between high and low beams.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-18 .
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 approaching in the opposite
direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the following occurs: 
The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle approaching in the
opposite direction. 
The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads 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 Warning Indication/Warning Lights on page 4-26 .
CAUTION 
Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera,
otherwise the system will not operate normally. 
Do not rely excessively on the High Beam Control System (HBC) and drive the vehicle while
paying sufficient attention to safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and
low beams manually if necessary.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 76 2016/08/11 20:29:00