brake MAZDA MX5 MIATA 2017 Owner's Guide

4 –62 When Driving
Brake Parking Brake
CAUTION Driving with the parking brake on
will cause excessive wear of the brake
parts.
NOTE
For parking in snow, refer to Winter
Driving (page 3-53 ) regarding parking
brake use.
Setting the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and then firmly
pull the parking brake lever fully upwards
with sufficient force to hold the vehicle in
a stationary position. Releasing the parking brake
Depress the brake pedal and pull the
parking brake lever upwards, then press
the release button. While holding the
button, lower the parking brake lever all
the way down to the released position. Button
Warning Light The warning light turns on when the
system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-26 .
Brake Pad Wear Indicator When the disc brake pads become worn,
the built-in wear indicators contact the
disc plates. This causes a screeching noise
to warn that the pads should be replaced.
When you hear this noise, consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as
possible.
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4 –63 When Driving
Brake
*Some models.WARNING Do not drive with worn disc pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is
dangerous. The brakes could fail and
cause a serious accident. As soon as
you hear a screeching noise consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Brake AssistDuring emergency braking situations
when it is necessary to depress the brake
pedal with greater force, the brake assist
system provides braking assistance, thus
enhancing braking performance.
When the brake pedal is depressed hard or
depressed more quickly, the brakes apply
more firmly.
NOTE 
When the brake pedal is depressed hard
or depressed more quickly, the pedal
will feel softer but the brakes will apply
more firmly. This is a normal effect of
the brake assist operation and does not
indicate a malfunction. 
When the brake pedal is depressed
hard or depressed more quickly, a
motor/pump operation noise may be
heard. This is a normal effect of the
brake assist and does not indicate a
malfunction. 
The brake assist equipment does not
supersede the functionality of the
vehicle's main braking system. Hill Launch Assist (HLA) *
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is a function
which assists the driver in accelerating
from a stop while on a slope. When
the driver releases the brake pedal and
depresses the accelerator pedal while
on a slope, the function prevents the
vehicle from rolling. The braking force is
maintained automatically after the brake
pedal is released on a steep grade.
For vehicles with a manual transmission,
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) operates on a
downward slope when the shift lever is in
the reverse (R) position, and on an upward
slope when the shift lever is in a position
other than the reverse (R) position.
For vehicles with an automatic
transmission, Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
operates on a downward slope when the
selector lever is in the reverse (R) position,
and on an upward slope when the selector
lever is in a forward gear.
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4 –64 When Driving
Brake
WARNINGDo not rely completely on Hill Launch
Assist (HLA):
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is an auxiliary
device for accelerating from a stop
on a slope. The system only operates
for about two seconds and therefore,
relying only on the system, when
accelerating from a stop is dangerous
because the vehicle may move (roll)
unexpectedly and cause an accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on
the vehicle's load or if it is towing
something. In addition, for vehicles
with a manual transmission, the
vehicle could still roll depending on
how the clutch pedal or the accelerator
pedal is operated.
Always confirm the safety around the
vehicle before starting to drive the
vehicle. NOTE 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate on a gentle slope. In addition,
the gradient of the slope on which the
system will operate changes depending
on the vehicle's load. 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate if the parking brake is applied,
the vehicle has not stopped completely,
or the clutch pedal is released. 
While Hill Launch Assist (HLA) is
operating, the brake pedal may feel
stiff and vibrate, however, this does not
indicate a malfunction. 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
operate while the TCS/DSC indicator
light is illuminated.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on
page 4-26 . 
Hill Launch Assist (HLA) does not
turn off even if the DSC OFF switch is
pressed to turn off the TCS/DSC.
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4 –65 When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
Antilock Brake System
(ABS) The ABS control unit continuously
monitors the speed of 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 brake pedal without pumping
the brakes.
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 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 will 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.
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4 –66 When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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 .
WARNINGDo 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.
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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.
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4 –80 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSE
CAUTION Do not modify the suspension. If the vehicle height or the damping force of the
suspensions is changed, the LDWS may not operate correctly.
NOTE 
If your vehicle deviates from its traffic lane, the LDWS operates (warning sound and
indicator light). Steer the vehicle adequately to drive the vehicle to the center of the lane. 
When the turn signal lever is operated for a lane change, the LDWS warning is
automatically canceled. The LDWS warning becomes operable when the turn signal lever
is returned and the system detects the white or yellow lines. 
If the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal is operated abruptly and the
vehicle moves close to a white or yellow line, the system determines that the driver is
making a lane change and the LDWS warning is automatically canceled. 
The LDWS may not operate during the period immediately after the vehicle has deviated
from its lane and the LDWS has operated, or the vehicle deviates from its lane repeatedly
within a short period of time. 
The LDWS does not operate if it does not detect the white or ye llow lines of the traffic
lane.
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4 –83 When Driving
i-ACTIVSENSEAuto cancel warning
When the following operations are
performed, the LDWS determines that
the driver intends to make a lane change
and the LDWS warning is canceled
automatically. The LDWS is enabled
automatically after the driver performs the
operation. 
The steering wheel is operated abruptly. 
The brake pedal is depressed abruptly. 
The accelerator pedal is depressed
abruptly. 
The turn signal lever is operated (after
the turn signal lever is returned, the
LDWS may not operate for about 3
seconds which is the period of time
required to make a lane correction).
NOTE
After about 60 seconds have elapsed with
the turn signal lever left operating, the
LDWS warning may operate if the vehicle
is close to a white or yellow line.
Canceling the SystemPress the LDWS OFF switch to cancel the
LDWS. The LDWS OFF indicator light
turns on.
Vehicle lane display (vehicles with
multi-information display)
The vehicle lane lines are no longer
indicated in the multi-information display
when the LDWS is canceled. NOTE
When the ignition is switched OFF, the
LDWS becomes operational the next time
the ignition switched ON.
LDWS Warning If the system determines that there is the
possibility of a lane departure, the LDWS
warning beep activates and the LDWS
warning light flashes. Operate the steering
wheel appropriately and steer the vehicle
to the center of the lane.
For vehicles equipped with the multi-
information display and the active driving
display, the color of the lane line in the
direction which the system determined
that the vehicle may be deviating from its
lane changes from white to amber and the
vehicle lane line flashes.
Indication on display
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4 –102 When Driving
Cruise Control NOTE 
The cruise control speed setting cannot
be performed under the following
conditions: 
(Automatic transmission)
The selector lever is in the P or N
position. 
(Manual transmission)
The shift lever is in the neutral
position. 
The parking brake is applied. 
Release the SET/ or RESUME/
switch at the desired speed, otherwise
the speed will continue increasing while
the RESUME/
switch is pressed and
held, and continue decreasing while the
SET/
switch is pressed and held
(except when the accelerator pedal is
depressed). 
On a steep grade, the vehicle may
momentarily slow down while ascending
or speed up while descending. 
The cruise control will cancel if the
vehicle speed decreases below 21 km/h
(13 mph) when the cruise control is
activated, such as when climbing a
steep grade. 
The cruise control may cancel at about
15 km/h (9 mph) below the preset speed,
such as when climbing a long, steep
grade. The vehicle speed preset using the cruise
control is displayed in the instrument
cluster. Type A Instrument Cluster
Type B Instrument Cluster
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4 –103 When Driving
Cruise Control To Increase Cruising SpeedFollow either of these procedures.
To increase speed using cruise control
switch
Press the RESUME/
switch and hold it.
Your vehicle will accelerate. Release the
switch at the desired speed.
Press the RESUME/
switch and release
it immediately to adjust the preset speed.
Multiple operations will increase the
preset speed according to the number of
times it is operated.
Increasing speed with a single
RESUME/
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 increase speed using accelerator
pedal
Depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate
to the desired speed. Press the SET/

switch and release it immediately.
NOTE
Accelerate if you want to speed up
temporarily when the cruise control is on.
Greater speed will not interfere with or
change the set speed. Take your foot off the
accelerator to return to the set speed. 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 some other method besides the OFF/
CANCEL switch was used to cancel
cruising speed (such as 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.
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