Mazda 3 (2018 year). Instruction - part 13

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 Warning Lights on page 4-24.

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.

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 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 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.



(Vehicles with Smart City Brake
Support (SCBS))
If the Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
operates with the TCS/DSC turned off,
the TCS/DSC becomes operational
automatically.

When Driving

ABS/TCS/DSC

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i-ELOOP

*

The i-ELOOP system suppresses engine load used for generating power and improves
driveability and fuel economy by generating electricity with the kinetic energy that is
generated when the vehicle slows down by applying the brakes or during engine braking.
Stores large amounts of electricity instantly and efficiently uses the electricity for electrical
devices and accessories.

Variable 
voltage 
alternator

Capacitor

DC-DC converter

CAUTION

High-current electricity flows through the following parts, therefore do not touch them.

Variable voltage alternator
DC-DC converter
Capacitor

If the capacitor is to be disposed of, always consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

For details, go to the following URL.
http://www.mazda.com/csr/environment/recycling

▼ i-ELOOP Indicator Light/Control

Status Display

The driver is notified of the i-ELOOP
power generating status and the vehicle
conditions by the i-ELOOP indicator light
and the control status display.

i-ELOOP Indicator Light

 

Illuminated (vehicle without type B
audio)

The light turns on during power
generation.

When Driving

i-ELOOP

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Flashing

If the engine is started after the vehicle has
not been driven for a long period of time,
the i-ELOOP indicator light may flash.
Leave the engine idling and wait until the
indicator light turns off.

NOTE



The beep will sound if the vehicle is
driven while the i-ELOOP indicator
light is flashing. In addition, if you turn
the steering wheel while the light is
flashing, it will feel heavier than
normal, but this does not indicate an
abnormality. Stop the vehicle in a safe
location with the engine running and do
not attempt to turn the steering wheel.
The steering operation will return to
normal after the i-ELOOP indicator
light stops flashing.



(Vehicles with type B audio)
A notification is displayed in the center
display and the i-ELOOP indicator light
flashes at the same time.
Refer to Warning Message Indicated on
Display on page 7-36.

Control status display (vehicles with
type B audio)

The i-ELOOP power generating status is
displayed in the center display.
Refer to Control Status Display on page
4-73.

When Driving

i-ELOOP

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Fuel Economy Monitor

*

For vehicles with type B audio, the Control Status and Fuel Consumption are switched and
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.
4. Select the icon in the menu and perform the operation. Each icon operates as follows:

Indication on display

Control status

 Hides the menu display.

 Displays the application screen.

 Switches the Fuel Economy Monitor in the order of

Control Status and Fuel Consumption.

 Resets the fuel economy data.

 Displays the following setting screen.



Ending display on/off switching



On/off switching for function which synchronizes re-
set fuel economy data to trip meter (Trip A)

▼ Fuel Consumption Display

Information 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.

When Driving

Fuel Economy Monitor

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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.

▼ Control Status Display

The power generating status is displayed

Indication on display

Control status

 Displays the level of electricity generated by regen-

erative braking.

 Displays the amount of the electricity stored in the

capacitor.

 Displays the status of the electricity stored in the

capacitor and being supplied to the electrical devices
(whole vehicle in display is illuminated simultaneous-
ly).

 Displays the accumulated fuel economy.

▼ Ending Screen Display

If 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.

When Driving

Fuel Economy Monitor

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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 enhanced. This provides
additional quick acceleration which may be needed to safely make 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



The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system/cruise control is operating.



Steering wheel is being operated abruptly

▼ Drive Selection Switch

Press the drive selection switch forward
(“

”) to select the sport mode.

Pull the drive selection switch back
(“

”) to cancel the sport mode.

 
With Electric Parking Brake (EPB)

Without Electric Parking Brake (EPB)

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.

When Driving

Drive Selection

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▼ Select Mode Indicator Light

When the sport mode is selected, the select
mode indicator light turns on in the
instrument cluster.

NOTE
If the drive selection cannot be switched to
sport mode, the select mode indicator light
flashes to notify the driver.

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 notifies the driver of
system abnormalities and operation
conditions.
In addition, the buzzer may also activate
depending on the system abnormality or
operation condition.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-24.
Refer to Power Steering Warning
Buzzer on page 7-41.

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 radar sensors. These
systems consist of active safety and pre-crash safety systems.
These systems are designed to assist the driver in safer driving 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 solely 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 4-80
High Beam Control System (HBC)............................................................................page 4-81

Left/right side and rear side detection

Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)...............................................................page 4-113
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)................................................................................... page 4-84

Road sign recognition

Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR).................................................................... page 4-90

Inter-vehicle distance recognition

Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)......................................................... page 4-96

Rear obstruction detection when leaving a parking space

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)............................................................................... page 4-98

Driver support systems

Inter-vehicle distance

Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC).................................................................... page 4-102

Lane departure

Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)...............................................................................page 4-113

When Driving

i-ACTIVSENSE

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▼ Pre-Crash Safety Technology

Pre-crash safety technology is designed 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 4-124

Collision damage reduction in medium/high speed range

Smart Brake Support (SBS).....................................................................................page 4-128

▼ Camera and Sensors

Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)

The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects lane indications and recognizes headlights,
taillights and city lights during nighttime driving. In addition, it also detects the vehicle
ahead, pedestrians, or obstructions. The following systems also use the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC).



High Beam Control system (HBC)



Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)



Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)



Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)



Smart Brake Support (SBS)

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 4-131.

Radar sensor (front)

The radar sensor (front) functions by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle ahead
sent from the radar sensor. The following systems also use the radar sensor (front).



Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)



Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)



Smart Brake Support (SBS)

The radar sensor (front) is mounted behind the radiator grille.
Refer to Radar Sensor (Front) on page 4-136.

When Driving

i-ACTIVSENSE

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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)



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 4-139.

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.

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 Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-23.
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 Lights on page 4-24.

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 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

*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 or the rear passenger seats
are occupied.



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 switch the headlights
automatically between high and low
beams after the ignition is switched ON
and the headlight switch 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.
 

The HBC determines that it is dark based
on the brightness of the surrounding area.

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 Personalization
Features on page 9-12.

When Driving

i-ACTIVSENSE

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▼ Manual Switching

Switching to low beams

Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The HBC indicator light (green) turns off.

Switching to high beams

Turn the headlight switch to the 
position.
The HBC indicator light (green) turns off
and the   is illuminated.

When Driving

i-ACTIVSENSE

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