Mazda 3 (2018 year). Instruction - part 15



The temperature near the radar sensors becomes extremely hot due to driving for long
periods on slopes during the summer.



The battery voltage has decreased.



Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.



The vehicle speed when reversing is about 15 km/h (9 mph) or faster.



The radar sensor (rear) detection area is obstructed by a nearby wall or parked vehicle.
(Reverse the vehicle to a position where the radar sensor detection area is no longer
obstructed.)

Your vehicle



A vehicle is approaching directly from the rear of your vehicle.

Your vehicle



The vehicle is parked on a slant.

Your vehicle



Directly after the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system becomes operable using the
personalization feature.



Radio wave interference from a radar sensor equipped on a nearby parked vehicle.

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

In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator lights equipped on the door mirrors.



Snow or ice adheres to the door mirrors.



The front door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.



Turn off the RCTA system while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle
carrier is installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radio waves emitted by the
radar will be blocked causing the system to not operate normally.

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Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)

*

The MRCC system is designed to maintain headway control

*1

 with a vehicle ahead

according to your vehicle's speed using a radar sensor (front) to detect the distance to the
vehicle ahead and a preset vehicle speed without you having to use the accelerator or brake
pedals.

*

1 Headway Control: Control of the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead

detected by the MRCC system.

Additionally, if your vehicle starts closing in on the vehicle ahead such as if the vehicle
ahead brakes suddenly, a warning sound and a warning indication in the display are
activated simultaneously to alert you to maintain a sufficient distance between the vehicles.
Also refer to the following before using the MRCC.



Radar sensor (front) (page 4-136)

WARNING

Do not rely completely on the MRCC:
The MRCC system has detection limitations depending on the type of vehicle ahead and its
conditions, the weather conditions, and the road conditions. Additionally, the system may be
unable to decelerate sufficiently to avoid hitting the vehicle ahead if the vehicle ahead applies
the brakes suddenly or another vehicle cuts into the driving lane, which could result in an
accident.
Always drive carefully and verify the surrounding conditions and depress the brake pedal or
accelerator pedal while keeping a safer distance from vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.

Do not use the MRCC system in the following locations, using the MRCC system at the
following locations may result in an unexpected accident:

General roads other than highways (Driving under these conditions using the MRCC system

is not possible.)

Roads with sharp curves and where vehicle traffic is heavy and there is insufficient space

between vehicles.

Roads where frequent and repetitive acceleration and deceleration occur (Driving under

these conditions using the MRCC system is not possible).

When entering and exiting interchanges, service areas, and parking areas of highways (If

you exit a highway while headway control is in use, the vehicle ahead will no longer be
tracked and your vehicle may accelerate to the set speed).

Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads (Tires could spin causing you to lose vehicle

control, or the stop hold control may not operate.)

Long, descending slopes (to maintain distance between vehicles, the system automatically

and continuously applies the brakes which could result in the loss of brake power.)

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Slopes with a steep gradient (The vehicle ahead may not be detected correctly, your vehicle

may slide while stopped by the stop hold control, and it may accelerate suddenly after it
starts moving.)

For safety purposes, switch the MRCC system off when it is not being used.

CAUTION

If your vehicle is towed or you are towing something, switch the MRCC system off to prevent a
miss-operation.

NOTE



The MRCC system does not detect the following as physical objects.



Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction



Pedestrians



Stationary objects (stopped vehicles, obstructions)



If a vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely low speed, the system may not detect it
correctly.



During headway control travel, do not set the system for detection of two-wheeled
vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles.



Do not use the MRCC system under conditions in which close proximity warnings are
frequently activated.



During headway control travel, the system accelerates and decelerates your vehicle in
conjunction with the speed of the vehicle ahead. However, if it is necessary to accelerate
for a lane change or if the vehicle ahead brakes suddenly causing you to close in on the
vehicle rapidly, accelerate using the accelerator pedal or decelerate using the brake
pedal depending on the conditions.



While the MRCC system is in use, it does not cancel even if the selector lever (automatic
transaxle)/shift lever (manual transaxle) is operated and any intended engine braking will
not occur. If deceleration is required, lower the vehicle speed setting or depress the brake
pedal.



The sound of the automatic brakes operating may be heard, however, it does not indicate
a problem.



The brake lights turn on while the MRCC automatic braking is operating.

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▼ Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) Display Indication

The MRCC setting status and operation conditions are indicated on the active driving
display.

Vehicle ahead display

MRCC Distance 
between vehicle 
display

MRCC Set vehicle speed

▼ Close Proximity Warning

If your vehicle rapidly closes in on the vehicle ahead because the vehicle ahead applies the
brakes suddenly while you are traveling in headway control, the warning sound activates
and the brake warning is indicated in the display. Always verify the safety of the
surrounding area and depress the brake pedal while keeping a safer distance from the
vehicle ahead. Additionally, keep a safer distance from the vehicles behind you.

NOTE
In the following cases, the warnings and brakes may not operate even if your vehicle starts
closing in on the vehicle ahead.



You are driving your vehicle at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.



Directly after the MRCC system has been set.



Directly after the accelerator pedal is released.



Another vehicle cuts into the driving lane.

▼ Setting the System

The MRCC system operates when all of the following conditions are met.



Vehicle speed is 30 km/h (19 mph) to 145 km/h (90 mph)



The MRCC is turned on.



The brake pedal is not depressed.



The parking brake is released (parking brake indicator light is turned off).



There is no problem with the DSC.



All the doors are closed.



The driver's seat belt is fastened.

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(Manual transaxle)



The shift lever is in a position other than reverse (R) or neutral (N).



The clutch pedal is not depressed.

(Automatic transaxle)



The selector lever is in the drive (D) position or manual (M) position (manual mode).

OFF/CAN switch

RES switch

switch

switch

MODE switch

SET- switch

SET+ switch

Turning on the system

When the MODE switch is pressed once, the MRCC system turns on, and the MRCC main
indication (white) turns on and the vehicle speed and the distance between the vehicles
while in headway control can be set.

In addition, the MRCC system display indication is displayed on the active driving display
at the same time.

NOTE



If the ignition is switched off while the MRCC system is operating, the system will be
operable when the ignition is switched ON the next time.



The MRCC can switch to the Cruise Control Function.
Refer to Cruise Control Function on page 4-110.

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How to set the speed

1. Adjust the vehicle speed to the desired setting using the accelerator pedal.
2. Headway control begins when the SET  or SET  switch is pressed.

The set speed and the inter-vehicle distance display filled with white lines is displayed.
The MRCC main indication (white) switches to the MRCC set indication (green) at the
same time.

Travel status

Display

During travel at constant speed

During travel under headway control

NOTE



If a vehicle ahead is detected while traveling at a constant speed, the vehicle-ahead
indication is displayed and headway control is performed. Additionally, when a vehicle
ahead is no longer detected, the vehicle-ahead indication turns off and the system
switches back to travel at constant speed.



The lowest possible speed which can be set on the MRCC system is 30 km/h (19 mph).



Headway control is not possible if the vehicle ahead is driving faster than your vehicle's
set speed. Adjust the system to the desired vehicle speed using the accelerator pedal.

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How to set the distance-between-vehicles during headway control

The distance-between-vehicles is set to a shorter distance by pressing the   switch. The
distance-between-vehicles is set to a longer distance by pressing the   switch. The
distance-between-vehicles can be set to 4 levels; Long, medium, short, and extremely short
distance.

Distance-between-vehicles guideline

(at 80 km/h (50 mph) vehicle speed)

Display

Long (about 50 m (164 ft))

Medium (about 40 m (131 ft))

Short (about 30 m (98 ft))

Extremely short (about 25 m (82 ft))

NOTE



The distance-between-vehicles differs depending on the vehicle speed, and the slower the
vehicle speed, the shorter the distance.



When the ignition is switched to ACC or OFF and then the engine is started again, the
system automatically sets the distance-between-vehicles to the previous setting.

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How to change the set vehicle speed

To accelerate/decelerate using the SET
switch

When you press the SET  switch, the
vehicle accelerates and when you press the
SET  switch, it decelerates.

Short press

1 km/h (1 mph)

Long press

10 km/h (5 mph)

NOTE
For example, the set vehicle speed is
changed by pressing the SET switch four
times as follows:
The vehicle speed accelerates or
decelerates by 4 km/h (4 mph).

To increase speed using accelerator
pedal

Depress the accelerator pedal and press
and release the SET  switch or SET
switch at the desired speed. If the switch is
not operated, the system returns to the set
speed after you release your foot from the
accelerator pedal.

CAUTION

The warnings and brake control do not
operate while the accelerator pedal is
depressed.

NOTE



When accelerating using the SET
switch while in headway control, the set
vehicle speed can be adjusted but
acceleration is not possible. If there is
no longer a vehicle ahead, acceleration
continues until reaching the set vehicle
speed. For the set vehicle speed, check
the set vehicle speed indication in the
display.



While depressing the accelerator pedal,
the color of the MRCC indication
changes from green to white.

Canceling the system

If any of the following operations is done,
the MRCC cancels temporarily, the
MRCC set indication (green) switches to
the MRCC main indication (white), and
the MRCC indicator light (green) turns off
at the same time.



The OFF/CAN switch is pressed.



The brake pedal is depressed.



The parking brake is applied.



(Automatic transaxle)
The selector lever is in the P (Park), N
(Neutral), or R (Reverse) position.



(Manual transaxle)
The shift lever is in the reverse (R)
position.



Any of the doors is opened.



The driver's seat belt is unfastened.

 
Under the following conditions, the
MRCC cancel indication is displayed in
the active driving display and a single
beep sound is heard.



The DSC has operated.



The Smart Brake Support (SBS) has
operated.

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

The Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
has operated.



When traveling on a downslope for a
long period of time.



There is a problem with the system.



The radar sensor (front) cannot detect
target objects (during rain, fog, snow or
other inclement weather conditions, or
when the radiator grille is dirty).



The vehicle speed decreases to less than
25 km (16 mph).



(Manual transaxle)



The shift lever is shifted to neutral (N)
for a certain period of time.



The clutch is depressed for a certain
period of time.



The engine stalls.

Resuming control

If the MRCC system is canceled, you can
resume control at the previously set speed
by pressing the RES switch and after all of
the operation conditions have been met.

NOTE
If the set speed is not indicated in the
display, the control does not resume even
if the RES switch is pressed.

Turning off the system

Press the OFF/CAN switch two times
while the MRCC system is operating to
switch off the system.

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▼ Shift-up/Shift-down Request Display (Manual Transaxle)

The shift-up or shift-down request display in the active driving display may be indicated
while the MRCC is operating. When this occurs, shift gears because the gear position is not
appropriate.

Request

Display

Shift up

Shift down

NOTE
If the gears are not shifted up even though the shift-up request indication is displayed, load
will be applied to the engine and the MRCC system may be automatically canceled or
engine damage could occur.

▼ Cruise Control Function

While this function is operating, the
headway control operation is canceled and
only the cruise control function operates.
The vehicle speed can be set more than
about 25 km/h (16 mph).
Use the cruise control function on
expressways and other highways which do
not require a lot of repeated acceleration
and deceleration.

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control function in
the following locations:
Otherwise, it could lead to an accident.

Roads with sharp curves and where

vehicle traffic is heavy and there is
insufficient space between vehicles.
(Driving under these conditions using the
cruise control function is not possible)

Steep down slopes (Set speed may be

exceeded because sufficient engine
braking cannot be applied)

Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound

roads (Tires could spin causing you to
lose vehicle control)

Always drive carefully:
The warnings and brake control will not
operate after the headway control function
is canceled and the system is switched to
only the cruise control function. Depress
the brake pedal to decelerate according to
the surrounding conditions while keeping a
safer distance from the vehicle ahead and
always driving carefully.

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Switching to cruise control function

When the MODE switch is pressed until
the system switches to the cruise main
indication (white) while the MRCC
system is turned on, the system switches to
the cruise control function.
When the system switches to the cruise
control function, the cruise main
indication (white) is displayed in the
instrument cluster and the active driving
display to notify the driver as follows:



The MRCC set indication (green) or the
MRCC main indication (white) is turned
off, and the cruise main indication
(white) is turned on.

WARNING

Always turn off the cruise control function
when it is not in use:
Leaving the cruise control function turned
on when it is not in use is dangerous as it
could operate unexpectedly, resulting in an
accident.

How to set the speed

Adjust the system to the desired vehicle
speed using the accelerator pedal.
When the SET  or SET  switch is
pressed, the cruise set indication (green) is
turned on and headway control begins.

NOTE



The system may not be able to maintain
the set speed constantly depending on
driving conditions such as steep up or
down slopes.



The speed will continue increasing while
the SET  switch is pressed and held.
The speed will continue decreasing
while the SET  switch is pressed and
held.

How to increase the set speed

The set speed can be increased using the
following operations:

To increase speed using the SET
switch

Press and hold the SET  switch and
release the switch at the desired speed.
The set speed can be adjusted
incrementally (1 km/h (1 mph)
increments) by pressing the switch and
releasing it immediately. For example, if
the switch is pressed 4 times, the set speed
increases by about 4 km/h (4 mph).

To increase speed using accelerator
pedal

Depress the accelerator pedal and press the
SET  or SET  switch at the desired
speed.
If the switch is not operated, the system
returns to the set speed after you release
your foot from the accelerator pedal.

How to Decrease the Set Speed

Press the SET  switch continuously and
release the switch at the desired speed.
The set speed can be adjusted
incrementally (1 km/h (1 mph)
increments) by pressing the switch and
releasing it immediately. For example, if
the switch is pressed 4 times, the set
vehicle speed decreases by about 4 km/h
(4 mph).

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Cancelling the function

When the cruise control function is
canceled and the RES switch is pressed
while the vehicle speed is 25 km/h (16
mph) or faster, the speed returns to the
original set speed.

Cancelling using OFF/CAN switch

When the OFF/CAN switch is pressed
once, the cruise control function is
cancelled.

Automatically cancel

The cruise control function is canceled
automatically in the following cases.



The brake pedal is depressed.



The parking brake is applied.

(Manual transaxle)



The clutch pedal is depressed.



The shift lever is shifted to neutral
position.

(Automatic transaxle)



The selector lever is shifted to P or N
position.

NOTE



If the vehicle speed decreases by about
15 km/h (9.4 mph) or more than the set
speed, the cruise control function may
be canceled.



When the vehicle speed is less than 21
km/h (13 mph), the cruise control
function is canceled. In this case, the
vehicle speed will not return to the
original set speed even if the vehicle is
accelerated to 25 km/h (16 mph) or
faster and the RES switch is pressed.
Reset the cruise control function.

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Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure

Warning System (LDWS)

*

The LAS&LDWS alerts the driver that the vehicle may be deviating from its lane and it
provides steering assistance to help the driver stay within the vehicle lanes.
The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects the white lines (yellow lines) of the vehicle
lane in which the vehicle is traveling and if the system determines that the vehicle may
deviate from its lane, it operates the electric power steering to assist the driver's steering
operation. The system also alerts the driver by activating a lane departure warning sound,
vibrating the steering wheel, and indicating an alert in the display. Use the system when you
drive the vehicle on roads with white (yellow) lines such as expressways and highways.
Refer to Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) on page 4-131.

Forward Sensing 
Camera (FSC)

WARNING

Do not rely completely on the LAS&LDWS:

The LAS&LDWS is not an automatic driving system. In addition, the system is not designed

to compensate for a driver's lack of caution, and over-reliance on the system could lead to
an accident.

The detection ability of the LAS&LDWS is limited. Always stay on course using the steering

wheel and drive with care.

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Do not use the LAS&LDWS in the following cases:
The system may not operate adequately according to the actual driving conditions, resulting
in an accident.

Driving on roads with tight curves.
Driving under bad weather conditions (rain, fog, and snow).
Slippery roads such as ice or snow-bound roads.
Roads with heavy traffic and insufficient distance between vehicles.
Roads with no white (yellow) lane lines.
Narrow roads resulting from road construction or lane closures.
The vehicle is driven on a temporary lane or section with a closed lane resulting from road

construction where there may be multiple white (yellow) lane lines or they are interrupted.

Vehicle is driven on roads other than expressways and highways.
The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure.
Tires of a different specified size are used, such as an emergency spare tire.

CAUTION

Heed the following cautions so that the LAS&LDWS can operate normally.

Do not modify the suspensions.
Always use wheels of the specified type and size for the front and rear wheels. Consult an

Authorized Mazda Dealer for tire replacement.

NOTE



When the turn signal lever is operated for a lane change, the LAS&LDWS is
automatically disabled. The LAS&LDWS becomes operational again when the turn signal
lever is returned and the system detects white (yellow) lane lines while the vehicle is being
driven normally within its vehicle lane.



If the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, or brake pedal is operated abruptly and the
vehicle moves close to a white (yellow) line, the system determines that the driver is
making a lane change and the LAS&LDWS operation is temporarily canceled. The
LAS&LDWS becomes operational again when the system detects white (yellow) lane lines
while the vehicle is being driven normally within its vehicle lane.



If the vehicle deviates from its lane repeatedly within a short period of time, the
LAS&LDWS may not operate.



When white (yellow) lane lines are not detected, the LAS&LDWS does not operate.



Under the following conditions, the LAS&LDWS may not be able to detect white (yellow)
lane lines correctly and it may not operate normally.



If an object placed on the dashboard is reflected in the windshield and picked up by the
camera.

When Driving

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

Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat and the
vehicle is tilted.



The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure.



Tires other than conventional tires are equipped.



Vehicle is driven on an intersection or junction, or on a forked road.



The white (yellow) lane lines are less visible because of dirt or fading/patchiness.



A vehicle in front of your vehicle is running near a white (yellow) lane line making it
less visible.



A white (yellow) lane line is less visible because of bad weather (rain, fog, or snow).



The vehicle is driven on a temporary lane or section with a closed lane resulting from
construction where there may be multiple white (yellow) lane lines or they are
interrupted.



A misleading line is picked up on the road such as a temporary line for construction, or
because of shade, lingering snow, or grooves filled with water.



The surrounding brightness suddenly changes such as when entering or exiting a
tunnel.



The illumination of the headlights is weakened because of dirt or the optical axis is
deviated.



The windshield is dirty or foggy.



The windshield, camera is fogged (water droplets).



Back-light is reflected off the road surface.



The road surface is wet and shiny after rain, or there are puddles on the road.



The shade of a guardrail parallel to a white (yellow) lane line is cast on the road.



The width of the driving lane is narrow or wide.



Driving on roads with tight curves.



The road is excessively uneven.



The vehicle is shaken after hitting a road bump.



There are two or more adjacent white (yellow) lane lines.



There are various road markings or lane markings of various shapes near an
intersection.

When Driving

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