Mazda CX-9 (2019 year). Instruction - part 17

i-ACTIV AWD Operation

*

AWD provides excellent drivability on
snow-covered and ice-packed roads, sand
and mud, as well as on steep slopes and
other slippery surfaces.
A system malfunction or operation
conditions are indicated by a warning.
Refer to Contact Authorized Mazda
Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on
page 7-31.

WARNING

Never spin a wheel that is off the ground:
Spinning a wheel that is off the ground as a
result of the vehicle being stuck or in a
ditch is dangerous. The drive assembly
could be seriously damaged which could
lead to an accident or could even lead to
overheating, oil leakage, and a fire.

▼ AWD Driving

WARNING

Avoid sharp turns, excessive speed and
abrupt maneuvers when driving this
vehicle:
Sharp turns, excessive speed and abrupt
maneuvering of this vehicle is dangerous
as it could result in the increased risk of loss
of vehicle control, vehicle roll-over,
personal injury or death.
This vehicle has a higher center of gravity.
Vehicles with a higher center of gravity
such as utility and AWD vehicles handle
differently than vehicles with a lower center
of gravity.

Utility and AWD vehicles are not designed
for cornering at high speeds any more than
low profile sports cars are designed to
perform satisfactorily under off-road
conditions. In addition, utility vehicles have
a significantly higher rollover rate than
other types of vehicles.

Drive carefully when the vehicle is loaded
by lowering vehicle speed and applying the
brakes earlier:
Abrupt maneuvering and sudden braking
when driving a loaded vehicle is dangerous
as the driving behavior of a vehicle with a
high center of gravity is different when it is
loaded compared to when it is not, and
could result in the loss of vehicle control
and an accident.

▼ Tires and Tire Chains

The condition of the tires plays a large role
in the performance of the vehicle.
Moreover, to prevent adverse effects to the
drive assembly, please note the following:

Tires



When replacing tires, always replace all
front and rear tires at the same time.



All tires must be of the same size,
manufacture, brand and tread pattern.
Pay particular attention when equipping
snow or other types of winter tires.



Do not mix tread-worn tires with normal
tires.



Inspect tire inflation pressures at the
specified periods adjust to the specified
pressures.

NOTE
Check the tire inflation pressure label
attached to driver's door frame for the
correct tire inflation pressure.

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

Make sure to equip the vehicle with
genuine wheels of the specified size, on
all wheels. With AWD, the system is
calibrated for all 4 wheels being of the
same dimensions.

Tire chains



Install tire chains to the front tires.



Do not use tire chains on the rear
wheels.



Do not drive the vehicle faster than 30
km/h (19 mph) with the tire chains
installed.



Do not drive the vehicle with tire chains
on road conditions other than snow or
ice.

▼ Towing

If the vehicle requires towing, have it
towed with all 4 wheels completely off the
ground.
Refer to Towing Description on page
7-25.

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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 indication/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 Stop Vehicle in Safe Place
Immediately on page 7-28.
Refer to Power Steering Warning
Buzzer on page 7-49.

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.

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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 4-110
High Beam Control System (HBC).......................................................................... page 4-111

Left/right side and rear side detection

Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS).............................................................. page 4-147
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)..................................................................................page 4-114

Road sign recognition

Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)..................................................................page 4-120

Inter-vehicle distance recognition

Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS).......................................................page 4-126

Rear obstruction detection when leaving a parking space

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).............................................................................page 4-130

Full-surround recognition

360°View Monitor................................................................................................... page 4-166

Driver support systems

Inter-vehicle distance

Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go
function)................................................................................................................... page 4-134

Lane departure

Lane-keep Assist System (LAS)..............................................................................page 4-147

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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 4-161
Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS)........................................page 4-158

Collision damage reduction in medium/high speed range

Smart Brake Support (SBS).....................................................................................page 4-164

▼ 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)



Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go function)



Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS)



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 4-192.

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 with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go function)



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 4-197.

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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 4-200.

Front camera/side cameras/rear view camera

The front camera, side cameras, and rear camera shoot images of the area surrounding the
vehicle. The 360° View Monitor uses each camera.
Cameras are installed to the front bumper, door mirrors, and liftgate.
Refer to Front Camera/Side Cameras/Rear Camera on page 4-202.

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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 Inspected on page 7-31.

NOTE
The Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) function can be switched to operable/inoperable
using the personalization function.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-10.

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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 4-192.
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 Contact Authorized Mazda Dealer and Have Vehicle Inspected on page 7-31.

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.

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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 9-10.

▼ Manual Switching

Switching to low beams

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

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Switching to high beams

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

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Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

*

The BSM is designed to assist the driver in checking the area to the rear of the vehicle on
both sides during lane changes by notifying the driver of the presence of vehicles
approaching from the rear in an adjacent lane.
The BSM detects vehicles approaching from the rear while traveling in the forward
direction at a speed of 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster and notifies the driver by turning on the
BSM warning indicator light and displaying the vehicle detection screen.
If the turn signal lever is operated to signal a turn in the direction in which the BSM
warning indicator light is illuminated while the approaching vehicle is detected, the BSM
notifies the driver of possible danger by turning on the BSM warning indicator light, and by
activating the warning sound and the warning screen indicator display.
The detection area on this system covers the driving lanes on both sides of the vehicle and
from the rear part of the front doors to about 50 m (164 ft) behind the vehicle.

Detection areas

Your vehicle

WARNING

Always check the surrounding area visually before making an actual lane change:
The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at your rear when making a
lane change. Due to certain limitations with the operation of this system, the BSM warning
indicator light, the warning sound and the warning screen indicator display may not activate
or they might be delayed even though a vehicle is in an adjacent driving lane. Always make it
your responsibility as a driver to check the rear.

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NOTE



The BSM will operate when all of the following conditions are met:



The ignition is switched ON.



The BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster is turned off.



The vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.



The BSM will not operate under the following circumstances.



The vehicle speed falls below about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) even though the BSM OFF
switch indicator light is turned off.



The selector lever is shifted to R position and the vehicle is reversing.



The turning radius is small (making a sharp turn, turning at intersections).



In the following cases, the BSM OFF indicator light turns on and operation of the system
is stopped. If the BSM OFF indicator light remains illuminated, have the vehicle inspected
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.



Some problem with the system including the BSM warning indicator lights is detected.



A large deviation in the installation position of a radar sensor (rear) on the vehicle has
occurred.



There is a large accumulation of snow or ice on the rear bumper near a radar sensor
(rear). Remove any snow, ice or mud on the rear bumper.



Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods.



The temperature near the radar sensors (rear) 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.



A vehicle is in the detection area at the rear in an adjacent driving lane but it does not
approach. The BSM determines the condition based on radar detection data.



A vehicle is traveling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed for an extended
period of time.



Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.



A vehicle in an adjacent driving lane is attempting to pass your vehicle.



A vehicle is in an adjacent lane on a road with extremely wide driving lanes. The
detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set at the road width of expressways.



In the following case, the flashing of the BSM warning indicator light, and the activation
of the warning sound and the warning screen indicator display may not occur or they may
be delayed.



A vehicle makes a lane change from a driving lane 2 lanes over to an adjacent lane.



Driving on steep slopes.



Crossing the summit of a hill or mountain pass.

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

When there is a difference in the height between your driving lane and the adjacent
lane.



Directly after the BSM system becomes operable by changing the setting.



If the road width is extremely narrow, vehicles 2 lanes over may be detected. The detection
area of the radar sensors (rear) is set according to the road width of expressways.



The BSM warning indicator light may turn on and the vehicle detection screen may be
displayed in the display in reaction to stationary objects (guardrails, tunnels, sidewalls,
and parked vehicles) on the road or the roadside.

Objects such as guardrails and concrete walls 
running alongside the vehicle.

Places where the width between guardrails or 
walls on each side of the vehicle narrows.

The walls at the entrance and exits of tunnels, 
turnouts.



A BSM warning indicator light may flash or the warning beep and the warning screen
indicator display may be activated several times when making a turn at a city
intersection.



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



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



Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors.



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



The radar sensors (rear) of the BSM may be regulated under the radio wave related laws
of the country where the vehicle is driven. The sensors in this system are approved for use
in the U.S.A. (including territories), Canada, and Mexico. If a vehicle with a BSM is
driven in a country other than the U.S.A., Canada, or Mexico, the system has to be turned
off using the BSM OFF switch.



The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function when the selector lever is
shifted to the reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on page 4-130.

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▼ Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Warning Indicator Light/Display Indicator/Blind

Spot Monitoring (BSM) Warning Beep

The BSM or Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system notifies the driver of the presence of
vehicles in adjacent lanes or at the rear of the vehicle using the BSM warning indicator
light, the warning sound and the display indicator (BSM) while the systems are operational.

BSM warning indicator lights

The BSM warning indicator lights are equipped on the left and right door mirrors. The
warning indicator lights turn on when a vehicle approaching from the rear in an adjacent
lane is detected.

When the ignition is switched ON, the warning indicator light turns on momentarily and
then turns off after a few seconds.

Forward driving (BSM operation)

The BSM detects vehicles approaching from the rear and turns on the BSM warning
indicator lights equipped on the door mirrors according to the conditions. Additionally,
while a BSM warning indicator light is illuminated, if the turn signal lever is operated to
signal a turn in the direction in which the BSM warning indicator light is illuminated, the
BSM warning indicator light flashes.

Reverse driving (Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system operation)

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system detects vehicles approaching from the left and
right of your vehicle and flashes the BSM warning indicator lights.

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Function for cancelling illumination dimmer

If the BSM warning indicator lights turn on when the parking lights are turned on, the
brightness of the BSM warning indicator lights is dimmed.
If the BSM warning indicator lights are difficult to see due to glare from surrounding
brightness when traveling on snow-covered roads or under foggy conditions, press the
dimmer cancellation button to cancel the dimmer and increase the brightness of BSM
warning indicator lights when they turn on.
Refer to Dashboard Illumination on page 4-18, 4-34.

Display indicator

The detected approaching vehicle and warning are displayed in the multi-information
display and active driving display when the vehicle is moving forward (BSM operational).

Multi-information Display

Active Driving Display

Detection and warning indicator

Detection and warning indicator

The detected direction is displayed with a detection indicator (white) when an approaching
vehicle is detected. In addition, if the turn signal lever is operated to signal a lane change
while the vehicle is detected, the display changes the color (amber) of the warning indicator.

BSM warning beep

The BSM warning beep is activated simultaneously with the flashing of a BSM warning
indicator light.

When Driving

i-ACTIVSENSE

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▼ Canceling Operation of Blind Spot

Monitoring (BSM)

The BSM system can be set to inoperable.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-10.
When the BSM is set to inoperable, the
BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) systems are turned off and the
BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument
cluster turns on.

NOTE
When the ignition is switched OFF, the
system status before it was turned off is
maintained. For example, if the ignition is
switched OFF while the BSM and Rear
Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems are
operational, the BSM and Rear Cross
Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems remain
operational the next time the ignition is
switched ON.

When Driving

i-ACTIVSENSE

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