ABS/TCS/DSC
Antilock Brake System (ABS)
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 ABS Warning Indication/Warning Light (Search).
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.
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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.
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You might hear the sound of a motor when starting the EV system or immediately after starting to drive the vehicle. However, it does not indicate a problem.
Traction Control System (TCS)
Traction Control System (TCS)
The Traction Control System (TCS) prevents drive-wheel spinning which occurs during acceleration from a stop or acceleration during cornering on slippery roads, such as wet or snow-covered roads, and assures optimum drive force and steerability.
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to TCS/DSC Indication/Indicator Light (Turns on) (Search).
Do 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.
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
When the power switch is switched ON, the TCS/DSC indicator light turns on and then turns off after a few seconds.
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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When the TCS/DSC operation indicator light flashes, a sound from the motor compartment may be heard, however, this does not indicate a problem. This indicates that the TCS/DSC is operating normally.
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On slippery road surfaces, such as freshly fallen snow, the motor rotation speed cannot be increased when the TCS is on.
TCS OFF Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few seconds when the power switch is switched ON.
It also illuminates when the TCS OFF switch is pressed and TCS is switched off.
Refer to TCS OFF Switch (Search).
If the light remains illuminated and the TCS is not switched off, take your vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The DSC may have a malfunction.
TCS OFF Switch
Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster will illuminate.
Press the switch again to turn the TCS back on. The TCS OFF indicator light will turn off.
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When the TCS is on and you attempt to free the vehicle from being stuck, or drive it out of freshly fallen snow, the TCS will activate. Depressing the accelerator pedal will not increase motor power and freeing the vehicle might be difficult. When this happens, turn off the TCS.
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If the EV system is turned off with the TCS turned off, the TCS becomes operational when the EV system is started the next time.
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Leaving the TCS on will provide the best traction.
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If the TCS OFF switch is pressed and held for 10 seconds or more, the TCS OFF switch malfunction detection function operates and the TCS system activates automatically. The TCS OFF indicator light turns off while the TCS system is operative.
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) automatically controls braking and motor torque in conjunction with systems such as the ABS and TCS to help control side slip when driving on slippery surfaces, or during sudden or evasive steering, which enhances vehicle stability.
Refer to ABS (Search) and TCS (Search).
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 TCS/DSC Indication/Indicator Light (Turns on) (Search).
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.
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The DSC may not operate correctly unless the following are observed:
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Use tires of the correct size specified for your Mazda on all 4 wheels.
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Use tires of the same manufacturer, brand and tread pattern on all 4 wheels.
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Do not mix worn tires.
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The DSC may not operate correctly when tire chains are used or a temporary spare tire is installed because the tire diameter changes.
If there is a problem with the DSC, the Hill Launch Assist (HLA) may not operate.
Refer to Hill Launch Assist (HLA) (Search).
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
When the power switch is switched ON, the TCS/DSC indicator light turns on and then turns off after a few seconds. 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.
