ABS/TCS/DSC/Off-Road Traction Assist

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 tyre 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 tyres 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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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 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 tyre friction and road contact because of water on the road surface). You can still have an accident.

Use snow tyres or tyre 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.

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To turn off the TCS, press the TCS OFF switch (Search).

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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 expert repairer (we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer).

In addition to the indicator light flashing, a slight labouring 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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TCS OFF Indicator Light (Some Models)

This indicator light stays on for a few seconds when the ignition 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 expert repairer (we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer). The DSC may have a malfunction.

TCS OFF Switch (Some Models)

Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster and the TCS OFF switch indicator light will illuminate.

TCS OFF switch indicator light

Press the switch again to turn the TCS back on. The TCS OFF indicator light and the TCS OFF switch indicator light will turn off.

When TCS 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.
If the TCS is off when the engine is turned off, it automatically activates when the ignition is switched ON.
Leaving the TCS on will provide the best traction.
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.

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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 manoeuvring, enhancing vehicle safety.

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 tyre 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:
- Use tyres of the correct size specified for your Mazda on all 4 wheels.
- Use tyres of the same manufacturer, brand and tread pattern on all 4 wheels.
- Do not mix worn tyres.
The DSC may not operate correctly when tyre chains are used or a temporary spare tyre is installed because the tyre diameter changes.

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If there is a problem with the DSC, the Hill Launch Assist (HLA) may not operate.

Refer to Hill Launch Assist (HLA) (Search).

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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.

Off-Road Traction Assist (Some Models)

Off-Road Traction Assist

When the vehicle tyres become embedded in mud, sand, or deep snow, the Off-Road Traction Assist functions to prevent drive-wheel spinning and to assist in freeing tyres that are stuck.

This is not a function made for off-road driving. Do not drive over rough rocky roads and river beds.

Do not rely completely on the Off-Road Traction Assist.

The Off-Road Traction Assist has limitations. Always drive the vehicle safely according to the road conditions. Do not drive the vehicle recklessly, otherwise it may result in an accident. In addition, do not drive the vehicle under the following conditions while the Off-Road Traction Assist is operating. Otherwise, it could negatively affect the drivetrain parts which could result in an accident.

Vehicle is driven on paved roads.
Temporary spare tyre of a different specified size is used.
Tyre chains are used.

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The Off-Road Traction Assist is a function to assist in freeing tyres that are stuck.

When it is not necessary to use this function, avoid driving the vehicle continuously with the Off-Road Traction Assist on.

If the vehicle is driven continuously with the Off-Road Traction Assist on, the AWD warning light may flash.

Refer to If a Warning Light Turns On or Flashes (Search).

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The vehicle may vibrate or you might hear an operation sound while the Off-Road Traction Assist is operating or is operational, however, this does not indicate a problem.

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Off-Road Traction Assist Indicator Light

When the ignition is switched ON, the indicator light turns on and then turns off after a few seconds.
When pressing the Off-Road Traction Assist switch to operate the Off-Road Traction Assist, the indicator light turns on.
A problem in the system might be indicated under the following conditions. Have your vehicle inspected by an expert repairer (we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer).
- The indicator light does not turn on when the ignition is switched ON or it remains on.
- The indicator light turns on even though the Off-Road Traction Assist was not operated.

Off-Road Traction Assist Switch

When the switch is pressed after stopping the vehicle, the Off-Road Traction Assist becomes operational.

The Off-Road Traction Assist indicator light in the instrument cluster and the Off-Road Traction Assist switch indicator light turn on.

Off-Road Traction Assist switch indicator light

If the switch is pressed again, the Off-Road Traction Assist is stopped and the Off-Road Traction Assist indicator light and the Off-Road Traction Assist switch indicator light turn off.

If the engine is stopped with the Off-Road Traction Assist operational, the Off-Road Traction Assist is stopped when the engine is started the next time.

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