Brake
Brake System
Foot Brake
This vehicle has power-assisted brakes that adjust automatically through normal use.
Should power-assist fail, you can stop by applying greater force than normal to the brake pedal. But the distance required to stop will be greater than usual.
Do not coast with the engine stalled or turned off, find a safe place to stop:
Coasting with the engine stalled or turned off is dangerous. Braking will require more effort, and the brake's power-assist could be depleted if you pump the brake. This will cause longer stopping distances or even an accident.
Shift to a lower gear when going down steep hills:
Driving with your foot continuously on the brake pedal or steadily applying the brakes for long distances is dangerous. This causes overheated brakes, resulting in longer stopping distances or even total brake failure. This could cause loss of vehicle control and a serious accident. Avoid continuous application of the brakes.
Dry off brakes that have become wet by driving slowly, releasing the accelerator pedal and lightly applying the brakes several times until the brake performance returns to normal:
Driving with wet brakes is dangerous. Increased stopping distance or the vehicle pulling to one side when braking could result in a serious accident. Light braking will indicate whether the brakes have been affected.
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Do not drive with your foot held on the clutch pedal or brake pedal, or hold the clutch pedal depressed halfway unnecessarily. Doing so could result in the following:
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The clutch and brake parts will wear out more quickly.
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The brakes can overheat and adversely affect brake performance.
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Always depress the brake pedal with the right foot. Applying the brakes with the unaccustomed left foot could slow your reaction time to an emergency situation resulting in insufficient braking operation.
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Wear shoes appropriate for driving in order to avoid your shoe contacting the brake pedal when depressing the accelerator pedal.
Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
The EPB system applies the parking brake using an electric motor. The system can operate automatically and manually.
The EPB switch indicator light turns on when applying the parking brake and it turns off when releasing the parking brake.

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Indicator light
Do not drive the vehicle with the parking brake applied:
If the vehicle is driven with the parking brake applied, the brake parts may generate heat and the brake system may not operate, leading to an accident.
Before driving the vehicle, release the parking brake and make sure that the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster turns off.
Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle:
Not applying the parking brake when parking the vehicle is dangerous as the vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. Before leaving the vehicle, apply the parking brake and make sure that the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster turns on.
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The parking brake cannot be applied or released while the vehicle battery is dead.
Refer to If a Jump-Starting (Search).
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When the charging system warning light in the instrument cluster turns on, the parking brake cannot be applied after switching the ignition OFF. Before switching the ignition OFF, apply the parking brake manually.
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The sound of the parking brake being applied or released can be heard, however, this does not indicate a problem.
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If the EPB is not used for long periods, an automatic inspection of the system is performed while the vehicle is parked. An operation sound can be heard, however, this does not indicate a problem.
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When applying the parking brake and switching OFF the ignition, an operation sound can be heard, however, this does not indicate a problem.
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The brake pedal may move while applying or releasing the parking brake, however, this does not indicate a problem.
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If there is a problem with the brake system (foot brake) while driving the vehicle, continually pulling up the EPB switch will apply the brakes and decelerate or stop the vehicle. The parking brake on-reminder sound is activated while the brake is applied. In addition, when releasing the switch, the brake is released and the sound stops.
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If the parking brake is applied with the ignition switched OFF or in ACC, the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster and the indicator light in the switch may turn on for 15 seconds.
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When using an automatic car wash which moves the vehicle with the front tyres mounted, it is necessary to cancel the parking brake auto operation before the vehicle enters the automatic car wash. For details, refer to Cancelling the parking brake automatic operation.
Manual operation
Applying the parking brake manually
When the brake pedal is firmly depressed and the EPB switch is pulled up, the parking brake is applied regardless of the ignition position. When the parking brake is applied, the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster and the EPB switch indicator light turn on.

Releasing the parking brake manually
When the brake pedal is firmly depressed and the EPB switch is pressed while the ignition is switched ON or the engine is running, the parking brake is released. When the parking brake is released, the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster and the EPB switch indicator light turn off.

If the EPB switch is pressed without depressing the brake pedal, a message is displayed on the multi-information display to notify the driver to depress the brake pedal.
Refer to Message Indicated on Multi-information Display (Search).
Auto operation
Applying the parking brake automatically
When the ignition is switched from ON to ACC or OFF, the parking brake will be applied automatically. When the parking brake is applied, the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster and the EPB switch indicator light turn on.
To release the parking brake when the ignition is switched OFF, it is necessary to cancel the parking brake auto operation. For details, refer to Cancelling the parking brake automatic operation.
Releasing the parking brake automatically
If the accelerator pedal is depressed with the parking brake applied and all of the following conditions met, the parking brake is released automatically. When the parking brake is released, the EPB indicator light in the instrument cluster and the EPB switch indicator light turn off.
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The engine is running.
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The driver's door is closed.
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The driver's seat belt is fastened.
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(Manual transmission vehicle)
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The shift lever is in a position other than neutral.
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The clutch pedal is depressed halfway.
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(Automatic transmission vehicle)
The selector lever is in the D, M, or R position.
If something such as the driver's foot contacts the accelerator pedal with the engine running and the parking brake applied, the parking brake might be released automatically. If you do not intend to start driving the vehicle immediately, shift the shift lever to the neutral position for a manual transmission, or shift the selector lever to the P or N position for an automatic transmission.
Cancelling the parking brake automatic operation
The parking brake automatic operation can be cancelled by doing any of the following after switching the ignition from ON to OFF.
Auto operation cancel method 1
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Switch the ignition ON.
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Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
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Press the EPB switch continuously for 2 seconds or longer (until a sound is activated).
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Release the EPB switch and switch the ignition OFF within 5 seconds after the sound was activated.
After the auto operation is cancelled, a sound is activated one time, and the EPB switch indicator light switches from illumination to flashing, and then turns off after 3 seconds.
Auto operation cancel method 2
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Switch the ignition ON.
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Turn off the AUTOHOLD.
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Switch the ignition OFF with the EPB switch pressed.
When the auto operation is cancelled, a sound is activated one time, and the EPB switch indicator light from normal flashing to faster flashing, and then turns off after 3 seconds.
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When cancelling the parking brake auto operation and parking the vehicle, shift the shift lever to the 1st gear or the R position for a manual transmission, or shift the selector lever to the P position for an automatic transmission, and then use wheel blocks.
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The auto operation may not cancel if the vehicle is parked on a steep slope.
When the ignition is switched ON, the parking brake auto operation is restored.
Warning Light
The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Brake System Warning Indication/Warning Light (Search).
Brake Pad Wear Indicator
When the disc brake pads become worn, the built-in wear indicators contact the disc plates. This causes a screeching noise to warn that the pads should be replaced.

When you hear this noise, consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as possible.
Do not drive with worn disc pads:
Driving with worn disc pads is dangerous. The brakes could fail and cause a serious accident. As soon as you hear a screeching noise consult an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer.
In high humidity weather conditions, brake noises, such as brake squeak or brake squeal can be heard. It does not indicate a malfunction.
Brake Assist
During emergency braking situations when it is necessary to depress the brake pedal with greater force, the brake assist system provides braking assistance, thus enhancing braking performance.
When the brake pedal is depressed hard or depressed more quickly, the brakes apply more firmly.
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When the brake pedal is depressed hard or depressed more quickly, the pedal will feel softer but the brakes will apply more firmly. This is a normal effect of the brake assist operation and does not indicate a malfunction.
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When the brake pedal is depressed hard or depressed more quickly, a motor/pump operation noise may be heard. This is a normal effect of the brake assist and does not indicate a malfunction.
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The brake assist equipment does not supersede the functionality of the vehicle's main braking system.
Brake Override System
The brake override system applies the brake first for safety if the brake pedal and accelerator pedal are depressed at the same time.
Operation of the brake override system can be turned on or off.
Refer to the Settings section in the MZD Connect Owner's Manual.
AUTOHOLD
AUTOHOLD
The AUTOHOLD function automatically holds the vehicle stopped, even if you take your foot off the brake pedal. This function can be best used while stopped in traffic or at a traffic light. The brakes are released when you resume driving the vehicle such as by releasing the clutch pedal with the shift lever shifted to a position other than the neutral position (manual transmission vehicle) or depressing the accelerator pedal (automatic transmission vehicle).
Do not rely completely on the AUTOHOLD function:
The AUTOHOLD function is only designed to assist the brake operation while the vehicle is stopped. Neglecting to operate the brakes and relying only on the AUTOHOLD system is dangerous and could result in an unexpected accident if the vehicle were to suddenly move. Operate the brakes appropriately in accordance with the road and surrounding conditions.
Do not release your foot from the brake pedal while the vehicle is stopped on a steep grade:
Because there is a possibility of the vehicle not being held in the stopped position by the AUTOHOLD function, the vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an accident.
Do not use the AUTOHOLD function on slippery roads such as icy or snow-covered roads, or unpaved roads:
Even if the vehicle is held in the stopped position by the AUTOHOLD function, the vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. Operate the accelerator pedal, brakes, or steering wheel appropriately as necessary.
Immediately depress the brake pedal in the following cases:
Because the AUTOHOLD function is cancelled forcibly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an accident.
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“Depress Brake Pedal. Brake Hold Disabled” is displayed in the multi-information display and the warning sound is activated at the same time.
Always apply the parking brake when parking the vehicle:
Not applying the parking brake when parking the vehicle is dangerous as the vehicle may move unexpectedly and result in an accident. When parking the vehicle, shift the selector lever to the P position (automatic transmission vehicle) and apply the parking brake.
If you stop operating the accelerator pedal before the vehicle starts moving, the force holding the vehicle in the stopped position may weaken. Firmly depress the brake pedal or depress the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
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Under the following conditions, a problem with the AUTOHOLD is occurring. Have your vehicle inspected at an expert repairer, we recommend an Authorised Mazda Repairer as soon as possible.
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A message is indicated on the multi-information display and a warning sound is activated for about 5 seconds while the AUTOHOLD is operating or when your press the AUTOHOLD switch.
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If you switch the ignition OFF while the AUTOHOLD is operating, the parking brake is applied automatically to assist you with parking the vehicle.
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The AUTOHOLD is cancelled when the selector lever/shift lever is shifted to R position while the vehicle is on level ground, or facing up a hill or grade (as shown below).
Vehicle posture and road surface gradient
AUTOHOLD operation status
Vehicle tilts forward
Operates
Level ground
Does not operate, cancelled
Vehicle tilts rearward
Does not operate, cancelled
: Reverse driving (selector lever/shift lever in the reverse (R) position)
AUTOHOLD System is Turned On
Press the AUTOHOLD switch and when the AUTOHOLD standby indicator light turns on, the AUTOHOLD function turns on.

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AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
When all of the following conditions are met, the AUTOHOLD standby indicator light turns on when the AUTOHOLD switch is pressed and the AUTOHOLD function turns on.
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The ignition is switched ON (engine is running or stopped by i-stop).
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The driver's seat belt is fastened.
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The driver's door is closed.
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There is no problem with the AUTOHOLD function.
To operate AUTOHOLD and hold the brakes
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Depress the brake pedal and bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
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The AUTOHOLD active indicator light in the instrument cluster turns on and the brakes are held.
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The vehicle is held in its stopped position even with the brake pedal released.
When all of the following conditions are met, the AUTOHOLD operates and the brakes are held.
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The ignition is switched ON (engine is running or stopped by i-stop).
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The vehicle is stopped.
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The brake pedal is being depressed.
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The AUTOHOLD active indicator light turns on.
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The accelerator pedal is not depressed.
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The driver's seat belt is fastened.
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The driver's door is closed.
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There is no problem with the AUTOHOLD function.
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The parking brake is released.
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There is no problem with the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) function.
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(Automatic transmission vehicle)
The selector lever is in a position other than R position or the vehicle tilts forward with the selector lever in the R position.
To release AUTOHOLD and start driving the vehicle
If you do any of the following actions to resume driving the vehicle, the brakes release automatically and the AUTOHOLD active indicator light turns off.
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(Manual transmission vehicle)
You start to release the clutch pedal with the shift lever shifted to a position other than the neutral position
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(Automatic transmission vehicle)
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The accelerator pedal is depressed.
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The vehicle tilts rearward or the selector lever is shifted to the R position on level ground.
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If the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) switch is pulled while the AUTOHOLD is operating, the parking brake is applied and the AUTOHOLD is released. In addition, if the parking brake is released under this condition, the AUTOHOLD operates to hold the brakes.
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Under the following conditions, the parking brake is automatically applied and the AUTOHOLD is released. The AUTOHOLD is re-enabled when the conditions before the AUTOHOLD is released are restored.
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The driver’s seat belt is unfastened.
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The driver’s door is opened.
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When about 10 minutes or longer have passed since the AUTOHOLD operation started, the parking brake is automatically applied. Because the AUTOHOLD is restored when releasing the parking brake, the hold on the brakes by AUTOHOLD function resumes.
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(Manual transmission vehicle)
When starting to drive the vehicle forward or in reverse on a down slope, depress the clutch pedal and shift the shift lever to the appropriate position for driving in the desired direction, and then depress the accelerator pedal to release the AUTOHOLD.
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The AUTOHOLD can be cancelled forcibly by fully depressing the accelerator pedal for 1 second or longer while the AUTOHOLD is operating. Forcibly cancel the AUTOHOLD only when the AUTOHOLD cannot be cancelled due to a system malfunction or it is necessary to cancel the AUTOHOLD in an emergency.
AUTOHOLD System is Turned Off
Depress the brake pedal and press the AUTOHOLD switch. The AUTOHOLD is turned off and the AUTOHOLD standby indicator light turns off.

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AUTOHOLD standby indicator light
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When the brakes are not held such as while driving the vehicle, the AUTOHOLD can be turned off only by pressing the AUTOHOLD switch.
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If the AUTOHOLD switch is pressed without depressing the brake pedal while AUTOHOLD is operating (AUTOHOLD active indicator light in instrument cluster is turned on), the message “Depress Brake Pedal and Operate Switch to Release” is indicated on the multi-information display to notify the driver to depress the brake pedal.
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If any of the following conditions occurs while the AUTOHOLD function is operating (AUTOHOLD active indicator light is turned on), the parking brake is applied automatically and the AUTOHOLD function turns off. For the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) operation, refer to the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) (Search).
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The ignition is switched OFF.
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There is a problem with the AUTOHOLD function.
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Emergency Stop Signal System
Emergency Stop Signal System
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
Hill Launch Assist (HLA)
The HLA functions to assist in accelerating the vehicle from a stop on slopes. When releasing the brake pedal and depressing the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle from a stop while on a slope, the function prevents the vehicle from rolling. The HLA also operates when reversing on a slope.
The braking force is maintained automatically after releasing the brake pedal on a steep slope.
For manual transmission vehicles, the HLA operates when the vehicle is tilted rearward with the shift lever in a forward gear, and operates when the vehicle is tilted forward with the shift lever in the R position.
For automatic transmission vehicles, the HLA operates when the vehicle is tilted rearward with the selector lever in a forward gear, and operates when the vehicle is tilted forward with the selector lever in the R position.
Do not rely completely on HLA:
HLA is an auxiliary device for accelerating from a stop on a slope. The system only operates for about 2 seconds and therefore, relying only on the system, when accelerating from a stop is dangerous because the vehicle may move (roll) unexpectedly and cause an accident.
The vehicle could roll depending on the vehicle's load or if it is towing something. In addition, for vehicles with a manual transmission, the vehicle could still roll depending on how the clutch pedal or the accelerator pedal is operated.
Always confirm the safety around the vehicle before starting to drive the vehicle.
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HLA does not operate on a gentle slope. In addition, the gradient of the slope on which the system will operate changes depending on the vehicle's load.
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HLA does not operate if the parking brake is applied, the vehicle has not stopped completely, or the clutch pedal is released.
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While HLA is operating, the brake pedal may feel stiff and vibrate, however, this does not indicate a malfunction.
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HLA does not operate while the TCS/DSC indicator light is illuminated.
Refer to TCS/DSC Indication/Indicator Light (Turns on) (Search).
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HLA does not turn off even if the DSC OFF switch is pressed to turn off the TCS/DSC.
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(Automatic Transmission)
Although the HLA does not operate during idling stop, the vehicle roll prevention function operates to prevent vehicle roll.