Mazda 3 Hatchback (2018 year). Instruction - part 14

Warning pattern



Off: The excessive speed warning is not activated.



Visual: The area around the speed limit sign displayed in the display flashes three times in
amber, and if the vehicle speed continues to exceed the displayed speed limit sign, the
indication stops flashing and remains on.



Audio & Visual: The area around the speed limit sign displayed in the display flashes
three times in amber and the warning sound is activated three times at the same time. If
the vehicle speed continues to exceed the displayed speed limit sign, the indication stops
flashing and remains on.

Warning activation timing



 0: If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit sign displayed in the display, the

excessive speed warning is activated.



 5: If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit sign displayed in the display by 5 km/h

(3 mph), the excessive speed warning is activated.



 10: If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit sign displayed in the display by 10

km/h (6.2 mph), the excessive speed warning is activated.

NOTE



In the following cases, the excessive speed warning stops operating.



The vehicle speed is less than the speed of the displayed speed limit sign. (If the
activation timing for the excessive speed warning is changed in the personalization
features, the excessive speed warning stops operating when the vehicle speed is less
than the changed vehicle speed.



A speed limit sign indication has been updated and the vehicle speed is lower than the
updated indication.



Display of the speed limit sign stops.



The warning indication is displayed at the same time the excessive speed warning sound
is activated if the vehicle speed exceeds the speed indicated on the speed limit sign.
Refer to Warning Sound is Activated on page 7-38.



If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) incorrectly recognizes the actual speed limit sign
at a lower speed, the excessive speed alarm is activated even if the vehicle is driven at the
legal speed.

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Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)

*

The DRSS measures the distance between your vehicle and a vehicle ahead using a radar
sensor (front) while the vehicle speed is about 30 km/h (19 mph) or faster, and if your
vehicle approaches a vehicle ahead more closely than what is appropriate for maintaining
distance between the vehicles according to the vehicle speed, a notification in the active
driving display is indicated to advise you to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.

WARNING

Do not rely completely on the DRSS and always drive carefully:
The ability to detect a vehicle ahead is limited depending on the type of vehicle ahead, the
weather conditions, and the traffic conditions. Therefore, if the accelerator and brake pedals
are not operated correctly it could lead to an accident. Always verify the safety of the
surrounding area and depress the brake pedal or accelerator pedal while keeping a safer
distance from vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.

NOTE



The DRSS operates when all of the following conditions are met:



The ignition is switched ON.



The DRSS is on.



The selector lever is in a position other than reverse (R).



The vehicle speed is 30 km/h or faster (19 mph or faster).



The objects which activate the system are 4-wheeled vehicles.



The DRSS may also operate in the presence of motorcycles and bicycles.



The DRSS may not operate normally under the following conditions:



The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) has a malfunction.



The vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely slow speed.



The system does not operate with the following objects:



Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.



Stationary objects (stopped vehicles, obstructions)

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▼ Indication on Display

The DRSS operation status is indicated in the active driving display. Regarding
malfunctions, check the vehicle conditions or have it inspected by an Authorized Mazda
Dealer according to the content of the displayed message.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-23.

NOTE



When the ignition is switched off, the operation status before the system was turned off is
maintained. For example, if the ignition is switched off with the DRSS operable, the
system will be operable when the ignition is switched ON the next time.



The DRSS can be turned on/off and the system's sensitivity can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-12.

 

Vehicle ahead 
display

Distance-between-vehicles guidelines

*1

Display

Distance between vehicles guide-

lines

(During travel at about 40 km/h

(25 mph)

Distance between vehicles guide-

lines

(During travel at about 80 km/h

(50 mph)

Illuminated in 
amber

About 10 m (32 ft) or less

About 20 m (65 ft) or less

*

1 The distance between vehicles differs depending on vehicle speed.

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Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

*

The RCTA system is designed to assist the driver in checking the area to the rear of the
vehicle on both sides while the vehicle is reversing by alerting the driver to the presence of
vehicles approaching the rear of the vehicle.
The RCTA system detects vehicles approaching from the left and right sides of the vehicle,
and the rear of the vehicle while the vehicle is being reversed out of a parking space, and
notifies the driver of possible danger using the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
indicator lights and the warning buzzer.

Detection areas

Your vehicle 

RCTA operation

1. The RCTA system operates when the shift lever (manual transaxle) or the selector lever

(automatic transaxle) is shifted to the reverse (R) position.

2. If there is the possibility of a collision with an approaching vehicle, the Blind Spot

Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator lights flashes and the warning beep is activated
simultaneously.

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(With rear view monitor)
The RCTA warning indication in the rearview monitor also synchronizes with the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator light on the door mirrors.

WARNING

Always check the surrounding area visually before actually putting the vehicle in reverse:
The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at the rear when putting the
vehicle in reverse. Due to certain limitations with the operation of this system, the Blind Spot
Monitoring (BSM) warning indicator lights may not flash or it might be delayed even though a
vehicle is behind your vehicle. Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the rear.

NOTE



In the following cases, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF Indicator Light turns on
and operation of the system is stopped. If the Blind Spot Monitoring (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 Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning
indicator lights has occurred.



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).



Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods.

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

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.

When Driving

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