Mazda CX-9 (2019 year). Instruction — part 10

High-altitude operation

CAUTION

Be aware of the towing load weight differences when towing at high altitudes. For altitudes
exceeding 1,000 meter (3,280 ft 10 in), always reduce the towing load by 10 % for every 1,000
meter (3,280 ft 10 in) increase in altitude from the load indicated under the maximum GCWR
heading in the trailer towing-load table. If the determined maximum total towing load
weight is exceeded, the engine and other power-train parts may be damaged.

TRAILER TOWING-LOAD TABLE

Because vehicle weights vary, adjustments must be made to meet the requirements in this
table.

Item

Model

2WD

AWD

MAX. FRON‐
TAL AREA

2.97 m

2

(32 ft

2

)

MAX. TTW

1,587.5 kg (3,500 lb)

MAX. GCWR

3,629 kg (8,000.4 lb)

3,782 kg (8,337.7 lb)

MAX. GAWR

Front

1,225 kg (2,701 lb)

1,241 kg (2,736 lb)

Rear

1,386 kg (3,056 lb)

1,433 kg (3,159 lb)

MAX. GVWR

2,572 kg (5,670 lb)

2,638 kg (5,816 lb)

TRAIL‐
ER-TONGUE
LOAD

Tongue load

Tongue load/Trailer load × 100 = 10 % to 15 %

Trailer load

DISTRIBU‐
TION OF
TRAILER
LOAD

Front

60 %

Rear

40 %

Before Driving

Towing

3-56

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

WARNING

Always keep tow loads within specified limits as indicated in the Trailer Towing-Load Table:
Attempting to tow loads greater than those specified is dangerous as it may cause serious
handling and performance problems that could result in personal injury or vehicle damage,
or both.

Load your trailer with the weight about 60 % toward the front and 40 % toward the rear:
Loading the trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front is dangerous. Doing so could
cause you to lose control. The trailer tongue load must be 10 %

―15 % of the total trailer load

(sum of the weights of the trailer and cargo).

Always have the total trailer weight and tongue load determined prior to departure:
Attempting to tow loads without determining the total trailer weight and tongue load is
dangerous. Trailer sway from crosswinds, rough roads or other causes could result in loss of
control and a serious accident.

CAUTION

The total trailer weight and tongue load can be determined by weighing the trailer on
platform scales at a highway weight station or a trucking company.

▼ Trailer Hitch

Use only a hitch ball recommended by the trailer manufacturer that conforms to the gross
trailer weight requirement.
When not towing a trailer, remove the trailer hitch (if detachable) to reduce the possibility of
damage as a result of the vehicle being rear-ended.

WARNING

Always make sure the trailer hitch is securely attached before departure:
An unsecured trailer hitch is dangerous as it causes greater trailer sway from crosswinds,
rough roads or other causes, resulting in loss of control and a serious accident.
Examine all trailer-hitch mounting bolts regularly and tighten any that are loose. If the hitch
is removed, seal any open mounting holes to prevent exhaust, dust, water, dirt and other
foreign elements from filtering in, possibly endangering personal safety and damaging your
vehicle.
Do not install a hitch that stiffens the bumper as it will reduce the bumper's performance.

Before Driving

Towing

3-57

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

Make sure there are no exhaust gas leaks into the passenger compartment if any mounting
bolts are connected to the body:
Modifying your vehicle exhaust system is dangerous. Exhaust gas entering the vehicle could
cause loss of consciousness or even death.
When mounting the trailer hitch, make no modifications to the vehicle exhaust system.

CAUTION

Make all hitch adjustments with actual loads. Do not load and unload vehicle while

adjusting hitch. This action will change the vehicle height.

Do not use an axle-mounted hitch. This may damage the axle and related parts.

▼ Tires

When towing a trailer, make sure all tires are inflated to the recommended cold-tire
pressure, as indicated on the tire pressure chart on the driver's door frame. Trailer tire size,
load rating, and inflation pressures should conform to tire manufacturer specifications.

WARNING

Never use the temporary spare tire when towing:
Using the temporary spare tire on your vehicle when towing a trailer is dangerous as it could
result in tire failure, loss of control, and injury to vehicle occupants.

▼ Safety Chains

Safety chains must be used as a precautionary measure should the trailer become
unintentionally unhitched. They should cross under the trailer tongue and attach to the hitch.
Leave enough slack to allow full turns. Consult literature published by your trailer or hitch
manufacturer for more details.

WARNING

Make sure the safety chain is securely attached to both the trailer and the vehicle prior to
departure:
Towing a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer and the
vehicle is dangerous. If damage occurs to the coupling unit or hitch ball, the trailer could
wander into another lane and cause a collision.

▼ Trailer Lights

Trailer lights must comply with all federal, state, and local regulations. Equip your trailer as
required before towing it day or night.

Before Driving

Towing

3-58

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

CAUTION

Do not connect a trailer lighting system directly to the lighting system of your Mazda. This
may damage your vehicle's electrical system and lighting systems. Have a recreational vehicle
dealer or trailer rental agency connect the system, and inspect the brake lights and turn
signals yourself before each trip.

▼ Trailer Brakes

If the total trailer weight exceeds 450 kg (1,000 lb), trailer brakes are required. If your trailer
has brakes, make sure they comply with all federal, state, and local regulations.

WARNING

Do not connect a hydraulic trailer-brake system to your vehicle's brake system:
Connecting a hydraulic trailer-brake system directly to the vehicle brake system is dangerous
and will result in inadequate braking and possible injury.

▼ Trailer Towing Tips



Verify that your Mazda maintains a near-normal attitude when a loaded or unloaded trailer
is connected. Do not drive if it has an abnormal front-up or front-down position. Inspect
for incorrect tongue load, worn suspension parts, and trailer overloading.



Make sure the trailer is properly loaded and the cargo is secure to prevent it from shifting.



Make sure the mirrors conform to all government regulations. If they do not, install
required rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes.

The three main causes of vehicle-trailer accidents are driver error, excessive speed, and
improper trailer loading.

Before driving



Have your cooling and braking system checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer.



Before starting out, inspect the operation of all vehicle and trailer lights and all
vehicle-to-trailer connections. Stop and re-inspect all lights and connections after driving
a short distance.

Driving



Your Mazda will handle differently with a trailer in tow, so practice turning, backing, and
stopping in a traffic-free area.



Take time to get accustomed to the extra weight and length.



Allow more room between your vehicle and the one in front because braking distance
increases with a trailer. For each 16 km/h (10 mph) of speed, allow at least one vehicle
and trailer length between your Mazda and the vehicle ahead.

Before Driving

Towing

3-59

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27



Avoid jerky starts or sudden acceleration.



Avoid sudden braking. It may cause loss of control and result in jackknifing, especially so
on wet or slippery roads.



Shift the selector lever to the D position when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or when
heavily loaded.

The D position will allow operating the vehicle without frequent shifting.

Lane changes and turning

Avoid quick lane changes, sudden turns, and tight turns. Slow down before turning to avoid
the need of sudden braking.
A turning trailer will make a tighter arc than the tow vehicle. Compensate with turns that are
larger than normal.

Passing

Plan well ahead to pass other vehicles, and provide plenty of room before changing lanes.
Crosswinds from passing vehicles, especially larger ones, and the effects of rough roads will
affect handling.
If swaying occurs, firmly grip the steering wheel and reduce speed immediately, but
gradually.
Steer straight ahead. If no extreme correction of steering or braking is made, the
combination of less speed and firm steering will result in stability.

Backing up

Backing a vehicle with a trailer requires practice and patience. Back slowly, and have a
helper outside at the rear of the trailer to reduce the risk of an accident.
To turn the trailer, place your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and turn it in the
direction you want the trailer to go. Make only slight movements to prevent sharp or
prolonged turning.

Ascending a hill

Shift into a lower gear to reduce the possibility of overloading or overheating the engine, or
both.

Descending a hill

Shift into a lower gear and use engine compression as a braking effect.

Before Driving

Towing

3-60

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

WARNING

Always use lower gears to reduce speed:
Holding the brake pedal down too long or too frequently is dangerous as it could cause the
brakes to overheat and lose power, resulting in loss of control and a serious accident. Use
lower gears to help reduce speed. Pull off the road and allow brakes to cool down whenever
braking performance feels reduced.

Overheated engine

The extra weight of the trailer may strain the engine on hot days and on long or steep
upgrades.
If the temperature gauge indicates overheating, turn off the air conditioner, drive safely to
the side of the road, park off the right-of-way and wait for engine to cool. Refer to
Overheating on page 7-23.

Parking

Always make sure the tires of the trailer and the tow vehicle are blocked while parked.
Apply the parking brake firmly and put the transaxle in P.

Avoid parking on an incline, but if you must, follow these instructions:

1. Depress and hold down the brake pedal.
2. Have a helper put wheel blocks against the downhill side of all vehicle and trailer tires.
3. Then release the brake pedal slowly until the blocks bear the load.



If the grade is downhill, turn the steering wheel so that the front of the front tires face
the curb.



If it is uphill, face the rear of the front tires against the curb.

4. Firmly apply the parking brake.
5. Shift the transaxle into P, and stop the engine.

To restart after parking on an incline:

1. With the transaxle in P, start the engine. (Be sure to depress and hold the brake pedal.)
2. Shift into gear.
3. Release the parking brake (also the foot brake) and pull away from the wheel blocks.

Stop; apply the parking brake and shift into P.

4. Have a helper retrieve the wheel blocks.

Fuel consumption

Trailer towing causes higher fuel consumption.

Before Driving

Towing

3-61

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

Maintenance

If you tow a trailer frequently, have your vehicle serviced as shown in Scheduled
Maintenance (page 6-4).

Before Driving

Towing

3-62

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

Recreational Towing

An example of "recreational towing" is
towing your vehicle behind a motorhome.
The transaxle is not designed for towing
this vehicle on all 4 wheels.
When doing recreational towing refer to
"Towing Description" (page 7-25) and
carefully follow the instructions.

Before Driving

Towing

3-63

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

MEMO

3-64

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

4

When Driving

Information concerning safe driving and stopping.

Start/Stop Engine. . . . . . . .. 4-4

Ignition Switch. . . . . . . . 4-4
Starting the Engine. . . . . ... 4-5
Turning the Engine Off. . .... 4-10

Instrument Cluster and Display. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 4-11

Instrument Cluster and
Display. . . . . . . . . . 4-11
Instrument Cluster (Type A). ...4-12
Instrument Cluster (Type B). ...4-29
Instrument Cluster (Type C). ...4-45
Active Driving Display

*

. . . .4-56

Automatic Transaxle. . . . . ... 4-59

Automatic Transaxle
Controls. . . . . . . . . .. 4-59
Shift-Lock System. . . . . .. 4-60
Transaxle Ranges. . . . . . 4-60
Manual Shift Mode. . . . . .4-62
Driving Tips. . . . . . . ....4-67

Switches and Controls. . . . . .4-68

Lighting Control. . . . . . . 4-68
Fog Lights

*

. . . . . . . . . 4-73

Turn and Lane-Change
Signals. . . . . . . . . . 4-73
Windshield Wipers and
Washer. . . . . . . . . . 4-74
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer. . . . . . . . . . 4-78
Rear Window Defogger. . . ..4-78
Horn. . . . . . . . . . . 4-80
Hazard Warning Flasher. . . . 4-80
HomeLink Wireless Control System
(Type A)

*

. . . . . . . . . 4-81

HomeLink Wireless Control System
(Type B). . . . . . . . . ..4-84

Brake. . . . . . . . . . . . 4-89

Brake System. . . . . . . ..4-89
Hill Launch Assist (HLA). . .. 4-93

ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability
Control (TSC). . . . . . . . .. 4-94

Antilock Brake System
(ABS). . . . . . . . . . ..4-94
Traction Control System
(TCS). . . . . . . . . . .. 4-95
Dynamic Stability Control
(DSC). . . . . . . . . . ..4-97
Trailer Stability Control
(TSC). . . . . . . . . . .. 4-98

Fuel Economy Monitor. . . . ... 4-99

Fuel Economy Monitor. . . ...4-99

*Some models.

4-1

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

Drive Selection. . . . . . . ...4-102

Drive Selection. . . . . . .4-102

i-ACTIV AWD. . . . . . . ... 4-104

i-ACTIV AWD Operation

*

. .. 4-104

Power Steering. . . . . . . ...4-106

Power Steering. . . . . . . 4-106

i-ACTIVSENSE. . . . . . . .4-107

i-ACTIVSENSE

*

. . . . . ..4-107

Adaptive Front Lighting System
(AFS)

*

. . . . . . . . . ...4-110

High Beam Control System
(HBC)

*

. . . . . . . . . ..4-111

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

*

. . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4-114
Traffic Sign Recognition System
(TSR)

*

. . . . . . . . . .. 4-120

Distance Recognition Support
System (DRSS)

*

. . . . . ...4-126

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

*

. .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4-130
Mazda Radar Cruise Control with
Stop & Go function (MRCC with
Stop & Go function)

*

. . . ...4-134

Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) &
Lane Departure Warning System
(LDWS)

*

. . . . . . . . .. 4-147

Advanced Smart City Brake Support
(Advanced SCBS)

*

. . . . ...4-158

Smart City Brake Support
(SCBS)

*

. . . . . . . . . 4-161

Smart Brake Support (SBS)

*

. 4-164

360° View Monitor

*

. . . . .4-166

Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)

*

. ..

. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4-192
Radar Sensor (Front)

*

. . . .. 4-197

Radar Sensors (Rear)

*

. . . ..4-200

Front Camera/Side Cameras/Rear
Camera

*

. . . . . . . . . 4-202

Cruise Control. . . . . . . ... 4-203

Cruise Control

*

. . . . . . .4-203

4-2

*Some models.

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

Tire Pressure Monitoring
System. . . . . . . . . . . .4-208

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

*

. .

. . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4-208

Rear View Monitor. . . . . ... 4-212

Rear View Monitor

*

. . . . . 4-212

Parking Sensor System. . . . . 4-220

Parking Sensor System

*

. . ... 4-220

*Some models.

4-3

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

Ignition Switch

▼ Push Button Start Positions

The system operates only when the key is
within operational range.
Each time the push button start is pressed,
the ignition switches in the order of off,
ACC, and ON. Pressing the push button
start again from ON switches the ignition
off.

Indicator light

NOTE



The engine starts by pressing the push
button start while depressing the brake
pedal. To switch the ignition position,
press the push button start without
depressing the pedal.



Do not leave the ignition switched ON
while the engine is not running. Doing
so could result in the battery going
dead. If the selector lever is in the P
position, and the ignition is in ACC, the
ignition switches off automatically after
about 25 minutes.

Off

The power supply to electrical devices
turns off and the push button start
indicator light (amber) also turns off.

WARNING

Before leaving the driver's seat, always
switch the ignition off, set the parking
brake, and make sure the selector lever is in
P position:
Leaving the driver's seat without switching
the ignition off, setting the parking brake,
and shifting the selector lever to P position
is dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur which could result
in an accident.
In addition, if your intention is to leave the
vehicle for even a short period, it is
important to switch the ignition off, as
leaving it in another position will disable
some of the vehicle's security systems and
run the battery down.

ACC (Accessory)

Some electrical accessories will operate
and the indicator light (amber) illuminates.

NOTE
The keyless entry system does not function
while the push button start has been
pressed to ACC, and the doors will not
lock/unlock even if they have been locked
manually.

ON

This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The indicator light
(amber) turns off. (The indicator light
(amber) illuminates when the ignition is
switched ON and the engine is not
running.)
Some indicator lights/warning lights
should be inspected before the engine is
started (page 4-11).

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-4

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

NOTE
When the push button start is pressed to
ON, the sound of the fuel pump motor
operating near the fuel tank can be heard.
This does not indicate an abnormality.

Starting the Engine

WARNING

Radio waves from the key may affect
medical devices such as pacemakers:
Before using the key near people who use
medical devices, ask the medical device
manufacturer or your physician if radio
waves from the key will affect the device.

NOTE



The key must be carried because the key
carries an immobilizer chip that must
communicate with the engine controls at
short range.



The engine can be started when the push
button start is pressed from off, ACC, or
ON.



The push button start system functions
(function which can start the engine by
only carrying the key) can be
deactivated to prevent any possible
adverse effect on a user wearing a
pacemaker or other medical device. If
the system is deactivated, you will be
unable to start the engine by carrying
the key. Consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer for details. If the push button
start system functions have been
deactivated, you can start the engine by
following the procedure indicated when
the key battery goes dead.
Refer to Engine Start Function When
Key Battery is Dead on page 4-8.



After starting a cold engine, the engine
speed increases and a whining sound
from the engine compartment can be
heard.

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-5

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

This is for improved exhaust gas
purification and does not indicate any
parts defect.



1. Make sure you are carrying the key.
2. Occupants should fasten their seat

belts.

3. Make sure the parking brake is on.
4. Continue to press the brake pedal

firmly until the engine has completely
started.

5. Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must

restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).

NOTE
The starter will not operate if the
selector lever is not in P or N position
and the brake pedal is not depressed
sufficiently.

6. Verify that the KEY indicator light

(green) (if equipped) in the instrument
cluster and the push button start
indicator light (green) illuminate.

Indicator light

Push button start

NOTE



If the push button start indicator
light (green) flashes, make sure that
the key is being carried (for vehicles
with a type A/type B instrument
cluster (page 7-28), messages are
displayed in the instrument cluster).



If the push button start indicator
light (green) flashes with the key
being carried, touch the key to the
push button start and start the
engine (for vehicles with a type A/
type B instrument cluster (page
7-28), messages are displayed in
the instrument cluster). Refer to
Engine Start Function When Key
Battery is Dead on page 4-8.

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-6

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27

CAUTION

If the KEY warning light (red)
illuminates, or the push button start
indicator light (amber) flashes, this
could indicate a problem with the
engine starting system. This may
prevent the engine from starting or
from switching the ignition to ACC or
ON (for vehicles with a type A/type B
instrument cluster (page 7-28),
messages are displayed in the
instrument cluster). Have your vehicle
inspected at an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible.

NOTE



Under the following conditions, the
KEY warning light (red) flashes after
the push button start is pressed. This
informs the driver that the push
button start will not switch to ACC,
even if it is pressed from off (for
vehicles with a type A/type B
instrument cluster (page 7-28),
messages are displayed in the
instrument cluster).



The key battery is dead.



The key is out of operational
range.



The key is placed in areas where it
is difficult for the system to detect
the signal (page 3-7).



A key from another manufacturer
similar to the key is in the
operational range.



(Forced engine starting method)
If the KEY warning light (red)
illuminates, or the push button start
indicator light (amber) flashes, this
could indicate that the engine may
not start using the usual starting
method (for vehicles with a type A/
type B instrument cluster (page
7-28), messages are displayed in
the instrument cluster). Have your
vehicle inspected at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. If
this occurs, the engine can be
force-started. Press and hold the
push button start until the engine
starts. Other procedures necessary
for starting the engine, such as
having the key in the cabin, and
depressing the brake pedal are
required.



When the engine is force-started, the
KEY warning light (red) (if
equipped)remains illuminated and
the push button start indicator light
(amber) remains flashing.



When the selector lever is in the
neutral (N) position, the KEY
indicator light (green) (if
equipped)and the push button start
indicator light (green) do not
illuminate.

7. Press the push button start after both

the KEY indicator light (green) (if
equipped)in the instrument cluster and
the push button start indicator light
(green) illuminate.

NOTE



After starting the engine, the push
button start indicator light (amber)
turns off and the ignition switches to
the ON position.

When Driving

Start/Stop Engine

4-7

CX-9_8HB2-EA-18G_Edition1

2018-5-11 13:09:27