Mazda MX-5 (2018 year). Instruction — part 13



The type of warning sound (rumble

*1

/

beep) on the LDWS can be changed.
Refer to Personalization Features on
page 9-9.

*

1 A rumble strip is a series of grooves in

the road pavement surface positioned
at specific intervals, and when the
vehicle passes over it a vibration and
rumble sound is produced which alerts
the driver that the vehicle is departing
from the lane.
The rumble sound is a reproduction of
the sound which occurs when a vehicle
passes over a rumble strip.

Rumble

Groove

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Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

*

The BSM is designed to assist the driver in checking the area to the rear of the vehicle on
both sides during lane changes by alerting the driver to the presence of vehicles approaching
from the rear in an adjacent lane.
The BSM detects vehicles approaching from the rear while traveling in the forward
direction at a speed of 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster and turns on the BSM warning lights
equipped on the door mirrors depending on the conditions. If the turn signal lever is
operated to signal a lane change in the direction in which the BSM warning light is
illuminated, the system warns the driver of a vehicle in the detection area by flashing the
BSM warning light and activating a beep sound.
The detection area on this system covers the driving lanes on both sides of the vehicle and
from the rear part of the doors to about 50 m (164 ft) behind the vehicle.

Detection areas

Your vehicle

WARNING

Always check the surrounding area visually before making an actual lane change:
The system is only designed to assist you in checking for vehicles at your rear when making a
lane change. Due to certain limitations with the operation of this system, the BSM warning
light may not flash or it might be delayed even though a vehicle is in an adjacent driving lane.
Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the rear.

When Driving

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NOTE



The BSM will operate when all of the following conditions are met:



The ignition is switched ON.



The BSM switch is pressed and the BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster is
turned off.



The vehicle speed is about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) or faster.



The BSM will not operate under the following circumstances.



The vehicle speed falls below about 10 km/h (6.3 mph) even though the BSM OFF
indicator light is turned off.



The shift lever (manual transmission)/selector lever (automatic transmission) is shifted
to reverse (R) and the vehicle is reversing.



In the following cases, the BSM OFF indicator light turns on and operation of the system
is stopped. If the 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 BSM warning lights is detected.



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). Remove any snow, ice or mud on the rear bumper.



Driving on snow-covered roads for long periods.



The temperature near the radar sensors (rear) 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.



A vehicle is in the detection area at the rear in an adjacent driving lane but it does not
approach. The BSM determines the condition based on radar detection data.



A vehicle is traveling alongside your vehicle at nearly the same speed for an extended
period of time.



Vehicles approaching in the opposite direction.



A vehicle in an adjacent driving lane is attempting to pass your vehicle.



A vehicle is in an adjacent lane on a road with extremely wide driving lanes. The
detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set at the road width of expressways.



In the following cases, the activation of the BSM warning lights and the warning beep
may not occur or they may be delayed.



A vehicle makes a lane change from a driving lane two lanes over to an adjacent lane.



Driving on steep slopes.



Crossing the summit of a hill or mountain pass.



The turning radius is small (making a sharp turn, turning at intersections).

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

When there is a difference in the height between your driving lane and the adjacent
lane.



Directly after pressing the BSM switch and the system becomes operable.



If the road width is extremely narrow, vehicles two lanes over may be detected. The
detection area of the radar sensors (rear) is set according to the road width of
expressways.



The BSM warning lights may turn on in reaction to stationary objects on the road or the
roadside such as guardrails, tunnels, sidewalls, and parked vehicles.

Objects such as guardrails and concrete walls
running alongside the vehicle.

Places where the width between guardrails or
walls on each side of the vehicle narrows.

The walls at the entrance and exits of tunnels,
turnouts.



A BSM warning light may flash or the warning beep may be activated several times when
making a turn at a city intersection.



Turn off the BSM while pulling a trailer or while an accessory such as a bicycle carrier is
installed to the rear of the vehicle. Otherwise, the radar’s radio waves will be blocked
causing the system to not operate normally.



In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the BSM
warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.



Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors.



The door glass is fogged or covered in snow, frost or dirt.



The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) function when the shift lever
(manual transmission) or the selector lever (automatic transmission) is shifted to the
reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on page 4-91.

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▼ Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Warning Lights/Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

Warning Beep

The BSM or Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system notifies the driver of the presence of
vehicles in adjacent lanes to the rear of your vehicle using the BSM warning lights and the
warning beep while the systems are operational.

BSM warning lights

The BSM warning lights are equipped on the left and right door mirrors. The warning lights
turn on when a vehicle approaching from the rear in an adjacent lane is detected.

When the ignition is switched ON, the malfunction warning light turns on momentarily and
then turns off after a few seconds.

Forward driving (BSM system operation)

The BSM system detects vehicles approaching from the rear and turns on the BSM warning
lights equipped on the door mirrors according to the conditions. Additionally, while a BSM
warning light is illuminated, if the turn signal lever is operated to signal a turn in the
direction in which the BSM warning light is illuminated, the BSM warning light flashes.

Reverse driving (Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system operation)

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system detects vehicles approaching from the left and
right of your vehicle and flashes the BSM warning lights.

Function for cancelling illumination dimmer

If the BSM warning lights turn on when the parking lights are turned on, the brightness of
the BSM warning lights is dimmed.
If the BSM warning lights are difficult to see due to glare from surrounding brightness when
traveling on snow-covered roads or under foggy conditions, press the dimmer cancellation
button to cancel the dimmer and increase the brightness of BSM warning lights when they
turn on.
Refer to Dashboard Illumination on page 4-14.

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BSM warning beep

The BSM warning beep is activated simultaneously with the flashing of a BSM warning
light.

▼ Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF

Indicator Light



When the ignition is switched ON, the
malfunction warning light turns on
momentarily and then turns off after a
few seconds.



The BSM OFF indicator light
illuminates when the BSM switch is
pressed to turn off the BSM and Rear
Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems.



A malfunction in the system may be
indicated under the following
conditions. Have your vehicle inspected
at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.



The light does not turn on when the
ignition is switched ON.



The light remains turned on even if
the BSM switch is operated.



It turns on while driving the vehicle.

▼ Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)

Switch

When the BSM switch is pressed, the
BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) systems are turned off and the
BSM OFF Indicator Light in the
instrument cluster turns on.
If the switch is pressed again, the BSM
and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
systems become operable and the BSM
OFF Indicator Light turns off.

NOTE



When the ignition is switched off, the
condition before the system was turned
off is maintained. For example, if the
ignition is switched OFF while the BSM
and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
systems are operational, the BSM and
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) systems
remain operational the next time the
ignition is switched ON.

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

The BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) systems are turned off when the
battery is disconnected such as when the
battery terminals or fuses have been
removed and re-installed. To turn the
BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) systems back on, press the BSM
switch.

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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
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 lights and the warning buzzer.

Detection areas

Your vehicle

RCTA operation

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

lever (automatic transmission) 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 light flashes and the warning beep is activated
simultaneously.

When Driving

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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 light 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
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.



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 10 km/h (6.3 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

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

A vehicle is approaching directly from the rear of your vehicle.

Your vehicle



The vehicle is parked on a slant.

Your vehicle



Directly after pressing the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) switch and the system becomes
operable.



In the following cases, it may be difficult to view the illumination/flashing of the Blind
Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights equipped on the door mirrors.



Snow or ice adheres to the door mirrors.



The 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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Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)

*

Your vehicle is equipped with a Forward Sensing Camera (FSC). The Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) is positioned near the rearview mirror and used by the following systems.



High Beam Control System (HBC)



Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)

Forward Sensing Camera (FSC)

The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) determines the conditions ahead of the vehicle while
traveling at night and detects traffic lanes. The distance in which the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) can detect objects varies depending on the surrounding conditions.

CAUTION

Do not apply accessories, stickers or film to the windshield near the Forward Sensing

Camera (FSC).
If the area in front of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) lens is obstructed, it will cause the
system to not operate correctly. Consequently, each system may not operate normally
which could lead to an unexpected accident.

Do not disassemble or modify the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).

Disassembly or modification of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) will cause a malfunction
or mistaken operation. Consequently, each system may not operate normally which could
lead to an unexpected accident.

Heed the following cautions to assure the correct operation of the Forward Sensing Camera

(FSC).

The direction of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) has been finely adjusted, therefore do

not change the installation position or remove the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).

Be careful not to scratch the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) lens or allow it to get dirty.
Do not remove the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cover.
Do not place objects on the dashboard which reflect light.
Always keep the windshield glass around the camera clean by removing dirt or fogging.

Use the windshield defroster to remove fogging on the windshield.

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Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding cleaning the interior side of the

windshield around the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).

Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer before performing repairs around the Forward

Sensing Camera (FSC).

The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is installed to the windshield. Consult an Authorized

Mazda Dealer for windshield repair and replacement.

When performing repairs around the rearview mirror, consult an Authorized Mazda

Dealer.

Do not hit or apply strong force to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or the area around

it. If strong force is applied, stop using the Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), and
the High Beam Control System (HBC) and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

The direction in which the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is pointed has been finely

adjusted. Do not change the installation position of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or
remove it. Otherwise, it could result in damage or malfunction.

NOTE



In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot detect target objects
correctly, and each system may be unable to operate normally.



The height of the vehicle ahead is low.



You drive your vehicle at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.



Headlights are not turned on during the night or when going through a tunnel.



In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) may not be able to detect
target objects correctly.



When driving next to walls with no patterning (including fences and longitudinally
striped walls).



The taillights of the vehicle ahead are turned off.



A vehicle is outside the illumination range of the headlights.



The vehicle is making a sharp turn, or ascending or descending a steep slope.



Entering or exiting a tunnel.



Heavy luggage is loaded causing the vehicle to tilt.



Strong light is shone at the front of the vehicle (back light or high-beam light from
on-coming vehicles).



There are many light emitters on the vehicle ahead.



When the vehicle ahead is not equipped with taillights or the taillights are turned off at
nighttime.



The vehicle ahead has a special shape. For example, a vehicle towing a trailer house or
a boat, or a vehicle carrier carrying a vehicle with its front pointed rearward.

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Radar Sensors (Rear)

*

Your vehicle is equipped with radar sensors (rear). The following systems also use the radar
sensors (rear).



Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)



Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

The radar sensors (rear) function by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle
approaching from the rear or an obstruction sent from the radar sensor.

Radar sensors (rear)

The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Always keep the surface of the rear bumper near the radar sensors (rear) clean so that the
radar sensors (rear) operate normally. Also, do not apply items such as stickers.
Refer to Exterior Care on page 6-54.

CAUTION

If the rear bumper receives a severe impact, the system may no longer operate normally. Stop
the system immediately and have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

NOTE



The detection ability of the radar sensors (rear) has limitations. In the following cases,
the detection ability may lower and the system may not operate normally.



The rear bumper near the radar sensors (rear) has become deformed.



Snow, ice or mud adheres to the radar sensors (rear) on the rear bumper.



Under bad weather conditions such as rain, snow and fog.



Under the following conditions, the radar sensors (rear) cannot detect target objects or it
may be difficult to detect them.



Stationary objects on a road or a road side such as small, two-wheeled vehicles,
bicycles, pedestrians, animals, and shopping carts.

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

Vehicle shapes which do not reflect radar waves well such as empty trailers with a low
vehicle height and sports cars.



Vehicles are shipped with the direction of the radar sensors (rear) adjusted for each
vehicle to a loaded vehicle condition so that the radar sensors (rear) detect approaching
vehicles correctly. If the direction of the radar sensors (rear) has deviated for some
reason, have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.



For repairs or replacement of the radar sensors (rear), or bumper repairs, paintwork, and
replacement near the radar sensors, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.



Turn off the 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.



The radar sensors are regulated by the relevant radio wave laws of the country in which
the vehicle is driven. If the vehicle is driven abroad, authorization from the country in
which the vehicle is driven may be required.

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Cruise Control

*

With cruise control, you can set and automatically maintain any speed of more than about
25 km/h (16 mph).

WARNING

Do not use the cruise control under the following conditions:
Using the cruise control under the following conditions is dangerous and could result in loss
of vehicle control.

Hilly terrain
Steep inclines
Heavy or unsteady traffic
Slippery or winding roads
Similar restrictions that require inconsistent speed

▼ Cruise Control Switch

ON switch

RESUME/+ switch

SET/- switch

OFF/CANCEL switch

When Driving

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▼ Cruise Main Indication (White)/

Cruise Set Indication (Green),
Cruise Main Indicator Light
(Amber)/Cruise Set Indicator Light
(Green)

Type A instrument cluster

(Cruise main indication (white))
The indication turns on (white) when the
cruise control system is activated.
(Cruise set indication (green))
The indication turns on (green) when a
cruising speed has been set.

Type B instrument cluster

(Cruise main indicator light (amber))
The indicator light turns on (amber) when
the cruise control system is activated.
(Cruise set indicator light (green))
The indicator light turns on (green) when a
cruising speed has been set.

▼ Activation/Deactivation

To activate the system, press the ON
switch. The cruise main indicator light
(amber)/cruise main indication (white)
turns on.
To deactivate the system, press the OFF/
CANCEL switch.
The cruise main indicator light (amber)/
cruise main indication (white) turns off.

WARNING

Always turn off the cruise control system
when it is not in use:
Leaving the cruise control system in an
activation-ready state while the cruise
control is not in use is dangerous as the
cruise control could unexpectedly activate
if the activation button is accidentally
pressed, and result in loss of vehicle control
and an accident.

NOTE
When the ignition is switched OFF, the
system status before it was turned off is
maintained. For example, if the ignition is
switched OFF with the cruise control
system operable, the system will be
operable when the ignition is switched ON
the next time.

▼ To Set Speed

1. Activate the cruise control system by

pressing the ON switch. The cruise
main indicator light (amber)/cruise
main indication (white) turns on.

2. Accelerate to the desired speed, which

must be more than 25 km/h (16 mph).

3. Set the cruise control by pressing the

SET/ switch at the desired speed. The
cruise control is set at the moment the
SET/ switch is pressed. Release the
accelerator pedal simultaneously. The
cruise set indicator light/cruise set
indication (green) turns on.

NOTE



The cruise control speed setting cannot
be performed under the following
conditions:

When Driving

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