Mazda 3 Hatchback (2018 year). Manual - part 13

Radar sensors (rear)

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 sensors. The following
systems also use the radar sensors (rear).



Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)



Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

The radar sensors (rear) are installed inside the rear bumper, one each on the left and right
sides.
Refer to Radar Sensors (Rear) on page 4-139.

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Adaptive Front Lighting

System (AFS)

*

The adaptive front lighting system (AFS)
automatically adjusts the headlight beams
to the left or right in conjunction with the
operation of the steering wheel after the
headlights have been turned on.

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High Beam Control System (HBC)

*

The HBC determines the conditions in front of the vehicle using the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) while driving in darkness to automatically switch the headlights between
high and low beams.
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-23.
While driving the vehicle at a speed of about 30 km/h (19 mph) or more, the headlights are
switched to high beams when there are no vehicles ahead or approaching in the opposite
direction.
The system switches the headlights to low beams when one of the following occurs:



The system detects a vehicle or the headlights/lights of a vehicle approaching in the
opposite direction.



The vehicle is driven on roads lined with streetlamps or on roads in well-lit cities and
towns.



The vehicle is driven at less than about 20 km/h (12 mph).

Forward Sensing 
Camera (FSC)

The recognition distance of the 
Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) 
varies according to the 
surrounding conditions.

The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-24.

CAUTION

Do not adjust the vehicle height, modify the headlight units, or remove the camera,

otherwise the system will not operate normally.

Do not rely excessively on the HBC and drive the vehicle while paying sufficient attention to

safety. Switch the headlights between the high beams and low beams manually if
necessary.

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NOTE
The timing in which the system switches the headlights changes under the following
conditions. If the system does not switch the headlights appropriately, manually switch
between high and low beams according to the visibility as well as road and traffic
conditions.



When there are sources of light in the area such as street lamps, illuminated signboards,
and traffic signals.



When there are reflective objects in the surrounding area such as reflective plates and
signs.



When visibility is reduced under rain, snow and foggy conditions.



When driving on roads with sharp turn or hilly terrain.



When the headlights/rear lamps of vehicles in front of you or in the opposite lane are dim
or not illuminated.



When there is sufficient darkness such as at dawn or dusk.



When the luggage compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats
are occupied.



When visibility is reduced due to a vehicle in front of you spraying water from its tires
onto your windshield.

▼ To Operate the System

The HBC operates to switch the headlights
automatically between high and low
beams after the ignition is switched ON
and the headlight switch is in the AUTO
and high beam position.
The HBC determines that it is dark based
on the brightness of the surrounding area.
At the same time, the HBC indicator light
(green) in the instrument cluster
illuminates.
 

The HBC determines that it is dark based
on the brightness of the surrounding area.

NOTE



When the vehicle speed is about 30 km/h
(19 mph) or more, the headlights
automatically switch to high beams
when there are no vehicles ahead or
approaching in the opposite direction.
When the vehicle speed is less than
about 20 km/h (12 mph), the HBC
switches the headlights to low beams.



The low beams may not switch to high
beams when cornering.



Operation of the HBC function can be
disabled. Refer to Personalization
Features on page 9-12.

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▼ Manual Switching

Switching to low beams

Shift the lever to the low beam position.
The HBC indicator light (green) turns off.

Switching to high beams

Turn the headlight switch to the 
position.
The HBC indicator light (green) turns off
and the   is illuminated.

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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 notifying the driver of 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 notifies the driver by turning on the
BSM warning indicator light and displaying the vehicle detection screen (vehicles with
active driving display).
If the turn signal lever is operated to signal a turn in the direction in which the BSM
warning indicator light is illuminated while the approaching vehicle is detected, the BSM
notifies the driver of possible danger by turning on the BSM warning indicator light, and by
activating the warning sound and the warning screen indicator display (vehicles with active
driving display).
The detection area on this system covers the driving lanes on both sides of the vehicle and
from the rear part of the front 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
indicator light, the warning sound and the warning screen indicator display may not activate
or they 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.

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NOTE



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



The ignition is switched ON.



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
switch indicator light is turned off.



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



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



In the following cases, the BSM warning indication/warning light turns on and operation
of the system is stopped. If the BSM warning indication/warning 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 indicator 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.

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

In the following case, the flashing of the BSM warning indicator light, and the activation
of the warning sound and the warning screen indicator display 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.



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



Directly after the BSM system becomes operable by changing the setting.



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 indicator light may turn on and the vehicle detection screen may be
displayed in the display in reaction to stationary objects (guardrails, tunnels, sidewalls,
and parked vehicles) on the road or the roadside.

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

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.



A BSM warning indicator light may flash or the warning beep and the warning screen
indicator display 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 indicator lights equipped on the door mirrors.



Snow or ice is adhering to the door mirrors.



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

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

The radar sensors (rear) of the BSM may be regulated under the radio wave related laws
of the country where the vehicle is driven. The sensors in this system are approved for use
in the U.S.A. (including territories), Canada, and Mexico. If a vehicle with a BSM is
driven in a country other than the U.S.A., Canada, or Mexico, the system has to be turned
off using the BSM OFF switch.



The system switches to the Rear Cross Traffic Alert function when the shift lever (manual
transaxle) or the selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to the reverse (R) position.
Refer to Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) on page 4-98.

▼ Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Warning Indicator 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 or at the rear of the vehicle using the BSM warning indicator
light, the warning sound and the display indicator (vehicles with active driving display)
(BSM) while the systems are operational.

BSM warning indicator lights

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

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

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Forward driving (BSM operation)

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

Function for cancelling illumination dimmer

If the BSM warning indicator lights turn on when the parking lights are turned on, the
brightness of the BSM warning indicator lights is dimmed.
If the BSM warning indicator 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 indicator lights when they turn on.
Refer to Dashboard Illumination on page 4-16.

Display indicator (Vehicles with active driving display)

The detected approaching vehicle and warning are displayed in the active driving display
when the vehicle is moving forward (BSM operational).

The detected direction is displayed with a detection indicator (white) when an approaching
vehicle is detected. In addition, if the turn signal lever is operated to signal a lane change
while the vehicle is detected, the display changes the color (amber) of the warning indicator.

BSM warning beep

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

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▼ Canceling Operation of Blind Spot

Monitoring (BSM)

The BSM system can be set to inoperable.
Refer to Personalization Features on page
9-12.
When the BSM is set to inoperable, the
BSM and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
(RCTA) systems are turned off and the
BSM OFF indicator light in the instrument
cluster turns on.

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 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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Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)

*

The TSR helps prevent the driver from overlooking traffic signs, and provides support for
safer driving by displaying traffic signs on the active driving display which are recognized
by the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or recorded in the navigation system while the
vehicle is driven.
The TSR displays the speed limit, do not enter, and traffic stop signs.
If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit sign indicated in the active driving display while
the vehicle is driven, the system notifies the driver using the indication in the active driving
display and a warning sound.

NOTE



The TSR is not supported in some countries or regions. For information concerning the
supported countries or regions, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.



The TSR operates only if the navigation system SD card (Mazda genuine) is inserted in
the SD card slot. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer for details.

Speed limit signs and do not enter signs

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Stop sign

WARNING

Always check the traffic signs visually while driving.
The TSR helps prevent the driver from overlooking traffic signs and provides support for safer
driving. Depending on the weather conditions or problems with traffic signs, a traffic sign may
not be recognized or a traffic sign different from the actual traffic sign may be displayed.
Always make it your responsibility as a driver to check the actual traffic signs. Otherwise, it
could result in an accident.

NOTE



The TSR does not operate if there is a malfunction in the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).



Under the following conditions, the TSR may not operate normally.



An object placed on the dashboard is reflected in the windshield and picked up by the
camera.



Heavy luggage is loaded in the luggage compartment or on the rear seat and the
vehicle is tilted.



The tire pressures are not adjusted to the specified pressure.



Tires other than standard tires are equipped.



The vehicle is driven on the ramp and surrounding area to or from a rest area or a
tollgate on a highway.



When surrounding brightness suddenly changes such as when entering or exiting a
tunnel.



The illumination of the headlights is weakened because of dirt or the optical axis is
deviated.



The windshield is dirty or foggy.

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

The windshield and camera are fogged (water droplets).



Strong light is directed at the front of the vehicle (such as backlight or high-beam
headlights of on-coming vehicles).



The vehicle is making a sharp turn.



Strong light reflects off the road.



A traffic sign is in a position which makes it difficult to reflect the light from the
vehicle's headlights, such as when the vehicle is driven at night or in a tunnel.



The vehicle is driven under weather conditions such as rain, fog, or snow.



The stored map data for the navigation system is not current.



A traffic sign is obscured by mud or snow.



A traffic sign is concealed by trees or a vehicle.



A traffic sign is partially shaded.



A traffic sign is bent or warped.



A traffic sign is too low or too high.



A traffic sign is too bright or too dark (including electronic traffic signs).



A traffic sign is too big or too small.



There is an object similar to the traffic sign being read (such as another traffic sign or
other signs resembling it).



The TSR does not operate if the active driving display is set to non-display.



The TSR can be set to inoperable.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-12.

▼ Traffic Sign Display Indication

The following traffic signs are displayed on the active driving display.
Speed limit signs

Do not enter signs

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Stop signs

NOTE
Speed limit signs



When the vehicle speed is about 1 km/h (0.6 mph) or faster, the speed limit sign is
displayed when any one of the following conditions are met.



The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognizes a speed limit sign as a sign targeted for
your vehicle and the vehicle passes it.



The speed limit sign stored in the navigation system is read (if the Forward Sensing
Camera (FSC) does not recognize a speed limit sign).



In the following cases, display of the speed limit sign stops.



The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognizes the speed limit sign and the vehicle is
driven for a certain distance after passing the sign.



Each sensor determines that the vehicle has changed direction of travel.



The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognizes a new speed limit sign which differs
from the previous one (displays the new speed limit sign).



The speed limit sign stored in the navigation system is not read within a certain period
of time (if the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) does not recognize a speed limit sign,
the speed limit sign stored in the navigation system is displayed).



The vehicle speed exceeds the displayed speed limit sign by 30 km/h (19 mph) or more
after a certain period of time has elapsed since the speed limit sign was displayed.
(Except when there is information for the speed limit sign in the navigation system)

Do not enter signs



A do not enter sign is displayed when all of the following conditions are met.



The vehicle speed is about 60 km/h (37 mph) or slower.



The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognizes a do not enter sign as a sign targeted
for your vehicle and the vehicle passes it.



When the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognizes the do not enter sign and a certain
period of time has elapsed since the vehicle passed the sign, display of the do not enter
sign stops.

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Stop sign



A stop sign is displayed when all of the following conditions are met:



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



The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognizes a stop sign as a sign targeted for your
vehicle.



When a certain period of time has elapsed since the stop sign was displayed, display of
the stop sign stops.

▼ Excessive Speed Warning

If the vehicle speed exceeds the speed limit sign displayed in the active driving display, the
area around the speed limit sign 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. Check the surrounding
conditions and adjust the vehicle speed to the legal speed using the appropriate operation
such as depressing the brake pedal.

The excessive speed warning is initially set to inoperable. If you want to activate the
excessive speed warning, change the setting in the personalization features. In addition, the
warning pattern and the warning activation timing differ depending on the setting contents.
Refer to Personalization Features on page 9-12.

When Driving

i-ACTIVSENSE

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