Mazda CX-9 Owners Manual: ABS/TCS/DSC/Trailer Stability Control (TSC)

Antilock Brake System (ABS)

The ABS control unit continuously monitors the speed of each wheel. If one wheel is about to lock up, the ABS responds by automatically releasing and reapplying that wheel's brake.

The driver will feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal and may hear a chattering noise from the brake system. This is normal ABS system operation. Continue to depress the brake pedal without pumping the brakes.

The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.

WARNING

Do not rely on ABS as a substitute for safe driving: The ABS cannot compensate for unsafe and reckless driving, excessive speed, tailgating (following another vehicle too closely), driving on ice and snow, and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road contact because of water on the road surface). You can still have an accident.

NOTE

• Braking distances may be longer on loose surfaces (snow or gravel, for example) which usually have a hard foundation. A vehicle with a normal braking system may require less distance to stop under these conditions because the tires will build up a wedge of surface layer when the wheels skid.
• The sound of the ABS operating may be heard when starting the engine or immediately after starting the vehicle, however, it does not indicate a malfunction.

Traction Control System (TCS)

The Traction Control System (TCS) enhances traction and safety by controlling engine torque and braking. When the TCS detects driving wheel slippage, it lowers engine torque and operates the brakes to prevent loss of traction.

This means that on a slick surface, the engine adjusts automatically to provide optimum power to the drive wheels, limiting wheel spin and loss of traction.

The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.

WARNING

Do not rely on the Traction Control System (TCS) as a substitute for safe driving: The Traction Control System (TCS) cannot compensate for unsafe and reckless driving, excessive speed, tailgating (following another vehicle too closely), and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road contact because of water on the road surface). You can still have an accident.

NOTE To turn off the TCS, press the TCS OFF switch.

TCS/DSC Indicator Light

This indicator light stays on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched ON.

If the TCS, DSC or the Trailer Stability Control (TSC) is operating, the indicator light flashes.

If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or the brake assist system may have a malfunction and they may not operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

NOTE

• In addition to the indicator light flashing, a slight lugging sound will come from the engine. This indicates that the TCS/DSC is operating properly.
• On slippery surfaces, such as fresh snow, it will be impossible to achieve high rpm when the TCS is on.

TCS OFF Indicator Light

This indicator light stays on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched ON.

It also illuminates when the TCS OFF switch is pressed and TCS is switched off.

Refer to TCS OFF Switch on page 4-96.

If the light remains illuminated and the TCS is not switched off, take your vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer. The DSC may have a malfunction.

TCS OFF Switch

Press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light in the instrument cluster and TCS OFF switch indicator light turn on.

Press the switch again to turn the TCS back on. The TCS OFF indicator light and TCS OFF switch indicator light will turn off.

NOTE

• When TCS is on and you attempt to free the vehicle when it is stuck, or drive it out of freshly fallen snow, the TCS (part of the DSC system) will activate.

  Depressing the accelerator will not increase engine power and freeing the vehicle may be difficult. When this happens, turn off the TCS.

• If the TCS is off when the engine is turned off, it automatically activates when the ignition is switched ON.
• Leaving the TCS on will provide the best traction.
• If the TCS OFF switch is pressed and held for 10 seconds or longer, the TCS can no longer be turned off even if the TCS OFF switch is pressed.

  In this case, the TCS OFF switch will operate normally when the ignition is switched ON again after being switched OFF.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) automatically controls braking and engine torque in conjunction with systems such as ABS and TCS to help control side slip when driving on slippery surfaces, or during sudden or evasive maneuvering, enhancing vehicle safety.

DSC operation is possible at speeds greater than 20 km/h (12 mph).

The warning light turns on when the system has a malfunction.

WARNING

Do not rely on the Dynamic Stability Control as a substitute for safe driving: The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) cannot compensate for unsafe and reckless driving, excessive speed, tailgating (following another vehicle too closely), and hydroplaning (reduced tire friction and road contact because of water on the road surface). You can still have an accident.

CAUTION

• The DSC may not operate correctly unless the following are observed:
  • Use tires of the correct size specified for your Mazda on all 4 wheels.
  • Use tires of the same manufacturer, brand and tread pattern on all 4 wheels.
  • Do not mix worn tires.
• The DSC may not operate correctly when tire chains are used or a temporary spare tire is installed because the tire diameter changes.

TCS/DSC Indicator Light

This indicator light stays on for a few seconds when the ignition is switched ON.

If the TCS, DSC or the Trailer Stability Control (TSC) is operating, the indicator light flashes.

If the light stays on, the TCS, DSC or the brake assist system may have a malfunction and they may not operate correctly. Take your vehicle to an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Trailer Stability Control (TSC)

If the vehicle sways while being driven and towing a trailer, the Trailer Stability Control (TSC) automatically controls braking and engine torque to suppress the swaying and enhance vehicle stability.

The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) is operable at a vehicle speed of about 65 km/h (40 mph) or more.

When the Trailer Stability Control (TSC) operates while driving the vehicle, the TCS/DSC indicator light flashes.

WARNING

Do not rely solely on the Trailer Stability Control (TSC) Assured vehicle stability is limited even if the Trailer Stability Control (TSC) is operating. Drive carefully to prevent accidents.

In particular, if the TCS/DSC indicator light is flashing, drive the vehicle carefully as it is in a less stable condition and could sway more easily. Drive with caution and in accordance with the road, vehicle and trailer conditions.

CAUTION

• The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) may not operate correctly unless the following are observed:
  • Use tires of the correct size specified for your Mazda on all four wheels.
  • Use tires of the same manufacturer, brand and tread pattern on all four wheels.
  • Do not mix worn tires.
• The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) may not operate correctly when tire chains are used or a temporary spare tire is installed because the tire diameter changes.

NOTE

• The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) uses the TCS/DSC functions. The Trailer Stability Control (TSC) does not operate if there is a malfunction in the TCS/DSC (the TCS/DSC indicator light turns on).
• When the Trailer Stability Control (TSC) is operating, the brake lights may turn on.
• For information regarding trailer towing, refer to Trailer Towing (U.S.A. and Canada).