Mazda CX-9 Owners Manual: 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-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
• Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
• Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS)
• Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go function)
• Smart Brake Support (SBS)

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.

WARNING

Do not modify the suspension: If the vehicle height or inclination is changed, the system will not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead. This will result in the system not operating normally or mistakenly operating, which could cause a serious accident.

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).
  • 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.

  • 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 cleaning the windshield, do not allow glass cleaners or similar cleaning fluids to get on the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) lens. In addition, do not touch the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) lens.
  • When performing repairs around the rearview mirror, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
  • Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer regarding cleaning of the camera lens.
  • Do not hit or apply strong force to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) or the area around it. If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) is severely hit or if there are cracks or damage caused by flying gravel or debris in the area around it, stop using the following systems and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
    • High Beam Control System (HBC)
    • Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS)
    • Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
    • Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS)
    • Smart City Brake Support (SCBS)
    • Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go function)
    • Smart Brake Support (SBS)
  • 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.
• Always use tires for all wheels that are of the specified size, and the same manufacturer, brand, and tread pattern. In addition, do not use tires with significantly different wear patterns on the same vehicle as the system may not operate normally.
• The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) includes a function for detecting a soiled windshield and informing the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may not detect plastic shopping bags, ice or snow on the windshield. In such cases, the system cannot accurately determine a vehicle ahead and may not be able to operate normally. Always drive carefully and pay attention to the road ahead.

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.
  • Under bad weather condition, such as rain, fog and snow.
  • The window washer is being used or the windshield wipers are not used when it's raining.
  • Ice, fog, snow, frost, rainfall, dirt, or foreign matter such as a plastic bag is stuck on the windshield.
  • Trucks with low loading platforms and vehicles with an extremely low or high profile.
  • 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.
  • Elongated luggage or cargo is loaded onto installed roof rails and covers the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
  • Exhaust gas from the vehicle in front, sand, snow, and water vapor rising from manholes and grating, and water splashed into the air.
  • When towing a malfunctioning vehicle.
  • The vehicle is driven with tires having significantly different wear.
  • The vehicle is driven on down slopes or bumpy roads.
  • There are water puddles on the road.
  • The surroundings are dark such as during the night, early evening, or early morning, or in a tunnel or indoor parking lot.
  • The illumination brightness of the headlights is reduced or the headlight illumination is weakened due to dirt or a deviated optical axis.
  • The target object enters the blind spot of the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC).
  • A person or object bursts onto the road from the shoulder or cuts right in front of you.
  • You change lanes and approach a vehicle ahead.
  • When driving extremely close to the target object.
  • Tire chains or a temporary spare tire is installed.
  • 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.
• If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot operate normally due to backlight or fog, the system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily stopped and the following warning lights turn on. However, this does not indicate a malfunction.
  • High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
  • Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) warning indication
  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go function) warning indication
  • Smart Brake Support/Smart City Brake Support (SBS/SCBS) warning indication (amber)
• If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) cannot operate normally due to high temperatures, the system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily stopped and the following warning lights turn on. However, this does not indicate a malfunction. Cool down the area around the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) such as by turning on the air conditioner.
  • High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
  • Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) warning indication
  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go function) warning indication
  • Smart Brake Support/Smart City Brake Support (SBS/SCBS) warning indication (amber)
• If the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) detects that the windshield is dirty or foggy, the system functions related to the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) are temporarily stopped and the following warning lights turn on. However, this does not indicate a problem.

  Remove the dirt from the windshield or press the defroster switch and defog the windshield.

  • High Beam Control System (HBC) warning light (amber)
  • Lane-keep Assist System (LAS) & Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) warning indication
  • Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go function (MRCC with Stop & Go function) warning indication
  • Smart Brake Support/Smart City Brake Support (SBS/SCBS) warning indication (amber)
• If there are recognizable cracks or damage caused by flying gravel or debris on the windshield, always have the windshield replaced. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer for replacement.
• (With Advanced Smart City Brake Support (Advanced SCBS) )
  • The Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) recognizes pedestrians when all of the following conditions are met:
    • The height of a pedestrian is about 1 to 2 meters.
    • An outline such as the head, both shoulders, or the legs can be determined.
• In the following cases, the Forward Sensing Camera (FSC) may not be able to detect target objects correctly:
  • Multiple pedestrians are walking, or there are groups of people.
  • A pedestrian is close to a separate object.
  • A pedestrian is crouching, lying, or slouching.
  • A pedestrian suddenly jumps into the road right in front of the vehicle.
  • A pedestrian opens an umbrella, or is carrying large baggage or articles.
  • A pedestrian is in a dark location such as during the night, or blends into the background by wearing clothes matching the background color.