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 without causing them to spin and lose traction.

WARNING:
Do not rely on the traction control system 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.

Use snow tires or tire chains and drive at reduced speeds when roads are covered with ice and/or snow: Driving without proper traction devices on snow and/or ice-covered roads is dangerous. The traction control system (TCS) alone cannot provide adequate traction and you could still have an accident.

TCS/DSC Indicator Light

This indicator light stays on for a few seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the indicator light flashes.

If the light stays on, the TCS or DSC 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 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 switch is turned to the ON position.

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

Refer to TCS OFF Switch.

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

NOTE:
If the battery is disconnected or a fuse is replaced, the DSC will be inoperable. When this happens, the TCS OFF indicator light flashes and the TCS/DSC indicator light illuminates.

To reactivate the DSC, perform the following procedure with the battery connected.

1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON position.

2. Turn the steering clockwise fully, then turn it counterclockwise fully.

3. Make sure the TCS OFF indicator turns off.

4. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position, then turn it to the ON position again.

5. Make sure the TCS/DSC indicator light turns off.

If the TCS/DSC indicator light and the TCS OFF indicator light remain illuminated even after turning the ignition switch to the ON position, attempt the procedure again. If this still does not work, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

TCS OFF Switch

If the vehicle speed is less than 30 km/h (18 mph), press the TCS OFF switch to turn off the TCS. The TCS OFF indicator light will illuminate.

Press the switch again to turn the TCS back on. The TCS OFF indicator light will go out. If the vehicle speed is more than 30 km/h (18 mph), the TCS OFF indicator light will not illuminate even if the switch is pressed.

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 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 switch is turned on.

- Leaving the TCS on will provide the best traction.

- If the TCS is OFF when the vehicle speed is more than 30 km/h (18 mph), it automatically activates and the TCS OFF indicator light will turn off.

- If the TCS OFF switch is pressed and held for 10 seconds or more, the TCS OFF switch malfunction detection function operates and the TCS system activates automatically. The TCS OFF indicator light turns off while the TCS system is operative.