2014-2018 Mazda 3 4 Door When Driving -> Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System User Manual
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When Driving -> Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System for Your Mazda 3 4 Door Third Generation (2014-2018)

When Driving  
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System  
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System*  
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is designed to assist the driver by monitoring  
blind spots on both sides of the vehicle to the rear in certain situations such as when  
changing lanes on roads and freeways or reversing the vehicle from a parking garage.  
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System consists of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)  
and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).  
WARNING  
Do not rely completely on the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system. Always look over  
your shoulder before changing lanes or reversing the vehicle from a parking garage:  
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system can assist the driver in conꢀrming the safety of  
the surroundings but is not a complete substitute. The driver is responsible for assuring  
lane changes and other maneuvers. Always pay attention to the direction in which the  
vehicle is traveling and the vehicle's surroundings.  
NOTE  
ꢀyꢀThe detectability of the radar sensors has its limitations. The Blind Spot Monitoring  
(BSM) System may not operate properly under the following conditions:  
ꢀyꢀIce, snow, or soil adheres to the rear bumper surface around the radar sensors.  
ꢀyꢀDuring adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow, or under conditions where  
water is sprayed.  
ꢀyꢀThe rear bumper area around the radar sensors is blocked by foreign material (such as  
stickers or a bicycle carrier).  
ꢀyꢀThe radar sensors do not detect human, animal, shopping cart, bicycle, or static objects  
such as fences.  
ꢀyꢀThe radar sensors may not detect all types of vehicles around your vehicle, especially the  
following types of vehicles:  
ꢀyꢀMotorcycles  
ꢀyꢀVehicles with body shapes that radar may not reflect such as a flatbed trailer with no  
cargo.  
ꢀyꢀVehicles with lower body height such as sports cars.  
ꢀyꢀAlthough the system may detect objects on the road side such as parked vehicles or  
guardrails and operate the warning light/beep, it does not indicate a malfunction.  
ꢀyꢀIf the vehicle is driven on a road with less traffic and few vehicles that the radar sensors  
can detect, the system may pause (the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF indicator light  
in the instrument cluster flashes). However, it does not indicate a malfunction.  
*Some models.  
4
–107  
When Driving  
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System  
ꢀyꢀThe following conditions may affect the visibility of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)  
warning lights on the outside mirror, making it difficult to confirm the illumination of the  
lights:  
ꢀyꢀIce or snow adheres to the surface of the outside mirrors.  
ꢀyꢀThe door window glass is tinted.  
ꢀyꢀThe radar sensors are equipped inside the rear bumper (page 4-114).  
ꢀyꢀHave the radar sensors inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer if any shock is applied  
to the rear bumper, even in a minor accident. If the vehicle is driven with a damaged  
radar sensor, the system may not operate properly resulting in an accident.  
ꢀyꢀFor repairs or paintwork around the radar sensors, or replacement of the bumper, consult  
an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
ꢀyꢀThe radar sensors of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system 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 Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system is driven in a country other  
than the U.S.A., Canada, or Mexico, the system has to be turned off using the Blind Spot  
Monitoring (BSM) OFF switch.  
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)  
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system monitors the detection areas on both sides of  
the vehicle to the rear and when there are vehicles in the detection area it notifies the driver  
by illuminating the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light while the vehicle speed is  
about 10 km/h (6.2 mph) or faster and driving forward.  
If the turn signal lever is operated to the side the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning  
light is illuminated, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning light flashes and the system  
warns the driver of the vehicle in the detection area using a BSM warning beep sound.  
Your vehicle  
Detection areas  
4
–108  
When Driving  
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System  
NOTE  
ꢀyꢀThe Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) does not operate when the vehicle speed is lower than  
about 10 km/h (6.2 mph).  
ꢀyꢀThe detection area of the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) has been determined based on  
the lane width of general freeways. Therefore on a road with a narrower lane width, the  
system may detect vehicles on a lane next to the adjacent lane and operate the warning  
light/beep. On a road with wider lane width, the system may not detect vehicles on the  
adjacent lane and may not operate the warning light/beep.  
ꢀyꢀUnder the following conditions, the system may be unable to detect vehicles, or detection  
may be delayed.  
ꢀyꢀThe vehicle accelerates from a standing-start with a vehicle alongside.  
ꢀyꢀA vehicle moves from a lane two lanes over to the adjacent lane.  
ꢀyꢀThe difference in vehicle speed between your vehicle and another vehicle is larger  
when passing or being passed, and the vehicle passes the detection area within a short  
period of time.  
ꢀyꢀOn a steep incline, or when there is a difference in height between lanes.  
ꢀyꢀImmediately after the system has been activated by pressing the Blind Spot Monitoring  
(BSM) OFF switch again after it has been turned off (Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)  
OFF indicator light in instrument cluster illuminates) by pressing the switch.  
ꢀyꢀ(Automatic transaxle vehicles)  
ꢀ The shift lever is shifted to the R position, or directly after being shifted from the R  
position.  
ꢀyꢀThe system may not operate normally when towing a trailer. Turn off the system by  
operating the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF switch when towing a trailer.  
ꢀyꢀThe 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 R position.  
4
–109  
When Driving  
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System  
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)  
When reversing the vehicle from a parking garage, vehicles approaching both sides of the  
vehicle are detected to alert the driver of a possible collision by flashing the Blind Spot  
Monitoring (BSM) warning light and activating the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning  
beep sound.  
Your vehicle  
Detection areas  
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system operation  
1. The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system operates when the shift lever (manual  
transaxle) or the selector lever (automatic transaxle) is shifted to the R position.  
2. If a vehicle approaches which may hit you, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system  
warning light flashes and the Blind Spot Monitoring system (BSM) warning beep sounds  
at the same time.  
4
–110  
When Driving  
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System  
NOTE  
Under the following conditions, the system may be unable to detect vehicles, or detection  
may be delayed.  
ꢀyꢀThe vehicle is reversed at a speed of 12 km/h or faster  
ꢀyꢀThe radar is obstructed by objects such as a large vehicle parked adjacently or by a wall.  
(Reverse vehicle to position in which radar is not obstructed.)  
ꢀ
Your vehicle  
ꢀyꢀA vehicle approaches from straight behind  
ꢀ
Your vehicle  
ꢀyꢀThe vehicle is parked at a highly acute angle  
ꢀ
Your vehicle  
ꢀyꢀImmediately after the system has been activated by pressing the Blind Spot Monitoring  
(BSM) OFF switch again after it has been turned off (Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) OFF  
indicator light in instrument cluster illuminates) by pressing the switch.  
4
–111  
When Driving  
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System  
BSM Warning Light  
The Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system alerts the driver to the presence of another  
vehicle in an adjacent lane using the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights and the  
warning beep while the system is operational.  
The warning light is equipped on the left and right door mirrors.  
This warning light illuminates for a few seconds when the ignition is switched ON.  
Driving forward  
If the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) system detects a vehicle in the detection area while the  
vehicle is driven at a speed of about 10 km/h (6.2mph) or more, the Blind Spot Monitoring  
(BSM) warning light illuminates on the side of the vehicle where the rear on-coming vehicle  
is detected. A warning indicator light flashes when the turn signal lever is operated to the  
side where the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) warning lights is illuminated to alert the  
driver.  
Reversing  
If vehicles approach from the rear on the left and right, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)  
warning lights on both sides flash.  
NOTE  
ꢀyꢀIf ice or snow adhere to the outer mirror surface, the Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)  
warning light may not be visible.  
ꢀyꢀIf the door window glass is tinted, it may affect the visibility of the Blind Spot Monitoring  
(BSM) warning light, making it difficult to confirm the illumination of the light.  
4
–112  
When Driving  
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System  
BSM OFF Indicator Light  
BSM OFF Switch  
When the BSM OFF switch is pressed, the  
BSM system turns off and the BSM OFF  
indicator light illuminates.  
This indicator light illuminates for a few  
seconds when the ignition is switched ON.  
The BSM OFF indicator light illuminates  
when the BSM system is turned off by  
pressing the BSM OFF switch.  
The indicator light flashes if the BSM  
system has a malfunction. Consult an  
Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
NOTE  
Press the BSM OFF switch again to turn  
on the BSM system. The BSM OFF  
indicator light turns off.  
If the vehicle is driven on a road with less  
traffic and few vehicles that the radar  
sensors can detect, the system may pause  
(The BSM OFF indicator light in the  
instrument cluster flashes). However, it  
does not indicate a malfunction.  
NOTE  
If the ignition is switched off with the BSM  
system turned off, the system becomes  
operable automatically when the ignition  
is switched ON.  
4
–113  
When Driving  
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) System  
Care of Radar Sensors  
The radar sensors are equipped inside the  
rear bumper.  
4–Door  
Radar sensors  
5–Door  
Radar sensors  
Always keep the bumper surface near the  
radar sensor area clean so that the BSM  
system operates normally.  
Refer to Exterior Care on page 6-64.  
NOTE  
ꢀyꢀThe BSM OFF indicator light flashes  
if the radar sensors cannot operate  
normally. If the light remains flashing  
after cleaning the bumper surface  
near the radar sensor area, consult an  
Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
ꢀyꢀFor repairs or paintwork around the  
radar sensors, or replacement of the  
bumper, consult an Authorized Mazda  
Dealer.  
4
–114  

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