When Driving
ABS/TCS/DSC
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.
Refer to Warning Lights on page 4-37 .
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
tyre friction and road contact because
of water on the road surface). You can
still have an accident.
Use snow tyres or tyre 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.
4–82
NOTE
To turn off the TCS, press the TCS OFF
switch (page 4-83 ).
TCS/DSC Indicator Light
This indicator light stays on for a few
seconds when the ignition is switched
ON. If the TCS or DSC is operating, the
indicator light fl ashes.
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 expert
repairer, we recommend an Authorised
Mazda Repairer.
NOTE
In addition to the indicator light
fl ashing, a slight labouring 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.
I'm sure it has been addressed here before but I wanted to put up what I did to fix my issue and maybe help someone else out who has the same problem.
All right a small story and then what I did to fix my issue:
It started about a month ago, my 2016.5 CX-5 would not start on the first button push, or when it did the TCS and tire pressure sensor light would come on for a few minutes then go off. I didn't think much of the issue at the time, I figured it was due to weather change and such. Fast forward to 2 weeks ago down in Orlando Florida on a trip and the issue has been popping off on and over the past month but getting worse. I have everyone in the car and after getting some gas I try to start the car, nothing happens. Light is red, all warning lights come on but no engine noise just electronics. I double check parking brake, gear, unplug all phones and everything. Try it a few more times, same issue, I'm starting to get worried (did the battery die, is there a starter issue, electrical issue?) I let it sit for a minuet put the key next to the start button and finally it starts (Yeah!) but the TCS and TPS lights are on. Driver back to hotel, turn off the car, and start it back up no issue, no lights. Thankfully the rest of the trip no issues, and drive it back home. Get back home lights come back on again one morning as I leave the garage and stay on all the way to work but turn off again when leaving work. I'm worried that there is an electrical issue or computer issue, but no codes show up when the lights are off.
Last Tuesday I get in my car after going to the store, and it won't start same as in Florida, wait a few minutes finally starts TCS and TPS lights on. Get home and do some digging around online and find someone with same issue that says was caused by the brake switch module not working. I figure I’ll give it a shot, and it's only a $20 part from Amazon. Thursday comes and the lights show back up, but the car starts and drives so I take it to work, no issue. I leave work that evening, get stuck in traffic, and put my car in park while engine is running. Wait a few try to put it in gear, it won't move. Check brake, move gear shifter forward and pull hard, nothing, it won't move. Turn off parking brake and reset it, then I can take the car out of park and put it into gear (whew) TCS and TPS lights go off at this point (after being on still). Get home and park the car and the part comes in the mail. Friday I change out the brake light switch that is under the dash (side note I did not know that you had to depress the switch to move the small black locks on the side to get it to line up, took me a few to figure that out) anyways, replaced the switch, no error lights car starts right up and has been working great since then.
So to sum it up, a stupid brake sensor switch cause a hell of a lot of issues :) Sorry for long wall of text but I hope this does help someone else that may run across the same issue.