Mazda 6 Owners Manual: Radar Sensor (Front) (Some models)

Your vehicle is equipped with a radar sensor (front).

The following systems also use the radar sensor (front).

• Distance Recognition Support System (DRSS)
• Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)
• Smart Brake Support (SBS)

The radar sensor (front) functions by detecting the radio waves reflected off a vehicle ahead or an obstruction sent from the radar sensor. The radar sensor (front) is mounted behind the front emblem.

If “Front Radar Sensor Blocked” is displayed in the multi-information display of the instrument cluster, clean the area around the radar sensor (front).

CAUTION

Heed the following precautions to assure correct operation of each system.

• Do not adhere stickers (including transparent stickers) to the surface of the radiator grille and front emblem in and around the radar sensor (front), and do not replace the radiator grille and front emblem with any product that is not a genuine product designed for use with the radar sensor (front).
• The radar sensor (front) includes a function for detecting soiling of the radar sensor's front surface and informing the driver, however, depending on the conditions, it may require time to detect or it may not detect plastic shopping bags, ice or snow. If this occurs, the system may not operate correctly, therefore always keep the radar sensor (front) clean.
• Do not install a grille guard.
• If the front part of the vehicle has been damaged in a vehicle accident, the position of the radar sensor (front) may have moved. Stop the system immediately and always have the vehicle inspected at an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
• Do not use the front bumper to push other vehicles or obstructions such as when pulling out of a parking space. Otherwise, the radar sensor (front) could be hit and its position deviated.
• Do not remove, disassemble, or modify the radar sensor (front).
• For repairs, replacement or paint work around the radar sensor (front), consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
• Do not modify the suspension. If the suspension are modified, the vehicle's posture could change and the radar sensor (front) may not be able to correctly detect a vehicle ahead or an obstruction.

NOTE

• Under the following conditions, the radar sensor (front) may not be able to detect vehicles ahead or obstructions correctly and each system may not operate normally.
  • The rear surface of a vehicle ahead does not reflect radio waves effectively, such as an unloaded trailer or an automobile with a loading platform covered by a soft top, vehicles with a hard plastic tailgate, and round-shaped vehicles.
  • Vehicles ahead with low vehicle height and thus less area for reflecting radio waves.
  • Visibility is reduced due to a vehicle ahead casting off water, snow, or sand from its tires and onto your windshield.
  • The trunk compartment is loaded with heavy objects or the rear passenger seats are occupied.
  • Ice, snow, or soiling is on the front surface of the front emblem.
  • During inclement weather such as rain, snow, or sand storms.
  • When driving near facilities or objects emitting strong radio waves.
• Under the following conditions, the radar sensor (front) may not be able to detect vehicles ahead or obstructions.
  • The beginning and end of a curve.
  • Roads with continuous curves.
  • Narrow lane roads due to road construction or lane closures.
  • The vehicle ahead enters the radar sensor's blind spot.
  • The vehicle ahead is running abnormally due to accident or vehicle damage.
  • Roads with repeated up and down slopes
  • Driving on poor roads or unpaved roads.
  • The distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead is extremely short.
  • A vehicle suddenly comes close such as by cutting into the lane.
• To prevent incorrect operation of the system, use tires of the same specified size, manufacturer, brand, and tread pattern on all four wheels. In addition, do not use tires with significantly different wear patterns or tire pressures on the same vehicle (Including the temporary spare tire).
• If the battery power is weak, the system may not operate correctly.
• When driving on roads with little traffic and few vehicles ahead or obstructions for the radar sensor (front) to detect, “Front Radar Sensor Blocked” may be temporarily displayed, however, this does not indicate a problem.