Category: Dashboard Symbols & Tell-tales

i-ACTIVESENSE

These are i-ACTIVSENSE Warning indicators and symbols. One of these lights will be seen in yellow/amber if a potential collision or a system malfunction is detected. If a malfunction is actually detected, the symbol will flash. It appears as the image of a car seen from above with lines or arcs radiating from all sides or in the simplified, later version, with a circle around it.

• Before moving on, are you sure one of these is your symbol?? If yes, then continue on below.
• Otherwise return to our main Picture Symbols page and scan again!

The system, from Mazda, monitors traffic all around the vehicle. The reason for the malfunction will be shown in the center information display.

The symbol may also be seen in green or white. In white, the system is on stand-by.  It will appear in green if any one of the systems from the list below is activated, the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol is displayed. Note that even if the i-ACTIVSENSE status symbol is displayed, systems which do not meet the operation conditions will not operate.

The word OFF will appear below the indicator light if the system has been shut down. The system can be shut down using a switch on the dashboard or through using the vehicle’s personalization features.

The i-ACTIVSENSE System is a warning and/or risk avoidance support system and combines Lane Departure, Blind Spot Monitoring, Distance & Speed Alert, Front and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane-keeping Assist Systems and Cruising & Traffic Support.

This is a Cruising and Traffic Support (CTS) System Malfunction Indicator. CTS is a system that consists of a headway control function and a steering assist function for reducing driver fatigue during traffic jams when driving on expressways or highways. Do not attempt to use the system if this warning appears.

The mention of “traffic jams” suggests it is meant to operate at slow speeds. However, further in Mazda’s description of the system, it states that “If a vehicle ahead is traveling at an extremely low speed, the system may not detect it correctly.” So its clear that this is meant to be “heavy traffic” not traffic jams.

In a any case, the system has many limitations including but not limited to bad weather, slippery conditions, undetected lane lines, etc. and is in no way a self driving system.

——————————————————————-

Remember that only proper service and repair procedures will ensure the safe and reliable operation of your car. In addition, proper safety procedures and precautions, such as the  use of safety goggles, the right tools and the equipment should be followed at all times to eliminate the possibility of personal injury or improper service which could damage the vehicle or compromise its safety.

These posts are for information sharing purposes only, and should not be used in lieu of an OEM service manual or factory authorized service procedure. We are not in the auto repair business nor do we publish automotive service manuals. Nothing we include on these pages and posts has been reviewed, approved or authorized by any vehicle manufacturer.

Technology is always changing and what is current and accurate today may be literally out-of-date and inaccurate tomorrow. And when it comes to the current state of flux in the auto industry, nothing is more true.

Marc Favreau

The author has 25 years of automotive experience and has assembled the most extensive collection of symbols and warning lights anywhere (over 1,000!) and can help you open and start any keyless start car with a dead key fob battery. BA, St. Joseph’s College, ME: MS, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY