Mazda 3 Owners Manual: Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW))

Mazda 3 Owners Manual / When Driving / i-ACTIVSENSE / Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW))

Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) is a system which alerts the driver of a possible collision using an indicator and warning sound in the instrument cluster while the vehicle is being driven at about 15 km/h or faster (10 mph or faster) and the system's radar sensor determines that your vehicle may hit a vehicle or obstruction ahead.

WARNING Do not rely completely on the Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system and always drive carefully: Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) is only designed to reduce damage in the event of a collision. The ability to detect an obstruction is limited depending on the obstruction, weather conditions, or traffi c conditions. Therefore, if the accelerator pedal or brake pedal is mistakenly operated it could result in an accident. Always verify the safety of the surrounding area and depress the brake pedal or accelerator pedal while keeping a safe distance from vehicles ahead or on-coming vehicles.

NOTE

The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system operates when all of the following conditions are met:

The ignition is switched ON.
The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system is on.
The vehicle speed is about 15 km/h (10 mph) or faster.
The relative speed between your vehicle and the vehicle or obstruction ahead is about 15 km/h (10 mph) or faster.

The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system may not operate under the following conditions:

If there is the possibility of hitting only a part of a vehicle or obstruction ahead.
If the vehicle is accelerated rapidly and it comes close to a vehicle ahead.
The DSC is malfunctioning.
The vehicle is driven at the same speed as the vehicle ahead.
The accelerator pedal is depressed.
The brake pedal is depressed.
The steering wheel is being operated.
The selector lever is being operated.
The turn signal is being used.

Although the objects which activate the system are 4-wheeled vehicles, the radar sensor could detect the following objects, determine them to be an obstruction, and operate the Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system.

Objects on the road at the entrance to a curve (including guardrails and snow banks).
A vehicle appears in the opposite lane while cornering or rounding a curve.
When crossing a narrow bridge.
When passing under a low gate or through a tunnel or narrow gate.
When entering an underground parking area.
Metal objects, bumps, or protruding objects on the road.
If you suddenly come close to a vehicle ahead.
When driving in areas where there is high grass or forage.
Two-wheeled vehicles such as motorbikes or bicycles.
Pedestrians or non-metallic objects such as standing trees.

When the system operates, the user is notified by the flashing Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) indicator light (red) and the active driving display.
The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) warning light (amber) turns on when the system has a malfunction.

Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) Indicator Light (Red)

If the Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) is operating, the indicator light (red) flashes.

Mazda 3. Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) Indicator Light (Red)

Collision Warning

If there is the possibility of a collision with a vehicle or obstruction ahead, the beep sounds continuously and a warning is indicated in the display.

Mazda 3. Collision Warning

Stopping The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) System Operation

The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system can be deactivated.

Refer to Personalization Features on .

When the Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) system is turned off, the Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) OFF indicator light turns on.

Mazda 3. Stopping The Forward Obstruction Warning (FOW) System Operation

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system is designed to assist the driver in checking the area to the rear of the vehicle on both sides while the vehicle is reversing by alerting the driver to ...

Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC)

The Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC) system is designed to maintain headway control *1 according to the vehicle speed using a radar sensor (front) to detect the distance to a vehicle ahead, and ...

Other materials:

Vehicle Loading
WARNING Do not tow a trailer with this vehicle: Towing a trailer with this vehicle is dangerous because it has not been designed to tow a trailer and doing so will aff ect the drive system which could result in vehicle damage. This section will guide you in the proper l ...

Rear Window Glass Removal
4SD 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. 2. Remove the following parts: a. Rear seat cushion. b. Rear scuff plate. c. Rear side seat back. d. C–pillar trims. e. Rear package trim. f. Tire house trims. 3. Remove the fasteners. 4. Set the headliner out of the way. 5. Disc ...

Installing Child-Restraint Systems
Accident statistics reveal that a child is safer in the rear seat. The front passenger's seat is clearly the worst choice for any child under 12, and with rear-facing childrestraint systems it is clearly unsafe due to air bags. NOTE Even if your vehicle is equipped with front passenger seat w ...