Mazda 3 Owners Manual: 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.

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.

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.

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.