DSC Off Mazda 6. Why Is It Off and What Should You Do?

Mazda 6 is one of the best-selling cars for Mazda. In some countries, the mid-sized sedan, also called Mazda Atenza, has been around since 2002. It is a near-luxury sedan with an exquisite interior and a swanky exterior. It is a good performer on the road, and its handling is on point.

DSC OFF light highlights

• Common reasons:DSC button pressed, stability control system problems
• How to fix:press the DSC button, disconnect the battery for some time
• Possible consequences:traction control and stability control won't be working
• Priority level:High
• Can you drive?Carefully
• DIY repair:Impossible
• Repair price range:$150-$300

What is Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)?

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is a system installed in your car to improve the car's stability while you drive. This system is also meant to prevent the wheels from slipping while you drive. It is a system that improves handling and the car's safety while you maneuver it. Many modern vehicles have been equipped with this system, which has helped ensure reliability and that the safety of your vehicle remains high. Besides Mazda, carmakers such as BMW, Jaguar, MINI, and Ford employ this system on their vehicles.

The dynamic stability control system in your Mazda 6 automatically controls the braking system and the engine torque. DSC also works in collaboration with other systems like the traction control system (TCS) and the ABS. This helps in controlling the vehicle from slipping sideways or when you are driving on slippery surfaces. It also comes in handy during sudden and evasive maneuvering. These features make the DSC in a car critical because it enhances the vehicle's safety.

How does DSC work?

DSC system reads from multiple sensors, among them the wheel speed sensors, the lateral and longitudinal acceleration, the yaw rate sensor, and the brake pressure sensor. The DSC system can calculate the actual vehicle movement direction by reading from these sensors. On the other hand, the steering wheel angle and the accelerator pedal position are used to calculate the driver's input.

The DSC system works so that when the vehicle's actual movement varies from what the driver intends, it activates the hydraulic unit. This causes the pressure in the brake circuit to increase. This means that the rotation of one or more wheels is decreased, allowing the car to return to the intended trajectory. The DSC system is complex and will also cause the torque to be adjusted whenever necessary.

Whenever you switch the ignition of your Mazda 6 ON, the DSC system comes to life. In your Mazda 6, it is possible to switch off the DSC by pressing the DSC OFF button located on the instrument panel. The DSC OFF button will light up, meaning that your Mazda 6 is not using the DSC system. Leaving the DSC ON provides the car with the best possible traction. If the DSC is off when the engine is off, it will automatically be activated when the engine is turned ON.

What causes the DSC OFF?

As mentioned above, driving on a slippery road is never a good thing when the DCS OFF button is illuminated. But there are times when you might notice that the DSC OFF button is lit and remains lit even after pressing it. You should press and hold the DSC OFF button for at least 10 seconds. By doing this, the DSC OFF malfunction detection function is activated, which resets the DSC. This simple trick will see the DSC OFF button start functioning as before.

But the simple first aid trick sometimes won't work, and the DSC system needs to be fixed. Here are the leading causes;

• Using the wrong tires

For the DSC system to work as intended, Mazda advises the owners of Mazda 6 to only use tires of the correct size on all four wheels. It is also recommended that you use the same manufacturer's tires, which should be of the same brand and pattern. Refrain from mixing the tires; don't use tires of different brands, sizes, and patterns. In addition, the tires should be of the same age where the traction of all the tires is the same. The tires should also have even wear, and you shouldn't have one or two tires worn out faster than the rest.

Given how essential the tires are for the DSC system to work optimally, it follows that automatically using the temporary spare tire means the DSC OFF icon will be on. The system will also not work when a tire chain is used.

Solution:

When you notice the DSC OFF light is on, you should try resetting the system first, just in case the system is acting up. If the light doesn't go out, it is time to check the tires. As mentioned above, the DSC OFF light will remain on if the tires are not of the same thread pattern, they haven't worn out the same, or if the sizes of the tires are not as recommended by the manufacturer.

• A malfunction of the ABS or the TCS

After the engine is switched ON, the DSC indicator light comes on, stays this way for a few seconds, and then goes OFF. This means that the DSC or the TCS is operating alright. However, when the ABS and the TCS sensors fail, the DSC OFF light will stay on.

Solution:

If the issue is with the ABS or the TCS systems, the OBD machine will give you the error code and you can then trace the cause from there. In most cases, the sensors are not receiving power, and to correct this. You will need to replace them. The ABS must work efficiently because it is the ABS that continuously monitors the speed of each wheel and prevents any of the wheels from going into lock up.

• Low brake fluid level

The correct brake fluid level is a primary factor in ensuring that the DCS system works effectively. The fluid can drop to dangerous levels such that the ABS and hence the DCS system malfunctions. This causes the DCS OFF light to come on.

There are several causes of low brake fluid levels in your car. Among the leading reasons include a leak in the system. Worn-out brake pads also cause the fluid level to drop. Another cause for this problem is if there is damage to the brake lines or if there is air in the lines.

The symptoms that come with low brake fluid level in your car are;

• Your Mazda 6 takes longer than usual stopping time
• The brake fluid appears low and is dirty or discolored
• The brake warning light is illuminated as well as the DCS OFF button
• The brake pedal feels mushy or spongy

Solution:

Solving low brake level issues depends on what has caused it. If there is air leakage from the lines, then the solution will be different from when the brake fluid is actually leaking. The brake pedals cause the brake fluid level to drop, and this further causes the DCS system to malfunction. It all depends on which DCS system component is malfunctioning. It is, therefore, important that professional expertise be employed when it comes to solving this issue.

Vital information about the DCS system

Whenever you want to free your Mazda 6 when it is stuck or want to drive out of freshly fallen snow or very slippery mud, and the DCS is on, the TCS will activate. Unfortunately, this means that stepping on the accelerator won't increase engine power, and this will make it difficult to free your car from the snow or mud. You should turn the DCS OFF when this happens.

The dynamic stability control system is not meant to be a substitute for safe driving. If you carelessly drive your car, you will still likely get involved in an accident. A DCS system cannot solve reckless driving, tailgating, excessive speeds, and hydroplaning. However, the DCS system is included in Mazda 6's safety because it increases the safety and comfort of the car occupants when the car is driven normally.

Conclusion

DCS OFF light can be alarming when it stays illuminated even after you press the button to turn the DCS system ON. There is no need to panic, though. All you need to do, as pointed out above, is try the self-diagnostic procedure. You should follow up using the OBD unit if the DCS OFF issue persists. This should give you an error code to help you solve the issue.

Though the DCS OFF issue in Mazda 6 is not prevalent, it has affected a good number of drivers. The important thing to note, as stated above, is that the DCS OFF staying on can be caused by a wide number of reasons, among them wrong tire size, worn out brake pads, malfunctioning ABS, or low brake fluid. Therefore, diagnosing why the system is off should be handled meticulously and patiently.