"Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) Malfunction" Mazda CX-5 - What Can Cause It?

When driving, the last thing you want to worry about is your car breaking down, especially if it's a new car with all the bells and whistles - like a Mazda CX-5. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happens to some drivers.

SCBS malfunction message highlights

  • Common reasons:PCM issues, vacuum pump problems, oil pump early issues
  • How to fix:no DIY fixes for this other than disconnecting the battery and resetting the error codes
  • Possible consequences:a lot of bad things may happen if ignored
  • Priority level:High
  • Can you drive?Carefully
  • DIY repair:Impossible
  • Repair price range:$250-$900

 

smart city brake support malfunction mazda cx-5 (1)

What is Smart City Brake Support?

Smart City Brake Support is a feature found on newer Mazda cars that helps to prevent accidents in urban areas. The system uses sensors to detect when a car ahead of the vehicle has stopped or is slowing down, and it automatically applies the brakes if necessary.

This can help to avoid rear-end collisions, and it can also reduce the severity of accidents that do occur. In addition, Smart City Brake Support can help to improve fuel economy by reducing the need for sudden braking. As a result, it's a handy feature to have if you're frequently driving in stop-and-go traffic.

Location of the laser sensor of Smart City Brake Support

The laser sensor of the Smart City Brake Support is located near the rearview mirror on Mazda CX-5 cars. This location was chosen because it gives the sensor a clear view of the road ahead, allowing it to detect potential obstacles early.

Additionally, the sensor is positioned close to the windshield, which helps to reduce glare and improve its overall performance. While the location of the laser sensor may seem like a small detail, it plays an important role in ensuring that the Smart City Brake Support system can effectively protect drivers and passengers.

What are the symptoms of Smart City Brake Support malfunction on Mazda CX-5 cars?

If you own a Mazda CX-5, then you know that it's a reliable and efficient car. However, if its Smart City Brake Support malfunctions, it could put you and your passengers at risk. So what are the symptoms of a Smart City Brake Support malfunction?

  • Warning light

The main telltale sign of this problem is a warning light on your dashboard. Mazda's Smart City Brake Support is a nifty feature that helps to prevent low-speed collisions. However, it's not infallible - and if something goes wrong with the system, you'll see a warning sign on the dashboard and hear a beeping sound. This means that the system has been disabled and is no longer working.

It is also important to consider that the flashing warning light might indicate that the Smart City Brake Support sensors are flogged by rain, snow, or fogged windows.

If cleaning the sensors does not change anything, it's necessary to get your vehicle checked by a qualified Mazda technician as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can continue to enjoy riding your Mazda - but be extra careful when driving and keep an eye out for potential hazards.

  • Unexpected braking

Another symptom of Smart City Brake Support malfunction is the car unexpectedly braking when there's no obstacle in the way. This can be alarming and may cause you to lose control of the car.

Drivers of Mazda CX-5 cars equipped with Smart City Brake Support have been reporting unexpected braking at low speeds. It appears that the system sometimes identifies obstacles incorrectly, resulting in sudden braking even when there are no objects in the way. This can obviously be very dangerous, as it can lead to rear-end collisions and other accidents. Therefore, drivers should exercise caution and be prepared for the possibility of sudden braking when driving a Mazda CX-5 with Smart City Brake Support.

If you experience either of these symptoms, it's important to take your car to a Mazda dealer for diagnosis and repair. Don't wait until it's too late - a malfunctioning Smart City Brake Support system could put you and your loved ones at risk.

Causes of Smart City Brake Support malfunction on Mazda CX-5 cars

As an owner of a Mazda CX-5, you may have recently experienced frustration due to your Smart City Brake Support system unexpectedly activating and bringing your car to a halt. You may have also experienced the Smart City Brake Support not activating when it should. While this may seem like a serious problem, there are actually a number of potential causes, many of which are relatively easy to fix.

  • Obstructed sensors

In most cases, Smart City Brake Support malfunctioning is caused by a build-up of dirt and debris on the sensors that detect obstacles in the path of the car. As mentioned above, sensors may also be blocked by snow and rain. There might also be an obstruction in front of the sensor, such as a branch or piece of trash. This can be easily remedied by removing foreign objects from the sensors and cleaning them with a soft cloth or compressed air.

In other cases, the problem may be caused by a loose wire or faulty connection. Again, this is usually a relatively easy fix that can be handled by a qualified technician.

  • The system is turned off

Another possibility is that the system may simply be turned off. This can happen if you accidentally hit the button while cleaning the car or if someone else bumps it while getting in or out.

So if your Smart City Brake Support system is giving you trouble, don't despair. There's a good chance that it's something that can be easily fixed.

How to diagnose the problem and find a solution

The first thing you should do is check whether your sensors are obstructed by debris, dirt, snow, rain, or fogged windshields.

Next, you should check the wiring harness for any loose or damaged wires. If everything looks good there, then the next step is to inspect the connections at the brake pedal and brake light switch. If either of these is loose or damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Another recommendation is to check for any software updates that might be available for your car. Mazda has released a number of updates that are designed to fix the Smart City Brake Support malfunction, so this is a good place to start. If there are no updates available, or if the problem persists after updating, you'll need to take your car to a Mazda dealer for further diagnosis.

At this point, the dealer will likely run a series of tests on your car's braking system. They may also need to replace some or all of the brake pads and/or discs. Once they've diagnosed the problem and made any necessary repairs, your Smart City Brake Support system should be back up and running like new.

Tips for maintaining your Mazda CX-5 car so that this doesn't happen again

Mazda's Smart City Brake Support is a fantastic feature that can help prevent accidents, but as any driver who has had the misfortune of experiencing a malfunctioning system can attest, it's not much help if it's not working properly. Here are a few tips to help keep your Mazda CX-5's Smart City Brake Support in tip-top shape:

  • Keep an eye on the system's status message. If you see a message telling you that the system is not functioning properly, take your car to a Mazda dealership for service as soon as possible.
  • Make sure the radar sensor is clean. The radar sensor is located near the rearview mirror, and if it becomes dirty or obstructed, it can cause the system to malfunction. You can clean the sensor with a soft cloth and Mazda-approved cleaning products.
  • Have your Mazda dealer check the system regularly. The Smart City Brake Support system should be checked during routine maintenance visits, and your dealer will have the most up-to-date information on any recalls or software updates that may be necessary.

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your Mazda CX-5's Smart City Brake Support stays in good working order and is there to help you avoid an accident when you need it most.

Tips on safe driving with Smart City Brake Support

  • Keep your distance. The sensors on Smart City Brake Support can only detect objects that are relatively close to the car, so make sure to leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. The sensors can sometimes have trouble detecting objects that are far away or in low-light conditions, so it's important to always be aware of what's going on around you.
  • Use caution in crowded areas. The sensors can also be triggered by other cars or obstacles in close proximity, so use caution when driving in crowded areas such as city streets or parking lots.

Conclusion

Smart City Brake Support is a great feature to have on your car, but like all features, it needs to be maintained in order to work properly. By following the tips in this article, you can ensure that your Mazda CX-5 stays safe and sound on the roads. Thanks for reading!

C
CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Add comment





Alan Bowdler
01-Oct-2023 (Sun, 04:56)
Hello Dmitri . Thank you for your helpful article on the SCBS Cx5. My car has developed a malfunction . SCBS Forward malfunction . You can drive the car at lower speed and revs without the fault engaging . But when you drive the car at a higher speed and revs and when decelerating the car the SCBS forward malfunction is kicking in . Do have any comments or suggestions on these symptoms . Before going to a Mazda main dealer i am going to try a local car electrical engineer . Any useful information you could provide would be a really big help and appreciated . Thank you very much . Regards Alan
Dmitry Sapko 04-Oct-2023 Wed, 09:43 Yes, the well-known problem with no proper solution yet. I would start with Mass Airflow Sensor. Also, the EGR valve may be stuck or malfunctioning. There were cases when the brake booster problems caused this warning. But without properly inspecting the vehicle and reading the codes, this is just a wild guess, so have the car inspected and tell the dealer you will ask for a full refund if their solutions don't work.
arlene
26-Aug-2023 (Sat, 06:06)
took a quick trip to store -- a message came on saying "forward smart city brake support malfunction". when i left the store and drove home just a about 3 miles the message was gone. car is a 2023 mazda miata with only 1500 miles on it.
Dmitry Sapko 31-Aug-2023 Thu, 12:24 There is not so much info about the problem yet, but I believe it's just a blocked sensor with some dust, moisture, etc. Nothing serious though.
paul
22-Aug-2023 (Tue, 07:14)
What a load of B****x. If you were to 'take your car to the dealer to have 'an expert' check it out' everytime.. youd never have any use out of it..
Alex
13-Mar-2023 (Mon, 12:26)
bull shit. Having exact this issue since 2022 (on my CX 2015 2.2D), took to the local Mazda dealer. Got a "repair" for 900eur (cleaned intact collector or smth like this), then faced the issue in the first trip again. Suggested to try replacing MAF sensor (for another 600euro). Looks like dealers are not familiar with this common kind of issue at all... And try to get an experience at customers' own expences.
Dmitry Sapko 13-Mar-2023 Mon, 14:37 Mazda dealers are known for their "diagnosing magic". Insane prices - maybe try a non-dealer repair shop next time?