Mazda 2 Quiz
Driving

Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System

In this manual: Driving
Driving — 65Operation and maintenance — 45IN AN EMERGENCY — 45Interior comfort — 40Technical data — 4Customer Information — 9Getting to know your Mazda — 32Standard Safety Equipment — 24Your Vehicle - At a Glance — 12Fuel Requirements (SKYACTIV-G 1.3, SKYACTIV-G 1.5) — 1Fuel Requirements (SKYACTIV-D 1.5) — 1Emission Control System (SKYACTIV-G 1.3, SKYACTIV-G 1.5) — 1Emission Control System (SKYACTIV-D 1.5) — 1Engine Exhaust Emissions (Carbon Monoxide) — 1Replacing Exterior Light Bulbs — 1Replacing interior bulbs — 1
~2min read

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system assists the driver in checking the areas on both sides of the rear of the vehicle when reversing, and warns the driver of approaching vehicles from behind.

The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system detects vehicles approaching from the left and right sides of your vehicle when backing out of a parking space, and notifies the driver of a possible hazard using the BSM warning lights and BSM warning sound.

System monitorującego ruch poprzeczny przy cofaniu (RCTA)

Operation of the Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) System

1. The RCTA system starts operating when the shift lever (manual transmission) or selector lever (automatic transmission) is placed in the reverse (R) position.

2. If there is a risk of collision with an approaching vehicle, the BSM warning light flashes and the BSM warning sound is emitted at the same time.

Działanie systemu monitorującego ruch poprzeczny przy cofaniu (RCTA)

WARNING

Always visually check your surroundings before shifting the vehicle into reverse. This system is only intended to assist you in checking for vehicles approaching from behind while reversing. Due to certain limitations of this system, the BSM warning light may not flash or may flash late, even if another vehicle is passing behind your vehicle. As the driver, you must always check the surroundings of the vehicle yourself.

CAUTION

Under the following circumstances, the BSM OFF indicator light illuminates and system operation is stopped. If the BSM OFF indicator light stays on, have the vehicle inspected.

We recommend an authorized Mazda dealer.

  • A problem has occurred with the system or the BSM warning lights.

  • The installation position of the rear radar sensor has shifted significantly.

  • A large amount of snow or ice has built up near the (rear) radar sensor.

  • Driving for an extended period on snow-covered roads.

  • The temperature near the radar sensors has become excessively high due to driving uphill for an extended period in summer.

  • The battery voltage has dropped.

Under the following circumstances, the rear radar sensors may not be able to detect objects, or detection may be impaired.

  • The vehicle speed when reversing is about 10 km/h or more.

  • The area monitored by the (rear) radar sensor is blocked by a nearby wall or a parked vehicle. Reverse the vehicle to a location where the area monitored by the radar sensor is no longer blocked.


  • A vehicle is approaching directly in the rear path of your vehicle.


  • The vehicle is parked at an angle.


  • Immediately after the BSM switch is pressed and the system starts operating.

Under the following circumstances, it may be difficult to notice the illuminated/flashing BSM warning lights in the outside rear view mirrors.

  • Snow or ice is adhering to the surface of the mirrors.

  • The front door window is fogged up or covered with snow, frost or dirt.

Turn off the RCTA system when towing a trailer or when a bicycle rack or other accessory is installed on the rear of the vehicle.

Otherwise, the radio waves emitted from the radar sensor will be blocked, causing the system to malfunction.

Test yourself

A quick Mazda 2 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.