Car Owners Hub UK - Built by Drivers, for Drivers

2026 CX-90 S Turbo Premium Sport featuring 4,000 miles. At first, I experienced several of the identical "symptoms" noted by other owners: the steering wheel oscillating twice, failing to recognise me and reverting to Guest settings, and syncing my passenger wife's mobile device instead of mine as the driver. Predominantly bothersome matters. I have discovered that the most effective method, after configuring Driver Personalisation while I am wearing sunglasses (which I consistently do during daylight), is to enter the vehicle, sit down with the seat in the easy entry retracted position and the steering wheel elevated, and FIRST - ALWAYS FIRST - fasten my seat belt. I scarcely examine the Connect display or rearview mirror except for a brief glance. It identifies me instantly, the seat moves forward to my preferred setting, and the steering wheel descends. While this transpires, I attempt to start the vehicle, and my mobile device synchronises; by the moment I glance at the Connect interface, my Spotify music is already playing. I have discovered that the essential element is the seat belt. When I start the vehicle prior to fastening the seat belt, the functionalities do not consistently operate as desired - Guest mode is frequently engaged. Attempt this sequence of operations independently and verify if I am being disingenuous. I removed my wife's mobile device as she seldom drives, thus I cannot assert that this sequence of actions resolves the synchronisation issue. Typically, it occurs as she reaches the vehicle and enters prior to my arrival. I have discovered this to be true with nearly every feature or design that I found perplexing: MAZDA prioritises safety and integrates it into every facet of this vehicle. Initially, fasten your seatbelt. Remarkable occurrences subsequently transpire…give it a try! I refrain from engaging the car's gearbox until the engine's revolutions per minute decrease from approximately 1600 rpm during a cold start to a stable range of 800-900 rpm.

My initiation procedure: enter cockpit > position phone on charger > fasten seatbelt > activate ignition > (optional) deactivate lights > reset tripmeter B > disable iStop > disengage iActive > allow RPMs to stabilise > (optional) activate A/C > shift into gear > proceed.

Indeed, I neglected to mention that I deactivate iStop right after igniting the engine.

I would assert that fastening the seat belt initially does not influence Driver Personalization's ability to identify me. I occasionally fasten my seatbelt before pressing the start button (merely to prevent chimes) following or during seat adjustments, with immediate recognition (1 to 3 seconds) upon door closure.

I believe the key aspect is that it allows the recognition system sufficient TIME to identify you prior to pressing the start button. I can assure you it is effective, thus the "why" is irrelevant...at least to my perspective. In my experience, initiating the car prior to fastening my seat belt typically results in it defaulting to GUEST mode.

Pressing the start button prior to the completion of recognition will invariably default to Guest mode.

Refer to Items (X) and "Common Use Cases" (#1) in the previously referenced PDF TSB.

Excellent advice, as I have frequently been vexed by the lack of "acknowledgement. Thus far, the seat belt has proven effective, and the principle of prioritising safety reflects an optimistic mindset.

I am intrigued as to why the majority of us allow RPMs to stabilise (I possess sufficient incline on my driveway to glide downhill in neutral while RPMs stabilise.) In a similar vein, I allow the engine to idle for approximately a minute prior to shutting it down after operating a hot hard drive; this practice stems from my experience with an 80's Saab 900 turbo, as it helps to cool the engine before powering off.

The user manual still advises a cool down period for the turbo. I believe it was approximately 30 seconds, which can typically be managed during regular driving within your community (contingent upon your fondness for your neighbor's offspring).

Regarding the vehicle's readiness for operation, Mazda has restricted the timing for engaging the gearbox. It is stated that when the "Ready" indicator ceases to blink in the lower left corner of the instrument panel, the vehicle is prepared for operation. This occurs merely a few seconds following a cold startup, after which you can transition out of Park. I have consistently adhered to the principle of driving promptly, yet I advocate for a gradual pace during the initial moments. The rationale is that cold oil results in suboptimal idle oil pressure, and increasing RPMs aids in elevating the oil pressure. Idling to warm up the engine, also known as puffing, is detrimental to the environment and prohibited in certain areas, as it prolongs the time required for the engine to reach optimal operating temperature. Remaining stationary for a minute until the engine revs decrease is insufficient for anyone to perceive it from a legal perspective, yet it does not alter the oil pressure condition.