Get Essential Safety Equipment Guide for Mazda Mx-5 SUV Second Generation (1998-2004)

Essential Safety Equipment

Use of safety equipment, including seats, seat belt system, SRS air bags and

child-restraint systems.

Seats ............. .................................................................................. 2-2

Seats ..................................................... ..................................... 2-2

Seat Belt Systems .......................................................................... 2-4

Seat Belt Precautions ................................................................ 2-4

3-Point Type Seat Belt .............................................................. 2-7

Seat Belt Pretensioner and Load Limiting Systems .................. 2-8

Seat Belt Extender ................................................................... 2-10

Seat Belt Warning Light .......................................................... 2-11

Seat Belt Warning Beep .......................................................... 2-12

Child Restraint ............................................................................ 2-13

Child Restraint Precautions ..................................................... 2-13

Installing a Child-Restraint System ......................................... 2-16

LATCH Child-Restraint Systems ............................................ 2-18

SRS Air Bags ............................................................................... 2-20

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions ............... 2-20

Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch .................................. 2-23

Air Bag System Description .................................... ............... 2-26

2-1

Seats

WARNING

Securing the Seats:

Adjustable seats and seatbacks that

are not securely locked are dangerous .

In a sudden stop or collision, the seat

or seatback could move, causing

injury. Make sure the adjustable

components of the seat are locked in

place by attempting to slide the seat

forward and backward and rocking

the seatback.

qSeat Slide

WARNING

Driver's Seat Adjustment:

Adjusting the driver's seat while the

vehicle is moving is dangerous. The

driver could lose control of the vehicle

and have an accident. Adjust the

driver's seat only when the vehicle is

stopped.

To move a seat forward or backward, raise

the lever and sli de the seat to the desired

position and release the lever.

Make sure the lever returns to its original

position and the seat is locked in place by

attempting to push it forward and

backward.

2-2

Essential Safety Equipment

Seats

qSeat Recline

WARNING

Reclining:

Sitting in a reclined position whi le the

vehicle is moving is dangerous

because you don't get the full

protection from seat belts. During

sudden braking or a collision, you can

slide under the lap belt and suffer

serious internal injuries. For

maximum protection, sit well back and

upright.

Unlocked Seatback:

The seatback plays an importa nt role

in your protection in a vehicle.

Leaving the seatback unlocked is

dangerous as it can allow passengers

to be ejected or thrown around and

baggage to strike occupants in a

sudden stop or collision, resulting in

severe injury. After adjusting the

seatback at any time, even when there

are no other passeng ers, rock the

seatback to make sure it is locked in

place.

To change the seatback angle, lean

forward slightly while raising the lever.

Then lean back to the desired position and

release the lever.

Make sure the lever returns to its original

position and the seatback is locked in

place by attempting to push it forward and

backward.

CAUTION

When returning a rear-reclined seatback

to its upright position, make sure you

support the seatback while operating

the seatback lever. If the seatback is not

supported, it will flip forward suddenly

and could cause injury.

Essential Safety Equipment

Seats

2-3

Seat Belt Precautions

Seat belts help to decrease the possibility of severe injury during accidents and sudden

stops. Mazda recommends that the driver and passenger always wear seat belts.

All of the seat belt retractors are designed to keep the lap/shoulder belts out of the way

when not in use.

The driver's seat belt has no provisions for child-restraint systems and has only an

emergency locking mode. The driver may wear it comfortably, and it will lock during a

collision.

However, the passenger's seat lap/shoulder belt retractors operate in two modes: emergency

locking mode, and for child-restraint systems, automatic locking mode.

WARNING

Not Wearing Seat Belts:

Not wearing a seat belt is extremely dangerous. During a collision, occupants not

wearing seat belts could hit someone or things inside the vehicle or even be thrown out

of the vehicle. They could be seriously injured or even killed. In the same collision,

occupants wearing seat belts would be much safer. Always wear your seat belt and

make sure all occupants are properly restrained.

Seat Belt Damaged During an Accident:

Using a damaged seat belt is dangerous. An accident could damage the belt webbing

of the seat belt in use. A damaged seat belt cannot provide adequate protection in a

collision. Whether a seat was occupied or not, if the air bags deployed the seat belt

pretensioners also deployed and both seat belts must be replaced. Have an Authorized

Mazda Dealer inspect all seat belt systems in use during an accident before they are

used again.

Twisted Seat Belts:

Twisted seat belts are dangerous . In a collision, the full width of the belt isn't available

to absorb the impact. This puts more force on the bones beneath the belt, which could

cause serious injury or death. Don't wear twisted seat belts.

One Belt, One Passenger:

Using one seat belt for more than one person at a time is dangerous. A seat belt used

in this way can't spread the impact forces properly and the two passengers could be

crushed together and seriously injured or even killed. Never use one belt for more

than one person at a time.

2-4

Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

CAUTION

Belt retraction may become difficult if the belts and rings are soiled, so try to keep them

clean.

Ring

qPregnant Women and Persons with Serious Medical Conditions

Pregnant women should wear seat belts. Ask your doctor for specific recommendations.

The lap belt should be worn SNUGLY AND AS LOW AS POSSIBL E OVER THE HIPS.

The shoulder belt should be worn across your shoulder properly, but never across the

stomach area.

Persons with serious medical conditions also should wear seat belts. Check with your

doctor for any special instructions regarding specific medical conditions.

qEmergency Locking Mode

If the belt has fully retracted, it will always be in the emergency locki ng mode until you

move it into autom atic locking mode by pulling the belt all the way out to its full length. In

the emergency locking mode, the belt remains comfortable on the occupant and the

retractor will lock in position during a collision.

If the belt feels tight and hinders comfortable movement while the vehicle is stopped or in

motion, you may be in the automatic locking mode because you have pulled the belt too far

out. To return to the more comfortable emergency locking mode, wait until you can stop

the vehicle in a safe level area, retract the belt fully to convert it back to emergency locking

mode and then again extend it around you.

Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

2-5

qAutomatic Locking Mode

Always use the automatic locking mode to keep the child-restraint system from shif ting to

an unsafe position in the event of an accident. To get the seat belt into the automatic

locking mode, pull it all the way out and connect it as instructed on the child-restraint

system. It will retract down to the child-restraint system and stay locked on it. See the

section on child restraint (page 2-13).

2-6

Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

3-Point Type Seat Belt

qFastening the Seat Belts

1. Grasp the buckle and tongue .

2. Slowly pull out the lap/shoulder belt.

Belt

Tongue

3. Insert the tongue into the buckle until

you hear a click.

Tongue

Buckle

WARNING

Positioning the Shoulder Portion of

the Seat Belt:

Improper positioning of the shoulder

portion of the seat belt is dangerous.

Always make sure the shoulder

portion of the seat belt is positioned

across your shoulder and near your

neck, but never und er your arm, on

your neck, or on your upper arm.

4. Make sure the shoulder belt is snugly

fitted against your body.

Too high

Take up slack

Keep low on

hip bone

WARNING

Positioning the Lap Portion of the

Seat Belt:

The lap portion of the seat belt worn

too high is dangerous. In a collision,

this would concentrate the impact

force directly on the abdominal area,

causing serious injury. Wear the lap

portion of the belt snugly and as low

as possible.

Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

2-7

qUnfastening the Seat Belts

Depress the button on the buckle.

NOTE

If a belt does not fully retract, inspect it

for kinks and twists. If it is still not

retracting properly, have it inspected at

an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

To secure the passen ger's seat belt when

not in use, insert the belt tongue into the

slot.

Seat Belt Pretensioner and

Load Limiting Systems

For optimum protection, the driver and

passenger seat belts are equipped with

pretensioner and load limiting systems.

In moderate or greater frontal or near-

frontal accidents, the air bag and

pretensioner systems deploy

simultaneously. The pretensioners take up

slack in the seat belts as the air bags are

expanding. The seat belt pretensioner

system will not activate if the seat belt is

not fastened, only you can be sure it is

worn properly. The load limiting system

releases belt webbing in a controlled

manner to reduce belt force on the

occupant's chest.

WARNING

Incorrect Positioning of the Driver

and Passenger Seat Belts:

Incorrect positioning of the driver and

passenger seat belts is dangerous.

Without proper positioning, the

pretensioner and load limiting systems

cannot provide adequate protection in

an accident and this could result in

serious injury. Wear seat belts only as

recommended in this owner's manual.

2-8

Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

WARNING

Expended Seat Belt Pretensioners:

Use of front seat belts with the

pretensioner system expended is

dangerous.

The seat belt pretensioners will only

function once. After they are

expended, they will not wor k again

and must b e replaced immediately.

If the seat belt pretensioners are not

replaced, the risk of injury in a

collision will increase.

Always have an Authorized Mazda

Dealer inspect the seat belt

pretensioners and air bags after any

collision. The seat belt pretensioners

and air bags must be replaced after

any collision, which causes them to

deploy.

Modification or Testin g of the

Pretensioner System:

Modifying the components or wiring

of the pretensioner system, including

the use of electronic testing devices is

dangerous. You could accidentally

activate it or make it inoperable which

would prevent it from activating in an

accident. The occupants or repairers

could be seriously injured. Never

modify the components or wiring, or

use electronic testing device s on the

pretensioner system.

WARNING

Pretensioner System Disposal:

Improper disposal of the pretensioner

system or a vehicle with non-

deactivated pretensioners is

dangerous. Unless all safety

procedures are followed, injury could

result. Ask an Authorized Mazda

Dealer how to safely dispose of the

pretensioner system or how to scrap a

pretensioner-equipped vehicle.

NOTE

The pretensioner system will only

activate in a moderate or greater

frontal or near-frontal collision. It

will not activate in most rollovers,

side or rear imp acts.

Some smoke (non-toxic gas) will be

released when the air bags and

pretensioners deploy. This does not

indicate a fire. This gas normally has

no effect on occupants, however,

those with sensitive skin may

experience light skin irritation. If

residue from the deployment of the

air bags or the pretensioner syst em

gets on the skin or in the eyes, wash

it off as soon as possible.

Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

2-9

qAir Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner

System Warning Light

If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system

is normal, the warning light illuminates

when the ignition switch is turned to the

ON position or after the engine is cranked.

After about 6 seconds it goes out.

A system malfunction is indicated when

the warning light constantly flashes,

illuminates or doesn't illuminate at all

when the ignition switch is turned to the

ON position. If any of these occur, consult

an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as

possible. The system may not work in an

accident.

WARNING

Self-Servicing the Air Bag/

Pretensioner Systems:

Self-servicing or tampering with the

systems is dangerous. An air bag/

pretensioner could accidentally

activate or become disabled. This

could cause serious injuries. Never

tamper with the systems and always

have an Authorized Mazda Dealer

perform all servicing and repairs.

Seat Belt Extender

If your seat belt is not long enough, even

when fully extended, a seat belt extender

may be available to you at no charge from

your Authorized Mazda Dealer.

This extender will be only for you and for

the particular vehicle and seat. Even if it

plugs into other seat belts, it may not hold

in the critical moment of a crash.

When ordering an extender, only order

one that provides the necessary additional

length to fasten the seat belt properly.

Please contact your Authorized Mazda

Dealer for more information.

WARNING

Unnecessary Use of an Extender:

Using a seat belt extender when not

necessary is dangerous. The seat belt

will be too long and not fit properly. In

an accident, the seat belt will not

provide adequate protection and you

could be seriously injured. Only use

the extender when it is required to

fasten the seat belt properly.

Using an Improper Extender:

Using a seat belt extender that is for

another person or a different vehicle

or seat is dangerous. The seat belt will

not provide adequate protection and

the user could be seriously injured in

an accident. Only use the extender

provided for you and for the particular

vehicle and seat. NEVER use the

extender in a different vehicle or seat.

2-10

Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

WARNING

Using an Extender That is Too Long:

Using an extender that is too long is

dangerous. The seat belt will not fit

properly. In an accident, the seat belt

will not provide adequate protection

and you could be seriously injured.

Don't use the extender or choose one

shorter in length if the distance

between the extender's buckle and the

center of the user's body is less than

15cm (6 in).

NOTE

When not in use, remove the seat belt

extender and store it in the vehicle. If

the seat belt extender is left connected,

the seat belt warning light will not

illuminate and function properly.

Seat Belt Warning Light

If the driver's seat belt is not fastened

when the ignition switch is turned to the

ON position, the seat belt warning light

will remain on until the belt is fastened.

If the syst em does not operate correctly,

consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.

Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

2-11

Seat Belt Warning Beep

If the driver's seat belt is not fastened

when the ignition switch is turned to the

ON position, a beep sound will be heard

for about 6 seconds.

2-12

Essential Safety Equipment

Seat Belt Systems

Child Restraint Precautions

Mazda strongly urges the use of child-restraint systems for children small enough to use

them.

You are required by law to use a child-restraint system for children in the U.S. and Canada.

Check your local and state or provincial laws for specific requirements regard ing the safety

of children riding in your vehicle.

Whatever child-restraint system you consider, please pick the appropriate one for the age

and size of the child, obey the law and follow the instructions that come with the individual

child-restraint system.

A child who has outgrown child-restraint systems should use seat belts, both lap and

shoulder. If the shoulder belt crosses the neck or face, move the child closer to the center of

the vehicle .

A rear-facing child-restraint system should NEVER be used in the front seat with the air

bag system activated.

We have installed lower LATCH anchor points for LATCH style booster seats and infant

carriers that work without tethers only. Any other child-restraint system that has an upper

tether cannot be used in this vehicle because there is no tether anchor. Do not try to connect

a tether, the seat and head restraint combination allows you maximum adult space but any

attempt to install a tether point will result in too much slack in an accident or a very skewed

child seat location and pose a serious risk of injury or death to your child. Use the seat belts

to properly secure the non-tethered child-restraint systems other than the LATCH booster

seats and non-tethered infant carriers. Turn off the passenger air bag deactivation switch.

To expose and use the lower LATCH anchor points, which are affixed to the body and not

the seat, slide the seat all the way rearward which is the optimal vehicle seat position for all

children in this two seat car.

We have provided a deactivation switch that will disable passenger air bag inflation. Do not

switch off the passenger air bag without reading the “Passenger Air Bag Deactivation

Switch” (page 2-23).

Essential Safety Equipment

Child Restraint

2-13

WARNING

Proper Size of Child-Restraint System:

For effective protection in vehicle accidents and sudden stops, a child must be

properly restrained using a seat belt or child-restraint system depending on age and

size. If not, the child could be seriously injured or even killed in an accident.

Follow the Manufacturer's Instructions and Always Keep the Child-Restraint System

Buckled Down:

An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision it

could move causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. Make sure

the child-restraint system is properly secured in place according to the child-restraint

system manufacturer's instructions. When not in use, remove it from the vehicle or

fasten it with a seat belt, or latch it down to BOTH LATCH lower anchors for LATCH

child-restraint systems.

Holding a Child While the Vehicle is Moving:

Holding a child in your arms while the vehicle is moving is extremely dangerous. No

matter how strong the person may be, he or she cannot hold onto a child in a sudden

stop or coll ision and it could result in serious injury or death to the child or other

occupants. Even in a moderate accident, the child may be exposed to air bag forces

that could result in serious injury or death to the child, or the child may be slammed

into the adult, injuring the adult. Always secure a child in a proper child-restraint

system.

Rear-Facing Child-Restrai nt System:

When a rear-facing child-restraint system is installed on the passenger's seat and the

passenger air bag deactivation switch is not in the OFF position, it is extremely

dangerous. In an accide nt, the air bag could inflate and cause serious injuries or even

death to the child in the rear-facing child-restraint system. When using a rear-facing

child-restraint system, always set the passenger air bag deactivation switch to OFF

position.

2-14

Essential Safety Equipment

Child Restraint

WARNING

One Belt, One Passenger:

Using one seat belt for more than one person at a time is dangerous. A seat belt used

in this way can't spread the impact forces properly and the two passengers could be

crushed together and seriously injured or even killed. Never use one belt for more

than one person at a time.

Child-Restraint Tether:

Using a child-restraint system that requires a tether is dangerous. Your Mazda doesn't

have a child-restraint tether. The child-restraint system cannot be properly secured. In

a collision, it could move and cause serious injury or even death to the child or

someone else. Always use a child-restraint system designed for use without a tether.

CAUTION

A seat belt or child-restraint system can become very hot in a closed vehicle during

warm weather. To avoid burning yourself or a child, check them before you or your child

touches them.

NOTE

Your Mazda is equipped with LATCH lower anchors for attachment of specially

designed LATCH child-restraint systems behind the passenger seat. When using these

anchors to secure a child-restraint system, refer to “ LATCH Child-Restraint Systems”

(page 2-18).

Essential Safety Equipment

Child Restraint

2-15

Installing a Child-

Restraint System

The passenger lap/shoulder belt can easily

be converted into the automatic locking

mode, which must be done to hold the

child-restraint system.

Some child-restraint systems also employ

specially designed LATCH attachments;

refer to “LATCH Child-Restraint

Systems” (page 2-18).

Follow these manufacturer's instructions

when installing a child-restraint system on

the passenger's seat, unless you are

attaching a LATCH-equipped child-

restraint system to the LATCH lower

anchors. Refer to “LATCH Child-

Restraint Systems” (page 2-18).

NOTE

Follow the child-restraint system

manufacturer's instructions carefully. If

you are not sure whether you have a

LATCH system, check in the child-

restraint system manufacturer's

instructions and follow them

accordingly. Depending on the type of

child-restraint system, it may not

employ seat belts which are in

automatic locking mode, however if it

uses an upper tether, it cannot be

mounted properly in this vehicle as

there is no safe way to anchor the tether.

Before installing a rear-facing child-

restraint system, the passenger air bag

must be deactivated (page 2-23).

NOTE

Before installing a child-restraint

system, refer to “Passenger Air Bag

Deactivation Switch” (page 2-23).

1. Make sure to remove articles from

behind the passenger seat that would

prevent the seat from sliding back fully,

and then slide the seat as far back as

possible.

2. Secure the child-restraint system with

the lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt.

See the instructions on the child-

restraint system for belt routing

instructions.

3. To get the retractor into the automatic

locking mode, pull the shoul der belt

portion of the seat belt until the entire

length of the belt is out of the retractor.

4. Push the child-restraint system firmly

into the vehicle seat. Be sure the belt

retracts as snugly as possible. Clicking

from the retractor will be heard during

retraction if the system is in automatic

locking mode. If the belt does not lock

the seat down tight, repeat this step.

2-16

Essential Safety Equipment

Child Restraint

NOTE

Inspect this function before each use

of the child-restraint system. You

should not be able to pull the

shoulder belt out of the retractor

while the system is in the automatic

locking mode. When you remove the

child-restraint system, be sure the

belt fully retracts to return the system

to emergency locking mode before

occupants use the seat belts.

Follow the child-restraint system

manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Depending on the type of child-

restraint system, it may not employ

seat belts which are in automatic

locking mode, however if it uses an

upper tether, it cannot be mounted

properly in this vehicle as there is no

safe way to anchor the tether.

Essential Safety Equipment

Child Restraint

2-17

LATCH Child-Restraint Systems

Your Mazda is equipped with LATCH lower anchors for attachment of specially designed

LATCH child-restraint systems behind the passenger seat. Only LATCH booster seats and

infant carriers without upper tethers can be used in this position, as there is no good place

to anchor the teth er due to this vehicle's design. Both anchors must be used when installing

these lower anchor only child-restraint systems, otherwise the seat will bounce around and

put the child in danger.

WARNING

Manufacturer's Instructions for Child-Restraint System:

An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision it

could move causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. Make sure

the child-restraint system does not rely on an upper tether and then properly secure

those non-tethered seats according to the child-restraint system manufacturer's

instructions.

Unsecured Child-Restraint System:

An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision it

could move causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. Follow the

child-restraint system manufacturer's instructions on belt routin g to secure the seat

just as you would with a child in it so that nobody is tempted to put a child in an

improperly secured seat later on. When not in use, remove it from the vehicle or fasten

it with a seat belt, or latch it down to BOTH LATCH lower anchors for LATCH child-

restraint systems.

LATCH Child-Restraint Systems:

Not following the child-restraint system manufacturer's instructions when installing

the child-restraint system is dangerous. If seat belts or a foreign object prevent the

child-restraint system from being securely attached to the LATCH lower anchors and

the child-restraint system is installed improperly, the child-restraint system could move

in a sudden stop or collision causing serious injury or death to the ch ild or other

occupants. When installing the child-restraint system, make sure there are no seat

belts or foreign objects near or around the LATCH lower anchors. Always follow the

child-restraint system manufacturer's instructions.

2-18

Essential Safety Equipment

Child Restraint

qLATCH Child-Restraint System

Installation Procedure

Before installing a rear-facing child-

restraint system, the passenger air bag

must be deactivated (page 2-23).

NOTE

Before installing a child-restraint

system, refer to “Passenger Air Bag

Deactivation Switch” (page 2-23).

1. Make sure to remove articles from

behind the passenger seat that would

prevent the seat from sliding back fully,

and then slide the seat as far back as

possible to insert the LATCH lower

anchors between the seat bottom and

the seatback.

2. Expand the area between the seat

bottom and the seatback slightly to

verify the locations of the LATCH

lower anchors.

NOTE

The markings above the LATCH lower

anchors indicate the locations of the

LATCH lower anchors for the

attachment of a child-restraint system.

3. Secure the child-restraint system using

BOTH LATCH lower anchors,

following the child-restraint system

manufacturer's instruction, however if

it uses an upper tether, it cannot be

mounted properly in this vehicle as

there is no safe way to anchor the

tether.

Essential Safety Equipment

Child Restraint

2-19

Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions

The supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include up to 2 air bags (verify “SRS AIRBAG”

location indicator marks).

They are located in:

The steering wheel hub (driver air bag)

The passenger dashboard (front passenger air bag)

The air bag supplemental restraint systems are designed to provide supplemental protection

only in the front seats in certain situations, so seat belts are always important in the

following ways:

Without seat belt usage, the air bags cannot provide adequate protection during an accident.

Seat belt usage is necessary to:

Keep the occupant from being thrown into an inflating air bag.

Reduce the possibility of injuries during an accident that is not designed for air bag

inflation, such as roll-over or rear impact.

Reduce the possibility of injuries in frontal collisions that are not severe enough to

activate the air bags.

Reduce the possibility of being thrown from your vehicle.

Reduce the possibility of injuries to lower body and legs during an accident because the

air bags provide no protection to these parts of the body.

Hold the driver in a position which allows better control of the vehicle.

Children should be protected by a child-restraint system. Laws vary on the size a child

must be to use a child-restraint system (page 2-13).

We have provided a deactivation switch that will disable passenger air bag inflation. Do not

switch off the passenger air bag without reading the “Passenger Air Bag Deactivation

Switch” (page 2-23).

Carefully consider which child-restraint system is necessary for your child and follow the

installation directions in this Owner's Manual as well as the child-restraint system

manufacturer's instructions.

Please be aware that there is no good way to anchor an upper tether, so do not pick a child

restraint system that uses upper tethers at all.

2-20

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

WARNING

Air Bags without Seat Belts:

Depending only on the air bags for protection during an accident is dangerous. Alone,

air bags may not prevent serious injuries. The appropriate air bags can be expected to

inflate only in collisions with frontal or near frontal forces that are at least moderate.

Vehicle occupants should always wear seat belt s.

Rear-Facing Child-Restrai nt System:

When a rear-facing child-restraint system is installed on the passenger's seat and the

passenger air bag deactivation switch is not in the OFF position, it is extremely

dangerous. In an accide nt, the air bag could inflate and cause serious injuries or even

death to the child in the rear-facing child-restraint system. When using a rear-facing

child-restraint system, always set the passenger air bag deactivation switch to OFF

position.

Seating Position with Air Bags:

Sitting too close to the air bag modules or placing hands or feet on them is extremely

dangerous. Air bags inflate with great force and speed. Serious injuries could occur if

someone is too close. The driver should always hold onto only the rim of the steering

wheel. The passenger should keep both feet on the floor. Seat occupants should adjust

their seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the seatbacks with

seat belts worn properly.

Air Bag Modules located in the steering wheel hub and the dashboard:

Attaching an object to the air bag modules or placing something in front of them is

dangerous. In an accide nt, the object could interfere with air bag inflation and injure

the occupants.

Always keep the air bag modules free of objects.

Hot Air Bag Inflators:

Hot air bag inflators are dangerous . Immediately after inflation, the infl ators in the

steering wheel or the dashboard are very hot. You could get burned. Don't touch the

internal components of the air bag modules after the bags have inflated.

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

2-21

WARNING

Installation of Front-End Equipment:

Installation of front-end equipment, such as frontal protection bar (kangaroo bar, bull

bar, push bar, etc.), snowplow, or winches, is dangerous. The air bag crash sensor

system could be affected. This could cause air bags to inflate unexpectedly, or it could

prevent the air bags from inflating during an accident. Occupants could be seriously

injured. Never install any front-end equipment to your vehicle.

Suspension Adjustment:

Adjusting the vehicle suspension is dangerous. If the vehicle's height or the

suspension is changed, the vehicle will be unable to accurately detect a collision

resulting in incorrect or unexpected air bag deploy ment and the possibility of serious

injuries.

Modification of the Supplemental Restraint System:

Modifying the components or wiring of the supplemental restraint system is

dangerous. You could accidentally activate it or make it inoperable. Don't make any

modifications to the supplemental restraint system. This includes installing trim,

badges, or anything else over the air bag modules. It also includes installing extra

electrical equipment on or near system components or wiring.

NOTE

When an air bag deploys, a loud inflation noise can be heard and some smoke will be

released. Neither is likely to cause injury, however, the texture of the air bags may

cause light skin injuries on body parts not covered with clothing through friction.

Should you sell your Mazda, we urge you to tell the new owner of its air bag systems

and that familiarization with all instructions about them, from the Owner's Manual, is

important.

2-22

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

Passenger Air Bag

Deactivation Switch

WARNING

Unnecessary Deactivation of

Passenger Air Bag:

Unnecessary deactivation of the

passenger air bag is dangerous . If

turned off unnecessar ily, the

passenger will not receive the added

protection of the air bag. Serious

injuries or even death could occur.

With the exception of passengers

fitting the categories described below,

do not turn the air bag deactivation

switch to the OFF position.

Your vehicle is equipped with a passenger

air bag deactivation switch. The switch is

located in the center console. The switch

must be used to deactivate the passenger

air bag and the passenger seat belt

pretensioner system when the occupant of

the passenger seat fits into one of the

following categories (as described in the

request form for the air bag on-off switch,

the appendix B to part 595 of National

Highway Traffic Safety Administration

[NHTSA]):

Infants (less than one year old; for all

types of restraint, but particularly the

rear-facing child restraint.)

Children aged 1 to 12

People with certain medical conditions

which, according to his/her physician,

could be adversely affected by air-bag

activation

For more government release information

on air bag deactivation, contact your

Authorized Mazda Dealer for the

occupant categories as described in the

request form for the air bag deactivation

switch in the NHTSA rules.

The air bag deactivation switch turns off

the passenger air bag. Make sure the

passenger air bag deactivation switch is in

the ON position except when a passenger

fitting the previous categories occupies

the front passenger seat.

Air bag deactivation switch

Deactivation indicatoir

Passenger

Air Bag

Deactivation

Switch

Passenger

Air Bag

Operation

Air Bag

Deactivation

Indicator

Light

OFF position

Deactivate ON

ON position

Ready OFF

When the ignition switch is turned to the

ON position, the passenger air bag

deactivation indicator light comes on for

about 6 seconds.

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

2-23

If the passen ger air bag deactivation

switch is in the OFF position, the

indicator light remains on to warn that the

passenger air bag has been deacti vated.

NOTE

Have the passenger air bag deactivation

switch inspected by an Authorized

Mazda Dealer if any of these conditions

occur:

The indicator doesn't come on when

the ignition switch is turned to the

ON position.

The indicator doesn't remain on

when the ignition switch is in the ON

position and the passenger air bag

deactivation switch is in the OFF

position.

The indicator remains on when the

ignition switch is in the ON position

and the passenger air bag

deactivation switch is in the ON

position.

qTo Deactivate The Passenger Air

Bag

WARNING

Leaving the Key in the Passenger Air

Bag Deactivation Switch:

Unintentional deactivation of the

passenger air bag is dangerous . In an

accident, the passenger will not be

properly protected. Serious injuries or

even death could occur. To avoid

unintentional deactivation, always use

the same key to operate the passenger

air bag deactivation switch and the

ignition switch, that way you won't

leave the key in the passenger air bag

deactivation switch.

1. Insert the key into the switch.

2. Turn the key clockwise until the key

points to OFF.

3. Remove the key.

4. Make sure the air bag deactivation

indicator light remains on when the

ignition is in the ON position.

The passenger air bag will remain

deactivated until the passenger air bag

deactivation switch is turned to the ON

position.

qTo Ready The Passenger Air Bag

1. Insert the key into the switch.

2. Turn the key counterclockwise until the

key points to ON.

3. Remove the key.

2-24

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

4. Make sure the air bag deactivation

indicator light goes off after 6 seconds

when the ignition switch is turned to

the ON position.

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

2-25

Air Bag System Description

The supplemental restraint systems (SRS) have two basic subsystems:

The air bag system with inflators and air bags.

The electrical system with crash sensors and diagnostic module.

The air bags are mounted in the following locations: the center of the steering wheel, the

passenger-side of the dashboard. They are out of sight until activated.

The passenger air bag has a deactivation switch located on the center console (page 2-23).

Crash sensors and diagnostic

module (SAS unit)

Inflators and air bags

Crash sensor

qHow the Air Bags Work

When air bag crash sensors detect a frontal impact of greater than moderate force, an

electrical current is sent to the inflators.

Gases are produced to inflate the air bags and after the inflation, the air bags quickly

deflate.

The air bags will function only once. After that, the air bags will not work again and

must be replaced.

Only an Authorized Mazda Dealer can replace the system components.

2-26

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

qAir Bag Activation/Deactivation

Air bag activation

A greater than moderate impact will cause

the air bags to inflate in the following

cases:

Hitting a solid wall straight on at

greater than about 22 km/h (14 mph).

Hitting a curb, pavement edge or hard

object.

Landing hard or the vehicle falling.

Frontal impact within about a 30

degree range from head-on to the

vehicle.

Driving into a big hole or hitting the far

side of a hole.

Limitations to air bag activation

Depending on the severity of impact, the

air bags may not inflate in the following

cases:

Impacts involving trees or poles cause

severe cosmetic damage but may not

have enough impact to activate the air

bag.

Frontal offset impact to the vehicle

may not provide the stopping force

necessary for air bag deployment.

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

2-27

Rear-ending or running under a truck's

tail gate may not provide the stopping

force necessary for air bag deployment.

Non-activation of air bags

Air bags will no t normally inflate in the

following cases:

Collision from the rear.

Impact to the side.

Vehicle roll-over.

qConstant Monitoring

The following components of the air bag

systems are monitored by a diagnostic

system:

SAS unit

Crash sensor

Air bag modules

Seat belt pretensioners

Related wiring

Passenger air bag deactivation switch

A diagnostic module continuously

monitors the systems' readiness. This

begins when the ignition switch is turned

to the ON position and continues while

the vehicle is being driven.

qAir Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner

System Warning Light

If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system

is normal, the warning light illuminates

when the ignition switch is turned to the

ON position or after the engine is cranked.

After about 6 seconds it goes out.

2-28

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

A system malfunction is indicated when

the warning light constantly flashes,

illuminates or doesn't illuminate at all

when the ignition switch is turned to the

ON position. If any of these occur, consult

an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as

possible. The system may not work in an

accident.

WARNING

Self-Servicing the Air Bag/

Pretensioner Systems:

Self-servicing or tampering with the

systems is dangerous. An air bag/

pretensioner could accidentally

activate or become disabled. This

could cause serious injuries. Never

tamper with the systems and always

have an Authorized Mazda Dealer

perform all servicing and repairs.

qMaintenance

The air bag systems do not require regular

maintenance. But if any of the following

occurs, take your vehicle to an Authorized

Mazda Dealer as soon as possible:

The air bag system warning ligh t

flashes.

The air bag system warning ligh t

remains illuminated.

The air bag system warning ligh t

remains off when the ignition switch is

turned to the ON position.

The air bags inflate.

WARNING

Damaged Air Bag Sensors:

Driving with damaged air bag sensors

is dangerous. A collision, even one not

strong enough to inflate the air bags,

could damage the sensors. If there was

a subsequent collision, a damaged

sensor would not inflate the air bags.

Always have an Authorized Mazda

Dealer inspect the air bag systems

after a collision.

Removing Interior Parts:

Removing any components such as the

front dashboard, the steering wheel or

parts containing air bag parts or

sensors is dangerous. These parts

contain essential air bag parts. The air

bag could accidentally activate and

cause serious injuries. Always have an

Authorized Mazda Dealer remove

these parts.

Air Bag Disposal:

Improper disposal of an air bag or a

vehicle with live air bags in it can be

extremely dangerous. Unless all safety

procedures are followed, injury can

result. Ask an Authorized Mazda

Dealer how to safely dispose of an air

bag or how to scrap an air bag

equipped vehicle.

Essential Safety Equipment

SRS Air Bags

2-29

2-30

Essential Safety Equipment for Your Mazda Mx-5 SUV Second Generation (1998-2004)

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