2005-2015 Mazda Mx-5 SUV Essential Safety Equipment User Manual
MyCarUserManual.com
USER MANUALS FOR EVERY MAKE & MODEL

Essential Safety Equipment for Your Mazda Mx-5 SUV Third Generation (2005-2015)

Essential Safety Equipment  
2
Use of safety equipment, including seats, seat belt system, child-restraint  
systems and SRS air bags.  
Seats ............................................................................................... 2-2  
Seats .......................................................................................... 2-2  
Non-Adjustable Head Restraints ............................................... 2-4  
Seat Warmerí ........................................................................... 2-5  
Seat Belt Systems .......................................................................... 2-7  
Seat Belt Precautions ................................................................ 2-7  
Seat Belt .................................................................................. 2-11  
Seat Belt Pretensioner and Load Limiting Systems ................ 2-13  
Seat Belt Extender ................................................................... 2-15  
Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep ................................................ 2-16  
Child Restraint ............................................................................ 2-18  
Child Restraint Precautions ..................................................... 2-18  
Installing a Child-Restraint System ......................................... 2-23  
LATCH Child-Restraint System ............................................. 2-26  
SRS Air Bags ............................................................................... 2-29  
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Precautions ................ 2-29  
Supplemental Restraint System Components ......................... 2-33  
How the SRS Air Bags Work .................................................. 2-34  
SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria .......................................... 2-37  
Limitations to SRS Air Bag .................................................... 2-38  
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch .................................. 2-40  
Driver and Passenger Occupant Classification System ........... 2-44  
Monitoring and Maintenance .................................................. 2-49  
íSome models.  
2-1  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Adjust the driver's seat only when the  
vehicle is stopped:  
Seats  
Adjusting the driver's seat while the  
vehicle is moving is dangerous. The  
driver could lose control of the vehicle  
and have an accident.  
WARNING  
Do not modify or replace the front  
seats:  
Modifying or replacing the front seats  
such as replacing the upholstery or  
loosening any bolts is dangerous. The  
front seats contain air bag  
components essential to the  
supplemental restraint system. Such  
modifications could damage the  
supplemental restraint system and  
result in serious injury. Consult an  
Authorized Mazda Dealer if there is  
any need to remove or reinstall the  
front seats.  
CAUTION  
Be careful not to place your hands  
and fingers around moving parts of  
the front seat when adjusting the  
seat positions to prevent injury.  
qSeat Slide  
To move a seat forward or backward, raise  
the lever and slide the seat to the desired  
position and release the lever.  
Do not drive with damaged front seats:  
Driving with damaged front seats is  
dangerous. A collision, even one not  
strong enough to inflate the air bags,  
could damage the front seats which  
contain essential air bag  
components. If there was a  
subsequent collision, an air bag may  
not deploy which could lead to  
injuries. Always have an Authorized  
Mazda Dealer inspect the front seats,  
front seat belt pretensioners and air  
bags after a collision.  
Make sure the lever returns to its original  
position and the seat is locked in place by  
attempting to push it forward and  
backward.  
Make sure the adjustable components  
of a seat are locked in place:  
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.  
2-2  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Do not drive with the seatback  
unlocked:  
All of the seatbacks play an  
qSeat Recline  
WARNING  
Do not drive with either front seat  
reclined:  
important 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  
Sitting in a reclined position while the  
vehicle is moving is dangerous  
because you do not 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.  
occupants in a sudden stop or  
collision, resulting in severe injury.  
After adjusting the seatback at any  
time, even when there are no other  
passengers, 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.  
Always sit in the passenger seat  
properly with the seatback upright and  
feet on the floor:  
Your passenger seat has weight  
sensors, sitting in the passenger seat  
improperly out of position or with the  
seatback reclined too far while the  
vehicle is moving is dangerous as it  
can take off weight from the seat  
bottom and affect the weight  
determination of the passenger  
sensing system. As a result the  
passenger will not have the  
supplementary protection of the air  
bag and seat belt pretensioner, which  
could result in serious injury. Always  
sit upright against the seatback with  
your feet on the floor.  
Make sure the lever returns to its original  
position and the seatback is locked in  
place by attempting to push it forward and  
backward.  
2-3  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Non-Adjustable Head  
Restraints  
CAUTION  
When returning a rear-reclined  
seatback to its upright position,  
make sure you hold onto the  
seatback with your other hand while  
operating the lever. If the seatback is  
not supported, it will flip forward  
suddenly and could cause injury.  
Your vehicle is equipped with non-  
adjustable head restraints on the driver's  
and front passenger's seatbacks. The non-  
adjustable head restraints consist of a  
trimmed foam covering over the upper  
structure of the seatbacks and are intended  
to help protect you and the front  
passenger from neck injury. Adjust the  
seatbacks to their upright, on-road  
positions so that the head restraint is  
positioned as close as possible to the back  
of your head.  
q
Height Adjustment (Driver's Seat)í  
To adjust the seat height, move the lever  
up or down.  
Up  
WARNING  
Make sure the seatbacks are properly  
adjusted to their upright, on-road  
positions before the vehicle is driven:  
Driving with the seatbacks not  
adjusted properly is dangerous. With  
no support behind your head, your  
neck could be seriously injured in a  
collision.  
Down  
2-4  
íSome models.  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Seat Warmerí  
WARNING  
Ø Be careful when using the seat  
warmer. The heat from the seat  
warmer may be too hot for some  
people, as indicated below, and  
could cause a low-temperature  
burn.  
The driver and passenger seats can be  
warmed by rotating the applicable seat  
warmer dial while the ignition is switched  
ON.  
The seat temperature increases as the  
number on the dial increases. When the  
seat warmers are not in use, rotate the seat  
warmer dials to 0.  
Ø
Infants, small babies, elderly  
people, and physically  
challenged people  
People with delicate skin  
People who are excessively  
fatigued  
People who are drunk  
People who have taken sleep-  
inducing medicine such as  
sleeping pills or cold medicine  
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø Do not use the seat warmer with  
anything having high moisture-  
retention ability such as a blanket  
or cushion on the seat. The seat  
may be heated excessively and  
cause a low-temperature burn.  
Ø Do not use the seat warmer even  
when taking a short nap in the  
vehicle. The seat may be heated  
excessively and cause a low-  
temperature burn.  
Ø Do not place heavy objects with  
sharp projections on the seat, or  
insert needles or pins into it. This  
could cause the seat to become  
excessively heated and result in  
injury from a minor burn.  
CAUTION  
Do not use organic solvents to clean  
the seat. It may damage the seat  
surface and the heater.  
íSome models.  
2-5  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
NOTE  
Use the seat warmer when the engine is  
running, and do not continue to use it for a  
long period of time.  
2-6  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
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.  
Your vehicle is equipped with LATCH lower anchors for securing the LATCH child-  
restraint system in the passenger seat but there is no child-restraint tether available. As  
there is no rear seat on this vehicle, the preferred location for children, following the  
manufacturer's instructions on the LATCH child restraint-system and this owner's manual is  
important (page 2-26).  
2-7  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
WARNING  
Always wear your seat belt and make sure all occupants are properly restrained:  
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.  
Do not wear twisted seat belts:  
Twisted seat belts are dangerous. In a collision, the full width of the belt is not  
available to absorb the impact. This puts more force on the bones beneath the belt,  
which could cause serious injury or death.  
Never use one seat belt on more than one person at a time:  
Using one seat belt for more than one person at a time is dangerous. A seat belt  
used in this way cannot 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 and always operate the vehicle with each occupant  
properly restrained.  
Do not operate a vehicle with a damaged seat belt:  
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. Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect all seat belt  
systems in use during an accident before they are used again.  
Have your seat belts changed immediately if the pretensioner or load limiter has  
been expended:  
If the air bags deploy the corresponding pretensioner(s) may also deploy at the same  
time. Like the air bags, the seat belt pretensioners will only function once. While it is  
safer to use a crash-used seat belt that was used in an accident than no seat belt at  
all, using a seat belt with an expended pretensioner or load limiter loaded reduces  
the safety available to you. If the seat belt pretensioners are not replaced, the risk of  
injury in a collision will increase. Expended seat belt pretensioners and air bags must  
be replaced after any collision which caused them to deploy. Additionally, the load  
limiter will only limit loads on the chest once in a collision and this is another reason  
to have the seat belts inspected. Always have an Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect  
the seat belt pretensioners and air bags after any collision.  
2-8  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
CAUTION  
Belt retraction may become difficult if the belts and seat belt guides are soiled, so try  
to keep them clean. For more details about cleaning the seat belts, refer to “Cleaning  
the Lap/Shoulder Belt Webbing” (page 8-55).  
Seat belt guide  
qPregnant Women and Persons with Serious Medical Conditions  
Pregnant women should always wear seat belts. Ask your doctor for specific  
recommendations.  
The lap belt should be worn SNUGLYAND AS LOWAS POSSIBLE 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  
In the emergency locking mode, the belt remains comfortable on the occupant and the  
retractor will lock in position during a collision. When the seat belt is fastened, it will  
always be in the emergency locking mode until it is switched to automatic locking mode by  
pulling it all the way out to its full length. If the belt feels tight and hinders comfortable  
movement while the vehicle is stopped or in motion, it may be in the automatic locking  
mode because the belt has been pulled too far out. To return the belt to the more  
comfortable emergency locking mode, wait until the vehicle has stopped in a safe, level  
area, retract the belt fully to convert it back to emergency locking mode and then extend it  
around you again.  
If the belt is locked and cannot be pulled out, retract the belt once, and then try pulling it  
out slowly. If this fails, pull the belt strongly one time and loosen, then pull it out again  
slowly.  
2-9  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
qAutomatic Locking Mode  
To enable seat belt 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. If the LATCH lower anchors are not used alone for LATCH style  
junior seats and infant carriers without tethers, always use the automatic locking mode to  
keep the child-restraint system from shifting to an unsafe position in the event of an  
accident. See the section on child restraint (page 2-18).  
2-10  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
3. Insert the seat belt tongue into the seat  
belt buckle until you hear a click  
sound.  
Seat Belt  
WARNING  
Always wear the seat belt with it  
correctly routed in its guide:  
Seat belt tongue  
Wearing a seat belt without the seat  
belt routed in its guide is dangerous  
because the seat belt would not be  
able to provide adequate protection  
in an accident, which could result in  
serious injury.  
Seat belt guide  
Seat belt 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 under your arm, on  
your neck, or on your upper arm.  
qFastening the Seat Belt  
1. Grasp the seat belt tongue.  
4. Position the lap belt as low as possible,  
not on the abdominal area, then adjust  
the shoulder belt so that it fits snugly  
against your body.  
2. Slowly pull out the lap/shoulder belt.  
Lap/shoulder belt  
Seat belt tongue  
Keep low on  
hip bone  
Take up slack  
Too high  
2-11  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
qSeat Belt Caution Label  
WARNING  
A caution label has been placed inside the  
sleeve of the lap portion of the driver's  
seat belt. When an accident occurs while  
the seat belt is in use, the resulting stress  
on the seat belt will cause an indicator  
with the words “REPLACE BELT”  
visible on it to be pulled out of the sleeve  
below the caution label. This indicates  
that THE SEAT BELT MUST BE  
REPLACED.  
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.  
Also note that if at any time the seat belt  
has undergone stress because of an  
accident or other reason, damage to the  
seat belt's webbing, metal fittings, or  
anchor bolt may have occurred, even  
though nothing appears to be wrong with  
the seat belt. For this reason we  
qUnfastening the Seat Belt  
Depress the button on the seat belt buckle.  
If the belt does not fully retract, pull it out  
and check for kinks or twists. Then make  
sure it remains untwisted as it retracts.  
recommend that the seat belt be replaced  
after it has undergone stress, whether or  
not the indicator has been pulled out.  
Caution  
label  
Button  
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.  
2-12  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Seat Belt Pretensioner and  
Load Limiting Systems  
WARNING  
Wear seat belts only as recommended  
in this owner's manual:  
For optimum protection, the driver and  
passenger seat belts are equipped with  
pretensioner and load limiting systems.  
For both these systems to work properly  
you must wear the seat belt properly.  
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. For  
more details about wearing seat  
belts, refer to “Fastening the seat  
belts” (page 2-11).  
Pretensioners:  
In moderate or severe frontal or near-  
frontal accidents, the air bag and  
pretensioner systems deploy  
simultaneously. The seat belt retractors  
remove slack quickly as the air bags are  
expanding. Any time the air bags and  
front seat belt pretensioners have fired  
they must be replaced.  
Have your seat belts changed  
immediately if the pretensioner or load  
limiter has been expended:  
If the air bags deploy the  
In addition, the pretensioner system for  
the passenger, like the passenger air bag,  
is designed to only deploy in accordance  
with the total seated weight on the  
passenger seat (page 2-44) or when the  
passenger air bag deactivation switch  
turned to the ON position (page 2-40).  
corresponding pretensioner(s) may  
also deploy at the same time. Like  
the air bags, the seat belt  
pretensioners will only function once.  
While it is safer to use a crash-used  
seat belt that was used in an  
accident than no seat belt at all,  
using a seat belt with an expended  
pretensioner or load limiter loaded  
reduces the safety available to you. If  
the seat belt pretensioners are not  
replaced, the risk of injury in a  
collision will increase. Expended seat  
belt pretensioners and air bags must  
be replaced after any collision which  
caused them to deploy. Additionally,  
the load limiter will only limit loads  
on the chest once in a collision and  
this is another reason to have the  
seat belts inspected. Always have an  
Authorized Mazda Dealer inspect the  
seat belt pretensioners and air bags  
after any collision.  
Load limiter:  
The load limiting system releases belt  
webbing in a controlled manner to reduce  
belt force on the occupant's chest. While  
the most severe load on a seat belt occurs  
in frontal collisions, the load limiter has  
an automatic mechanical function and can  
activate in any accident mode with  
sufficient occupant movement.  
Even if the pretensioners have not fired,  
the load limiting function must be  
checked by an Authorized Mazda Dealer  
after any collision.  
2-13  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Do not modify the components or  
wiring, or use electronic testing devices  
on the pretensioner system:  
qAir Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner  
System Warning Light  
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.  
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system  
is working properly, the warning light  
illuminates when the ignition switch is  
turned to the ON position or after the  
engine is cranked. The warning light turns  
off after a specified period of time.  
Properly dispose of the pretensioner  
system:  
Improper disposal of the pretensioner  
system or a vehicle with non-  
deactivated pretensioners is  
A system malfunction is indicated if the  
warning light constantly flashes,  
dangerous. Unless all safety  
constantly illuminates or does not  
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.  
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  
l
WARNING  
The pretensioner system will activate in a  
moderate or greater frontal or near-frontal  
collision. It will not activate in most  
rollovers, side or rear impacts.  
The pretensioner system for the passenger  
is designed to only deploy in accordance  
with the total seated weight on the  
passenger seat.  
Never tamper with the air bag/  
pretensioner systems and always have  
an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform  
all servicing and repairs:  
Self-servicing or tampering with the  
systems is dangerous. An air bag/  
pretensioner could accidentally  
activate or become disabled causing  
serious injury or death.  
l
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 system gets on the skin  
or in the eyes, wash it off as soon as  
possible.  
2-14  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Seat Belt Extender  
WARNING  
Do not use a seat belt extender unless  
it is necessary:  
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.  
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.  
Do not use 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. If you sell your Mazda, do  
not leave your seat belt extender in  
the vehicle. It could be used  
accidentally by the new owner of the  
vehicle. After removing the seat belt  
extender, discard it. Never use the  
seat belt extender in any other  
vehicle you may own in the future.  
Do not use 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.  
Do not 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 15 cm (6 in).  
2-15  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Do not leave a seat belt extender  
connected to the buckle:  
Seat Belt Warning Light/Beep  
Leaving a seat belt extender  
connected to the buckle without  
using the seat belt is dangerous.  
When the seat belt extender is  
connected to the driver's seat belt  
buckle (or passenger) seat, the SRS  
driver's (or passenger's) air bag  
system will determine that the driver  
(or passenger) is wearing the seat  
belt even if the driver (or passenger)  
is not wearing it. This condition could  
cause the driver's (or passenger's) air  
bag to not activate correctly and  
result in death or serious injury in the  
event of collision. Always wear the  
seat belt with the seat belt extender.  
The seat belt warning light illuminates  
and a beep sound will be heard if the  
driver's seat belt is not fastened when the  
ignition switch is turned to the ON  
position.  
Conditions of operation  
Condition  
Result  
The driver's seat belt is not The warning light  
fastened when the ignition flashes and a beep  
switch is turned to the ON sound will be heard  
Do not use the seat belt extender when  
installing a child-restraint system on  
the passenger seat:  
position.  
for about 6 seconds.  
The driver's seat belt is  
fastened while the warning  
light and the beep sound are  
activated.  
The warning light  
turns off and the beep  
sound stops.  
Using a seat belt extender to fasten a  
child-restraint system on any seat is  
dangerous. Always follow the child-  
restraint system manufacturer's  
installation instructions and never  
use a seat belt extender.  
The driver's seat belt is  
The warning light will  
fastened before the ignition not illuminate and the  
switch is turned to the ON beep sound will not be  
position.  
heard.  
NOTE  
qBelt Minder  
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  
extender might get damaged as it will not  
retract with the rest of the seat belt and can  
easily fall out of the door when not in use and  
be damaged. In addition, the seat belt warning  
light will not illuminate and function properly.  
NOTE  
Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer to  
deactivate or restore the belt minder. Though  
the belt minder can be deactivated, doing so  
will defeat the purpose of the system to warn  
the driver and the front passenger in the event  
that their seat belts are not fastened. For the  
safety of the driver and front passenger, Mazda  
recommends not deactivating the belt minder.  
2-16  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Driver seated/Passenger not seated  
Driver seated/Passenger seated  
The belt minder is a supplemental  
warning to the seat belt warning function.  
If the driver's seat belt is not fastened  
when the ignition switch is turned to the  
ON position, the warning light/beep  
operates to give you further reminders  
according to the chart below.  
The seat belt warning function reminds  
the passenger to fasten the seat belt  
according to the chart below.  
Vehicle speed  
Between 0 ― 20  
km/h  
(0 ― 12 mph)  
20 km/h  
(12 mph) or  
more  
Condition  
Seat belt  
(Driver)  
Vehicle speed  
Between 0 ― 20  
km/h  
20 km/h  
(12 mph) or  
more  
Condition  
Seat belt  
(Passenger)  
(0 ― 12 mph)  
Indicator  
Beep  
Seat belt  
Indicator  
Beep  
: Fastened  
: Unfastened  
: Illuminated  
: Flashing  
: Beep  
: Fastened  
: Unfastened  
: Illuminated  
: Flashing  
: Beep  
Placing heavy items on the passenger seat  
may cause the passenger seat belt warning  
function to operate depending on the  
weight of the item.  
Once the beep sound is heard, it continues  
sounding even if the vehicle speed lowers  
to 20 km/h (12 mph) or less until the  
seatbelt is fastened or the beep sound  
period has passed.  
Once the beep sound is heard, it continues  
sounding even if the vehicle speed lowers  
to 20 km/h (12 mph) or less until the  
seatbelt is fastened or the beep sound  
period has passed.  
NOTE  
l
To allow the passenger seat weight sensor  
to function properly, do not place and sit on  
an additional seat cushion on the passenger  
seat. The sensor may not function properly  
because the additional seat cushion could  
cause sensor interference.  
l
When a small child sits on the passenger  
seat, it is possible that neither the warning  
light nor the warning beep operate.  
2-17  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
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 regarding 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 on the passenger seat with the  
air bag system activated.  
If a small child or infant in the passenger seat ― particularly a child secured in a rear-  
facing child-restraint system ― it is critically important that you consciously deactivate the  
passenger air bag and not simply rely on the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light  
being turned on at all times. In a collision, the force of an air bag slamming the child-  
restraint system rearwards could result in death to the child even if the child is properly  
belted. Be alert to the operation of the indicator light and BE SURE THE PASSENGER  
AIR BAG IS ALWAYS DEACTIVATED AS INDICATED BY PASSENGER AIR BAG  
DEACTIVATION INDICATOR LIGHT.  
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light  
2-18  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
To reduce the chance of injuries caused by the deployment of the passenger air bag, there  
are two methods to deactivate the passenger air bag for a child's safety as follows ―  
however the surest way to avoid the passenger air bag not deploying is to use the key and  
turn off the passenger air bag and not rely on the passenger seat weight sensors, which will  
also detect other loads or objects on and around the passenger seat;  
Passenger air bag deactivation switch  
This switch should be used to deactivate the passenger front and side air bags and also the  
passenger seat belt pretensioner system if installing a child-restraint system is installed on  
the passenger seat.  
Make sure the passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the ON position except when a  
child-restraint system is installed on the passenger seat.  
Refer to Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch on page 2-40.  
Passenger seat weight sensors  
These sensors deactivate the passenger front and side air bags and also the passenger seat  
belt pretensioner system when the total seated weight on the passenger seat is less than  
approximately 30 kg (66 lb).  
When an infant or small child is seated on the passenger seat, the system shuts off the  
passenger air bag, so make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light  
illuminates.  
Refer to Passenger seat weight sensors on page 2-44.  
LATCH Child-Restraint System  
We have installed lower LATCH anchor points for LATCH style junior 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. A child-restraint  
system with a tether cannot be properly mounted in this vehicle unless the child restraint  
manufacturer provides instructions on mounting the child-restraint system with only seat  
belts in automatic locking mode. Even then, without a tether, the child-restraint system may  
move forward more easily in seat belts, further degrading the safety provided if you were to  
put the child restraint in a tether anchor equipped rear seat of another vehicle. The seat and  
head restraint is designed for maximum adult space utilization in this vehicle. Do not try to  
secure the tether to something else in the vehicle, as too much slack will result and the  
serious risk of injury or death to the child. Use the seat belts to properly secure the non-  
tethered child-restraint systems other than the LATCH junior 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.  
WARNING  
Use the correct size 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.  
2-19  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
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 any 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.  
Always secure a child in a proper child-restraint system:  
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 collision 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 an adult, causing injury to both child and adult.  
Always make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light is illuminated  
when using a rear-facing child-restraint system:  
Seating a child in a rear-facing child-restraint system that is installed on the  
passenger seat with the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light not  
illuminated is extremely dangerous. In an accident, a air bag could inflate and cause  
serious injuries or even death to the child seated in the rear-facing child-restraint  
system. Always make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light is  
illuminated using the key to turn the passenger air bag off.  
Refer to Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch on page 2-40.  
Refer to Passenger seat weight sensors on page 2-44.  
2-20  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
Seating a child in a child-restraint system on the passenger seat is dangerous:  
This vehicle is equipped with both a passenger seat weight sensor and a passenger  
air bag deactivation indicator light (page 2-44). Even with the passenger seat weight  
sensors, seating a child in a child-restraint system on the passenger seat under the  
following conditions increases the danger of the passenger air bag deploying and  
could result in serious injury or death to the child. These are among the reasons why  
the passenger air bag should be turned off using the key.  
Ø The total seated weight of the child with the child-restraint system on the  
passenger seat is approximately 30 kg (66 lb) or more with a child in the child-  
restraint system.  
Ø Luggage or other items are placed on the seat with the child in the child-restraint  
system.  
Ø The seat is washed.  
Ø Liquids are spilled on the seat.  
Ø The passenger seat is moved backward, and it is pushed into luggage or other  
items placed behind it.  
Ø Luggage or other items are placed between the passenger seat and center  
console.  
Ø Any accessories, which might increase the total seated weight on the passenger  
seat, are attached to the passenger seat.  
Before installing child-restraint system on the passenger seat, move the passenger  
seat as far back as possible:  
In a collision, the force of a deploying air bag could cause serious injury or death to  
the child. Make sure that the passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the OFF  
position. Refer to Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch (page 2-40).  
Do not allow a child to lean over or against the side window of a vehicle with side air  
bags:  
Allowing anyone to lean over or against the door is dangerous. If the vehicle is  
equipped with side air bags, the impact of an inflating side air bag could cause  
serious injury or death to the person. Children are more likely to sleep in the vehicle;  
when they do, they are more at risk in the passenger's seat that has a side air bag  
because they may slump over into the path of the seatback-mounted air bag.  
Furthermore, leaning over or against the doors could block the side air bag and  
eliminate the advantages of supplemental protection. Because the side air bag  
deploys from the outboard shoulder of the seat, do not allow the child to lean over or  
against the side window, even if the child is seated in a child-restraint system.  
2-21  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
Never use one seat belt on more than one person at a time:  
Using one seat belt for more than one person at a time is dangerous. A seat belt  
used in this way cannot 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 and always operate the vehicle with each occupant  
properly restrained.  
Always use a child-restraint system designed for use without a tether:  
Using a child-restraint system that requires a tether is dangerous. Your Mazda does  
not have a child-restraint tether. The child-restraint system cannot be properly  
secured. In a collision, it could move and injure other occupants as well as result in  
serious injuries or death to the child.  
CAUTION  
A seat belt or child-restraint system can become very hot when exposed to direct  
sunlight 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 that slide through the passenger seat when it is in  
the fully rearward position. When using these anchors to secure a child-restraint system, refer to  
“LATCH Child-Restraint Systems” (page 2-26).  
2-22  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
Before installing a child-restraint system,  
make sure the passenger air bag  
deactivation indicator light illuminated by  
using the key to turn the passenger air bag  
off.  
Refer to Passenger seat weight sensors on  
page 2-44.  
Refer to Passenger Air Bag Deactivation  
Switch on page 2-40.  
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 2-26).  
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 2-26).  
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.  
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 may not be  
mounted properly in this vehicle as there is no  
safe way to anchor the tether. Confirm whether  
the child-restraint system can be used with seat  
belts by reading the child-restraint system  
manufacturer's instructions.  
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 shoulder belt  
portion of the seat belt until the entire  
length of the belt is out of the retractor.  
2-23  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
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.  
WARNING  
Always make sure the passenger air  
bag deactivation indicator light is  
illuminated when using a rear-facing  
child-restraint system:  
Seating a child in a rear-facing child-  
restraint system that is installed on  
the passenger seat with the  
5. Make sure the passenger air bag  
deactivation indicator light illuminates  
by using the key to turn the passenger  
air bag off after installing a child-  
restraint system on the passenger seat.  
passenger air bag deactivation  
indicator light not illuminated is  
extremely dangerous. In an accident,  
a air bag could inflate and cause  
serious injuries or even death to the  
child seated in the rear-facing child-  
restraint system. Always make sure  
the passenger air bag deactivation  
indicator light is illuminated using  
the key to turn the passenger air bag  
off.  
Refer to Passenger seat weight  
sensors on page 2-44.  
Refer to Passenger Air Bag  
Deactivation Switch on page 2-40.  
2-24  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
NOTE  
l
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.  
l
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 may not be  
mounted properly in this vehicle as there is  
no safe way to anchor the tether. Confirm  
whether the child-restraint system can be  
used with seat belts by reading the child-  
restraint system manufacturer's  
instructions.  
2-25  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
LATCH Child-Restraint System  
Your Mazda is equipped with LATCH lower anchors for attachment of specially designed  
LATCH child-restraint systems behind the passenger seat that slide through the passenger  
seat when it is in the fully rearward position. Only LATCH junior seats and infant carriers  
without upper tethers can be used in this position, as there is no good place to anchor the  
tether 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  
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the use of the 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 any 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.  
Make sure the child-restraint system is properly secured:  
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 routing 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.  
Make sure there are no seat belts or foreign objects near or around the LATCH child-  
restraint system:  
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 child 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.  
2-26  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
3. Secure the child-restraint system using  
BOTH LATCH lower anchors,  
qLATCH Child-Restraint System  
Installation Procedure  
following the child-restraint system  
manufacturer's instruction, however if  
it uses an upper tether, it may not be  
mounted properly in this vehicle as  
there is no safe way to anchor the  
tether. Confirm whether the child-  
restraint system can be used with seat  
belts by reading the child-restraint  
system manufacturer's instructions.  
Before installing a child-restraint system,  
make sure the passenger air bag  
deactivation indicator light illuminated by  
using the key to turn the passenger air bag  
off.  
Refer to Passenger seat weight sensors on  
page 2-44.  
Refer to Passenger Air Bag Deactivation  
Switch on page 2-40.  
4. Make sure the passenger air bag  
deactivation indicator light illuminates  
by using the key to turn the passenger  
air bag off after installing a child-  
restraint system on the passenger seat.  
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.  
2-27  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
WARNING  
Always make sure the passenger air  
bag deactivation indicator light is  
illuminated when using a rear-facing  
child-restraint system:  
Seating a child in a rear-facing child-  
restraint system that is installed on  
the passenger seat with the  
passenger air bag deactivation  
indicator light not illuminated is  
extremely dangerous. In an accident,  
a air bag could inflate and cause  
serious injuries or even death to the  
child seated in the rear-facing child-  
restraint system. Always make sure  
the passenger air bag deactivation  
indicator light is illuminated using  
the key to turn the passenger air bag  
off.  
Refer to Passenger seat weight  
sensors on page 2-44.  
Refer to Passenger Air Bag  
Deactivation Switch on page 2-40.  
2-28  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Precautions  
The front and side supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include up to 4 air bags. Please  
verify the air bags equipped on your vehicle by locating the “SRS AIRBAG” location  
indicators. These indicators are visible in the area where the air bags are installed.  
The air bags are installed in the following locations:  
l
The steering wheel hub (driver air bag)  
l
The passenger dashboard (passenger air bag)  
The outboard sides of the seatbacks (side air bags)í  
l
The air bag supplemental restraint systems are designed to provide supplemental protection  
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:  
l
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  
l
inflation, such as roll-over or rear impact.  
Reduce the possibility of injuries in frontal, near frontal, side collisions that are not  
l
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  
l
l
air bags provide no protection to these parts of the body.  
Hold the driver in a position which allows better control of the vehicle.  
l
For some models, a passenger air bag deactivation switch is provided. This switch should  
be used to deactivate the passenger front and side air bags and also the passenger seat belt  
pretensioner system if a child-restraint system is installed on the passenger seat. Make sure  
the passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the ON position except when a child-  
restraint system is installed on the passenger seat. Refer to Passenger Air Bag Deactivation  
Switch on page 2-40.  
If your vehicle is also equipped with a driver and passenger occupant classification  
system, refer to the Driver and Passenger Occupant Classification System (page 2-44)  
for details.  
To reduce the chance of injuries caused by the deployment of the passenger air bag in the  
unlikely event of an accident, there are two methods to deactivate the passenger air bag as  
follows, however, the surest way to prevent the passenger air bag from deploying is to use  
the ignition key to turn it off rather than rely on the passenger seat weight sensors, which  
will also detect other loads or objects on and around the passenger seat.  
Small children must be protected by a child-restraint system as stipulated by law in every  
state and province. In certain states and provinces, larger children must use a child-restraint  
system (page 2-18).  
íSome models.  
2-29  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
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.  
Do not use a child-restraint system which employs an upper tether because there is no  
appropriate means to anchor the tether.  
WARNING  
Seat belts must be worn in air bag equipped vehicles:  
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 the first accident, such as frontal, near frontal, side  
collisions that are at least moderate. Vehicle occupants should always wear seat  
belts.  
Always make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light is illuminated  
when using a rear-facing child-restraint system:  
Seating a child in a rear-facing child-restraint system that is installed on the  
passenger seat with the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light not  
illuminated is extremely dangerous. In an accident, a air bag could inflate and cause  
serious injuries or even death to the child seated in the rear-facing child-restraint  
system. Always make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light is  
illuminated using the key to turn the passenger air bag off.  
Refer to Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch on page 2-40.  
Refer to Passenger seat weight sensors on page 2-44.  
Do not sit too close to the driver and passenger air bags:  
Sitting too close to the driver and passenger air bag modules or placing hands or  
feet on them is extremely dangerous. The driver and passenger 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 seat 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.  
2-30  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Do not sit too close to a door or lean against doors in vehicles with side air bags:  
Sitting too close to the side air bag modules or placing hands on them is extremely  
dangerous. A side air bag inflates with great force and speed directly out of the  
outboard shoulder of the seat and expands along the door on the side the car is hit.  
Serious injury could occur if someone is sitting too close to the door or leaning  
against a window in the seats. Furthermore, sleeping up against the door or hanging  
out the driver-side window while driving could block the side air bag and eliminate  
the advantages of supplemental protection. Give the side air bags room to work by  
sitting in the center of the seat while the vehicle is moving with seat belts worn  
properly.  
Do not attach objects on or around the area where driver and passenger air bags  
deploy:  
Attaching an object to the driver and passenger air bag modules or placing  
something in front of them is dangerous. In an accident, an object could interfere  
with air bag inflation and injure the occupants.  
Do not attach objects on or around the area where a side air bag deploys:  
Attaching things to the seat in such a way as to cover the outboard side of the seat  
in any way is dangerous. In an accident the object could interfere with the side air  
bag, which inflates from the outboard side of the seats, impeding the added  
protection of the side air bag system or redirecting the air bag in a way that is  
dangerous. Furthermore, the bag could be cut open releasing the gas.  
Never use seat covers on the seats. Always keep the side air bag modules in your  
seats free to deploy in the event of a side collision.  
Do not place luggage or other objects under the seats:  
Placing luggage or other objects under the seats is dangerous. The components  
essential to the supplemental restraint system could be damaged, and in the event of  
a side collision, the appropriate air bags may not deploy, which could result in death  
or serious injury. To prevent damage to the components essential to the  
supplemental restraint system, do not place luggage or other objects under the  
seats.  
Do not touch the components of the supplemental restraint system after the air bags  
have inflated:  
Touching the components of the supplemental restraint system after the air bags  
have inflated is dangerous. Immediately after inflation, they are very hot. You could  
get burned.  
Never install any front-end equipment to your vehicle:  
Installation of front-end equipment, such as frontal protection bar (kangaroo bar,  
bull bar, push bar, or other similar devices), 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.  
2-31  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Do not modify the suspension:  
Modifying the vehicle suspension is dangerous. If the vehicle's height or the  
suspension is modified, the vehicle will be unable to accurately detect a collision  
resulting in incorrect or unexpected air bag deployment and the possibility of serious  
injuries.  
Do not modify 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. Do not 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. An Authorized Mazda  
Dealer can provide the special care needed in the removal and installation of seats. It  
is important to protect the air bag wiring and connections to assure that the bags do  
not accidentally deploy, the driver seat slide position sensor and passenger seat  
weight sensors are not damaged and that the seats retain an undamaged air bag  
connection.  
NOTE  
l
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.  
l
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.  
2-32  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Supplemental Restraint System Components  
Driver/Passenger inflators and air bags  
Crash sensor, and diagnostic module (SAS unit)  
Seat belt pretensioner and load limiting systems (page 2-13)  
Front air bag sensor  
Side crash sensorsí  
Air bag/seat belt pretensioner system warning light (page 2-36)  
Side inflators and air bagsí  
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light (page 2-44)  
Passenger air bag deactivation switch (page 2-40)  
Passenger seat weight sensors (page 2-44)  
Passenger seat weight sensor control module  
Driver and passenger seat belt buckle switches (page 2-48)  
Driver seat slide position sensor (page 2-44)  
íSome models.  
2-33  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
How the SRS Air Bags Work  
Your Mazda is equipped with the following types of SRS air bags. SRS air bags are  
designed to work together with the seat belts to help to reduce injuries during an accident.  
The SRS air bags are designed to provide further protection for passengers in addition to  
the seat belt functions. Be sure to wear seat belts properly.  
qSeat Belt Pretensioners  
The seat belt pretensioners are designed to deploy in moderate or severe frontal, near  
frontal collisions.  
qDriver Air Bag  
The driver's air bag is mounted in the steering wheels.  
When air bag crash sensors detect a frontal impact of greater than moderate force, the  
driver's air bag inflates quickly helping to reduce injury mainly to the driver's head or chest  
caused by directly hitting the steering wheel.  
The driver's dual-stage air bag controls air bag inflation in two energy stages. During an  
impact of moderate severity the driver's air bag deploys with lesser energy, whereas during  
more severe impacts, it deploys with more energy.  
2-34  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
qPassenger Air Bag  
The passenger air bag is mounted in the passenger dashboard.  
The inflation mechanism for the passenger air bag is the same as the driver's air bag, as  
mentioned above. In addition, the passenger air bag is designed to only deploy in  
accordance with the total seated weight on the passenger seat. For details, refer to the driver  
and passenger occupant classification system (page 2-44).  
qSide Air Bagsí  
The side air bags are mounted in the outboard sides of the front seatbacks.  
When the air bag crash sensors detect a side impact of greater than moderate force, the  
system inflates the side air bag only on the side in which the vehicle was hit. The side air  
bag inflates quickly to reduce injury to the driver or front passenger's chest caused by  
directly hitting interior parts such as a door or window. In addition, the front passenger side  
air bag is designed to only deploy in accordance with the total seated weight on the front  
passenger seat. For details, refer to the driver and front passenger occupant classification  
system (page 2-44).  
íSome models.  
2-35  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
qAir Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner System Warning Light  
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system is working properly, the warning light  
illuminates when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position or after the engine is  
cranked. The warning light turns off after a specified period of time.  
A system malfunction is indicated if the warning light constantly flashes, constantly  
illuminates or does not 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  
Never tamper with the air bag/pretensioner systems and always have an Authorized  
Mazda Dealer perform all servicing and repairs:  
Self-servicing or tampering with the systems is dangerous. An air bag/pretensioner  
could accidentally activate or become disabled causing serious injury or death.  
2-36  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria  
This chart indicates the applicable SRS equipment that will deploy depending on the type  
of collision.  
(The illustrations are the representative cases of collisions.)  
Types of collision  
A severe frontal/near frontal collision  
A severe side collision  
A rear collision  
SRS  
equipment  
Seat belt  
pretensioner  
X*1(both sides)  
Driver air  
bag  
X
No air bag and front seat  
belt pretensioner will be  
activated in a rear collision.  
Passenger air  
bag  
X*1  
Side air  
bagí  
X*1(impact side only)  
X: The SRS air bag equipment is designed to deploy in a collision.  
*1: The passenger front and side air bags and the seat belt pretensioner are designed to  
deploy depending on the condition of the total seated weight on the passenger seat or  
the status of the passenger air bag deactivation switch.  
íSome models.  
2-37  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Limitations to SRS Air Bag  
In severe collisions such as those described previously in “SRS Air Bag Deployment  
Criteria”, the applicable SRS air bag equipment will deploy. However, in some accidents,  
the equipment may not deploy depending on the type of collision and its severity.  
Limitations to front/near front collision detection:  
The following illustrations are examples of front/near front collisions that may not be  
detected as severe enough to deploy the SRS air bag equipment.  
Frontal offset impact to the vehicle  
Impacts involving trees or poles  
Rear-ending or running under a truck’s tail gate  
Limitations to side collision detection:  
The following illustrations are examples of side collisions that may not be detected as  
severe enough to deploy the SRS air bag equipment.  
Side impacts with two-wheeled vehicles  
Side impacts involving trees or poles  
2-38  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Roll-over  
2-39  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Passenger Air Bag Deactivation Switch  
WARNING  
Do not deactivate the passenger air bag unnecessarily:  
Unnecessary deactivation of the passenger air bag is dangerous. If turned off  
unnecessarily, 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 position shown in the figure below. The switch must be used to deactivate  
the passenger front and side air bags and also 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 passenger air bag deactivation switch, the appendix B  
to part 595 of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA]):  
l
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  
l
l
adversely affected by air-bag activation  
For more government release information on air bag deactivation, contact an 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 front and side air bags and the also  
seat belt pretensioner system. 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.  
2-40  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Passenger Air Bag  
Deactivation Switch  
Passenger Air Bag  
Deactivation Indicator Light  
Passenger Front and Side Passenger Seat Belt  
Air Bag Operation  
Pretensioner System  
OFF position  
ON  
Deactivate  
Deactivate  
ON position  
OFF  
Ready  
Ready  
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON position the passenger air bag deactivation  
indicator light comes on for a specified period of time.  
If the passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the OFF position, the indicator light  
remains on to warn that the passenger front and side air bags and also the seat belt  
pretensioner system have been deactivated.  
In addition to using the key to deactivate the passenger front and side air bags and the also  
seat belt pretensioner system, the passenger front and side air bags and the also seat belt  
pretensioner system is also deactivated and the passenger air bag deactivation indicator  
light is illuminated automatically when the total seated weight on the passenger seat is less  
than 30 kg (66 lb).  
NOTE  
Have the passenger air bag deactivation switch inspected by an Authorized Mazda Dealer if any of  
these conditions occur:  
l
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate for a specified period of  
time when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position.  
l
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not remain on when the ignition switch is  
turned to the ON position and the passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the OFF position.  
l
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator remains on when the ignition switch is turned to the  
ON position and the passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the ON position.  
2-41  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
qTo Deactivate the Passenger Air Bag  
Before driving, always confirm that the passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the  
appropriate position according to your requirements.  
WARNING  
Do not leave the key in the front passenger air bag deactivation switch:  
(With advanced key)  
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 auxiliary key stored in the  
advanced key currently being used to operate the passenger air bag deactivation  
switch. After deactivating the air bag, put the auxiliary key back into the advanced  
key. That way you will not leave the key in the passenger air bag deactivation  
switch.  
(Without advanced key)  
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 will not  
leave the key in the passenger air bag deactivation switch.  
1. Insert the key into the passenger air bag deactivation switch and turn the key clockwise  
until the key points to OFF.  
2. Remove the key.  
3. Make sure the air bag deactivation indicator light remains illuminated when the ignition  
is in the ON position.  
NOTE  
(With advanced key)  
After operating the passenger air bag deactivation switch, put the auxiliary key back into the  
advanced key.  
2-42  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
The passenger front and side air bags and also the seat belt pretensioner system will remain  
deactivated until the passenger air bag deactivation switch is turned to the ON position.  
qTo Ready the Passenger Air Bag  
Before driving, always confirm that the passenger air bag deactivation switch is in the  
appropriate position according to your requirements.  
1. Insert the key into the passenger air bag deactivation switch and turn the key  
counterclockwise until the key points to ON.  
2. Remove the key.  
3. Make sure the air bag deactivation indicator light turns off after the ignition switch is  
turned to the ON position.  
NOTE  
(With advanced key)  
After operating the passenger air bag deactivation switch, put the auxiliary key back into the  
advanced key.  
2-43  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Driver and Passenger Occupant Classification System  
First, please read “Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Precautions” (page 2-29)  
carefully.  
qDriver Seat Slide Position Sensor  
Your vehicle is equipped with a driver seat slide position sensor as a part of the  
supplemental restraint system. The sensor is located under the driver seat. The sensor  
determines whether the driver seat is fore or aft of a reference position and sends the seat  
position to the diagnostic module (SAS unit). The SAS unit is designed to control the  
deployment of the driver air bag depending on how close the driver seat is to the steering  
wheel.  
The air bag/seat belt pretensioner system warning light flashes if the sensor has a possible  
malfunction (page 2-36).  
qPassenger Seat Weight Sensors  
Your vehicle is equipped with a passenger seat weight sensors as a part of the supplemental  
restraint system. These sensors are located under both of the passenger seat rails. These  
sensors determine the total seated weight on the passenger seat. The SAS unit is designed  
to prevent the passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system from  
deploying if the total seated weight is less than approximately 30 kg (66 lbs).  
To reduce the chance of injuries caused by deployment of the passenger air bag, the system  
deactivates the passenger front and side air bags and also the seat belt pretensioner system  
when:  
l
There is no passenger in the passenger seat. (The passenger air bag deactivation  
indicator light does not illuminate.)  
The total seated weight on the passenger seat is less than approximately 30 kg (66 lbs).  
l
(The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.)  
This system shuts off the passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner  
system, so make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates  
according to the following table.  
The air bag/seat belt pretensioner system warning light flashes and the passenger air bag  
deactivation indicator light illuminates if the sensors have a possible malfunction. If this  
happens, the passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system will not  
deploy.  
2-44  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light  
This indicator light illuminates to remind you that the passenger front and side air bags and  
seat belt pretensioner will not deploy during a collision.  
If the passenger weight sensors are normal, the indicator light illuminates when the ignition  
switch is turned to the ON position. For a specified of time it goes out.  
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates or is off under the following conditions:  
Total seated weight on the  
passenger seat  
Empty (Not occupied)*  
Passenger air bag  
deactivation indicator light  
Passenger front and side  
air bags  
Passenger seat belt  
pretensioner system  
OFF  
Deactivated  
Deactivated  
Less than approx. 30 kg  
(66 lbs)  
ON  
Deactivated  
Deactivated  
Approx. 42 kg (93 lbs) or  
more  
OFF  
Ready  
Ready  
If the passenger air bag has been deactivated using the key, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light will  
remain illuminated as long you leave the passenger air bag turned off, and the chart above no longer applies.  
Refer to Passenger air bag deactivation switch on page 2-40.  
* If the passenger seat belt is buckled, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates, however this  
does not indicate a malfunction.  
If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate when the ignition  
switch is turned to the ON position and does not illuminate as indicated in the above chart,  
do not allow a child to sit in the passenger seat and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as  
soon as possible. The system may not work properly in an accident. You must deactivate  
the passenger air bag using the key (page 2-40) and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
2-45  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
WARNING  
Do not decrease the total seated weight on the passenger seat:  
When an adult or large child sits on the passenger seat, decreasing the total seated  
weight on the passenger seat from the total seated weight of approximately 42 kg  
(93 lbs) required for air bag deployment is dangerous. The passenger seat weight  
sensors will detect the reduced total seated weight condition and the passenger front  
and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system will not deploy during an  
accident. The passenger will not have the supplementary protection of the air bag,  
which could result in serious injury. Decreasing the total seated weight on the  
passenger seat from the total seated weight of approximately 42 kg (93 lbs) could  
result in an air bag not deploying under the following conditions, for example:  
Ø Luggage or other items placed under the passenger seat or between the passenger  
seat and center console that push up the passenger seat bottom.  
Ø The passenger seat occupant sits in a manner such that the occupant's entire  
weight is not placed on the seat sitting too close to the door.  
Ø Any accessories which might decrease the total seated weight on the passenger  
seat are attached to the passenger seat.  
The passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems will  
deactivate if the total seated weight on the passenger seat is close to 30 kg (66 lbs)  
and they will reactivate before the weight exceeds 42 kg (93 lbs).  
2-46  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Do not increase the total seated weight on the passenger seat:  
When an infant or small child sits on the passenger seat, increasing the total seated  
weight on the passenger seat from the total seated weight of approximately 30 kg  
(66 lbs) is dangerous. The passenger seat weight sensors will detect the increased  
total seated weight, which could result in the unexpected deployment of the  
passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system in an accident  
and may cause serious injury. Increasing the total seated weight on the passenger  
seat beyond the total seated weight of approximately 30 kg (66 lbs) could result in  
the passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system deployment  
in an accident under the following conditions, for example:  
Ø The total seated weight of the child with the child-restraint system on the  
passenger seat is approximately 30 kg (66 lbs) or more.  
Ø Luggage or other items are placed on the seat with the child in the child-restraint  
system.  
Ø The seat is washed.  
Ø Liquids are spilled on the seat.  
Ø The passenger seat is moved backward, and it is pushed into luggage or other  
items placed behind it.  
Ø Luggage or other items are placed between the passenger seat and center  
console.  
Ø Any accessories which might increase the total seated weight on the passenger  
seat are attached to the passenger seat.  
The passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems will  
deactivate if the total seated weight on the passenger seat is close to 30 kg (66 lbs)  
and they will reactivate before the weight exceeds 42 kg (93 lbs).  
CAUTION  
Ø To assure proper deployment of the front air bag and to prevent damage to the  
sensors in the seat bottoms:  
Ø
Do not place sharp objects on the seat bottoms or leave heavy luggage on  
them.  
Ø
Do not spill any liquids on the seats or under the seats.  
Ø To allow the sensors to function properly, always perform the following:  
Ø
Adjust the seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the  
seatbacks with seat belts worn properly.  
If you place your child on the passenger seat, secure the child-restraint system  
properly and slide the passenger seat as far back as possible.  
Ø
2-47  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
NOTE  
l
The system requires about 10 seconds to alternate between turning the passenger front and side  
air bags and seat belt pretensioner system on or off.  
l
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate repeatedly if luggage or other  
items are put on the passenger seat, or if the temperature of the vehicle's interior changes  
suddenly.  
l
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate for 10 seconds if the total  
seated weight on the passenger seat changes.  
l
You must deactivate the passenger air bag using the key (page 2-40) and consult an Authorized  
Mazda Dealer.  
qDriver and Passenger Buckle Switches  
The buckle switches on the front seat belts detect whether or not the front seat belts are  
securely fastened and further control the deployment of the air bags.  
2-48  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Monitoring and Maintenance  
qConstant Monitoring  
The following components of the air bag systems are monitored by a diagnostic system:  
l
Crash sensors, and diagnostic module (SAS unit)  
Front air bag sensor  
l
l
Air bag modules  
Side crash sensorsí  
l
l
Air bag/Seat belt pretensioner system warning light  
Seat belt pretensioners  
Related wiring  
Front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light  
Front passenger air bag deactivation switch  
Driver seat slide position sensor  
Front passenger seat weight sensors  
Front passenger seat weight sensor control module  
l
l
l
l
l
l
l
The diagnostic module continuously monitors the system's readiness. This begins when the  
ignition switch is turned to the ON position and continues while the vehicle is being  
driven.  
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:  
l
The air bag system warning light flashes.  
The air bag system warning light remains illuminated.  
The air bag system warning light does not illuminate when the ignition switch is turned  
l
l
to the ON position.  
The air bags have deployed.  
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate when the ignition  
l
l
switch is turned to the ON position or does not illuminate as indicated in the chart or  
when you manually deactivate the passenger air bag with the key.  
For more details about passenger air bag deactivation, refer to:  
l
Passenger seat weight sensors (page 2-44)  
Passenger air bag deactivation switch (page 2-40)  
l
íSome models.  
2-49  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
WARNING  
Do not operate a vehicle with damaged air bag/seat belt pretensioner system  
components:  
Expended or damaged air bag/seat belt pretensioner system components must be  
replaced after any collision which caused them to deploy or damage them. Only a  
trained Authorized Mazda Dealer can fully evaluate these systems to see that they  
will work in any subsequent accident. Driving with an expended or damaged air bag  
or pretensioner unit will not afford you the necessary protection in the event of any  
subsequent accident which could result in serious injury or death.  
Do not remove interior air bag parts:  
Removing any components such as the seats, dashboard, the steering wheel or parts  
on the front and rear window pillars and along the roof edge, containing air bag  
parts or sensors is dangerous. These parts contain essential air bag components. The  
air bag could accidentally activate and cause serious injuries. Always have an  
Authorized Mazda Dealer remove these parts.  
Dispose of the air bag properly:  
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.  
NOTE  
If it becomes necessary to have the components or wiring system for the supplementary restraint  
system modified to accommodate a person with certain medical conditions in accordance with a  
certified physician, contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer, refer to “Customer Assistance (U.S.A.)”  
(page 9-2).  
2-50  

Related Topics

Seats Seat Belt Systems Child Restraint SRS Air Bags

Popular Owner Manuals

Audi
Audi
BMW
BMW
Citroen
Citroen
Ford
Ford
Honda
Honda
Peugeot
Peugeot