2005-2015 Mazda Mx-5 SUV Essential Safety Equipment -> SRS Air Bags User Manual
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Essential Safety Equipment -> SRS Air Bags for Your Mazda Mx-5 SUV Third Generation (2005-2015)

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:  
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The steering wheel hub (driver air bag)  
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The passenger dashboard (passenger air bag)  
The outboard sides of the seatbacks (side air bags)í  
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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:  
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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  
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inflation, such as roll-over or rear impact.  
Reduce the possibility of injuries in frontal, near frontal, side collisions that are not  
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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  
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air bags provide no protection to these parts of the body.  
Hold the driver in a position which allows better control of the vehicle.  
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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  
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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.  
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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]):  
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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  
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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:  
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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.  
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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.  
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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:  
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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).  
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(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  
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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.  
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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.  
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The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate for 10 seconds if the total  
seated weight on the passenger seat changes.  
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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:  
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Crash sensors, and diagnostic module (SAS unit)  
Front air bag sensor  
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Air bag modules  
Side crash sensorsí  
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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  
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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:  
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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  
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to the ON position.  
The air bags have deployed.  
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate when the ignition  
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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:  
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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  

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Seats Seat Belt Systems Child Restraint

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