2016-2026 Mazda Mx-5 SUV Essential Safety Equipment User Manual
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Essential Safety Equipment for Your Mazda Mx-5 SUV Fourth Generation (2016-2026)

Essential Safety Equipment  
2
Important information about safety equipment, including seats, seat  
belt system, child-restraint systems and SRS air bags.  
Seats....................................................2-2  
Seat Precautions............................2-2  
Seat............................................... 2-5  
Head Restraints...........................2-11  
SRS Air Bags....................................2-36  
Supplemental Restraint System  
(SRS) Precautions.......................2-36  
Supplemental Restraint System  
Components................................2-42  
How the SRS Air Bags Work..... 2-43  
SRS Air Bag Deployment  
Criteria........................................2-46  
Limitations to SRS Air Bag........2-47  
Passenger Occupant Classification  
System........................................ 2-49  
Constant Monitoring...................2-55  
Seat Warmer.................................... 2-12  
Seat Warmer*..............................2-12  
Seat Belt Systems.............................2-13  
Seat Belt Precautions..................2-13  
Seat Belt......................................2-16  
Seat Belt Warning Systems.........2-17  
Seat Belt Pretensioner and Load  
Limiting Systems........................2-18  
Seat Belt Extender...................... 2-19  
Child Restraint................................ 2-21  
Child-Restraint Precautions........2-21  
Child-Restraint System  
Installation.................................. 2-25  
Child-Restraint System Suitability  
for Various Seat Positions  
Table........................................... 2-27  
Installing Child-Restraint  
Systems.......................................2-29  
*Some models.  
2-1  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Seat Precautions  
WARNING  
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.  
Never allow children to adjust a seat:  
Allowing children to adjust a seat is dangerous as it could result in serious injury if a child's  
hands or feet become caught in the seat.  
Do not drive with the seatbackunlocked:  
All of the seatbacks play an 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 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.  
Adjust a seat only when the vehicle is stopped:  
If the seat is adjusted while the vehicle is being driven, the seating posture may become  
unstable and the seat could move unexpectedly resulting in injury.  
Do not modify or replace the seats:  
Modifying or replacing the seats such as replacing the upholstery or loosening any bolts is  
dangerous. The seats contain air bag components essential to the supplemental restraint  
system. Such modiꢀcations 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 seats.  
Do not drive with damaged seats:  
Driving with damaged seats, such as seat cushions torn or damaged down to the urethane, is  
dangerous. A collision, even one not strong enough to inꢁate the air bags, could damage the  
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 seats, seat belt pretensioners and air bags after a collision.  
2-2  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Do not drive with either seats reclined:  
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 suꢂer serious internal injuries. For maximum protection, sit well back and  
upright.  
Do not place an object such as a cushion between the seatbackand your back:  
Putting an object such as a cushion between the seatback and your back is dangerous  
because you will be unable to maintain a safe driving posture and the seat belt cannot  
function at its full capacity in a collision, which could result in a serious accident, injury or  
death.  
Do not place objects under the seat:  
The object could get stuck and cause the seat to not be ꢀxed securely, and result in an  
accident.  
Do not stackcargo higher than the seatbacks:  
Stacking luggage or other cargo higher than the seatbacks is dangerous. During sudden  
braking or a collision, objects can ꢁy around and become projectiles that may hit and injure  
passengers.  
Make sure luggage and cargo is secured before driving:  
Not securing cargo while driving is dangerous as it could move or be crushed during sudden  
braking or a collision and cause injury.  
Always leave your car locked and keep the car keyssafely away from children:  
Leaving your car unlocked or the keys in reach of children is dangerous. Children who ꢀnd  
their way into the trunk through an open trunk can become accidentally locked in the trunk.  
This could result in death or brain damage from heat prostration, particularly in the summer.  
Always lock the doors and the trunk.  
2-3  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
CAUTION  
When operating a seat, be careful not to put your hands or ꢀngers near the moving parts of  
the seat or on the side trim to prevent injury.  
When moving the seats, make sure there is no cargo in the surrounding area. If the cargo  
gets caught it could damage the cargo.  
When moving the seats forward and rearward or returning a rear-reclined seatback to its  
upright position, make sure you hold onto the seatback with your hand while operating. If  
the seatback is not held, the seat will move suddenly and could cause injury.  
When inserting your hand under the seat to clean the cabin or pick up something you  
dropped under the seat, be careful not to hurt yourself. If you contact the moving parts of  
the seat rail or seat frame, it could result in injury.  
2-4  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Seat  
Adjusting the Driver's Seat  
▼
Using the driving position set up procedure recommended by Mazda allows you to maintain  
a relaxed posture, drive the vehicle for longer periods without feeling tired, and make quick  
operations naturally.  
Also, you can be assured of a clear view in the forward direction to help you drive more  
safely and comfortably.  
The adjustments for the driving position recommended by Mazda are done using the  
following procedures.  
1. Moving the steering wheel and seat to their default positions.  
2. Adjusting the seatback angle.  
3. Adjusting the seat position forward and back.  
4. Adjusting the steering wheel position.  
Seat Slide  
To move a seat forward or backward, raise the lever and slide the seat to the desired position  
and release the lever.  
Make sure the lever returns to its original position and the seat is locked in place by  
attempting to push it forward and backward.  
Height Adjustment for Front Edge of Seat Bottom  
To adjust the height for front edge of the seat bottom, rotate the dial to the desired position.  
Seat Recline  
To change the seatback angle, lean forward slightly while raising the lever. Then lean back  
to the desired position and release the lever.  
Make sure the lever returns to its original position and the seatback is locked in place by  
attempting to push it forward and backward.  
2-5  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Before making adjustments to the driving position recommended by Mazda  
Before making adjustments, move the steering wheel and seat to their default positions.  
How to move the steering wheel to its default position  
WARNING  
Never adjust the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving:  
Adjusting the steering wheel while the vehicle is moving is dangerous. Moving it can very  
easily cause the driver to abruptly turn to the left or right. This can lead to loss of control or an  
accident.  
After adjusting the steering wheel position, make sure it is securely locked by trying to move it  
up and down:  
Driving with the steering wheel not securely locked in position is dangerous. If the steering  
wheel moves unexpectedly while driving, you could lose control of the steering resulting in an  
accident.  
Lower the lever, move the steering wheel to the lowest position, and then push it down and  
all the way back.  
Lock release lever  
How to move a driver’s seat to its default position  
1. Slide the seat all the way back.  
2. Sit squarely in the seat and rest your back against the seatback.  
2-6  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Seat adjustment procedure for the driving position recommended by Mazda  
Adjusting the seatback angle (reclining)  
Adjust the seatback to the angle providing a comfortable seated posture.  
1. With your posture slightly slouched, move the seatback forward to the angle where your  
waist feels slightly cramped.  
2. Move the seatback backward to a comfortable seated posture without any feeling of  
cramping in your waist.  
2-7  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Adjusting the seat position forward and back (sliding)  
Adjust the seat to the position best for operating the accelerator and brake pedals.  
1. Place your left foot on the footrest, your right foot between the accelerator and brake  
pedals, and position your heel to the position allowing easy switching between the  
pedals.  
2. With your heel set on the floor, set your right foot on the brake pedal and move the seat  
forward as far as possible until you feel a slight cramping in your ankle.  
3. With your right foot set on the brake pedal, move the seat back until you no longer feel  
cramping in your ankle.  
4. With your heel set on the floor, make sure you can move your foot between the brake  
pedal and accelerator pedal smoothly.  
5. Depress the accelerator pedal completely with your heel set on the floor and make sure  
that your ankle does not feel over-stretched.  
2-8  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Adjusting the steering wheel position  
Adjust the steering wheel to the position where it can be operated easily and the gauges can  
be viewed easily.  
1. With your back resting against the seatback, extend both arms, place them on the top of  
the steering wheel, and pull the steering wheel towards you to the position of your  
wrists.  
2. Adjust the steering wheel height so that the gauges can be viewed easily.  
3. Raise the lever to securely lock the steering wheel.  
2-9  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Adjusting the Passenger's Seat  
▼
Seat Slide  
To move a seat forward or backward, raise the lever and slide the seat to the desired position  
and release the lever.  
Make sure the lever returns to its original position and the seat is locked in place by  
attempting to push it forward and backward.  
Seat Recline  
To change the seatback angle, lean forward slightly while raising the lever. Then lean back  
to the desired position and release the lever.  
Make sure the lever returns to its original position and the seatback is locked in place by  
attempting to push it forward and backward.  
2-10  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seats  
Head Restraints  
Non-Adjustable Head Restraints  
▼
Your vehicle is equipped with non-adjustable head restraints on the driver's and 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 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.  
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.  
2-11  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Warmer  
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.  
Seat Warmer*  
The seats are electrically heated. The  
ignition must be switched ON.  
Press the seat warmer switch while the  
ignition is switched ON to operate the seat  
warmer. The indicator lights turn on to  
indicate that the seat warmer is operating.  
The mode changes as follows each time  
the seat warmer switch is pressed.  
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.  
Do not place heavy objects with sharp  
projections on the seat, or insert needles or  
pins into it:  
OFF  
High  
Mid  
Low  
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.  
WARNING  
NOTE  
Be careful when using the seat warmer:  
The heat from the seat warmer may be too  
hot for some people, as indicated as  
follows, and could cause a  
Use the seat warmer when the engine is  
running. Leaving the seat warmer on for  
long periods with the engine not running  
could cause the battery power to be  
depleted.  
low-temperature burn.  
Infants, small children, elderly people,  
and physically challenged people  
People with delicate skin  
People who are excessively fatigued  
People who are intoxicated  
People who have taken sleep-inducing  
medicine such as sleeping pills or cold  
medicine  
If the ignition is switched off while the  
seat warmer is operating (High, Mid or  
Low) and then switched ON again, the  
seat warmer will automatically operate  
at the temperature set before switching  
off the ignition.  
The temperature of the seat warmer  
cannot be adjusted beyond High, Mid  
and Low because the seat warmer is  
controlled by a thermostat.  
*Some models.  
2-12  
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.  
(Except Mexico)  
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 retractor operates in two modes: emergency  
locking mode, and for child-restraint systems, automatic locking mode. If you must use the  
passenger seat for a child, slide the passenger seat as far back as possible and make sure any  
child-restraint system is secured properly.  
(Mexico)  
All the seats have lap/shoulder belts. These belts have retractors with inertia locks that keep  
them out of the way when not in use. The locks allow the belts to remain comfortable on  
users, but they will lock in position during a collision.  
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. So, if your seat belt is twisted, you must straighten the seat belt to  
remove any twists and to allow the full width of the belt to be used.  
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.  
2-13  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
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:  
Always have an Authorized Mazda Dealer immediately inspect the seat belt pretensioners  
and air bags after any collision. Like the air bags, the seat belt pretensioners and load limiters  
will only function once and must be replaced after any collision that caused them to deploy. A  
seat belt with an expended pretensioner or load limiter is still better than wearing no seat belt  
at all; however, if the seat belt pretensioners and load limiters are not replaced, the risk of  
injury in a collision will increase.  
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.  
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.  
CAUTION  
Belt retraction may become diꢃcult 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 "Seat Belt Maintenance"  
(page 6-67).  
Seat belt guide  
2-14  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Pregnant 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 SNUGLY AND AS LOW AS 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.  
Emergency Locking Mode  
▼
When the seat belt is fastened, it will always be in the emergency locking mode.  
In the emergency locking mode, the belt remains comfortable on the occupant and the  
retractor will lock in position during a collision.  
If the belt 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 1 time and loosen, then pull it out again slowly.  
(Seat Belt with Automatic Locking Mode)  
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.  
Automatic Locking Mode*  
▼
Always use the automatic locking mode to keep the child-restraint system from shifting to  
an unsafe position in the event of an accident. 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. See the section on child restraint  
(page 2-21).  
*Some models.  
2-15  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Fastening the Seat Belt  
▼
Seat Belt  
WARNING  
Seat belt tongue  
Always wear the seat belt with it correctly  
routed in its guide:  
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 buckle  
Seat belt guide  
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.  
Keep low on  
hip bone  
Take up slack  
Too high  
Before fastening the seat belt, make sure  
that the seat belt passes through the seat  
belt guide correctly and it is not twisted.  
Seat belt guide  
2-16  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Unfastening the Seat Belt  
▼
Seat Belt Warning Systems  
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.  
If it detects that the occupant seat belt is  
unfastened, the warning light or beep  
alerts the occupant.  
Refer to Taking Action on page 7-40.  
Refer to Seat Belt Warning Beep on page  
7-48.  
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.  
2-17  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Load limiter:  
Seat Belt Pretensioner and  
Load Limiting Systems  
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.  
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.  
Pretensioners:  
When a collision is detected, the  
pretensioners deploy simultaneously with  
the air bags.  
For deployment details, refer to the SRS  
Air Bag Deployment Criteria (page  
2-46).  
The seat belt retractors remove slack  
quickly as the air bags are expanding. Any  
time the air bags and seat belt  
pretensioners have fired they must be  
replaced.  
A system malfunction or operation  
conditions are indicated by a warning.  
Refer to Taking Action on page 7-40.  
Refer to Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner  
System Warning Beep on page 7-48.  
In addition, the pretensioner system for the  
passenger, like the front and side  
passenger air bag, is designed to only  
deploy when the passenger occupant  
classification sensor detects a passenger  
sitting on the passenger's seat.  
For details, refer to the passenger occupant  
classification sensor (page 2-49).  
WARNING  
Wear seat belts only as recommended in  
this owner's manual:  
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 2-16).  
Have your seat belts changed immediately  
if the pretensioner or load limiter has been  
expended:  
Always have an Authorized Mazda Dealer  
immediately inspect the seat belt  
pretensioners and air bags after any collision.  
Like the air bags, the seat belt pretensioners  
and load limiters will only function once and  
must be replaced after any collision that  
caused them to deploy. A seat belt with an  
expended pretensioner or load limiter is still  
better than wearing no seat belt at all;  
however, if the seat belt pretensioners and  
load limiters are not replaced, the risk of  
injury in a collision will increase.  
2-18  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Do not modify the components or wiring,  
or use electronic testing devices on the  
pretensioner system:  
Seat Belt Extender  
If your seat belt is not long enough, even  
when fully extended, a seat belt extender  
may be available to you at no charge from  
your Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
This extender will be only for you and for  
the particular vehicle and seat. Even if it  
plugs into other seat belts, it may not hold  
in the critical moment of a crash.  
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.  
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.  
Properly dispose of the pretensioner  
system:  
Improper disposal of the pretensioner  
system or a vehicle with non-deactivated  
pretensioners is dangerous. Unless all  
safety procedures are followed, injury could  
result. Have an Authorized Mazda Dealer  
safely dispose of the pretensioner system or  
scrap a pretensioner system equipped  
vehicle.  
WARNING  
Do not use a seat belt extender unless it is  
necessary:  
Using a seat belt extender when not  
necessary is dangerous. The seat belt will  
be too long and not ꢀt 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.  
NOTE  
The pretensioner system may not  
operate depending on the type of the  
collision. For details, refer to the SRS  
Air Bag Deployment Criteria (page  
2-46).  
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.  
2-19  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Seat Belt Systems  
Do not use an improper extender:  
Do not leave a seat belt extender  
connected to the buckle:  
Using a seat belt extender that is for  
another person or a diꢂerent 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 diꢂerent 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.  
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's seat belt buckle), 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.  
Do not use an extender that is too long:  
Using an extender that is too long is  
dangerous. The seat belt will not ꢀt  
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).  
Do not use the seat belt extender when  
installing a child-restraint system on the  
passenger seat:  
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.  
NOTE  
When not in use, remove the seat belt  
extender and store it in the vehicle. If the  
seat belt extender is left connected, the  
seat belt 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.  
2-20  
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.  
To reduce the chance of injuries caused by deployment of the passenger air bag, the  
passenger occupant classification sensor work as a part of the supplemental restraint system.  
This system deactivates the passenger front and side air bags and also the passenger seat belt  
pretensioner system when the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.  
When an infant or small child sits on the passenger seat, the 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.  
For more details, refer to "Passenger occupant classification sensor" (page 2-49).  
WARNING  
Use the correct size child-restraint system:  
For eꢂective 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.  
2-21  
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.  
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 child-restraint system:  
Seating a child in a 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, an air bag could inꢁate and cause serious injuries or even death to the child seated  
in the child-restraint system. Always make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator  
light is illuminated.  
Refer to Passenger Occupant Classiꢀcation System on page 2-49.  
(Except Mexico)  
Vehicles with a passenger air bag have the following warning label. The warning label is  
displayed in compliance with regulations.  
2-22  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
(Mexico)  
NEVER use a rearward facing child restraint on a seat protected by an ACTIVE AIRBAG in front  
of it, DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY to the CHILD can occur.  
Vehicles with a passenger air bag have the following warning label. The warning label  
reminds you not to put a rear-facing child-restraint system on the passenger seat at any time.  
Before installing child-restraint system on the passenger seat, move the passenger seat as far  
backas possible:  
In a collision, the force of a deploying air bag could cause serious injury or death to the child.  
Seating a child in a child-restraint system on thepassenger seat is dangerous under certain  
conditions:  
Your vehicle is equipped with passenger occupant classiꢀcation sensor. Even with the  
passenger occupant classiꢀcation sensor, if you must use the passenger seat to seat a child,  
using 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.  
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate when seating a child  
in the child-restraint system.  
Luggage or other items are placed on the seat with the child in the child-restraint system.  
The seat is washed.  
Liquids are spilled on the seat.  
The passenger seat is moved backward, pushing into luggage or other items placed behind  
it.  
Luggage or other items are placed between the passenger seat and driver seat.  
An electric device is put on the passenger's seat.  
2-23  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
An additional electrical device, such as a seat warmer is installed to the surface of the  
passenger seat.  
Do not allow a child or anyone to lean over or against the side window of a vehicle with side  
air bags:  
It is dangerous to allow anyone to lean over or against the side window, the area of the  
passenger seat from which the side air bags deploy, even if a child-restraint system is used.  
The impact of inꢁation from a side air bag could cause serious injury or death to an out of  
position child. Furthermore, leaning over or against the door could block the side air bags 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.  
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.  
*1  
Always use a child-restraint system designed for use without a tether or the ISOFIX/LATCH  
lower anchor:  
*1  
Using a child-restraint system that requires a tether or the ISOFIX/LATCH lower anchor is  
*1  
dangerous. Your Mazda does not have a child-restraint tether or the ISOFIX/LATCH lower  
anchor. 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.  
*
1
ISOFIX (Mexico)/LATCH (Except Mexico)  
CAUTION  
A seat belt or child-restraint system can become very hot in a closed vehicle during warm  
weather. To avoid burning yourself or a child, check them before you or your child touches  
them.  
2-24  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
Child-Restraint System Installation  
Categories of Child-Restraint Systems  
▼
NOTE  
When purchasing, ask the manufacturer of the child-restraint system which type of  
child-restraint system is appropriate for your child and vehicle.  
(Mexico)  
Child-restraint systems are classified into the following 5 groups according to the UN-R 44  
regulation.  
Size Classification/  
Group  
Age  
Weight  
Fixture (CRF)  
ISO/L1  
ISO/L2  
ISO/R1  
ISO/R1  
ISO/R2  
ISO/R3  
ISO/R2  
ISO/R3  
ISO/F2  
ISO/F2X  
ISO/F3  
―
0
Up to about 9 months old  
Up to 10 kg (up to 22 lb)  
0+  
1
Up to about 2 years old  
Up to 13 kg (up to 29 lb)  
About 8 months to 4 years old  
9 kg ― 18 kg (20 lb ― 40 lb)  
2
3
About 3 to 7 years old  
About 6 to 12 years old  
15 kg ― 25 kg (33 lb ― 55 lb)  
22 kg ― 36 kg (48 lb ― 79 lb)  
―
(Except Mexico)  
Please comply with the legal regulations concerning the use of child-restraint systems in  
your country.  
NOTE  
Child-Restraint System Types  
▼
Installation position is determined by  
In this owner's manual, explanation of  
child-restraint systems is provided for the  
following three types of popular  
child-restraint systems: infant seat, child  
seat, booster seat.  
the type of child-restraint system.  
Always read the manufacturer's  
instructions and this owner's manual  
carefully.  
2-25  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
Due to variations in the design of  
Booster seat  
child-restraint systems, vehicle seats  
and seat belts, all child-restraint systems  
may not fit all seating positions. Before  
purchasing a child-restraint system, it  
should be tested in the specific vehicle  
seating position (or positions) where it  
is intended to be used. If a previously  
purchased child-restraint system does  
not fit, you may need to purchase a  
different one that will.  
A booster seat is a child restraint  
accessory designed to improve the fit of  
the seat belt system around the child's  
body.  
Equal to Group 2 and 3 of the UN-R 44  
and UN-R 129 regulation.  
Infant seat  
An infant seat provides restraint by  
bracing the infant's head, neck and back  
against the seating surface.  
Equal to Group 0 and 0+ of the UN-R 44  
and UN-R 129 regulation.  
Child seat  
A child seat restrains a child's body using  
the harness.  
Equal to Group 1 of the UN-R 44 and  
UN-R 129 regulation.  
2-26  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
Child-Restraint System Suitability for Various Seat  
Positions Table  
(Mexico)  
Provided information in the table shows your child-restraint system suitability for various  
seating position. For installation suitability of other manufacturer child-restraint system,  
carefully consult the manufacturer's instructions which accompany the child-restraint  
system.  
When installing a child-restraint system, the following points must be observed:  
When installing a child-restraint system to the passenger seat, adjust the seat slide position  
as far back as possible.  
Refer to Adjusting the Passenger's Seat on page 2-10.  
When it is difficult to install a child-restraint system to the passenger seat, or the seat belt  
cannot be secured to the child-restraint system, perform the following operations to adjust  
the seat holding the child-restraint system so that the seat belt can be secured completely  
to it.  
Move the seat forward or back.  
Move the seatback forward or back.  
An i-Size child-restraint system refers to a child-restraint system which has acquired  
i-Size category certification for the UN-R 129 regulation.  
When installing a child-restraint system to the passenger seat, refer to the child-restraint  
system manufacturer's instructions.  
Passenger  
Seating position  
Airbag activated  
Airbag de-activated  
Seating position suitable for univer‐  
sal belted (Yes/No)  
Yes (UF)  
No  
Yes (U)  
No  
i-Size seating position (Yes/No)  
Largest suitable rearward facing fix‐  
ture (R1)  
No  
No  
Largest suitable rearward facing fix‐  
ture (R2)  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
Largest suitable rearward facing fix‐  
ture (R2X)  
Largest suitable rearward facing fix‐  
ture (R3)  
No  
Largest suitable forward facing fix‐  
ture (F2)  
Yes (IUF)  
2-27  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
Passenger  
Seating position  
Airbag activated  
Airbag de-activated  
Largest suitable forward facing fix‐  
ture (F2X)  
No  
Yes (IUF)  
Largest suitable forward facing fix‐  
ture (F3)  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
No  
Largest suitable lateral facing fix‐  
ture (L1)  
Largest suitable lateral facing fix‐  
ture (L2)  
Largest suitable booster fixture (B2)  
Largest suitable booster fixture (B3)  
No  
No  
No  
No  
Non i-size compatible with a sup‐  
port leg (Yes/No)  
No  
No  
Yes  
No  
Lower ISOFIX anchorages but  
without Top Tether (Yes/No)  
U = Suitable for “universal” category restraints approved for use in this mass group.  
UF = Suitable for forward-facing “universal” category restraints approved for use in this mass group.  
IUF = Suitable for ISOFIX forward child restraints systems of universal category approved for use in the mass  
group.  
L = Suitable for particular child restraints given on attached list. These restraints may be of the “specific vehicle”,  
“restricted” or “semi-universal” categories.  
IL = Suitable for particular ISOFIX child restraint systems (CRS) given in the attached list. These ISOFIX CRS are  
those of the “specific vehicle”, “restricted” or “semi-universal” categories.  
i-U = Suitable for i-Size “universal” Child Restraint Systems forward and rearward facing.  
i-UF = Suitable for forward-facing i-Size “universal” Child Restraint Systems only.  
Yes = Child-restraint system can be secured on the seat.  
No = Child-restraint system cannot be secured on the seat, or there is no fixture.  
X = Child-restraint system cannot be installed.  
Regarding child-restraint systems which can be installed to your Mazda, consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
(Except Mexico)  
Regarding child-restraint systems which can be installed to your Mazda, consult an  
Authorized Mazda Dealer.  
Please comply with the legal regulations concerning the use of child-restraint systems in  
your country.  
For the CRS which do not carry the ISO/XX size class identification (A to G), for the  
applicable mass group, the child seat manufacturer shall indicate the vehicle specific  
LATCH child-restraint systems recommended for each position.  
2-28  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
Installing Child-Restraint  
Systems  
The passenger lap/shoulder belt can easily  
be converted into the automatic locking  
mode, which must be done to hold the  
child-restraint system.  
WARNING  
Do not allow a child or anyone to lean over  
or against the side window of a vehicle  
with side air bags:  
It is dangerous to allow anyone to lean  
over or against the side window, the area  
of the passenger seat from which the side  
air bags deploy, even if a child-restraint  
system is used. The impact of inꢁation from  
a side air bag could cause serious injury or  
death to an out of position child.  
NOTE  
To check if your seats have side air  
bags:  
Mazda vehicles equipped with side air  
bag will have an embossed "SRS  
AIRBAG" marking on the outboard  
shoulder of the seats.  
Furthermore, leaning over or against the  
door could block the side air bags 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.  
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  
CAUTION  
When moving the seats forward and  
rearward, make sure you hold onto the  
seatback with your hand while operating. If  
the seatback is not held, the seat will move  
suddenly and could cause injury.  
child-restraint system can be used with  
seat belts by reading the child-restraint  
system manufacturer's instructions.  
2-29  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
NOTE  
Passenger's Seat Child-Restraint  
System Installation (Except Mexico)  
Inspect this function before each use  
of the child-restraint system. You  
should not be able to pull the  
1. Make sure the ignition is switched off.  
2. Slide the seat as far back as possible.  
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.  
6. Seat your child safely in the  
child-restraint system and secure the  
child according to the instructions  
from the child-restraint system  
manufacturer.  
7. Switch the ignition ON and make sure  
the passenger air bag deactivation  
indicator light illuminates after  
installing a child-restraint system on  
the passenger seat.  
3. Place the child-restraint system on the  
seat without putting your weight on the  
seat and secure the child-restraint  
system with the lap portion of the lap/  
shoulder belt. See the manufacturer's  
instructions on the child-restraint  
system for belt routing instructions.  
4. 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.  
5. Push the child-restraint system firmly  
into the vehicle seat. Be sure the belt  
retracts as snugly as possible. A  
If the passenger air bag deactivation  
indicator light does not illuminate,  
remove the child-restraint system,  
switch the ignition to OFF, and then  
re-install the child-restraint system  
(page 2-49).  
clicking noise 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 the previous step and also this  
one.  
2-30  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
Anchor bracket location  
WARNING  
Use the indicated anchor bracket locations  
when installing a child-restraint system  
equipped with a tether.  
Do not seat a child in a child-restraint  
system on the passenger seat if the  
passenger air bag deactivation indicator  
light does not illuminate (Except Mexico):  
Seating a child in a child-restraint system  
installed on the passenger seat with the  
passenger air bag deactivation indicator  
light not illuminated is dangerous. If this  
indicator light does not illuminate, this  
means that the passenger front and side air  
bags, and seat belt pretensioner are ready  
for deployment. If an accident were to  
deploy an air bag, a child in a  
Anchor bracket  
child-restraint system sitting in the  
passenger seat could be seriously injured or  
killed. If the indicator light does not  
illuminate after seating a child in a  
child-restraint system on the passenger  
seat consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer  
as soon as possible.  
WARNING  
Always attach the tether strap to the  
correct tether anchor position:  
Attaching the tether strap to the incorrect  
tether anchor position is dangerous. In a  
collision, the tether strap could come oꢂ  
and loosen the child-restraint system. If the  
child-restraint system moves it could result  
in death or injury to the child.  
Anchor Bracket (Mexico)  
▼
Anchor brackets for securing  
child-restraint systems are equipped in the  
vehicle. Locate anchor position using the  
illustration.  
Always route the tether strap between the  
head restraint and the seatback:  
To install a child-restraint system, always  
follow the instruction manual  
accompanying the child-restraint system.  
Routing the tether strap on top of the head  
restraint is dangerous. In a collision the  
tether strap could slide oꢂ the head  
restraint and loosen the child-restraint  
system. The child-restraint system could  
move which may result in death or injury to  
the child.  
2-31  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
5. Pass the tether strap under the head  
restraint and install it to the tether  
anchor.  
CAUTION  
When moving the seats forward and  
rearward, make sure you hold onto the  
seatback with your hand while operating. If  
the seatback is not held, the seat will move  
suddenly and could cause injury.  
For the tether strap adjustment method,  
refer to the child-restraint seat  
manufacturer’s instructions.  
1. Open the convertible top.  
2. Slide the passenger seat as far back as  
possible and then slide it forward about  
10 notches (100 mm) so that your hand  
can be placed behind it (page 2-10).  
3. Remove the cover.  
Using the Seat Belt (Mexico)  
▼
CAUTION  
When moving the seats forward and  
rearward, make sure you hold onto the  
seatback with your hand while operating. If  
the seatback is not held, the seat will move  
suddenly and could cause injury.  
NOTE  
Be careful not to lost the removed  
cover.  
When installing a child-restraint system,  
follow the installation instructions  
included with the product.  
4. Place the child-restraint on the  
passenger seat.  
Also, open the convertible top and slide  
the seat as far back as possible, fold down  
the seatback as far as possible.  
2-32  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
Make sure there are no seat belts or foreign  
objects near or around the ISOFIX  
Using ISOFIX Anchor (Mexico)  
▼
anchor-secured child-restraint system:  
Not following the child-restraint system  
manufacturer's instructions when  
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 is properly  
secured in place according to the  
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 ISOFIX  
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 ISOFIX anchors.  
Always follow the child-restraint system  
manufacturer's instructions.  
manufacturer's instructions.  
Make sure the child-restraint system is  
properly secured:  
A child-restraint system that is not secured  
is dangerous. In a sudden stop or collision,  
it can become a projectile and hit someone,  
causing serious injury. When not in use,  
remove it from the vehicle, put it in the  
trunk or at least make sure it is securely  
fastened to the ISOFIX anchors.  
CAUTION  
When moving the seats forward and  
rearward, make sure you hold onto the  
seatback with your hand while operating. If  
the seatback is not held, the seat will move  
suddenly and could cause injury.  
1. Open the convertible top.  
2. Make sure the ignition is switched off.  
3. Slide the passenger seat as far back as  
*1  
possible (page 2-10).  
*
1 You may need to move the seat  
forward slightly and recline the  
back of the seat, in order to assist  
in the fitment of some  
child-restraint systems.  
2-33  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
4. Make sure the seatback is securely  
latched by pushing it back until it is  
fully locked.  
5. Expand the area between the seat  
bottom and the seatback slightly to  
verify the locations of the ISOFIX  
anchor.  
7. Switch the ignition ON and make sure  
the passenger air bag deactivation OFF  
indicator light illuminates after  
installing a child-restraint system on  
the passenger seat.  
If the passenger air bag deactivation  
OFF indicator light does not  
illuminate, remove the child-restraint  
system, switch the ignition to OFF, and  
then re-install the child-restraint  
system (page 2-49).  
8. If your child-restraint system came  
equipped with a tether, that probably  
means it is very important to properly  
secure the tether for child safety.  
Please carefully follow the  
NOTE  
The markings above the ISOFIX  
anchors indicate the locations of the  
ISOFIX anchors for the attachment of  
a child-restraint system.  
child-restraint system manufacturer's  
instructions when installing tethers  
(page 2-31).  
6. Secure the child-restraint system using  
the ISOFIX anchor, following the  
child-restraint system manufacturer's  
instruction.  
2-34  
Essential Safety Equipment  
Child Restraint  
WARNING  
Always attach the tether strap to the  
correct tether anchor position:  
Attaching the tether strap to the incorrect  
tether anchor position is dangerous. In a  
collision, the tether strap could come oꢂ  
and loosen the child-restraint system. If the  
child-restraint system moves it could result  
in death or injury to the child.  
Always route the tether strap between the  
head restraint and the seatback:  
Routing the tether strap on top of the head  
restraint is dangerous. In a collision the  
tether strap could slide oꢂ the head  
restraint and loosen the child-restraint  
system. The child-restraint system could  
move which may result in death or injury to  
the child.  
2-35  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Precautions  
The front and side supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include different types of air bags.  
Please verify which kinds of air bags are 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:  
The steering wheel hub (driver air bag)  
The passenger dashboard (passenger air bag)  
The outboard sides of the seatbacks (side air bags)  
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:  
Keep the occupant from being thrown into an inflating air bag.  
Reduce the possibility of injuries during an accident that is not designed for air bag  
inflation, such as roll-over or rear impact.  
Reduce the possibility of injuries in frontal, near frontal or side collisions that are not  
severe enough to activate the air bags.  
Reduce the possibility of being thrown from your vehicle.  
Reduce the possibility of injuries to lower body and legs during an accident because the  
air bags provide no protection to these parts of the body.  
Hold the driver in a position which allows better control of the vehicle.  
Refer to the Passenger Occupant Classification System (page 2-49) for details.  
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates for a specified time after the  
ignition is switched ON.  
Type A  
2-36  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Type B  
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 2-21).  
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 inꢁate  
only in the ꢀrst accident, such as frontal, near frontal or 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 child-restraint system:  
Seating a child in a 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, an air bag could inꢁate and cause serious injuries or even death to the child seated  
in the child-restraint system. Always make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator  
light is illuminated.  
Refer to Occupant Classiꢀcation System on page 2-49.  
2-37  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
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 inꢁate with great force and speed.  
Serious injuries could occur if someone is too close. The driver should always hold onto only  
the rim of the steering wheel. The passenger should keep both feet on the ꢁoor. Seat  
occupants should adjust their seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the  
seatbacks with seat belts worn properly.  
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 inꢁates 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.  
Sit in the center of the seat and wear seat belts properly:  
Sitting too close to the side air bag modules or placing hands on them, or sleeping up against  
the door or hanging out the windows is extremely dangerous. The side air bags inꢁate with  
great force and speed directly expanding along the door on the side the car is hit. Serious  
injury could occur if someone is sitting too close to the door. 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 inꢁation and  
injure the occupants.  
Do not attach objects on or around the area where a side air bag deploys:  
Attaching objects 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  
inꢁates 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.  
Do not hang net bags, map pouches or backpacks with side straps on the seats. 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.  
2-38  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Do not touch the components of the supplemental restraint system after the air bags have  
inꢀated:  
Touching the components of the supplemental restraint system after the air bags have  
inꢁated is dangerous. Immediately after inꢁation, 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 aꢂected. This could cause air bags to inꢁate unexpectedly, or it could  
prevent the air bags from inꢁating during an accident. Occupants could be seriously injured.  
Do not modify the suspension:  
Modifying the vehicle suspension is dangerous. If the vehicle's height or the suspension is  
modiꢀed, 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 a door or leave any damage unrepaired. Always have an Authorized Mazda  
Dealer inspect a damaged door:  
Modifying a door or leaving any damage unrepaired is dangerous. Each door has a side crash  
sensor as a component of the supplemental restraint system. If holes are drilled in a door, a  
door speaker is left removed, or a damaged door is left unrepaired, the sensor could be  
adversely aꢂected causing it to not detect the pressure of an impact correctly during a side  
collision. If a sensor does not detect a side impact correctly, the side air bags and the seat belt  
pretensioner may not operate normally which could result in serious injury to occupants.  
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 modiꢀcations 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, and that the passenger  
occupant classiꢀcation system and the seats retain an undamaged air bag connection.  
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.  
2-39  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
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 aꢂord  
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, front dashboard, the steering wheel, 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.  
Properly dispose of the air bag system:  
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 could result. Have an Authorized  
Mazda Dealer safely dispose of the air bag system or 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 8-2).  
When an air bag deploys, a loud inflation noise can be heard and some smoke will be  
released. Neither is likely to cause injury, however, the texture of the air bags may cause  
light skin injuries on body parts not covered with clothing through friction.  
Should you sell your Mazda, we urge you to tell the new owner of its air bag systems and  
that familiarization with all instructions about them, from the Owner's Manual, is  
important.  
Vehicles with a passenger air bag have a warning label attached as shown in the  
following.  
2-40  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
(Except Mexico)  
This warning label is displayed in compliance with regulations.  
(Mexico)  
This warning label reminds you not to put a rear-facing child-restraint system on the  
passenger seat at any time.  
2-41  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Supplemental Restraint System Components  
Driver/Passenger inflators and air bags  
Crash sensors, and diagnostic module (SAS unit)  
Seat belt pretensioners (page 2-18)  
Front air bag sensors  
Side crash sensors  
Air bag/seat belt pretensioner system warning light (page 4-27)  
Side inflators and air bags  
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light (page 2-49)  
Passenger occupant classification sensor (page 2-49)  
Passenger occupant classification module  
2-42  
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.  
Seat Belt Pretensioners  
▼
The seat belt pretensioners are designed to deploy in moderate or severe frontal, near frontal  
collisions.  
In addition, during a side collision, the pretensioner operates. The pretensioners operate  
differently depending on what types of air bags are equipped. For more details about seat  
belt pretensioner operation, refer to the SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria (page 2-46).  
Driver Air Bag  
▼
The driver's air bag is mounted in the steering wheel.  
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.  
For more details about air bag deployment, refer to "SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria"  
(page 2-46).  
(Except Mexico)  
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.  
2-43  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Passenger 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.  
For more details about air bag deployment, refer to "SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria"  
(page 2-46).  
In addition, the passenger air bag is designed to only deploy when the passenger occupant  
classification sensor detects a passenger sitting on the passenger's seat. For details, refer to  
the passenger occupant classification system (page 2-49).  
Side Air Bags  
▼
The side air bags are mounted in the outboard sides of the 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 passenger's head and chest caused by  
directly hitting interior parts such as a door or window.  
For more details about air bag deployment, refer to "SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria"  
(page 2-46).  
In addition, the passenger side air bag is designed to only deploy when the passenger  
occupant classification sensor detects a passenger sitting on the passenger's seat. For details,  
refer to the passenger occupant classification system (page 2-49).  
2-44  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Warning Light/Beep  
▼
A system malfunction or operation conditions are indicated by a warning.  
Refer to Warning/Indicator Lights on page 4-27.  
Refer to Warning Sound is Activated on page 7-48.  
2-45  
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  
*2  
A severe frontal/near frontal collision  
A rear collision  
A severe side collision  
SRS equip‐  
ment  
Seat belt  
pretensioner  
*1  
*1  
X
X
Driver air  
bag  
No air bag and seat belt  
pretensioner will be activat‐  
ed in a rear collision.  
X
Passenger  
air bag  
*1  
X
*1  
Side air bag  
X
(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 when the passenger  
occupant classification sensor detects a passenger sitting on the passenger's seat.  
In a side collision, the seat belt pretensioners and the side air bags deploy.  
*
2
NOTE  
In a frontal offset collision, the equipped air bags and pretensioners may all deploy depending on the direction,  
angle, and rate of impact.  
2-46  
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  
2-47  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
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  
Roll-over  
2-48  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Passenger Occupant Classification System  
First, please read "Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Precautions" (page 2-36) carefully.  
Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor  
▼
Your vehicle is equipped with a passenger occupant classification sensor as a part of the  
supplemental restraint system. This sensor is equipped in the passenger's seat cushion. This  
sensor measures the electrostatic capacity of the passenger's seat. The SAS unit is designed  
to prevent the passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system from  
deploying if the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns on.  
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 the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns on. Refer to the following table  
for the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illumination conditions.  
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 turns on 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.  
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light  
This indicator light turns on to remind you that the passenger front and side air bags and seat  
belt pretensioner will not deploy during a collision.  
Type A  
If the passenger occupant classification sensor is normal, the indicator light turns on when  
the ignition is switched ON. The light turns off after a few seconds. Then, the indicator light  
turns on or is off under the following conditions:  
2-49  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light on/off condition chart  
Condition detected by the pas‐ Passenger air bag de‐  
Passenger front and  
Passenger seat belt  
pretensioner system  
senger occupant classification  
system  
activation indicator  
light  
side air bags  
Deactivated  
Deactivated  
Ready  
Empty (Not occupied)  
On  
On  
Off  
Deactivated  
Deactivated  
Ready  
A child is seated in a child-re‐  
*1  
straint system  
*2  
Adult  
*
1
2
The occupant classification sensor may not detect a child seated on the seat, in a child-restraint system, or a  
junior seat depending on the child's physical size and seated posture.  
If a smaller adult sits on the passenger seat, the sensors might detect the person as being a child depending on  
the person's physique.  
*
If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not turn on when the ignition is  
switched ON and does not turn on as indicated in the passenger air bag deactivation  
indicator light on/off condition chart, do not allow an occupant 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.  
Type B  
2-50  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light on/off condition chart  
Condition detected by the pas‐ Passenger air bag de‐  
Passenger front and  
Passenger seat belt  
pretensioner system  
senger occupant classification  
system  
activation indicator  
light  
side air bags  
Empty (Not occupied)  
Deactivated  
Deactivated  
Deactivated  
A child is seated in a child-re‐  
Deactivated  
Ready  
*1  
straint system  
*2  
Ready  
Adult  
Turns off after a short  
period of time.  
*
*
1
2
The occupant classification sensor may not detect a child seated on the seat, in a child-restraint system, or a  
junior seat depending on the child's physical size and seated posture.  
If a smaller adult sits on the passenger seat, the sensors might detect the person as being a child depending on  
the person's physique.  
If both of the passenger air bag deactivation indicator lights do not turn on for a specified  
period of time when the ignition is switched ON or they do not turn on as indicated in the  
passenger air bag deactivation indicator light on/off condition chart, do not allow an  
occupant 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.  
2-51  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
WARNING  
Do not allow an occupant in the passenger's seat tosit with a posture which makes it diꢁcult  
for the passenger occupant classiꢂcation sensor to detect the occupant correctly:  
Sitting in the passenger's seat with a posture which makes it diꢃcult for the passenger  
occupant classiꢀcation sensor to detect the occupant correctly is dangerous. If the passenger  
occupant classiꢀcation sensor cannot detect the occupant sitting on the passenger's seat  
correctly, the passenger front and side air bags and pretensioner system may not operate  
(non-deploy) or they may operate (deploy) accidentally. The passenger will not have the  
supplementary protection of the air bags or the accidental operation (deployment) of the air  
bags could result in serious injury or death.  
Under the following conditions, the passenger occupant classiꢀcation sensor cannot detect a  
passenger sitting on the passenger's seat correctly and the deployment/non-deployment of  
the air bags cannot be controlled as indicated in the passenger air bag deactivation indicator  
light on/oꢂ condition chart. For example:  
A passenger is seated as shown in the following ꢀgure:  
2-52  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Luggage or other items placed under the passenger seat or between the passenger seat and  
driver seat that push up the passenger seat bottom.  
An object, such as a seat cushion, is put on the passenger's seat or between the passenger's  
back and the seatback.  
A seat cover is put on the passenger's seat.  
Luggage or other items are placed on the seat with the child in the child-restraint system.  
The seat is washed.  
Liquids are spilled on the seat.  
The passenger seat is moved backward, pushing into luggage or other items placed behind  
it.  
Luggage or other items are placed between the passenger seat and driver seat.  
An electric device is put on the passenger's seat.  
An additional electrical device, such as a seat warmer is installed to the surface of the  
passenger seat.  
The passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems will deactivate if the  
passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns on.  
CAUTION  
To assure proper deployment of the front air bag and to prevent damage to the sensor in  
the seat cushion:  
Do not place sharp objects on the seat cushion or leave heavy luggage on them.  
Do not spill any liquids on the seats or under the seats.  
To allow the sensors to function properly, always perform the following:  
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.  
2-53  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
NOTE  
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.  
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may turn on repeatedly if luggage or  
other items are put on the passenger seat, or if the temperature of the vehicle's interior  
changes suddenly.  
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may turn on for 10 seconds if the  
electrostatic capacity on the passenger seat changes.  
The air bag/seat belt pretensioner system warning light might turn on if the passenger  
seat receives a severe impact.  
If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not turn on after installing a  
child-restraint system on the passenger seat, first, re-install your child-restraint system  
according to the procedure in this owner's manual. Then, if the passenger air bag  
deactivation indicator light still does not turn on, and consult an Authorized Mazda  
Dealer as soon as possible.  
If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns on when an occupant is seated  
directly in the passenger seat, have the passenger re-adjust their posture by sitting with  
their feet on the floor, and then re-fastening the seat belt. If the passenger air bag  
deactivation indicator light remains turned on, slide the passenger seat as far back as  
possible. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.  
2-54  
Essential Safety Equipment  
SRS Air Bags  
Constant Monitoring  
The following components of the air bag systems are monitored by a diagnostic system:  
Front air bag sensors  
Crash sensors, and diagnostic module (SAS unit)  
Side crash sensors  
Air bag modules  
Seat belt pretensioners  
Air bag/Seat belt pretensioner system warning light  
Related wiring  
Passenger occupant classification sensor  
Passenger occupant classification module  
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light  
The diagnostic module continuously monitors the system's readiness. This begins when the  
ignition is switched ON and continues while the vehicle is being driven.  
2-55  

Related Topics

Seats Seat Precautions Head Restraints Seat Warmer Seat Warmer* Seat Belt Systems Seat Belt Precautions Seat Belt Seat Belt Warning Systems Seat Belt Extender Child Restraint Child-Restraint Precautions Child-Restraint System Installation Child-Restraint System Suitability for Various Seat Positions Table Installing Child-Restraint Systems SRS Air Bags Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Precautions How the SRS Air Bags Work SRS Air Bag Deployment Criteria Limitations to SRS Air Bag Passenger Occupant Classification System Constant Monitoring

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