warning MAZDA MIATA 1991 Factory Service Manual

AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM
MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
The air bag restraint system, when used in conjunction with seat belt, provides increased protection for the
driver in a collision. The air bag restraint system consists of the following: AIR BAG warning light, air bag
module, clockspring connector, diagnostic module, crash sensors, back-up battery, and wiring harnesses.
The air bag is designed to deploy when rear safing sensor and at least one front impact sensor close in a
collision, and ignition switch is in the ON position. The back-up battery supplies current for the ignitor if the
vehicle battery or fuses fail during a collision. The diagnostic module monitors the air bag system for failures. I
f
any failures are detected by the module, the driver is warned of such failure(s) through the activation or flashing
of the AIR BAG warning light.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG
SYSTEM
Wait about 10 MINUTES after disabling air bag system before servicing. Air bag system voltage is
maintained for about 10 MINUTES after system is disabled. Failure to wait 10 MINUTES before
servicing system may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
On Miata, obtain radio code number from customer and deactivate radio anti-theft function before
disconnecting battery.
Because of the critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service any air bag system component.
Corrections are made by replacement only.
DO NOT use an ohmmeter to check resistance of air bag module, as it may cause air bag deployment.
When carrying a live (undeployed) module, ensure trim cover is pointed away from your body. This
minimizes chance of injure in the event ofaccidental air bag deployment.
When placing a live air bag module on any surface, always face trim cover upward to reduce motion of
module if it is accidentally deployed.
If an open circuit is present, replace entire wiring harness. DO NOT attempt wire repair.
Impact sensors must always be installed with arrow marks facing front of vehicle. Also, check sensors for
cracks, defects or rust before installation. Replace impact sensor(s) if required.
Air bag system clockspring MUST be aligned in the neutral position, since its rotation ability is limited.
DO NOT turn steerin
g wheel or column after removal of steering gear. WARNING:To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully
follow all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS.
NOTE: The following precautions should be observed when working with air bag
systems.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
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A double-lock mechanism is used on clockspring connectors. DO NOT use excessive force when
disconnecting connectors, as damage to connector may occur.
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
AIR BAG SYSTEM
DISABLING SYSTEM
On Miata, obtain radio code number from customer, and deactivate audio anti-theft function. On all models,
turn ignition switch off. Disconnect and shield negative battery cable. Remove knee protector. Disconnect
Orange and Blue clockspring connectors at base of steering column. See Fig. 1
.
ACTIVATING SYSTEM
Reconnect battery and clockspring connectors. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Check AIR BAG
indicator li
ght to ensure system is operating properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK. WARNING:Wait about 10 MINUTES after disabling air bag system before servicing.
Air bag system voltage is maintained for about 10 MINUTES after system
is disabled. Failure to wait 10 MINUTES before servicing system may
cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.

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ADJUSTMENTS
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING
Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Turn clockspring connector clockwise until it stops (do not force).
Return connector 2 3/4 turns counterclockwise. Rotate clockspring connector further, if necessary, to align
marks on connector and outer housing.
DISPOSAL PROCEDURES
DEPLOYED AIR BAG
Dispose deployed air bag module as you would any other part. Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling
air bag module.
SCRAPPED VEHICLE
1. Ensure vehicle is outside, and away from other vehicles and people. Open convertible top and doors.
Disconnect negative battery cable.
2. Ensure air bag module is firmly mounted to steering wheel. Remove knee protector and disconnect
Orange and Blue clockspring connectors at base of steering column. See Fig. 1
. Cut clockspring
connector Blue wires.
3. Connect 2 jumper wires (20 feet long) to cut clockspring wires. Connect other ends of wires to a 12-volt
battery to deploy air bag. Because of heat, wait 10 MINUTES before touching deployed air bag.
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
CRASH SENSORS NOTE: Perform the following procedures when scrapping a vehicle with undeployed air
bag.
WARNING:Follow air bag service precautions to prevent accidentalair bag
deployment and personal injury. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS.
NOTE: After component replacement, check system to ensure proper operation. See
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.
NOTE: Crash sensor orientation and mounting is important for proper operation. All
sensors must be positioned so that arrow points forward. If there is sheet metal
damage near sensor mounting point, inspect body structure at sensor
mounting point for deformation. If damaged, restore to original shape. Ensure
sensor mounting bolts or nuts are tightened to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS table.

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Removal
1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
2. Clockspring connector assembly is located under steering wheel, in steering column. See Fig. 4
or Fig. 5.
Remove air bag module. See AIR BAG MODULE. Remove steering wheel nut and remove steering
wheel with steering wheel puller. Remove column covers. Remove screws. Remove clockspring
connector and combination switch as an assembly.
DIAGNOSTIC MODULE & BACK-UP BATTERY
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
2. Diagnostic module and back-up battery is located under left side of instrument panel. See Fig. 4
or Fig.
5 . Disconnect diagnostic module and back-up battery connectors. Remove nuts. Remove diagnostic
module and back-up battery as an assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure. After diagnostic
module and back-up battery are installed, reactivate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING
AIR BAG SYSTEM. Check AIR BAG indicator light to ensure system is functioning properly. See
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
Turn ignition switch to the ON or START position. AIR BAG warning light in instrument cluster should
illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then go out. This indicates that the air bag system is functioning
properly. If any of the following conditions exists, air bag system is malfunctioning and needs repair.
AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate as described.
AIR BAG warning light stays on for more than 6 seconds.
AIR BAG warning light illuminates while driving.
If air bag system components are replaced for any reason, air bag system must be checked for proper function
after repair. Turn ignition on. AIR BAG warning light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then go
out. If AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate as described, air bag system is malfunctioning and needs
repair. If warning light functions as described, check horn operation. If horn does not sound, remove air bag
module and check air bag module and horn switch connections. Always follow service precautions and
deactivate air bag system before performing repairs. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG
SYSTEM .
WIRE REPAIR
DO NOT repair air bag system wiring. If air bag harness connectors are faulty, replace faulty wiring harness.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

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TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
DIAGNOSIS & TESTING
SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
Trouble Shooting
AIR BAG warning light flashes are used to diagnose air bag system. The number of warning light flashes
depends on the type of fault being detected. Codes are prioritized so that if 2 or more faults are present, the
highest test-priority fault indication will remain until corrected.
Warning Light Does Not Illuminate
Check for blown fuses, burned-out bulb, disconnected diagnostic module, or open circuit between warning light
and diagnostic module.
Warning Light Flashes Or Remains On
Check code output of AIR BAG warning light. See AIR BAG FLASH CODES table.
AIR BAG FLASH CODES
ApplicationFt. Lbs. (N.m)
Air Bag Module Nuts12-15 (16-20)
Steering Wheel Nut29-36 (39-49)
INCH Lbs. (N.m)
Front Impact Sensor Bolts78-113 (9-13)
Rear Safing Sensor Nuts
Miata78-113 (9-13)
RX761-87 (7-10)
WARNING:Follow air bag service precautions to prevent accidentalair bag
deployment and personal injury. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS.
NOTE: After component replacement, check system to ensure proper operation. See
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.
PriorityFlash CodeCause/Diagnosis
1Remains OnFaulty Diagnostic Module
Poor Connection Of Diagnostic
Module Connector (See
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 1)
2Flashes 3 TimesOpen Circuit
Poor Connection Of Power Source

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DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 1
Warning Light Remains On
Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Ensure diagnostic module
connectors are properly connected. If connector is okay, replace diagnostic module.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 2
Warning Light Flashes 3 Times
1. Measure battery voltage. If voltage is less than 9 volts, charge battery. If battery voltage is okay, check
fuses/relays in order given in FUSE/RELAY LOCATION table. See Fig. 6
or Fig. 7 .
2. If fuses and relays are okay, disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG
SYSTEM. Ensure back-up battery connector is properly connected. If connection is okay, disconnect
back-up battery connector.
Circuit (See DIAGNOSTIC TEST
NO. 2)
3Flashes 5 TimesFaulty Front Impact Sensor (See
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 3)
4Flashes 10 TimesFaulty Diagnostic Module (System
Down-Fused Burned) (See
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 4)
5Flashes 4 TimesFaulty Rear safing Sensor (See
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 5)
6Flashes 6 TimesFaulty Air Bag Module
Poor Connection Of Clockspring
Connector (See DIAGNOSTIC
TEST NO. 6)
7 (1) Flashes 7 TimesPoor Wiring Harness Ground (See
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 8)
8Flashes 8 TimesPoor Ground Of Front Impact
Sensor (See DIAGNOSTIC TEST
NO. 8)
9Flashes 9 TimesOpen Circuit Between Diagnostic
Module and Front Impact Sensor
(See DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 3)
10Flashes 2 TimesPoor Ground Of All Front Impact
Sensors (See DIAGNOSTIC TSET
NO. 7)
(1)Code 7 Does not apply to 1990 Miata

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Fig. 11: Locating Diagnostic Module Black & Gray Connectors (RX7)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 3
Warning Light Flashes 5 Or 9 Times
1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Disconnect front
impact sensor connectors (center, left, and right), and measure resistance of each sensor. See Fig. 12
.
Resistance should be approximately 1.2 k/ohms. If resistance is not as specified, replace sensor.
2. If resistance is about 1.2 k/ohms, reconnect all front impact sensor connectors. Disconnect diagnostic
module Black and Gray connectors. See Fig. 10
or Fig. 11 . Measure resistance between diagnostic
module Gray connector Brown/Green wire and ground. If resistance is 1.2 k/ohms, go to next step. If
resistance is not 1.2 k/ohms, replace wire harness.
3. Measure resistance between diagnostic module Gray connector Brown/Red wire and ground. If resistance
is 1.2 k/ohms, go to next step. If resistance is not 1.2 k/ohms, replace wire harness.
4. Measure resistance between diagnostic module Black connector Brown/Black wire and ground. If
resistance is 1.2 k/ohms, replace dia
gnostic module. If resistance is not 1.2 k/ohms, replace wire harness.

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Fig. 12: Checking Impact Sensor Resistance
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 4
Warning Light Flashes 10 Times
1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Disconnect front
impact sensor connectors (center, left, and right), and measure resistance of each sensor. See Fig. 12
.
Resistance should be approximately 1.2 k/ohms. If resistance is not as specified, replace sensor and go to
step 5).
2. If resistance is about 1.2 k/ohms, reconnect all front impact sensor connectors. Disconnect diagnostic
module Black and Gray connectors. See Fig. 10
or Fig. 11 . Measure resistance between diagnostic
module Gray connector Brown/Green wire and ground. If resistance is 1.2 k/ohms, go to next step. If
resistance is not 1.2 k/ohms, replace wire harness.
3. Measure resistance between diagnostic module Gray connector Brown/Red wire and ground. If resistance
is 1.2 k/ohms, go to next step. If resistance is not 1.2 k/ohms, replace wire harness.
4. Measure resistance between diagnostic module Black connector Brown/Black wire and ground. If
resistance is 1.2 k/ohms, go to next step. If resistance is not 1.2 k/ohms, replace wire harness and go to
next step.
5. If disconnected, reconnect dia
gnostic module and clockspring connectors. Reconnect negative battery

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cable. Turn ignition switch to ON position and check warning light operation. If warning light flashes 10
times, replace diagnostic module.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 5
Warning Light Flashes 4 Times
1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Disconnect diagnostic
module Black and Gray connectors. See Fig. 10
or Fig. 11 . Check continuity between Black connector
Green/White wire terminals. If continuity is not present, replace wire harness.
2. If continuity is present, check continuity between Black connector Green wire and ground (1990 Miata),
or between Gray connector Red/Black wire terminal and ground (all others). If continuity is not present,
go to step 4). If continuity is present, check continuity between Black connector Green wire terminal and
Gray connector Green/Black wire terminal. If continuity is present, go to step 4) (1990 Miata), or step 5)
(all others).
3. If continuity is not present, disconnect rear safing sensor connectors. Check continuity between sensor
terminals "B" and "E". See Fig. 13
. If continuity is present, replace wire harness. If continuity is not
present, replace rear safing sensor.
4. Check rear safing sensor installation; repair as necessary. If installation is okay, disconnect rear safing
sensor connectors. Check continuity between sensor terminal "A" and ground. If continuity is not present,
replace rear safing sensor. If continuity is present, replace wire harness.
5. Disconnect diagnostic connector. Check continuity between Black connector Green/White wire and
ground. If continuity is present, replace wire harness. If continuity is not present, repeat step 4).

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Fig. 13: Identifying Rear Safing Sensor Terminals
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 6
Warning Light Flashes 6 Times
1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Check connection of Orange/Blue clockspring connector; repair as
necessary.
2. If connection is okay, disconnect air bag module and clockspring connector. Check continuity, as shown
in illustration, for both terminals of Blue side of clockspring connector. See Fig. 14
. If continuity is not
present, replace Oran
ge/Blue clockspring connector.

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