warning MAZDA MODEL MX-5 2006 (in English) Owner's Manual

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WARNING
Seating Position with Side Air Bags:
Sitting too close to the side air bag modules or placing hands on them is extremely
dangerous. A side air bag inflates with great force and speed directly out of the
outboard shoulder of the seat and expands along the door on the side the car is hit.
Serious injury could occur if someone is sitting too close to the door or leaning
against a window in the seats. Furthermore, sleeping up against the door or hanging
out the driver's-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.
Front Air Bag Modules Located in the Steering Wheel Hub and the Dashboard:
Attaching an object to the front air bag modules or placing something in front of them
is dangerous. In an accident, the object could interfere with front air bag inflation and
injure the occupants.
Always keep the front air bag modules free of objects.
Side Air Bag Modules:
Attaching things to the seat in such a way as to cover the outboard side of the seat in
any way is dangerous. In an accident the object could interfere with the side air bag,
which inflates from the outboard side of the seats, impeding the added protection of
the side air bag system or redirecting the air bag in a way that is dangerous.
Furthermore, the bag could be cut open spewing exhaust.
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.
Hot Air Bag Inflators:
Hot air bag inflators are dangerous. Immediately after inflation, the inflators in the
steering wheel, dashboard or the seatbacks are very hot. You could get burned. Don't
touch the internal components of the air bag modules after the bags have inflated.
Installation of Front-End Equipment:
Installation of front-end equipment, such as frontal protection bar (kangaroo bar, bull
bar, push bar, etc.), snowplow, or winches, is dangerous. The air bag crash sensor
system could be affected. This could cause air bags to inflate unexpectedly, or it could
prevent the air bags from inflating during an accident. Occupants could be seriously
injured. Never install any front-end equipment to your vehicle.
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WARNING
Suspension Adjustment:
Adjusting the vehicle suspension is dangerous. If the vehicle's height or the
suspension is changed, the vehicle will be unable to accurately detect a collision
resulting in incorrect or unexpected air bag deployment and the possibility of serious
injuries.
Modification of the Supplemental Restraint System:
Modifying the components or wiring of the supplemental restraint system is
dangerous. You could accidentally activate it or make it inoperable. Don't make any
modifications to the supplemental restraint system. This includes installing trim,
badges, or anything else over the air bag modules. It also includes installing extra
electrical equipment on or near system components or wiring. An Authorized Mazda
Dealer can provide the special care needed in the removal and installation of front
seats. It is important to protect the air bag wiring and connections to assure that the
bags do not accidentally deploy, the driver seat slide position sensor and front
passenger seat weight sensors are not damaged and that the seats retain an
undamaged air bag connection.
NOTE
lWhen 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.
lShould 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.
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Passenger Air Bag
Deactivation Switch
WARNING
Unnecessary Deactivation of
Passenger Air Bag:
Unnecessary deactivation of the
passenger air bag is dangerous. If
turned off unnecessarily, the
passenger will not receive the added
protection of the air bag. Serious
injuries or even death could occur.
With the exception of passengers
fitting the categories described below,
do not turn the air bag deactivation
switch to the OFF position.
Your vehicle is equipped with a passenger
air bag deactivation switch. The switch is
located in the position shown in the figure
below. The switch must be used to
deactivate the passenger front and side air
bags and the passenger seat belt
pretensioner system when the occupant of
the passenger seat fits into one of the
following categories (as described in the
request form for the air bag on-off switch,
the appendix B to part 595 of National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration
[NHTSA]):
lInfants (less than one year old; for all
types of restraint, but particularly the
rear-facing child restraint.)
lChildren aged 1 to 12
lPeople with certain medical conditions
which, according to his/her physician,
could be adversely affected by air-bag
activationFor more government release information
on air bag deactivation, contact your
Authorized Mazda Dealer for the
occupant categories as described in the
request form for the air bag deactivation
switch in the NHTSA rules.
The air bag deactivation switch turns off
the passenger air bag. Make sure the
passenger air bag deactivation switch is in
the ON position except when a passenger
fitting the previous categories occupies
the front passenger seat.
Passenger Air
Bag
Deactivation
SwitchPassenger Air
Bag OperationAir Bag
Deactivation
Indicator Light
OFF position
Deactivate ON
ON position
Ready OFF
When the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position, the passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light comes on for
about 6 seconds.
If the passenger air bag deactivation
switch is in the OFF position, the
indicator light remains on to warn that the
passenger air bag has been deactivated.
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In addition to using the key to deactivate
the passenger air bag, the passenger air
bag is also deactivated and the passenger
air bag deactivation indicator light is
illuminated automatically when the total
seated weight on the passenger seat is less
than 30 kg (66 lb).
NOTE
Have the passenger air bag deactivation
switch inspected by an Authorized
Mazda Dealer if any of these conditions
occur:
lThe indicator light does not
illuminate when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position.
lThe indicator light does not remain
on when the ignition switch is in the
ON position and the passenger air
bag deactivation switch is in the OFF
position.
lThe indicator remains on when the
ignition switch is in the ON position
and the passenger air bag
deactivation switch is in the ON
position.
qTo Deactivate the Passenger Air Bag
Before driving, always confirm that the
passenger air bag deactivation switch is in
the appropriate position according to your
requirements (page 2-30).
WARNING
Do not leave the Key in the Passenger
Air Bag Deactivation Switch:
Unintentional deactivation of the
passenger air bag is dangerous. In an
accident, the passenger will not be
properly protected. Serious injuries or
even death could occur. To avoid
unintentional deactivation, always use
the same key to operate the passenger
air bag deactivation switch and the
ignition switch, that way you won't
leave the key in the passenger air bag
deactivation switch.
1. Insert the key into the passenger air bag
deactivation switch and turn the key
clockwise until the key points to OFF.
2. Remove the key.
3. Make sure the air bag deactivation
indicator light remains illuminated
when the ignition is in the ON position.
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How the Air Bags Work
qHow the Front Air Bags Work
When air bag crash sensors detect a frontal impact of greater than moderate force, an
electrical current is sent to the inflators.
Gases are produced to inflate the front air bags and after the inflation, the front air bags
quickly deflate.
The front air bags will function only once. After that,the front air bags will not work
again and must be replaced.
Only an Authorized Mazda Dealer can replace the system components.
The front air bags will deploy only
in a frontal or frontal offset impact.
Driver seat slide position sensor
Your vehicle is equipped with a driver seat slide sensor as a part of the supplemental
restraint system. The sensor is located under the driver seat. The sensor determines whether
the driver seat is fore or aft of a reference position and sends the seat position to the crash
sensors and diagnostic module (SAS unit). The sensor is also designed to control the
deployment of the driver air bag depending on how close the driver seat is to the steering
wheel.
The air bag/ seat belt pretensioner system warning light flashes if the sensor has a possible
malfunction (page 2-44).
Passenger seat weight sensors
Your vehicle is also equipped with the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light. The
deactivation indicator light illuminates when the key is used to turn the passenger air bag
off or the automatic function operates based on the passenger seat weight sensors. These
sensors are located under both of the passenger seat rails. These sensors determine the total
seated weight on the passenger seat. The sensors are also designed to prevent the passenger
front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system from inflating if the total seated
weight is less than approximately 30 kg (66 lb).
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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:
lThere is no passenger in the passenger seat. (The passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light does not illuminate.)
lThe total seated weight on the passenger seat is less than approximately 30 kg (66 lb).
(The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.)
This system shuts off the passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner
system, so make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates
according to the chart below.
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 illuminates to remind you that the passenger front and side air bags and
seat belt pretensioner will not deploy during a collision.
If the passenger weight sensors are normal, the indicator light illuminates when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. After about 6 seconds it goes out.
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The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates or is off under the following conditions:
Total seated weight on the
passenger seatPassenger air bag
deactivation indicator lightPassenger front and side
air bagsPassenger seat belt
pretensioner system
Empty (Not occupied)
*OFF OFF OFF
Less than approx. 30 kg
(66 lb)ON OFF OFF
Approx. 42 kg (93 lb) or
moreOFF ON ON
If the passenger air bag has been deactivated using the key, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light will
remain illuminated as long you leave the passenger air bag turned off, and the chart above no longer applies.
Refer to Passenger air bag deactivation switch on page 2-30.
* If the passenger seat belt is buckled, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates, however this
does not indicate a malfunction.
If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and does not illuminate as indicated in the above chart,
do not allow a child to sit in the passenger seat and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible. The system may not work properly in an accident. You must deactivate
the passenger air bag using the key (page 2-30) and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
Decreasing the Total Seated Weight on the Passenger Seat:
When an adult or large child sits on the passenger seat, decreasing the total seated
weight on the passenger seat from the total seated weight of approximately 42 kg (93
lb) required for air bag deployment is dangerous. The passenger seat weight sensors
will detect the reduced total seated weight condition and the passenger front and side
air bags and seat belt pretensioner system will not deploy during an accident. The
passenger will not have the supplementary protection of the air bag, which could
result in serious injury. Decreasing the total seated weight on the passenger seat from
the total seated weight of approximately 42 kg (93 lb) could result in an air bag not
deploying under the following conditions, for example:
lLuggage or other items placed under the passenger seat or between the passenger
seat and center console that push up the passenger seat bottom.
lThe passenger seat occupant sits in a manner such that the occupant's entire
weight is not placed on the seat sitting too close to the door.
lAny accessories which might decrease the total seated weight on the passenger seat
are attached to the passenger seat.
The passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems will
deactivate if the total seated weight on the passenger seat is close to 30 kg (66 lb) and
they will reactivate before the weight exceeds 42 kg (93 lb).
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WARNING
Increasing the Total Seated Weight on the Passenger Seat:
When an infant or small child sits on the passenger seat, increasing the total seated
weight on the passenger seat from the total seated weight of approximately 30 kg (66
lb) is dangerous. The passenger seat weight sensors will detect the increased total
seated weight, which could result in the unexpected deployment of the passenger front
and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system in an accident and serious injury.
Increasing the total seated weight on the passenger seat beyond the total seated weight
of approximately 30 kg (66 lb) could result in the passenger front and side air bags
and seat belt pretensioner system deployment in an accident under the following
conditions, for example:
lThe total seated weight of the child with the child-restraint system on the passenger
seat is approximately 30 kg (66 lb) or more.
lLuggage or other items are placed on the seat with the child in the child-restraint
system.
lThe seat is washed.lLiquids are spilled on the seat.lThe passenger seat is moved backward, and it is pushed into luggage or other items
placed behind it.
lLuggage or other items are placed between the passenger seat and center console.lAny accessories which might increase the total seated weight on the passenger seat
are attached to the passenger seat.
The passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems will
deactivate if the total seated weight on the passenger seat is close to 30 kg (66 lb) and
they will reactivate before the weight exceeds 42 kg (93 lb).
CAUTION
lTo assure proper deployment of the front air bag and to prevent damage to the sensors
in the seat bottoms:
lDo not place sharp objects on the seat bottoms or leave heavy luggage on them.lDo not spill any liquids on the seats or under the seats.
lTo allow the sensors to function properly, always perform the following:
lAdjust the seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the seatbacks
with seat belts worn properly.
lIf you place your child on the passenger seat, secure the child-restraint system
properly and slide the passenger seat as far back as possible.
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WARNING
Damaged Side and Curtain Air Bag Wiring under the Seats:
Placing luggage or other objects under the seats is dangerous. The side air bag wiring
could be damaged, and in the event of a side collision, the side air bags may not
deploy, which could result in death or serious injury. To prevent damage to the side air
bag wiring, do not place luggage or other objects under the seats.
qAir Bag Activation/Deactivation
NOTE
If the passenger seat weight sensors detect a total seated weight on the passenger seat is
less than approximately 42 kg (93 lb), the passenger front and side air bags and seat belt
pretensioner may not inflate (page 2-36).
Front air bag activation
A greater than moderate impact will cause
the front air bags to inflate in the
following cases:
lHitting a solid wall straight on at
greater than about 22 km/h (14 mph).
lHitting a curb, pavement edge or hard
object.
lLanding hard or the vehicle falling.
lFrontal impact within about a 30
degree range from head-on to the
vehicle.
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qConstant Monitoring
The following components of the air bag
systems are monitored by a diagnostic
system:
lSAS unit
lCrash sensor
lAir bag modules
lSide crash sensorsí
lSeat belt pretensioners
lRelated wiring
lFront passenger air bag deactivation
switch
lDriver seat slide position sensor
lFront passenger seat weight sensors
lDriver and front passenger seat belt
buckle switches
The diagnostic module continuously
monitors the system's readiness. This
begins when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position and continues while
the vehicle is being driven.
qAir Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
is normal, the warning light illuminates
when the ignition switch is turned to the
ON position or after the engine is cranked.
After about 6 seconds it goes out.A system malfunction is indicated when
the warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or doesn't
illuminate at all when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system
may not work in an accident.
WARNING
Self-Servicing the Air Bag/
Pretensioner Systems:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled. This
could cause serious injuries. Never
tamper with the systems and always
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform all servicing and repairs.
qMaintenance
The air bag systems do not require regular
maintenance. But if any of the following
occurs, take your vehicle to an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible:
lThe air bag system warning light
flashes.
lThe air bag system warning light
remains illuminated.
lThe air bag system warning light does
not illuminate when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position.
lThe air bags have deployed.
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