sensor MAZDA MODEL PROTÉGÉ 2002 Owners Manual (in English)

2-38
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F
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. Front occupants could
be seriously injured. Never install any front-end equipment to your vehicle.
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 storage areas. It also includes installing
extra electric 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 side air bag wiring and connections to assure
that the bags do not accidentally deploy and that the seats retain an undamaged air
bag connection.
Using Seat Covers:
Using a seat cover on the front seats is dangerous. In a severe side collision, the seat
covers could interfere with the side air bag inflation and serious injuries could result.
Never use seat covers on the front seats.
WARNING
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2-40
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F
The supplemental restraint systems (SRS) have two basic subsystems:
•The air bag system with inflators and air bags.
•The electric system with crash sensors and diagnostic module.
The air bags are mounted in the following locations: the center of the steering wheel, the
passenger-side of the dashboard, and in the outboard sides of the front seatbacks. They are
out of sight until activated.

How the Air Bags Work
When air bag crash sensors detect a frontal or side impact of greater than moderate force,
an electrical current is sent to the inflators.
Gases are produced to inflate the air bags and after the inflation, the air bags quickly
deflate.
The air bags will function only once. After that, the air bags will not work again and
must be replaced.
Only an Authorized Mazda Dealer can replace the systems.
Air Bag System Description
Inflators and air bags
Side crash sensor Inflator and air bag
Side crash sensor
Inflator and air bagCrash sensors and
diagnostic module
(SAS unit)
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2-45
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F

Constant Monitoring
The following components of the air bag
systems are monitored by a diagnostic
system:
•SAS unit
•Air bag modules
•Side air bag crash sensor
•Front seat belt pretensioners
•Related wiring
A diagnostic module continuously
monitors the systems’ readiness. This
begins when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position and continues while
the vehicle is being driven.

Air Bag/Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner Systems Warning
Light
If the air bag/front seat belt pretensioner
system is OK, the warning light comes on
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, stays
on or doesn’t come on at all. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system
may not work in an accident.

Maintenance
The air bag systems are maintenance-free.
But if any of the following occurs, take
your vehicle to an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible:
•The air bag system warning light
flashes.
•The air bag system warning light stays
on.
•The air bag system warning light stays
off when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
•The air bags inflate.
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.
WARNING
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2-46
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F
Damaged Air Bag Sensors:
Driving with damaged air bag sensors
is dangerous. A collision, even one
not strong enough to inflate the air
bags, could damage the sensors. If
there was a subsequent collision, a
damaged sensor would not inflate the
air bags. Always have an Authorized
Mazda Dealer inspect the air bag
systems after a collision.
Removing Interior Parts:
Removing any components such as
the front seat, front dashboard, the
steering wheel or parts containing air
bag sensors is dangerous. These parts
contain essential air bag parts. The
air bag could accidentally activate
and cause serious injuries. Always
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
remove these parts.
Air Bag Disposal:
Improper disposal of an air bag or a
vehicle with live air bags in it can be
extremely dangerous. Unless all
safety procedures are followed, injury
can result. Ask an Authorized Mazda
Dealer how to safely dispose of an air
bag or how to scrap an air bag
equipped vehicle.
WARNING
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4-2
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8Q36-EA-01F
Fuel and Engine Exhaust Precautions
Vehicles with catalytic converters must use ONLY UNLEADED FUEL, which will reduce
exhaust emissions and keep spark plug fouling to a minimum.
Fuel with a lower rating could cause the emission control system to lose effectiveness. It
could also cause engine knocking and serious engine damage.
Your Mazda will perform best with fuel listed in the table.
*U.S. federal law requires that octane ratings be posted on gasoline station pumps.
Gasoline blended with oxygenates such as alcohol or ether compounds are generally
referred to as oxygenated fuels. The common gasoline blend that can be used with your
vehicle is ethanol blended at no more than 10%. Gasoline containing alcohol, such as
ethanol or methanol, may be marketed under the name "Gasohol".
Vehicle damage and drivability problems resulting from the use of the following may not
be covered by the Mazda warranty.
•Gasohol containing more than 10% ethanol.
•Gasoline or gasohol containing methanol.
•Leaded fuel or leaded gasohol.
Fuel Requirements
Fuel Octane Rating* (Anti-knock index)
Regular unleaded fuel 87 [ (R+M)/2 method] or above (91 RON or above)
•USE ONLY UNLEADED FUEL.
Leaded fuel is harmful to the catalytic converter. The lead will accumulate on the
oxygen sensor and the catalyst inside the converter. This will result in a malfunction
of the emission control system, causing poor performance.
•Your vehicle can only use oxygenated fuels containing no more than 10% ethanol by
volume. Damage to your vehicle may occur when ethanol exceeds this
recommendation, or if the gasoline contains any methanol. Stop using gasohol of any
kind if your vehicle engine is performing poorly.
•Never add fuel system additives. Never add cleaning agents other than those specified
by Mazda. Other cleaning agents and additives may damage the system. Consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
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