light MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2010 (in English) Owner's Manual

Black plate (56,1)
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, dual stage air bags control air bag inflation in two energy stages. During an
impact of moderate severity the front air bags deploy with lesser energy, whereas during
more severe impacts, they deploy with more energy. Deployment of the front air bags may
differ between the driver and the front passenger depending on the driver seat position,
front passenger weight and front seat belt usage, all of which provide data from each sensor
to the air bag system.
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 position sensor as a part of the
supplemental restraint system. The sensor is located under the driver seat. The sensor
determines whether the driver seat is fore or aft of a reference position and sends the seat
position to the diagnostic module (SAS unit). The SAS unit is 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/front seat belt pretensioner system warning light flashes if the sensor has a
possible malfunction (page 2-53).
2-44
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page56
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E

Black plate (57,1)
Front passenger seat weight sensors
Your vehicle is equipped with a front passenger seat weight sensors as a part of the
supplemental restraint system. (page 2-32). These sensors are located under both of the
front passenger seat rails. These sensors determine the total seated weight on the front
passenger seat. The SAS unit is designed to prevent the front passenger front and side air
bags and seat belt pretensioner system from deploying if the total seated weight is less than
approximately 30 kg (66 lbs).
To reduce the chance of injuries caused by deployment of the front passenger air bag, the
system deactivates the front passenger front and side air bags and also the seat belt
pretensioner system when:
lThere is no passenger in the front passenger seat. (The front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light does not illuminate.)
lThe total seated weight on the front passenger seat is less than approximately 30 kg (66
lbs). (The front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.)
This system shuts off the front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner
system, so make sure the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates
according to the following table.
The air bag/front seat belt pretensioner system warning light flashes and the front
passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates if the sensors have a possible
malfunction. If this happens, the front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt
pretensioner system will not deploy.
Front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light
This indicator light illuminates to remind you that the front passenger front and side air
bags and seat belt pretensioner will not deploy during a collision.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-45
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page57
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E

Black plate (58,1)
If the front passenger weight sensors are working properly, the indicator light illuminates
when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. After a specified period of time it
goes out.
The front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates or is off under the following conditions:
Total seated weight on the
front passenger seatFront passenger air bag
deactivation indicator lightFront passenger front and
side air bagsFront passenger seat
belt pretensioner
system
Empty (Not occupied)
*OFF Deactivated Deactivated
Less than approx. 30 kg
(66 lbs)ON Deactivated Deactivated
Approx. 42 kg (93 lbs) or
moreOFF Ready Ready
* If the front passenger seat belt is buckled, the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates,
however this does not indicate a malfunction.
The curtain air bag is always ready to inflate and is not deactivated like the front passenger front and side air bags
and seat belt pretensioner systems.
If the front 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 front passenger seat; contact the Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible. The system may not work properly in an accident.
2-46
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page58
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E

Black plate (61,1)
CAUTION
ØTo assure proper deployment of the front air bag and to prevent damage to the
sensors in the front seat bottoms:
ØDo not place sharp objects on the front seat bottoms or leave heavy luggage on
them.
ØDo not spill any liquids on the front seats or under the front seats.
ØTo allow the sensors to function properly, always perform the following:
ØAdjust the front seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the
seatbacks with seat belts worn properly.
ØIf you place your child on the front passenger seat, secure the child-restraint
system properly and slide the front passenger seat as far back as possible (page
2-32).
NOTE
lThe system requires about 10 seconds to alternate between turning the front passenger front and
side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system on or off.
lThe front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate repeatedly if luggage or
other items are put on the front passenger seat, or if the temperature of the vehicle's interior
changes suddenly.
lThe front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate for 10 seconds if the total
seated weight on the front passenger seat changes.
lIf the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate after installing a
child-restraint system on the front passenger seat, install the child-restraint system on the rear
seat and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
Driver and front passenger buckle switches
The buckle switches on the front seat belts detect whether or not the front seat belts are
securely fastened and further control the deployment of the air bags.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-49
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page61
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E

Black plate (65,1)
lVehicle roll-over may not provide
enough side force to deploy the side
and curtain air bags.
lSide impacts with two-wheeled
vehicles may not provide enough force
to deploy the side and curtain air bags.
Non-activation of side and curtain air
bag
The side and curtain air bags will not
normally inflate in the following cases:
lCollision from the rear.
lCollision from the front, but it may
deploy the front air bags.
qConstant Monitoring
The following components of the air bag
systems are monitored by a diagnostic
system:
lSAS unitlFront air bag sensorlAir bag moduleslSide crash sensorslAir bag/Front seat belt pretensioner
system warning light
lFront seat belt pretensionerslFront passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light
lRelated wiringlDriver seat slide position sensorlFront passenger seat weight sensorslDriver 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/Front Seat Belt
Pretensioner System Warning Light
If the air bag/front seat belt pretensioner
system is working properly, the warning
light illuminates when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position or after the
engine is cranked. The warning light turns
off after a specified period of time.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-53
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page65
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E

Black plate (66,1)
A system malfunction is indicated if the
warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or does not
illuminate at all when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position. If any of
these occur, consult an Authorized Mazda
Dealer as soon as possible. The system
may not work in an accident.
WARNING
Never tamper with the air bag/
pretensioner systems and always have
an Authorized Mazda Dealer perform
all servicing and repairs:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled causing
serious injury or death.
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.lFront passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light does not illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position or does not illuminate
as indicated in the chart. For more
details about this indicator light and
this chart, refer to“Front passenger
seat weight sensors”(page 2-44).
WARNING
Do not operate a vehicle with damaged
air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
components:
Expended or damaged air bag/seat
belt pretensioner system components
must be replaced after any collision
which caused them to deploy or
damage them. Only a trained
Authorized Mazda Dealer can fully
evaluate these systems to see that
they will work in any subsequent
accident. Driving with an expended
or damaged air bag or pretensioner
unit will not afford you the necessary
protection in the event of any
subsequent accident which could
result in serious injury or death.
Do not remove interior air bag parts:
Removing any components such as
the front seats, front dashboard, the
steering wheel or parts on the front
and rear window pillars and along
the roof edge, containing air bag
parts or sensors is dangerous. These
parts contain essential air bag
components. The air bag could
accidentally activate and cause
serious injuries. Always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer remove
these parts.
Dispose of the air bag properly:
Improper disposal of an air bag or a
vehicle with live air bags in it can be
extremely dangerous. Unless all
safety procedures are followed, injury
can result. Ask an Authorized Mazda
Dealer how to safely dispose of an air
bag or how to scrap an air bag
equipped vehicle.
2-54
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page66
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E

Black plate (71,1)
Panic button Trunk button
Key code number plate Operation indicator lightUnlock buttonLock button
Auxiliary key
A code number is stamped on the plate attached to the key set; detach this plate and store it
in a safe place (not in the vehicle) for use if you need to make a replacement key.
Also write down the code number and keep it in another safe and handy place, but not in
the vehicle.
If your key is lost, consult your Authorized Mazda Dealer with the code number ready.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-3
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page71
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E

Black plate (72,1)
CAUTION
ØBecause the advanced key uses low-intensity radio waves, it may not function
correctly under the following conditions:
ØThe advanced key is carried with communication devices such as cellular
phones.
ØThe advanced key contacts or is covered by a metal object.
ØThe advanced key is near electronic devices such as personal computers or cell
phones.
ØNon-Mazda genuine electronic equipment is installed in the vehicle.
ØThere is equipment which discharges radio waves near the vehicle.
ØIf the vehicle is near equipment such as wireless pay devices installed at certain
gas stations.
ØThe advanced key may consume battery power excessively if it receives high-
intensity radio waves. Do not place the advanced key near electronic devices such
as televisions or personal computers.
ØTo avoid damage to the advanced key, DO NOT:
ØDrop the advanced key.
ØGet the advanced key wet.
ØDisassemble the advanced key.
ØExpose the advanced key to high temperatures on places such as the
dashboard or hood, under direct sunlight.
ØPlace heavy objects on the advanced key.
ØPut the advanced key in an ultrasonic cleaner.
ØPut any magnetized objects close to the advanced key.
NOTE
lBattery life is about one year. Be sure to replace the battery as soon as you see the green KEY
indicator light in the instrument cluster begin flashing for 30 seconds after turning off the engine,
otherwise, you will not be able to start the engine using the advanced keyless start system once the
battery is completely dead Refer to KEY warning light (red) on page 5-51. If this occurs, you will
have to either force-start the engine or use the auxiliary key Refer to Advanced Key Battery Dead
Warning on page 3-19.
lAdditional advanced keys can be obtained at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to 6 advanced keys
can be used with the advanced keyless functions per vehicle.
3-4
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page72
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E

Black plate (73,1)
qAdvanced Key Maintenance
CAUTION
ØMake sure the battery is installed
with the correct pole facing
upward. Battery leakage could
occur if it is not installed correctly.
ØWhen replacing the battery, be
careful not to bend the electrical
terminals or get oil on them. Also
be careful not to get dirt in the
transmitter as it could be
damaged.
ØThere is the danger of explosion if
the battery is not correctly
replaced.
ØReplace only with the same type
battery (CR2025 or equivalent).
ØDispose of used batteries
according to the following
instructions.
ØInsulate the plus and minus
terminals of the battery using
cellophane or equivalent tape.
ØNever disassemble.
ØNever throw the battery into
fire or water.
ØNever deform or crush.
The following conditions indicate that the
battery power is low:
lThe KEY indicator light (green) flashes
in the instrument cluster for about 30
seconds after the engine is turned off.
lThe system does not operate and the
operation indicator light on the
transmitter does not flash when the
buttons are pressed.
lThe system's operational range is
reduced.Replacing the battery at an Authorized
Mazda Dealer is recommended to prevent
damage to the advanced key. If replacing
the battery by yourself, follow the
instruction below.
Replacing the advanced key battery
1. Pull out the auxiliary key.
2. Release the cap using a small flathead
screwdriver, then rotate and remove the
cap.
Cap
CAUTION
Do not turn the cap excessively. The
cap may be damaged.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
3-5
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page73
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E

Black plate (76,1)
NOTElThe trunk is out of the operational range,
however, starting the engine may be
possible.
lThe engine may not start if the advanced
key is placed in the following areas:
lAround the dashboardlIn the storage compartments such as the
glove box
lOn the rear parcel shelflStarting the engine may be possible even if
the advanced key is outside of the vehicle
and extremely close to a door and window,
however, always start the engine from the
driver's seat.
If the vehicle is started and driven away
while the advanced key is not in the vehicle,
the vehicle will not restart after it is turned
off and the ignition switch is turned to the
Lock position.
lIf the advanced key is detected within
operational range, the operation indicator
light on the transmitter flashes
momentarily.
qLocking, Unlocking the Doors
with Request Switch
All doors can be locked/unlocked by
pressing the request switch on the front
doors while the advanced key is being
carried.
Request switch
To lock
To lock the doors, press the request
switch. A beep sound will be heard once
and the hazard warning lights will flash
once.
NOTE
The hazard warning lights flash when the theft
deterrent system is armed.
The hazard warning lights do not flash if all
the doors are locked before the theft-deterrent
system is properly armed.
When the doors are locked by pressing the
request switch on the front doors while the
theft-deterrent system is armed, the hazard
warning lights will flash once to indicate that
the system is armed.
Refer to the theft-deterrent system on page
3-53.
To unlock
Driver's door request switch
To unlock the driver's door, press the
request switch. A beep sound will be
heard twice and the hazard warning lights
will flash twice.
To unlock all doors , press the request
switch again within 3 seconds and two
more beep sounds will be heard.
NOTE
The hazard warning lights flash when the theft
deterrent system is turned off.
The hazard warning lights do not flash unless
the theft deterrent system has been properly
turned off.
When the doors are unlocked by pressing the
request switch on the front doors while the
theft-deterrent system is turned off, the hazard
warning lights will flash twice to indicate that
the system is turned off.
Refer to the theft-deterrent system on page
3-53.
3-8
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
RX-8_8AT5-EA-09E_Edition1 Page76
Wednesday, April 15 2009 10:32 AM
Form No.8AT5-EA-09E