warning light MAZDA MODEL RX 8 2011 (in English) User Guide

Black plate (48,1)
WARNING
Do not seat a child in a child-restraint
system on the front passenger seat if
the front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light does not
illuminate:
While it is always better to install any
child-restraint system on the rear
seat, it is imperative that a child-
restraint systemONLYbe used on the
front passenger seat if the
deactivation indicator light
illuminates when the child is seated
in the child-restraint system (page
2-46). Seating a child in a child-
restraint system installed on the front
passenger seat with the front
passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light not illuminated is
dangerous. If this indicator light does
not illuminate, this means that the
front 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 child-restraint system sitting in the
front 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 front
passenger seat, seat a child in a
child-restraint system on the rear
seat and consult an Authorized
Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
2-36
Essential Safety Equipment
Child Restraint
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page48
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (53,1)
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 inflate only in the first collision with frontal, near frontal or side forces
that are at least moderate. Vehicle occupants should always wear seat belts.
Children should not ride in the front passenger seat:
Placing a child, 12 years or under, in the front seat is dangerous. The child could be
hit by a deploying air bag and be seriously injured or even killed. Even if the front
passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates, always move the front
passenger seat as far back as possible. A sleeping child is more likely to lean against
the door and be hit by the side air bag in moderate collision to the front-passenger
side of the vehicle. Whenever possible, always secure a child 12 years and under on
the rear seat with an appropriate child-restraint system for the child's age and size.
Never use a rear-facing child-restraint system in the front seat with an air bag that
could deploy:
Rear-facing child-restraint systems on the front seat are particularly dangerous even
though you may feel assured that a front passenger air bag will not deploy based on
the fact that the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates. The
child-restraint system can be hit by a deploying air bag and moved violently
backward resulting in serious injury or death to the child.
Do not sit too close to the driver and front passenger air bags:
Sitting too close to the driver and front passenger air bag modules or placing hands
or feet on them is extremely dangerous. The driver and front passenger air bags
inflate 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
front seat passenger should keep both feet on the floor. Front seat occupants should
adjust their seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the
seatbacks with seat belts worn properly.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-41
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page53
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (56,1)
Supplemental Restraint System Components
The supplemental restraint systems (SRS) have two basic subsystems:lThe air bag system with inflators and air bags.lThe electrical system with crash sensors and diagnostic module.
The air bags are mounted in the following locations:
lThe steering wheel hublThe front passenger dashboardlThe outboard sides of the front seatbackslThe front and rear window pillars, and the roof edge along both sides
The air bags are out of sight until activated.
Driver/Front passenger dual stage inflators and air bags
Crash sensors, and diagnostic module (SAS unit)
Front seat belt pretensioners (page 2-20)
Front air bag sensor
Side crash sensors
Air bag/front seat belt pretensioner system warning light (page 2-55)
Side and curtain inflators and air bags
Front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light (page 2-46)
Front passenger seat weight sensors (page 2-46)
Front passenger seat weight sensor control module
2-44
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page56
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (58,1)
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 2-55).
2-46
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page58
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (59,1)
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 2-34). These sensors are located under both of the
front passenger seat rails. These sensors determine the total seated weight on the front
passenger seat and monitor its seat belt buckle. The SAS unit is designed to prevent the
front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system from deploying if
the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.
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 the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light
illuminates.
Refer to the following table for the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light
illumination conditions.
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.
If the front passenger weight sensors are working properly, the indicator light illuminates
when the ignition is switched ON. After a specified period of time it goes out.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-47
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page59
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (61,1)
WARNING
Do not decrease the total seated weight on the front passenger seat:
When an adult or large child sits on the front passenger seat, decreasing the total
seated weight on the front passenger seat required for air bag deployment is
dangerous. The front passenger seat weight sensors will detect the reduced total
seated weight condition and the front passenger front and side air bags and seat
belt pretensioner system will not deploy during an accident. The front passenger will
not have the supplementary protection of the air bag, which could result in serious
injury. Decreasing the total seated weight on the front passenger seat could result in
an air bag not deploying under the following conditions, for example:
ØA rear passenger pushes up on the front passenger seat with their feet.
ØLuggage or other items placed under the front passenger seat or between the
front passenger seat and driver seat that push up the front passenger seat
bottom.
ØThe front passenger seat occupant sits in a manner that does not place the entire
weight of the occupant on the seat such as by sitting too close to the door,
grasping the assist grip or the rim of the moonroof and sitting with the seatback
reclined too far.
ØAny accessories which might decrease the total seated weight on the front
passenger seat are attached to the front passenger seat.
ØTension in the upward direction is placed on the seat belt slide bar such as by
pulling up on the seat belt.
The front passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems will
deactivate if the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates and
they will reactivate if the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light turns
off.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-49
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page61
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (63,1)
NOTElThe 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.
lThe air bag/front seat belt pretensioner system warning light might illuminate if the front
passenger seat receives a severe impact.
lIf the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate after installing a
child-restraint system on the front passenger seat, first, re-install your child-restraint system
according to the procedure in this owner's manual. Then, if the front passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light still does not illuminate, install the child-restraint system on the rear
seat and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as soon as possible.
lIf the front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates when an adult is seated in
the front 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 front passenger air bag deactivation indicator light
still illuminates, move the passenger to the rear seat. If sitting in the rear seat is not possible, slide
the front passenger seat as far back 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
2-51
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page63
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (67,1)
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
lDriver seat slide position sensorlFront passenger seat weight sensorslDriver and front passenger seat belt
buckle switches
lRelated wiring
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.
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 is
switched ON or after the engine is
cranked. The warning light turns off after
a specified period of time.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-55
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page67
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (68,1)
A system malfunction is indicated if the
warning light constantly flashes,
constantly illuminates or does not
illuminate at all when the ignition is
switched ON. 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 is
switched ON.
lThe air bags have deployed.lFront passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light does not illuminate
when the ignition is switched ON 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 2-46).
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.
2-56
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
RX-8_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page68
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H

Black plate (74,1)
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 5-52. 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 3-18.
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_8BQ7-EA-10H_Edition1 Page74
Wednesday, July 14 2010 11:49 AM
Form No.8BQ7-EA-10H