wheel MAZDA MODEL SPEED MX-5 MIATA 2004 Owners Manual

2-20
Essential Safety Equipment
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
SRS Air Bags
The supplemental restraint systems (SRS) include up to 2 air bags (verify "SRS AIRBAG"
location indicator marks).
They are located in:
•The steering wheel hub (driver air bag)
• The passenger dashboard (front passenger air bag)
The air bag supplemental restraint systems are designed to provide supplemental protection
only in the front seats in certain situations, so seat belts are always important in the
following ways:
Without seat belt usage, the air bags cannot provide adequate protection during an accident.
Seat belt usage is necessary to:
• Keep the passenger away from an inflating air bag.
• Reduce the possibility of injuries during an accident that is not designed for air bag
inflation, such as roll-over or rear impact.
• Reduce the possibility of injuries in frontal collisions that are not severe enough to
activate the air bags.
• Reduce the possibility of being thrown from your vehicle.
• Reduce the possibility of injuries to lower body and legs during an accident because the
air bags provide no protection to these parts.
• Hold the driver in a position which allows better control of the vehicle.
Children should be protected by a child-restraint system. Laws vary on the size a child
must be to use a child-restraint system (page 2-13).
We have provided a deactivation switch that will disable passenger air bag inflation. Do not
switch off the passenger air bag without reading the "Passenger Air Bag Deactivation
Switch" (page 2-23).
Carefully consider which child-restraint system is necessary for your child and follow the
installation directions in this Owner’ s Manual as well as the child-restraint system
manufacturer’ s instructions.
Please be aware that there is no good way to anchor an upper tether, so do not pick a child
restraint system that uses upper tethers at all.
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions
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2-21
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Air Bags without Seat Belts:
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 collisions with frontal or near frontal forces that are at
least moderate. Vehicle occupants should always wear seat belts.
Rear-Facing Child-Restraint System:
When a rear-facing child-restraint system is installed on the passenger’s seat and the
passenger air bag deactivation switch is not in the OFF position, it is extremely
dangerous. In an accident, the air bag could inflate and cause serious injuries or even
death to the child in the rear-facing child-restraint system. When using a rear-facing
child-restraint system, always set the passenger air bag deactivation switch to OFF
position.
Seating Position with Air Bags:
Sitting too close to the air bag modules or placing hands or feet on them is extremely
dangerous. 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 passenger should keep both feet on the floor. Seat occupants should adjust
their seats as far back as possible and always sit upright against the seatbacks with
seat belts worn properly.
Air Bag Modules:
Attaching an object to the air bag modules or placing something in front of them is
dangerous. In an accident, the object could interfere with air bag inflation and injure
the occupants.
Always keep the air bag modules free of objects.
Hot Air Bag Inflators:
Hot air bag inflators are dangerous. Immediately after inflation, the inflators in the
steering wheel or the dashboard are very hot. You could get burned. Don ’t touch the
internal components of the air bag modules after the bags have inflated.
WARNING
Deploying air bag
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2-26
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
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. They are out of sight until activated.
The passenger air bag has a deactivation switch located on the center console (page 2-23).

How the 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 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
Crash sensor
Inflators and air bags
Crash sensors and diagnostic
module (SAS unit)
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2-30
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L

Maintenance
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:
• The air bag system warning light
flashes.
• The air bag system warning light
remains illuminated.
• The air bag system warning light
remains off when the ignition switch is
turned to the ON position.
• The air bags inflate.
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 dashboard, the steering
wheel or parts containing air bag
parts or 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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4-7
Before Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Driving Tips
No special break-in is necessary, but a few
precautions in the first 1,000 km (600
miles) may add to the performance,
economy, and life of your Mazda.
•Don
’t race the engine.
• Don
’t maintain one constant speed,
either slow or fast, for a long period of
time.
• Don
’t drive constantly at full-throttle or
high engine rpm for extended periods
of time.
• Avoid unnecessary hard stops.
• Avoid full-throttle starts. How you operate your Mazda determines
how far it will travel on a tank of fuel. Use
these suggestions to help save money on
fuel and repairs.
•
Avoid long warm-ups. Once the engine
runs smoothly, begin driving.
• Avoid fast starts.
• Keep the engine tuned. Follow the
maintenance schedule (page 8-3) and
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform inspections and servicing.
• Use the air conditioner only when
necessary.
• Slow down on rough roads.
• Keep the tires properly inflated.
• Don
’t carry unnecessary weight.
• Don
’t rest your foot on the brake pedal
while driving.
• Keep the wheels in correct alignment.
• Keep windows closed at high speeds.
• Slow down when driving in crosswinds
and headwinds.
Break-In PeriodMoney-Saving Suggestions
Coasting:
Stopping the engine when going down
a hill is dangerous. This causes the
loss of power steering and power
brake control, and may cause damage
to the drivetrain. Any loss of steering
or braking control could cause an
accident. Never stop the engine when
going down a hill.
WARNING
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4-8
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
When driving on ice or in water, snow,
mud, sand, or similar hazard:
•Be cautious and allow extra distance
for braking.
• Avoid sudden braking and quick
steering.
• If your vehicle is not equipped with
ABS, brake with the pedal by using a
light up-down motion. Don
’t hold the
pedal down constantly.
If your vehicle is equipped with ABS,
don ’t pump the brakes. Continue to
press down on the brake pedal.
• If you get stuck, select a lower gear and
accelerate slowly. Don
’t spin the rear
wheels.
• For more traction in starting on
slippery surfaces such as ice or packed
snow, use sand, rock salt, chains,
carpeting, or other nonslip material
under the rear wheels. If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand, or mud, depress the
accelerator slightly and slowly move the
shift lever from 1 (D) to R.
Hazardous Driving
Downshifting on Slippery Surfaces:
Downshifting into lower gear while
driving on slippery surfaces is
dangerous. The sudden change in tire
speed could cause the tires to skid.
This could lead to loss of vehicle
control and an accident. If it is
necessary to downshift on slippery
surfaces, be very careful.
NOTE
Use snow chains only on the rear
wheels.
WARNING
Rocking the Vehicle
Spinning the Wheels:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning
the wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries. Don't spin the wheels at
more than 56 km/h (35 mph), and
don't allow anyone to stand behind a
wheel when pushing the vehicle.
Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transmission failure, and
tire damage.
WARNING
CAUTION
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4-9
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
•Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag
of sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to
perform the following precautions:
• Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in
the radiator.
• Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
• Use only cold-weather engine oil
(page 8-13).
• Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
• Use washer fluid made with
antifreeze—but don
’t use engine
coolant antifreeze for washer fluid
(page 8-22).
• Don
’t use the parking brake in freezing
weather as the parking brake may
freeze. Instead, shift to P with an
automatic transmission and to 1 or R
with a manual transmission. Block the
rear wheels.

Snow Tires
Use snow tires on all four wheels
Don
’t go faster than 120 km/h (75 mph)
while driving with snow tires. Inflate
snow tires 30 kPa (0.3 kgf/cm2, 4.3 psi)
more than recommended on the tire
pressure label (driver ’s door), but never
more than the maximum cold-tire
pressure shown on the tires.
Your vehicle is originally equipped with
summer tires designed for optimum
traction on wet and dry roads. If your
vehicle is to be used on snow and ice
covered roads, you may find it necessary
to replace the original equipment tires
with snow tires, during the winter months.
Winter Driving
Mixing Tire Types:
Using tires different in size or type is
dangerous. Your vehicle ’s handling
could be greatly affected and result in
an accident. Use only the same size
and type tires (snow, radial, or non-
radial) on all four wheels.
Check local regulations before using
studded tires.
WARNING
CAUTION
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4-10
Before Driving Your Mazda
Driving Tips
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L

Tire Chains
Check local regulations before using tire
chains.
Install the chains on the rear tires.
Don
’t use chains on the front tires.
Use only SAE Class "S" chains, and make
sure they fit. Installing the chains1. Remove the wheel covers, or the chain
bands will scratch them.
2. Secure the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible. Always follow the
chain manufacturer ’s instructions.
3. Retighten the chains after driving 1/2— 1 km (1/4— 1/2 mile).
•
Chains may scratch or chip
aluminum wheels. Install tire chains
on steel wheels only.
• Chains may affect handling.
• Don
’t go faster than 50 km/h (30
mph) or the chain manufacturer ’s
recommended limit, whichever is
lower.
• Drive carefully and avoid bumps,
holes, and sharp turns.
• Avoid locked-wheel braking.
• Don
’t use chains on a temporary
spare tire; it may result in damage to
the vehicle and to the tire.
• Don
’t use chains on roads that are
free of snow or ice. The tires and
chains could be damaged.
NOTE
Use of tire chains on a vehicle
equipped with 205/40R17
specification tires could cause
interference with the vehicle body and
scratching. If tire chains are to be used,
replace both front and rear tires with
205/45R16 tires. Please consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
CAUTION
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5-2
Driving Your Mazda
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
Starting and Driving

Ignition Switch Positions
LOCK
The steering wheel locks to protect
against theft. Only in this position can the
key be removed.
Manual transmission
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, push the key in at the
ACC position, then turn it to the LOCK
position. Automatic transmission
To turn the key from the ACC to the
LOCK position, the shift lever must be in
the P position.
Ignition Switch
LOCK
Push the key
ACC ON
Removing the Key:
It
’s dangerous to remove the key from
the ignition switch while the vehicle is
moving. Removing the key allows the
steering wheel to lock. You will lose
steering control and a serious
accident could occur.
Remove the key only when the vehicle
is parked.
Not Setting the Parking Brake:
Leaving the driver ’s seat without
setting the parking brake is
dangerous. Unexpected vehicle
movement could occur if the parking
brake is not set. This could cause an
accident. Before leaving the driver ’s
seat, always set the parking brake and
make sure the shift lever is in P with
an automatic transmission or in 1 or
R with a manual transmission.
LOCK Shift lever
engaged in P
(park)
ACC
ON
WARNING
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5-3
Driving Your Mazda
Starting and Driving
Form No. 8T02-EA-03L
ACC (Accessory)
The steering wheel unlocks and some
electrical accessories will operate.
ON
This is the normal running position after
the engine is started. The warning lights
(except brakes) should be inspected
before the engine is started (page 5-23).
START
The engine is started in this position. It
will crank until you release the key; then
it returns to the ON position. The brake
warning light can be checked after the
engine is started (page 5-23).

Ignition Key Reminder
If the ignition switch is in the LOCK or
ACC position, a beep sound will be heard
when any door is opened. 1. Occupants should fasten their seat
belts.
2. Make sure the parking brake is on.
3. Depress the brake pedal.
4. (Manual transmission)
Depress the clutch pedal all the way
and shift into neutral.
Keep the pedal depressed while
cranking the engine.
(Automatic transmission)
Put the vehicle in park (P). If you must
restart the engine while the vehicle is
moving, shift into neutral (N).
NOTE
If turning the key is difficult, jiggle the
steering wheel from side to side.
NOTE
When the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position, the sound of the fuel
pump motor operating near the fuel
tank can be heard. This does not
indicate an abnormality.
Starting the Engine
NOTE
Engine-starting is controlled by the
spark ignition system.
This system meets all Canadian
Interference-Causing Equipment
Standard requirements regulating the
impulse electrical field strength of
radio noise.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the
clutch pedal is not
pushed down all the
way.
NOTE
The starter will not operate if the shift
lever is not
in P or N.
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