1991 MAZDA MIATA wiring

AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM
MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
The air bag restraint system, when used in conjunction with seat belt, provides increased protection for the
driver in a collision. The air bag restraint system consists of the following: AIR BAG warning light, air bag
module, clockspring connector, diagnostic module, crash sensors, back-up battery, and wiring harnesses.
The air bag is designed to deploy when rear safing sensor and at least one front impact sensor close in a
collision, and ignition switch is in the ON position. The back-up battery supplies current for the ignitor if the
vehicle battery or fuses fail during a collision. The diagnostic module monitors the air bag system for failures. I
f
any failures are detected by the module, the driver is warned of such failure(s) through the activation or flashing
of the AIR BAG warning light.
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
Disable air bag system before servicing any air bag system or steering column component. See
DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG
SYSTEM
Wait about 10 MINUTES after disabling air bag system before servicing. Air bag system voltage is
maintained for about 10 MINUTES after system is disabled. Failure to wait 10 MINUTES before
servicing system may cause accidental air bag deployment and possible personal injury.
On Miata, obtain radio code number from customer and deactivate radio anti-theft function before
disconnecting battery.
Because of the critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service any air bag system component.
Corrections are made by replacement only.
DO NOT use an ohmmeter to check resistance of air bag module, as it may cause air bag deployment.
When carrying a live (undeployed) module, ensure trim cover is pointed away from your body. This
minimizes chance of injure in the event ofaccidental air bag deployment.
When placing a live air bag module on any surface, always face trim cover upward to reduce motion of
module if it is accidentally deployed.
If an open circuit is present, replace entire wiring harness. DO NOT attempt wire repair.
Impact sensors must always be installed with arrow marks facing front of vehicle. Also, check sensors for
cracks, defects or rust before installation. Replace impact sensor(s) if required.
Air bag system clockspring MUST be aligned in the neutral position, since its rotation ability is limited.
DO NOT turn steerin
g wheel or column after removal of steering gear. WARNING:To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully
follow all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS.
NOTE: The following precautions should be observed when working with air bag
systems.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
Microsoft
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Fig. 1: Locating Clockspring Connector
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
POST-COLLISION AIR BAG SAFETY INSPECTION
POST-COLLISION AIR BAG SAFETY INSPECTION
Replace After DeploymentAir Bag Module(s)
Clockspring
Inspect & If Damaged, Replace Component (Even
If Air Bag Did Not Deploy)Air Bag Diagnosis Control Unit
Impact Sensors & Sensors Mountings
Steering Column
Steering Wheel
Wiring Harness
CommentsDO NOTattempt wiring harness repairs.
Replace entire wiring harness.
Impact sensors must always be installed with
arrow on sensor facing front of vehicle.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
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Removal
1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
2. Clockspring connector assembly is located under steering wheel, in steering column. See Fig. 4
or Fig. 5.
Remove air bag module. See AIR BAG MODULE. Remove steering wheel nut and remove steering
wheel with steering wheel puller. Remove column covers. Remove screws. Remove clockspring
connector and combination switch as an assembly.
DIAGNOSTIC MODULE & BACK-UP BATTERY
Removal & Installation
1. Before proceeding, follow air bag service precautions. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS. Disable air bag
system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.
2. Diagnostic module and back-up battery is located under left side of instrument panel. See Fig. 4
or Fig.
5 . Disconnect diagnostic module and back-up battery connectors. Remove nuts. Remove diagnostic
module and back-up battery as an assembly. To install, reverse removal procedure. After diagnostic
module and back-up battery are installed, reactivate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING
AIR BAG SYSTEM. Check AIR BAG indicator light to ensure system is functioning properly. See
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK.
SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
Turn ignition switch to the ON or START position. AIR BAG warning light in instrument cluster should
illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then go out. This indicates that the air bag system is functioning
properly. If any of the following conditions exists, air bag system is malfunctioning and needs repair.
AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate as described.
AIR BAG warning light stays on for more than 6 seconds.
AIR BAG warning light illuminates while driving.
If air bag system components are replaced for any reason, air bag system must be checked for proper function
after repair. Turn ignition on. AIR BAG warning light should illuminate for approximately 6 seconds then go
out. If AIR BAG warning light does not illuminate as described, air bag system is malfunctioning and needs
repair. If warning light functions as described, check horn operation. If horn does not sound, remove air bag
module and check air bag module and horn switch connections. Always follow service precautions and
deactivate air bag system before performing repairs. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG
SYSTEM .
WIRE REPAIR
DO NOT repair air bag system wiring. If air bag harness connectors are faulty, replace faulty wiring harness.
TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
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DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 1
Warning Light Remains On
Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Ensure diagnostic module
connectors are properly connected. If connector is okay, replace diagnostic module.
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 2
Warning Light Flashes 3 Times
1. Measure battery voltage. If voltage is less than 9 volts, charge battery. If battery voltage is okay, check
fuses/relays in order given in FUSE/RELAY LOCATION table. See Fig. 6
or Fig. 7 .
2. If fuses and relays are okay, disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG
SYSTEM. Ensure back-up battery connector is properly connected. If connection is okay, disconnect
back-up battery connector.
Circuit (See DIAGNOSTIC TEST
NO. 2)
3Flashes 5 TimesFaulty Front Impact Sensor (See
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 3)
4Flashes 10 TimesFaulty Diagnostic Module (System
Down-Fused Burned) (See
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 4)
5Flashes 4 TimesFaulty Rear safing Sensor (See
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 5)
6Flashes 6 TimesFaulty Air Bag Module
Poor Connection Of Clockspring
Connector (See DIAGNOSTIC
TEST NO. 6)
7 (1) Flashes 7 TimesPoor Wiring Harness Ground (See
DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 8)
8Flashes 8 TimesPoor Ground Of Front Impact
Sensor (See DIAGNOSTIC TEST
NO. 8)
9Flashes 9 TimesOpen Circuit Between Diagnostic
Module and Front Impact Sensor
(See DIAGNOSTIC TEST NO. 3)
10Flashes 2 TimesPoor Ground Of All Front Impact
Sensors (See DIAGNOSTIC TSET
NO. 7)
(1)Code 7 Does not apply to 1990 Miata

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
Microsoft
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Warning Light Flashes 7 Times
1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM. Disconnect diagnostic
module Black and Gray connectors. See Fig. 10
or Fig. 11 .
2. Check continuity between Black connector Black wire and ground. If continuity is present, replace
diagnostic module. If continuity is not present, replace wire harness.
WIRING DIAGRAMS
Fig. 16: Air Bag System Wiring Diagram (1990 Miata)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
Microsoft
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Fig. 17: Air Bag System Wiring Diagram (1990 RX7)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:11:16 PMPage 25 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 18: Air Bag System Wiring Diagram (1991 Miata)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:11:16 PMPage 26 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.

Fig. 19: Air Bag System Wiring Diagram (1991 RX7)
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM MAZDA 1990-91 AIR BAGS
Microsoft
Sunday, July 05, 2009 2:11:16 PMPage 27 © 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.