1997 MAZDA MX-5 service

AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM
1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
DESCRIPTION & OPERATION
The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), when used in conjunction with seat belt, provides increased
protection for driver and front passenger in a frontal collision. The air bag restraint system consists of AIR BAG
warning light, driver-side air bag module, passenger-side air bag module, clockspring, SAS unit, and wiring
harness. See Fig. 1
. WARNING:To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully
follow all WARNINGS and SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
Turn ignition on. AIR BAG warning light in instrument cluster should glow for 6 seconds and then turn off. If
AIR BAG warning light does not function as described, a failure has occurred in Supplemental Restraint
System (SRS). Repair malfunctioning SRS. See DIAGNOSIS
. Also, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
The following precautions should be observed when working with air bag systems:
Disable air bag before servicing any air bag system/steering column component. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
Because of critical system operating requirements, DO NOT service any air bag system component or
wiring harness. 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 injury in event of accidental 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.
SAS unit must always be installed with arrow facing the front of the vehicle.
DO NOT disconnect SAS unit until unit is firmly mounted in vehicle.
Disconnecting or removing SAS unit with ignition switch in ON position can cause accidental
deployment and serious personal injury. Before disconnecting or removing SAS unit connector or
removing SAS unit, turn ignition to LOCK position.
Air bag system clockspring MUST be aligned in neutral position, since its rotation ability is limited. DO
NOT turn steering wheel or column after removal of steering gear.
A double-lock mechanism is used on clockspring connectors. DO NOT use excessive force when
disconnecting connectors, as damage to connector may occur.
ADJUSTMENTS
CLOCKSPRING CENTERING
Turn clockspring clockwise until it stops, then turn clockspring counterclockwise 2.75 turns. Align marks on
clocksprin
g with marks on outer housing. See Fig. 2.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
Removal
Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove driver-side air bag module nuts. Disconnect driver-side air bag
module connector. Disconnect support rope. See Fig. 6
. Remove driver-side air bag module.
If Air Bag Did Not Deploy)Steering Column, Steering Wheel, Wiring Harness
CommentsDO NOT attempt wiring harness repairs. Replace
entire harness. Impact sensors must always be
installed with arrow on sensor facing front o
f
vehicle.
WARNING:Follow air bag service precautions to prevent accidental air bag
deployment and personal injury. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
.
WARNING:DO NOT install driver-side air bag module unless DTC 6 is set. This can
cause accidental deployment of the air bag. Verify DTC 6 is indicated
before installing driver-side air bag module.
NOTE: After replacing components, check system to ensure proper operation. See
SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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Removal
Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM . Remove passenger-side air bag module retaining bolts. See Fig. 7 .
Remove passenger-side air bag module.
Fig. 7: Removing Passenger
-Side Air Bag Module
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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Fig. 8: Connecting SST (490839285) To Clockspring Connector
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Installation
1. Connect leads of SST (490839285) to terminals B and C of clockspring connector. Set resistance of SST
(490839285) to 2 ohms. Connect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch on. Verify that air bag
warning light comes on for 6 seconds and then goes Off. See Fig. 8
.
2. Verify that DTC 7 is set. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disconnect negative battery cable and
wait for one minute. Install passenger-side air bag module and retaining bolts. Activate air bag system.
See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
.
3. Activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Check AIR BAG
warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
SAS UNIT
Removal
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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2. Drain cooling system. Remove dashboard. Remove heater unit. SAS unit connectors. Remove 4 SAS unit
mounting bracket nuts. Remove 2 SAS unit retaining screws. Remove SAS unit. See Fig. 9
.
Installation
To install, reverse removal procedure. Position SAS unit and bracket with arrow toward front of vehicle.
Tighten fasteners to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
. After SAS unit is installed, activate air
bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Check AIR BAG warning light to
ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
CLOCKSPRING
Removal
1. Set front wheels in straight-ahead position. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS .
Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.
2. Remove driver-side air bag module. See DRIVER
-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE . Remove steering wheel
nut. Using a puller, remove steering wheel. Remove steering column covers. Remove clockspring screws.
Remove clockspring and combination switch as an assembly.
Installation
1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten steering wheel nut to specification. See TORQUE
SPECIFICATIONS .
2. After installation, activate air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
.
Check AIR BAG warning light to ensure system is functioning properly. See SYSTEM OPERATION
CHECK .
SAS UNIT
Removal
1. Before proceeding, see SERVICE PRECAUTIONS . Disable air bag system. See DISABLING &
ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM .
2. SAS unit is located under center of dashboard. See Fig. 1
. Remove dashboard. Remove heater assembly.
Disconnect SAS unit connectors. Remove 4 SAS unit mounting bracket nuts. Remove 2 SAS unit
retainin
g screws. Remove SAS unit. See Fig. 9. NOTE: Clockspring is part of combination switch. When replacing clockspring, replace
the clockspring and combination switch as an assembly.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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DIAGNOSIS
SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
SAS unit will only display one code at a time. SAS unit will always display highest priority code first. After
repairing system, perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
. If AIR BAG warning light is still flashing
during SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK, record code displayed. Repair system as necessary.
Retrieving & Clearing Codes
If codes are stored, AIR BAG warning light will flash or remain on when ignition is turned on. Codes are
automatically cleared when fault is corrected.
AIR BAG Warning Light Flashes
AIR BAG warning light indicates fault codes by flashing. Count the number of flashes between pauses to
determine code. See AIR BAG CODES
table. Codes are prioritized. If 2 or more faults are present, SAS unit
will display highest priority code first. After identifying code, go to appropriate code test.
AIR BAG Warning Light Remains On
Illumination of AIR BAG warning light continuously when ignition is turned on indicates a Code 0 (zero). See
AIR BAG CODES
table.
AIR BAG Warning Light Does Not Come On
Check for blown fuses, burned-out bulb, disconnected SAS unit, or open circuit between warning light and SAS
unit.
AIR BAG CODES
WARNING LIGHT DOES NOT COME ON WARNING:Follow air bag service precautions to prevent accidental air bag
deployment and personal injury. See SERVICE PRECAUTIONS
.
NOTE: If AIR BAG warning light does not come on and buzzer sounds when ignition is
turned on, check and repair warning light circuit first.
CodePossible Cause
0 (1) SAS unit
3Power Source Circuit
6Driver-Side Air Bag Module Circuit
7Passenger-Side Air Bag Module Circuit
(1)AIR BAG warning light remains on, indicating a Code 0.

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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Remove driver-side air bag module. See DRIVER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE under REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION.
2. Inspect clockspring connectors for damage. If connectors are okay, go to next step. If connectors are
damaged, replace clockspring. Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
3. Connect Special Service Tool (49 0839 285) to terminal No. 3B and terminal No. 3C of clockspring. Set
SST resistance to 2 ohms. Connect clockspring connector. Connect negative battery cable. Turn ignition
switch to ON position and cheek for codes. If CODE 6 is displayed, go to next step. If CODE 6 is not
present, replace driver-side air bag module. Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
4. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait for 1 minute.
Disconnect clockspring connector and inspect. If pins are ok go next step. If pins are damaged, replace
wiring harness from clockspring to SAS unit.
5. Connect Special Service Tool (49 0839 285) to terminal No. A and terminal No. B of clockspring
connector. Set SST resistance to 2 ohms. Connect clockspring connector and connect negative battery
cable. Turn ignition switch to ON position and cheek for codes. If CODE 6 is displayed, go to next step.
If CODE 6 is not present, replace clockspring. See CLOCKSPRING
under REMOVAL &
INSTALLATION. Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
6. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disconnect negative battery cable. Wait for 1 minute. Remove
dashboard and heater unit. Disconnect SAS unit connector.
7. Check wiring harness between terminal No. O of SAS unit connector and between terminal No. A of
clockspring connector. Also check between terminal No. M of SAS unit connector and terminal No. B of
clockspring connector. Check for short to ground, short to power or open circuit. If wiring is OK, replace
SAS unit. See SAS UNIT
under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.If wiring is not OK, replace wiring
harness from clockspring to SAS unit. Perform SYSTEM OPERATION CHECK
.
DTC 7 - PASSENGER-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE
1. Disable air bag system. See DISABLING & ACTIVATING AIR BAG SYSTEM
. Inspect passenger-
side air bag module connectors for damage. If connectors are okay, go to next step. If connectors are
damaged, replace wiring harness from passenger-side air bag module to SAS unit. Perform SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
2. Connect Special Service Tool (49 0839 285) to terminal No A and terminal No. B of passenger-side air
bag module connector. Set Special Service Tool resistance to 2 ohms. Connect clockspring connector.
Connect negative battery cable. Turn ignition switch to ON position and check for codes. If DTC 7 is
displayed, go to next step. If CODE 7 is not present replace passenger-side air bag module. See
PASSENGER
-SIDE AIR BAG MODULE under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Perform SYSTEM
OPERATION CHECK .
3. Turn ignition switch to LOCK position. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 1 minute. Disconnect
clocksprin
g connector. Remove dashboard and heater unit. NOTE: For connector terminal identification, see WIRING DIAGRAM
.
NOTE: When resistance is detected between terminals l-K of SAS unit is NOT 2 ohms
and/or there is no continuity between terminal No. E of SAS unit and ground,
DTC 7 will set

1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 1997 ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Mazda - Air Bag Restraint System
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