2003 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA belt

2-16
Essential Safety Equipment
Child Restraint
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
The passenger lap/shoulder belt can easily
be converted into the automatic locking
mode, which must be done to hold the
child-restraint system.
Some child-restraint systems also employ
specially designed LATCH attachments;
refer to "LATCH Child-Restraint
Systems" (page 2-18).
Follow these instructions when installing
a child-restraint system on the passenger’s
seat, unless you are attaching a LATCH-
equipped child-restraint system to the
LATCH lower anchors. Refer to "LATCH
Child-Restraint Systems" (page 2-18).
Before installing a rear-facing child-
restraint system, the passenger-side air
bag must be deactivated (page 2-23). 1. Slide the seat as far back as possible.
2. Secure the child-restraint system with
the lap portion of the lap/shoulder belt.
See the instructions on the child-
restraint system for belt routing
instructions.
3. To get the retractor into the automatic locking mode, pull the shoulder belt
portion of the seat belt until the entire
length of the belt is out of the retractor.
4. Push the child-restraint system firmly into the vehicle seat. Be sure the belt
retracts as snugly as possible. Clicking
from the retractor will be heard during
retraction if the system is in automatic
locking mode. If the belt does not lock
the seat down tight, repeat this step.
Installing a Child-
Restraint System
NOTE
Follow the child-restraint system
manufacturer’ s instructions carefully.
If you are not sure whether you have a
LATCH system, check in the child-
restraint system manufacturer ’s
instructions and follow them
accordingly. Depending on the type of
child-restraint system, it may not
employ seat belts which are in
automatic locking mode.
NOTE
Before installing a child-restraint
system, refer to "Passenger-Side Air
Bag Deactivation Switch" (page 2-23).
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2-17
Essential Safety Equipment
Child Restraint
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
NOTE
•Inspect this function before each
use of the child-restraint system.
You should not be able to pull the
shoulder belt out of the retractor
while the system is in the automatic
locking mode. When you remove
the child-restraint system, be sure
the belt fully retracts to return the
system to emergency locking mode
before occupants use the seat belts.
• Follow the child-restraint system
manufacturer’
s instruction carefully.
Depending on the type of child-
restraint system, it may not employ
seat belts which are in automatic
locking mode.
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2-18
Essential Safety Equipment
Child Restraint
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
Your Mazda is equipped with LATCH lower anchors for attachment of specially designed
LATCH child-restraint systems behind the passenger seat. Both anchors must be used,
otherwise the seat will bounce around and put the child in danger.
LATCH Child-Restraint Systems
Manufacturer’s Instructions for Child-Restraint System:
An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision it
could move causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. Make sure
the child-restraint system is properly secured in place according to the child-restraint
system manufacturer ’s instructions.
Unsecured Child-Restraint System:
An unsecured child-restraint system is dangerous. In a sudden stop or a collision it
could move causing serious injury or death to the child or other occupants. Follow the
child-restraint system manufacturer ’s instructions on belt routing to secure the seat
just as you would with a child in it so that nobody is tempted to put a child in an
improperly secured seat later on. When not in use, remove it from the vehicle or fasten
it with a seat belt, or latch it down to BOTH LATCH lower anchors for LATCH child-
restraint systems.
LATCH Child-Restraint Systems:
Not following the child-restraint system manufacturer ’s instructions when installing
the child-restraint system is dangerous. If seat belts or a foreign object prevent the
child-restraint system from being securely attached to the LATCH lower anchors and
the child-restraint system is installed improperly, the child-restraint system could
move in a sudden stop or collision causing serious injury or death to the child or other
occupants. When installing the child-restraint system, make sure there are no seat
belts or foreign objects near or around the LATCH lower anchors. Always follow the
child-restraint system manufacturer ’s instructions.
WARNING
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2-20
Essential Safety Equipment
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
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
• The passenger side dashboard
The air bag supplemental restraint systems are designed to provide supplemental protection
only in the front seats in certain situations, so seat belts become 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.
Small children should be protected by a child-restraint system. In certain regions, larger
children must use a child-restraint system (page 2-13).
We have provided a deactivation switch that will disable passenger-side air bag inflation.
Do not switch off the passenger-side air bag without reading the "Passenger-Side 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.
Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Precautions
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Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
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-side 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-side air bag deactivation switch to
OFF position.
Seating Position with Air Bags:
Sitting too close to the air bag storage compartments 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 Storage Areas:
Attaching an object to an air bag storage area or placing something in front of it is
dangerous. In an accident, the object could interfere with air bag inflation and injure
the occupants.
Always keep the air bag storage areas 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 storage areas after the bags have inflated.
WARNING
Deploying air bag
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2-29
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Constant Monitoring
The following components of the air bag
systems are monitored by a diagnostic
system:
• SAS unit
• Crash sensor
• Air bag modules
• Seat belt pretensioners
• Related wiring
• Passenger-side air bag deactivation
switch
A diagnostic module continuously
monitors the systems ’ readiness. This
begins when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position and continues while
the vehicle is being driven.

Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
is OK, the warning light comes on when
the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position or after the engine is cranked.
After about 6 seconds it goes out. A system malfunction is indicated when
the warning light constantly flashes, stays
on or doesn
’t come on 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.

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 stays
on.
• The air bag system warning light stays
off when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position.
• The air bags inflate.
Self-Servicing the Air Bag/
Pretensioner Systems:
Self-servicing or tampering with the
systems is dangerous. An air bag/
pretensioner could accidentally
activate or become disabled. This
could cause serious injuries. Never
tamper with the systems and always
have an Authorized Mazda Dealer
perform all servicing and repairs.
WARNING
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3-17
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Convertible Top Precautions
Convertible Top
Top latch assembley Top storage area
Windshield header
Top frame
Top covering Top latch
Unlock
button Top latch assembly
detail
Standing in a Moving Vehicle:
Standing in the vehicle, or sitting on
the convertible top storage area or
center console when it’
s moving is a
dangerous way to ride. During a
sudden maneuver or collision you
could be seriously injured or even
killed.
Sit in the seat with the seat belt on
when the vehicle is moving.
WARNINGFastening Mechanisms:
It is dangerous to place your hands or
fingers near the fastening
mechanisms. Your hands or fingers
could be caught and injured by the
mechanism. Always keep your hands
and fingers away from the fastening
mechanisms when moving the top.
Remove leaves that accumulate on and
around the convertible top. If the
leaves are not removed, they may
block the water drainage outlets.
WARNING
CAUTION
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3-22
Knowing Your Mazda
Doors and Locks
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G

Detachable Hardtop Precautions
Detachable Hardtop
Top latch assembly
Side latch assemblyRear deck latch
Rear deck stud
Rear window defroster coupler
Standing in a Moving Vehicle:
Standing in the vehicle, or sitting on
the convertible top storage area or
center console when it ’s moving is a
dangerous way to ride. During a
sudden maneuver or collision you
could be seriously injured or even
killed.
Sit in the seat with the seat belt on
when the vehicle is moving.
WARNINGHardtop and Rollover Accidents:
Rollover accidents on a hardtop
vehicle are dangerous. The hardtop is
not as strong as a regular steel roof.
Rollover accidents could dislodge or
crush the hardtop and cause serious
injuries or even death, just as with no
top or a soft top.
Always drive safely and observe the
speed limit.
WARNING
J07R_8R09_EA_02G_Edition4.book Page 22 Monday, February 3, 2003 1:16 PM