How does the side air bag system work?
The side air bag system (if
equipped) consists of the following:
²An inflatable nylon bag (air bag)
with a gas generator concealed
behind the outboard bolster of
the driver and front passenger
seatbacks.
²A special seat cover designed to
allow airbag deployment.
²The same warning light,
electronic control and diagnostic unit as used for the front air bags.
²The two side sensors are located on the lower portion of the b-pillar.
NOTE:A side air bag, in combination with seat belts, can help reduce
the risk of severe injuries in the event of a significant side impact
collision.
The side air bags are fitted on the outboard side of the seatbacks of the
front seats. In certain lateral collisions, the air bag on the side affected
by the collision will be inflated, even if the respective seat is not
occupied. The air bag was designed to inflate between the door panel
and occupant to further enhance the protection provided occupants in
side impact collisions.
The air bag SRS is designed to activate when the vehicle sustains lateral
deceleration sufficient to cause the sensors to close an electrical circuit
that initiates air bag inflation.
The fact that the air bags did not inflate in a collision does not mean that
something is wrong with the system. Rather, it means the forces were
not of the type sufficient to cause activation. Side air bags are designed
to inflate in side-impact collisions, not roll-over, rear-impact, frontal,
near-frontal or opposite side collisions, unless the collision causes
sufficient lateral deceleration.
WARNING: Several air bag system components get hot after
inflation. Do not touch them after inflation.
Seating and Safety Restraints
108
The cooling system in your vehicle is filled with yellow-colored Mazda
Premium Engine Coolant meeting Mazda Specifications.
To maintain the integrity of the coolant and the cooling system
and maintain the warranty on the cooling system:
²Add Mazda Premium Engine Coolant.
²Do not mixdifferent colors or types of coolant. Verify the type of
coolant in your vehicle. Make sure the correct coolant is used.
²Do not add/mix an orange-colored, extended life coolant such
as Mazda Speciality Orange Engine Coolant, meeting Mazda
specifications with the factory-filled coolant.Mixing Mazda
Speciality Orange Engine Coolant or any orange-colored extended life
product with your factory filled coolant can result in degraded
corrosion protection.
²A large amount of water without engine coolant may be added, in case
of emergency, to reach a vehicle service location. In this instance, the
cooling system must be drained and refilled with a 50/50 mixture of
engine coolant and distilled water as soon as possible. Water alone
(without engine coolant) can cause engine damage from corrosion,
overheating or freezing.
²Do not use alcohol, methanol or brine or any engine coolants
mixed with alcohol or methanol antifreeze (coolant).Alcohol
and other liquids can cause engine damage from overheating or
freezing.
²Do not add extra inhibitors or additives to the coolant.These
can be harmful and compromise the corrosion protection of the engine
coolant.
For vehicles with overflow coolant systems with a non-pressurized cap
on the coolant recovery system, add coolant to the coolant recovery
reservoir when the engine is cool. Add the proper mixture of coolant and
water to the ªcold fullº level. For all other vehicles, which have a coolant
degas system with a pressurized cap, or if it is necessary to remove the
coolant pressure relief cap on the radiator of a vehicle with an overflow
system, follow these steps to add engine coolant.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of personal injury, make sure the
engine is cool before unscrewing the coolant pressure relief
cap. The cooling system is under pressure; steam and hot liquid
can come out forcefully when the cap is loosened slightly.
1. Before you begin, turn the engine off and let it cool.
Maintenance and Specifications
214
