2006 MAZDA MODEL MX-5 MIATA light

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How the Air Bags Work
qHow the Front 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 front air bags and after the inflation, the front air bags
quickly deflate.
The front air bags will function only once. After that, the front air bags will not work
again and must be replaced.
Only an Authorized Mazda Dealer can replace the system components.
The front, dual stage air bags control air bag inflation in two energy stages. During an
impact of moderate severity the front air bags deploy with lesser energy, whereas during
more severe impacts, they deploy with more energy. Deployment of the front air bags may
differ between the driver and the front passenger depending on the driver seat position,
front passenger weight and front seat belt usage, which allow for further controlling of the
system.
The front air bags will deploy only
in a frontal or frontal offset impact.
Driver seat slide position sensor
Your vehicle is equipped with a driver seat slide position sensor as a part of the
supplemental restraint system. The sensor is located under the driver seat. The sensor
determines whether the driver seat is fore or aft of a reference position and sends the seat
position to the crash sensors and diagnostic module (SAS unit). The sensor is also designed
to control the deployment of the driver air bag depending on how close the driver seat is to
the steering wheel.
The air bag/seat belt pretensioner system warning light flashes if the sensor has a possible
malfunction (page 2-45).
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
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Passenger seat weight sensors
Your vehicle is also equipped with the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light. The
deactivation indicator light illuminates when the key is used to turn the passenger air bag
off or the automatic function operates based on the passenger seat weight sensors. These
sensors are located under both of the passenger seat rails. These sensors determine the total
seated weight on the passenger seat. The sensors are also designed to prevent the passenger
front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system from inflating if the total seated
weight is less than approximately 30 kg (66 lb).
To reduce the chance of injuries caused by deployment of the passenger air bag, the system
deactivates the passenger front and side air bags and also the seat belt pretensioner system
when:
lThere is no passenger in the passenger seat. (The passenger air bag deactivation
indicator light does not illuminate.)
lThe total seated weight on the passenger seat is less than approximately 30 kg (66 lb).
(The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates.)
This system shuts off the passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner
system, so make sure the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates
according to the following table.
The air bag/seat belt pretensioner system warning light flashes and the passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light illuminates if the sensors have a possible malfunction. If this
happens, the passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system will not
deploy.
Passenger air bag deactivation indicator light
This indicator light illuminates to remind you that the passenger front and side air bags and
seat belt pretensioner will not deploy during a collision.
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SRS Air Bags
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If the passenger weight sensors are normal, the indicator light illuminates when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position. After about 6 seconds it goes out.
The passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates or is off under the following conditions:Total seated weight on the passenger seat Passenger air bag
deactivation indicator light Passenger front and side
air bags Passenger seat belt
pretensioner system
Empty (Not occupied)
*OFF OFFOFF
Less than approx. 30 kg
(66 lb) ON
OFFOFF
Approx. 42 kg (93 lb) or
more OFF
ONON
If the passenger air bag has been deactivated using the key, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light will
remain illuminated as long you leave the passenger air bag turned off, and the chart above no longer applies.
Refer to Passenger air bag deactivation switch on page 2-30.
* If the passenger seat belt is buckled, the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light illuminates, however this does not indicate a malfunction.
If the passenger air bag deactivation indicator light does not illuminate when the ignition
switch is turned to the ON position and does not illuminate as indicated in the above chart,
do not allow a child to sit in the passenger seat and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer as
soon as possible. The system may not work properly in an accident. You must deactivate
the passenger air bag using the key (page 2-30) and consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
WARNING
Decreasing the Total Seated Weight on the Passenger Seat:
When an adult or large child sits on the passenger seat, decreasing the total seated
weight on the passenger seat from the total seated weight of approximately 42 kg (93
lb) required for air bag deployment is dangerous. The passenger seat weight sensors
will detect the reduced total seated weight condition and the passenger front and side
air bags and seat belt pretensioner system will not deploy during an accident. The
passenger will not have the supplementary protection of the air bag, which could
result in serious injury. Decreasing the total seated weight on the passenger seat from
the total seated weight of approximately 42 kg (93 lb) could result in an air bag not
deploying under the following conditions, for example:
lLuggage or other items placed under the passenger seat or between the passenger
seat and center console that push up the passenger seat bottom.
lThe passenger seat occupant sits in a manner such that the occupant's entire
weight is not placed on the seat sitting too close to the door.
lAny accessories which might decrease the total seated weight on the passenger seat
are attached to the passenger seat.
The passenger front and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner systems will
deactivate if the total seated weight on the passenger seat is close to 30 kg (66 lb) and
they will reactivate before the weight exceeds 42 kg (93 lb).
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
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NOTE
lThe system requires about 10 seconds to alternate between turning the passenger front
and side air bags and seat belt pretensioner system on or off.
lThe passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate repeatedly if
luggage or other items are put on the passenger seat, or if the temperature of the
vehicle's interior changes suddenly.
lThe passenger air bag deactivation indicator light may illuminate for 10 seconds if the
total seated weight on the passenger seat changes.
lYou must deactivate the passenger air bag using the key (page 2-30) and consult an
Authorized Mazda Dealer.
Driver and passenger buckle switches
The buckle switches on the seat belts detect whether or not the seat belts are securely
fastened and further control the deployment of the air bags.
qHow the Side Air Bags Workí
When air bag crash sensors detect a side impact of greater than moderate force, an
electrical current is sent to the inflators.
Gases are produced to inflate the side air bags and after the inflation, the side air bags
quickly deflate.
The side air bags will function only once. After that, the side air bags will not work again
and must be replaced. Only an Authorized Mazda Dealer can replace the systems.
The side air bag will deploy only on the
side the vehicle receives the force of the
impact.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-41íSome models.
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qConstant Monitoring
The following components of the air bag
systems are monitored by a diagnostic
system:
lSAS unit
lCrash sensor
lAir bag modules
lSide crash sensorsí
lSeat belt pretensioners
lRelated wiring
lFront passenger air bag deactivation
switch
lDriver seat slide position sensor
lFront passenger seat weight sensors
lDriver and front passenger seat belt
buckle switches
The diagnostic module continuously
monitors the system's readiness. This
begins when the ignition switch is turned
to the ON position and continues while
the vehicle is being driven.
q Air Bag/Seat Belt Pretensioner
System Warning Light
If the air bag/seat belt pretensioner system
is normal, the warning light illuminates
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,
constantly illuminates or doesn't
illuminate 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.
WARNING
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 causing
serious injury or death. Never tamper
with the systems and always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer perform all
servicing and repairs.
q
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:
lThe air bag system warning light
flashes.
lThe air bag system warning light
remains illuminated.
lThe air bag system warning light does
not illuminate when the ignition switch
is turned to the ON position.
lThe air bags have deployed.
Essential Safety Equipment
SRS Air Bags
2-45íSome models.
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lPassenger air bag deactivation
indicator light does not illuminate
when the ignition switch is turned to
the ON position or does not illuminate
as indicated in the chart or when you
manually deactivate the passenger air
bag with the key.
For more details about passenger air
bag deactivation, refer to:
lPassenger seat weight sensors (page
2-37)
lPassenger air bag deactivation
switch (page 2-30)
WARNING
Damaged Air Bag/Seat Belt
Pretensioner System Components:
Expended or damaged air bag or seat
belt pretensioner units must be
replaced after any collision which
caused them to deploy or damage
them. Only a trained Authorized
Mazda Dealer can fully evaluate these
systems to see that they will work in
the next accident. Driving with an
expended or damaged air bag or
pretensioner units will provide you
reduced protection in the next accident
and you could be injured or killed.
Removing Interior Parts:
Removing any components such as the
seats(if side air bags are equipped),
dashboard, the steering wheel or parts
containing air bag parts or sensors is
dangerous. These parts contain
essential air bag components. The air
bag could accidentally activate and
cause serious injuries. Always have an
Authorized Mazda Dealer remove
these parts.
WARNING
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.
NOTE
If it becomes necessary to have the
components or wiring system for the
supplementary restraint system
modified to accommodate a person with
certain medical conditions in
accordance with a certified physician,
contact an Authorized Mazda Dealer,
refer to“Customer Assistance (U.S.A.) ”
(page 9-2).
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SRS Air Bags
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Panic button Trunk buttonKey code number plate
Operation indicator light Unlock button
Lock button
Auxiliary key
A code number is stamped on the plate attached to the key set; detach this plate and store it
in a safe place (not in the vehicle) for use if you need to make a replacement key.
Also write down the code number and keep it in another safe and handy place, but not in
the vehicle.
If your key is lost, consult your Authorized Mazda Dealer with the code number ready.
Knowing Your Mazda
Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
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CAUTION
lBecause the advanced key uses low-intensity radio waves, it may not function
correctly under the following conditions:
lThe advanced key is carried with communication devices such as cellular phones.lThe advanced key contacts or is covered by a metal object.lThe advanced key is near electronic devices such as personal computers.lNon-Mazda genuine electronic equipment is installed in the vehicle.lThere is equipment which discharges radio waves near the vehicle.lIf the vehicle is near equipment such as wireless pay devices installed at certain gas
stations.
lThe advanced key may consume battery power excessively if it receives high-
intensity radio waves. Do not place the advanced key near electronic devices such as
televisions or personal computers.
lTo avoid damage to the advanced key, DO NOT:
lDrop the advanced key.lGet the advanced key wet.lDisassemble the advanced key.lExpose the advanced key to high temperatures on places such as the dashboard or
hood, under direct sunlight.
lPlace heavy objects on the advanced key.lPut the advanced key in an ultrasonic cleaner.lPut any magnetized objects close to the advanced key.
NOTE
lBattery life is about one year. Replace the battery when the KEY indicator light
(green) flashes in the instrument cluster.
Refer to Advanced Key Dead Warning on page 3-19.
lAdditional advanced keys can be obtained at an Authorized Mazda Dealer. Up to 6
advanced keys can be used with the advanced keyless functions per vehicle.
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Advanced Keyless Entry and Start System
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